Biodiversity Of Flora Research Articles

The impact of power lines on phytocenoses of the regional reserve “Uporovsky”, Tyumen Region, Russia

The article reflects the results of anthropogenic impact on phytocenoses of the territory of the Uporovsky regional nature reserve (Uporovsky district, Tyumen region, Russia). On the territory of the Uporovsky regional nature reserve (Uporovsky district, Tyumen region) there is a 110 kV electrical power transmission line (power line) which has the length of 8 kilometers and the right-of-way width of about 30 meters. This power line is undoubtedly the main source of anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation in this area. The degree of participation of individual species in the herbage was determined by taking into account their relative abundance. When exposed to the power lines in the right-of-way area, flora biodiversity decreases due to the loss of a number of species. The effect of electromagnetic fields causes transformation of the vegetation cover, synanthropization and the subsequent complete destruction of natural vegetation. To determine the degree of anthropogenic load on the studied phytocenoses, the synanthropization index is determined. In the synanthropic fraction of the flora, 30 species belonging to 12 families were identified. The synanthropization index of the studied phytocenoses ranges from 6.6% to 81.2%. The largest number of synanthropic species is observed in the anthropogenic area.

Study on the characteristic of intestinal flora in patients with dual antiplatelet therapy

Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the intestinal flora in patients with dual antiplatelet therapy.Method: We collected fresh stool specimens from 10 patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy and 10 healthy people as control group. Then, we extracted faecal DNA, amplified 16 s rNDA V3-V4 area, and applied Illumina Miseq to analyse the structure of intestinal flora.Result: At class level, DAPT group show higher abundance of class Bacilli and lower abundance of class Erysipelotrichia. At order level, the abundance of order Lactobacillales in DAPT group is higher (p < .05), while the abundance of order Erysipelotrichales is lower in DAPT group (p < .05). At family level, the abundance of family Streptococcaceae and family Lactobacillaceae in DAPT group is higher (p < .05), while the abundance of family Acidaminococcaceae and family Erysipelotrichaceae is lower in DAPT group (p < .05). At genus level, the abundance of genus Streptococcus and genus Klebsiella in DAPT group is higher (p < .05), while the abundance of genus Blautia, genus Phascolarctobacterium and genus Megamonas is lower in DAPT group (p < .05).Conclusion: Taking aspirin and clopidogrel will not cause a change in the biodiversity of intestinal flora. There are significant differences in the intestinal flora of DAPT group compared with the control group at class, order, family and genus level.

Aqueous extracts of Flacourtia indica, Swartzia madagascariensis and Ximenia caffra are strong antibacterial agents against Shigella spp., Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli O157

Aqueous extraction methods, particularly steeping in hot water, are frequently adopted as methods of choice in traditional medicine (TM). Moreover, other more modern extraction methods tend to utilise sophisticated tools and a number of organic solvents. Unfortunately, the comparative value of the aqueous extraction methods as used in traditional medicine in relation to the other methods has remained largely undocumented. This study sought to establish the comparative antimicrobial activities and composition of Flacourtia indica bark, Swartzia madagascariensis leaf and Ximenia caffra leaf extracts obtained using (i) hot water extraction (THWE), (ii) cold water extraction (CWEC) and (iii) ethanolic extraction (EEC) methods against putative isolates of Shigella spp., Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli O157. Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of the extracts were determined using the standard well diffusion assay. The hot water extracts (THWE) and the cold water extracts (desiccated) (CWEC) were shown to have significantly greater inhibitory activities then the ethanolic extracts (EEC) (desiccated) against Shigella spp. and S. typhi (p < 0.05). The chemical composition of the extracts obtained from the THWE method was shown to be comparable to that of extracts from the other two methods (CWEC and EEC) albeit the former having excluded desiccation as performed with the latter two. This study therefore validates the widespread use of steeping (THWE) as a method of choice in traditional medicine as it yields extracts with high antimicrobial activities and chemical composition that are comparable to those from the other two methods. We recommend the use of the THWE method in preparation of medicinal products from Flacourtia indica bark, Swartzia madagascariensis leaves, and Ximenia caffra leaves for the management of diarrhoea that is caused by S. typhi or Shigella spp, but not by E. coli. Conservation practices are also recommended to ensure sustenance of the biodiversity of the medicinal flora.

