New Records of Seahorses (Teleostei: Syngnathidae ) From Bangladesh With Fisheries and Conservation Insights

Recent studies suggested that accurate species identification in the tropical anguillid eels based on morphological examination requires confirmation by molecular genetic analysis. Previous studies found that two tropical anguillid eels, Anguillabicolorbicolor and A.bengalensisbengalensis, were found in peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) based on morphological and molecular genetic analyses. This study is the first record of A.marmorata in peninsular Malaysia confirmed by both morphological and molecular genetic analyses. The present study also suggests that accurate tropical eel species identification is difficult by morphological identification alone; therefore, molecular genetic analysis is needed for precise species confirmation.

Background: Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are a notorious group of blood-sucking insects acting as vectors of various diseases in humans and other animals, most notable being Onchocerciasis. Due to its medical and veterinary significance, accurate and quick species identification is of utmost importance in the field of black fly research. DNA barcoding is one such taxonomic tool, aiding in quick and efficient species identification using molecular methods. Despite sporadic reports of ocular and cutaneous Onchocerciasis, especially from North-East India, Indian Simuliidae has been understudied due to lack of expertise on morphological taxonomy and lack of genetic library. Materials and Methods: Blackflies were collected from eight distinct locations in the Central Himalayan region that are part of the West Bengal, India, districts of Kalimpong and Darjeeling. Various traps were used to collect the specimens, and they were kept it in 70% ethyl alcohol. Following the morphological identification of each fly specimen, genomic DNA was extracted from its dissected legs using the QIAmp DNA extraction kit (QIAGEN, Germany). The voucher specimen slide was deposited in the National Zoological collection, ZSI, Kolkata, India. Results: This is the first comprehensive DNA barcoding study of black flies (Feuerborni and Multistriatum species group) using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences along with morphological identification from the Central Himalayan region of West Bengal involving four species: Simulium dentatum, Simulium digitatum, Simulium praelargum, and Simulium senile. DNA barcode approach through ML tree clearly distinguished all the species with supporting PTP, ASAP, and GMYC analysis. Interspecific genetic distances were also calculated where S. dentatum and S. digitatum showed minimum distances in the study area. Conclusion: Coupled with a robust morpho-taxonomic framework, the DNA barcodes generated here will help with accurate species identification, which will lead to better management and control strategies for these harmful vector species at the study site.

Rapid and accurate species identification is not only important for biodiversity studies and pest quarantine and management, but in some cases may also influence the results of international trade negotiations. In this study, we developed a rapid species identification system for insects. A universal DNA mini-barcode primer pair was designed to target ∼ 120 bp of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene. This primer set can amplify the targeted region from all 300 species of 26 insect orders tested as well as other classes of Arthropoda. Although we found no within-species variation in this region, it provided enough information to separate closely related species or species complexes, in particular Thrips spp. and Bemisia spp. By combining a quick DNA extraction method with pyrosequencing, we were able to generate DNA sequences and complete species identification within 5h. Mini-barcode pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA coupled with the GenBank database provides a rapid, accurate, and efficient species identification system. This system is therefore useful for biodiversity discovery, forensic identification, and quarantine control and management. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background Smuggling and illegal trade of pangolins and their scales has drastically reduced the wild population of pangolins. Accurate species identification is currently in urgent need as a powerful weapon for combating pangolin smuggling and trade and conserving the already endangered pangolin species. Aim of the study To develop an efficient method based on DNA mini-barcodes for accurate pangolin species identification and authentication of processed pangolin scales against the non-target species. Materials and methods The primers for amplifying the DNA mini-barcodes were designed based on cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene fragments. The mini-barcodes were compared with the two universal barcodes (COI and Cytb) for performance in pangolin species identification by calculating the Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) distance, assessing the clustering dendrogram, and analyzing the BLAST similarity and barcoding gap. The accuracy of the three barcodes was also compared for authentication of pangolin scales against non-target species. Results Comparison of the three barcodes showed that the mini-barcode form COI had the highest amplification success rate (100%) and high variable sites (40.0%), with the ratio of mean inter- to intraspecific distance ratio was 25 and a distinct DNA barcoding gap. In the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree constructed based on the mini-barcode regions, each species of the pangolin family formed an obvious clade respectively, and the clades were all separated from those of the non-target species, indicating that the genetic information in the mini-barcode was sufficient for species identification. Conclusion The DNA mini-barcodes based on COI gene fragments provide an effective and accurate method for identification of pangolin species and authentication of pangolin scale products.