Diatom Diversity in the Spring and Spring-fed River of Tizab Region (Central Alborz), Iran

Diatoms are the most diverse algae in aquatic ecosystems and springs are valuable as the biodiversity conservative habit and a crucial source of drinking water for mankind. Therefore, study of springs' algal flora biodiversity leads us to know more about conservation process. In this research, the diatom biodiversity of Tizab Spring and the spring-fed river was studied in Summer and Autumn 2017 for the first time. Thirty species were identified which one species (Achnanthidium gracillimum F. Meister) is a new record for diatom flora of Iran. The data revealed the flora is much similar to Karaj River flora. This similarity can be due to close geographical locations, as both rivers are located in the Central Alborz region. The distribution pattern of species were studied in Iran based on present references on Iranian aquatic ecosystems. This study presented that two-third of diatom species had a widespread distribution. Iranian flora data in comparison with European and American database showed that most species are the elements of the northern hemisphere. Diatom biodiversity studies in Central Alborz region is in its first steps. Therefore, much researches are needed to reveal the diatom biodiversity and the potentiality of new species in this region.

PENDIDIKAN KONSERVASI UNTUK SISWA SD TENTANG KEANEKARAGAMAN BUAH LOKAL DAN MANFAATNYA

High flora biodiversity provides many functions, both ecological, economic, social, aesthetic and security. People's preference for a variety of local fruits can increase their motivation to plant and maintain various fruit-producing plants, and manage biodiversity in general. The problem agreed by the Team and the two partners was, the low knowledge of students about the diversity of local fruits and their benefits, on the other hand the students were accustomed to consuming imported fruit. In the long run, it can have implications for the lack of preference for local fruits, as well as the low appreciation for the existence of local fruit-producing plants. The solution offered is to introduce local fruits, local fruit-producing trees, their benefits for health and for the environment. Environmental education is needed to prepare the community with knowledge and skills; preparing them to understand environmental problems, motivating to act, and equipping with skills and abilities to solve or prevent certain environmental problems. It is expected that the student group of INPRES elementary school and St. Catholic elementary school Agustinus Warembungan (main targets) and the teachers and students involved (additional targets) gained knowledge about the diversity of local fruits and their benefits and were able to plant and maintain local fruit-producing trees in the school and residential areas. PKM was held in Warembungan Village, Pineleng District, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province for six (6) months. The program is carried out in the following activities. 1) Preparation of the program with partners. 2) Preparation of teaching modules and teaching aids introducing discussion, as well as preparation of demonstration tools and materials and student practice. 3) Implementation of extension activities in the form of discussion and demonstration with active learner involvement (direct experience). 4) Compilation of reports and writing articles for scientific publication. Keywords: biodiversity management, environmental education, flora diversity, local fruit

Interaction between orally administrated heparin and intestinal microbiota in mice

The development of orally administrated heparin drugs requires a systematic understanding of the interaction between heparin and gut flora. The in vivo distribution of fluorescein-labeled heparin that is orally administrated by mice was observed using fluorescein microscopy. In addition, the stability of heparin in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, as well as the in vitro degradation of heparin by gut flora were detected by HPLC. The results show that orally administrated heparin was mainly distributed in the gastrointestinal tract of mice, and exerted structural stability under the condition of simulated gastric and intestinal fluids in vitro. However, heparin could be degraded by intestinal flora cultured in medium containing heparin. In order to further study the effect of orally administrated heparin on intestinal flora in mice, the fecal microbiota 16S rRNA fragment of C57BL/6J mice was tested by the Illumina Mi-Seq high-throughput sequencing technology. Compared with the gut flora of mice that orally administrated by saline, the biodiversity of gut flora in mice with orally administrated heparin was decreased. The difference of microflora structure was not significant at the phylum level, and the relative abundance of Alistipes, Parasutterella and Akkermansia was increased at the genus level, and the relative abundance of Bilophila, Enterorhabdus, Ruminiclostridium, Prevotellaceae_UCG_001, Ruminiclostridium-9, Bacteroides, Lachnoclostridium, Candidatus, Saccharimonas, Intestinimonas and Dubosiella was reduced. These findings indicate that heparin could influence the gut flora of mice. In addition, no obvious toxic and side effects were found in mice that orally administrated heparin, suggesting the safety of orally administrated heparin.

Extraction the Dayak Onion (Eleutherine sp): Scientific Based Herbal Medicine (OHT) Production Protocol

Abstract: Indonesia has the second largest tropical forest and the richest in flora biodiversity in the world. Based on the Basic Health Research 2010, 59.29% of Indonesian had consumed herbal medicine, noted that Indonesian had consumed herb since the VIII century. Dayak onion (Eleutherine sp) widely used as traditional medicine, as a bahimang /wound healing agent. Dayak onion is not reassured as a medical treatment and lacked scientific evidence. Until 2018, thousands of herbs consumed by Indonesian, only 85 ingredients clinically tested. Sixty-four herbs have been pre-clinically tested and designated as Scientific based Herbal Medicines/Obat Herbal Terstandar (OHT) and 21 herbs have been tested clinically and determined as Phytopharmaca by the Badan Pengawasan Obat dan Makanan Republik Indonesia (BPOM-RI). Based on the data, the Dayak onion appointed as a Scientific based Herbal medicine (