BackgroundMosquito vectors cause a significant human public health burden through the transmission of pathogens. Due to the expansion of international travel and trade, the dispersal of these mosquito vectors and the pathogens they carry is on the rise. Entomological surveillance is therefore required which relies on accurate mosquito species identification. This study aimed to optimize the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for mosquito identification.MethodsAedes aegypti of the Bora-Bora strain and 11 field-sampled mosquito species were used in this study. Analyses were performed to study the impact of the trapping duration on mosquito identification with MALDI-TOF MS. The best preservation methods to use for short, medium and long-term preservation before MALDI-TOF MS analysis were also assessed. In addition, the number of specimens per species required for MALDI-TOF MS database creation was determined. The first MALDI-TOF database of New Caledonian mosquitoes was assembled and the optimal threshold for mosquito species identification according to the sensitivity and specificity of this technique was determined.ResultsThis study showed that the identification scores decreased as the trapping duration increased. High identification scores were obtained for mosquitoes preserved on silica gel and cotton at room temperature and those frozen at − 20 °C, even after two months of preservation. In addition, the results showed that the scores increased according to the number of main spectrum patterns (MSPs) used until they reached a plateau at 5 MSPs for Ae. aegypti. Mosquitoes (n = 67) belonging to 11 species were used to create the MALDI-TOF reference database. During blind test analysis, 96% of mosquitoes tested (n = 224) were correctly identified. Finally, based on MALDI-TOF MS sensitivity and specificity, the threshold value of 1.8 was retained for a secure identification score.ConclusionsMALDI-TOF MS allows accurate species identification with high sensitivity and specificity and is a promising tool in public health for mosquito vector surveillance.

Accurate identification of tree species is essential to monitor forest resources for climate change mitigation, biodiversity, and forest certification schemes. However, differentiating among species using remotely sensed data is challenging due to the similarity of spectral features. Here, we show that accuracy of species identification can be improved by incorporating phenological information derived from a time-series of multisource remote sensing data. Using the Google Earth Engine platform, we obtained a 4-year (2019–2022) time series of satellite imagery covering multiple phenological periods in mixed-species forests. This dataset was processed using Savitzky-Golay filtering and first-order spectral differential transformation to identify five dominant tree species through the Forest-Evergreen and Deciduous Forest-Tree Species Hierarchical Classification System (FEDT) with the Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithm. The integration of phenological data, spectral indices and differential transformations achieved an overall accuracy of 0.82 and kappa coefficient of 0.75, compared to an overall accuracy of 0.76 and kappa coefficient of 0.68, respectively, when using spectral indices alone. Our findings highlight the value of time-series phenological analysis for enhancing the accuracy of tree species identification, providing a scalable method for improved monitoring of forest resources at regional to global scales.

The Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List but little is known about its status in Nepal. Although indirect sign surveys have reported its presence in several community forests in Kavrepalanchok district, no photographic or video evidence has previously been documented. We used camera traps to investigate the occurrence of pangolins in 20 community forests in Panauti Municipality in Kavrepalanchok. A total of 75 0.01 km2 plots were surveyed using camera traps during September 2022–February 2023, with a total survey effort of 803 trap-days. The cameras recorded a total of 16 individual video footage events of Chinese pangolins in six of the community forests. This is the first camera-trap evidence of the species' presence in these forest patches, and in Kavrepalanchok district. The pangolins displayed behaviours such as sniffing, gathering plant material and digging, between 18.00 and 1.00. The camera-trap records provide more accurate species identification and reliable information than indirect sign surveys, indicating camera traps are a useful surveying tool for rare, nocturnal and elusive pangolins.

Abstract. Tabugo SR, Claver PSS. 2022. Fractal analysis of seahorses in Mindanao, Philippines: A tale of their own. Biodiversitas 23: 5233-5238. Monitoring populations of species is essential for science-driven policymaking. However, monitoring can be a daunting task for threatened and vulnerable species like seahorses. They are often threatened by overfishing and habitat destruction in the marine environment. Since they are considered a flagship species, monitoring populations in Panguil and Murcielagos Bay, which served as the home of the two common seahorses in Mindanao, Philippines, is vital. Fractals naturally occur in nature and hence can be used as possible predictors. Morphometric complexity patterns were investigated in the Hippocampus kuda and Hippocampus comes via fractal geometry to delineate irregular non-euclidean objects. The difference between fractal dimension and lacunarity values was tested between species. The hypothesis states that high fractal dimensions are deviations from the equilibrium state/chaos and, thereby, can be linked to vulnerability. High mean fractal dimension (Da) based on box-counting and coefficient of variation (CV) of the lacunarity method were found in H. kuda (F) and H. comes (F). The observed variations can be attributed to morphological complexity as they have adapted to varied microhabitats. Herewith, fractals can be a fast, easy, convenient, and non-invasive way of monitoring species. The results of the study can support conservation protection measures for the two species.

Abstract. Tabugo SR, Claver PSS. 2022. Fractal analysis of seahorses in Mindanao, Philippines: A tale of their own. Biodiversitas 23: 5233-5238. Monitoring populations of species is essential for science-driven policymaking. However, monitoring can be a daunting task for threatened and vulnerable species like seahorses. They are often threatened by overfishing and habitat destruction in the marine environment. Since they are considered a flagship species, monitoring populations in Panguil and Murcielagos Bay, which served as the home of the two common seahorses in Mindanao, Philippines, is vital. Fractals naturally occur in nature and hence can be used as possible predictors. Morphometric complexity patterns were investigated in the Hippocampus kuda and Hippocampus comes via fractal geometry to delineate irregular non-euclidean objects. The difference between fractal dimension and lacunarity values was tested between species. The hypothesis states that high fractal dimensions are deviations from the equilibrium state/chaos and, thereby, can be linked to vulnerability. High mean fractal dimension (Da) based on box-counting and coefficient of variation (CV) of the lacunarity method were found in H. kuda (F) and H. comes (F). The observed variations can be attributed to morphological complexity as they have adapted to varied microhabitats. Herewith, fractals can be a fast, easy, convenient, and non-invasive way of monitoring species. The results of the study can support conservation protection measures for the two species.

Lutjanus fulgens (Valenciennes, 1830) is a teleost species classified under the family Lutjanidae which is a native of the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Though highly commercialized due to its abundance and good taste, the production output has declined in recent years. This is an indication of the need for effective management and conservation measures. However, accurate species identification will ensure strategic management and conservation measure. DNA‐based species identification has proven its reliability in this regard via precise species identification. Several researchers have confirmed the accuracy of DNAbarcode as a species identification tool as well as species phylogeny analysis based on both the complete mitogenome and COI gene. Currently, nine specimens of L. fulgens were sampled from Ghana and subjected to DNA‐based analysis, namely, complete mitochondrial DNAand COI gene (DNA barcoding) analyses. The mitogenomic result revealed that L. fulgens is made up of a 16,500 base pairs (bp) mtDNA which consists of 22 transfer RNAs, 13 protein‐coding genes, and two ribosomal RNAs (GenBank Accession Number: MN398650). Furthermore, a sequence polymorphism analysis of the COIgene (MN986442–MN986450) detected two haplotypes. These haplotypes were both collected from the same fish landing site which suggests a possible cryptic linage diversity in the L. fulgens population at Vodza. According to the phylogeny examination, a close taxonomic relationship exists between L. fulgens and Lutjanus buccanella caused by a recent evolution termed as sympatric speciation. This study serves as a novel study for this species, building the foundation for future molecular‐based study for this species and as a DNA barcode reference data.

Challenges and possible impacts of artisanal and recreational fisheries on tigerfish Hydrocynus vittatus Castelnau 1861 populations in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

An accurate identification of similar fish species is necessary to prevent illegal substitution and is imposed by labeling regulations in UE countries (1). The genus Thunnus comprises many species of different quality and commercial value. The increasing trade of fish preparations of the species included in this genus and the consequent loss of the external anatomical and morphological features enables fraudulent substitutions. This study reports data relating to the proteomic analysis of four tuna species (T. thynnus, T. alalunga, T. albacares, T. obesus). Sarcoplasmic proteins were studied by mono and two dimensional electrophoresis. The most significant proteins for the characterization of the species were analyzed by mass spectrometric techniques. As reported in a previous study (2), an accurate identification of the species seems possible, owing to the polymorphism displayed by the species of the Thunnus genus.

Superficial fungal infections are a very common problem in dermatological clinics. The diagnostic method of fungal culture is time-consuming and has inconsistent sensitivity. Therefore, a practical method for rapid and accurate identification of the species causing superficial fungal infections is needed. To compare PCR-reverse blot hybridization assay (PCR-REBA) with conventional fungal diagnostic methods so as to determine the reliability of PCR-REBA for the diagnosis and species identification in superficial fungal infections. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, fungal culture, conventional real-time PCR and PCR-REBA were used to assess 83 specimens, and the results from each method were compared. Of the 83 specimens, 44 specimens that were positive by fungal culture had 62.7% agreement with PCR-REBA. Compared with real-time PCR, there was 68.7% agreement with fungal culture, but 91.6% agreement with PCR-REBA. When the comparison was made using the 55 specimens that gave positive results in both KOH preparation and fungal culture, there was 85.5% agreement with real-time PCR for fungal culture, but 94.5% agreement with PCR-REBA. Compared with KOH preparation or fungal culture, PCR-REBA has higher sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, PCR-REBA could be a useful method in clinical settings because it can identify species quickly and accurately, and can also determine the existence of pathogens.

Citizen or community science has the potential to inform wildlife management by including the general public in research and generating datasets on human perceptions of wildlife population dynamics and human–wildlife interactions. These contributions are especially valuable in areas with limited formal capacity for wildlife monitoring. However, people's perceptions are not always reliable and hinge on the accurate classification of species. In the absence of artificial intelligence‐supported automatic identification tools or wildlife experts, effectively incorporating people's reports of wildlife sightings into conservation management plans depends on the abilities of people to accurately identify animals (i.e. species literacy). These skills likely vary across human populations in accordance with a range of demographic, geographic and species‐specific factors. We carried out 680 semi‐structured interviews with rural citizens, randomly selected along transects in 25 villages across northern Tanzania. We showed photographs of 17 mammal species to participants and assessed species identification ability. Using a generalized linear mixed model within a Bayesian framework that accommodated the hierarchical data structure and non‐independence of the data, we tested specific hypotheses regarding the correlations of species identification accuracy with human demographic (ethnicity, education, age, wealth, gender), geographic (Human Footprint Index [HFI], distance to protected areas, district) and species‐specific (conservation status, activity patterns, body mass, diet) variables. Most respondents accurately identified key wildlife species commonly involved in human–wildlife interactions. Gender strongly influenced species identification accuracy, with men three times more likely to correctly identify species as compared to women. Formal education was negatively correlated with species identification accuracy. Respondents identified large species more accurately than smaller ones, whereas other species traits were not markedly correlated with identification accuracy. Distance to the nearest protected area, district and the HFI score in the area surrounding the household of the respondent were not markedly associated with species identification accuracy. Our results show that rural residents in northern Tanzania can reliably identify key wildlife species implicated in consequential human–wildlife interactions, though identification accuracy was affected by a combination of demographic and species‐specific factors that must be appropriately contextualized. This finding validates studies of local perceptions of wildlife populations and community reports of human–wildlife interactions. Finally, we discuss how local perspectives on wildlife can be applied to improve human–wildlife coexistence. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Despite a long-standing debate about the utility of species-centered conservation approaches (Roberge & Angelstam 2004), surrogate species remain popular by providing useful—or even necessary—“shortcuts” for successful conservation programs (Caro 2010). Flagship species, as one prime example of surrogates, are primarily intended to promote public awareness and to raise funds for conservation (Verissimo et al. 2011). In contrast, the protection of umbrella species is expected to benefit a wide range of co-occurring species (Roberge & Angelstam 2004; Caro 2010). Accordingly, the main criteria for selecting flagships should be based on socio-cultural considerations, whereas umbrellas are principally chosen based on ecological criteria (Caro 2010; Verissimo et al. 2011; see Table 1). Since these two concepts are often confused or mistakenly used interchangeably, Caro (2010, p. 248) coined the term "flagship umbrellas" for those species that explicitly integrate both functions. Indeed, Li and Pimm (2016) recently demonstrated that the classic flagship species, the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), can simultaneously act as an umbrella species, as its protection benefits many co-occurring endemic mammals, birds and amphibians. This challenges the often held views that: (i) the umbrella concept has to be abandoned as it is not efficiently working at local scales (Caro 2015); (ii) most flagship species are weak predictors for efficient reserve planning (Caro 2010); and (iii) ecosystem- or landscape-based conservation approaches should consequentially be favored over species-based approaches whenever feasible (Roberge & Angelstam 2004; Caro 2010). Further commotion in the discussion is the increasingly demanded paradigm shift in conservation strategies to specifically target hidden or neglected biodiversity for its intrinsic value and its contribution to ecosystem processes (Dougherty et al. 2016). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved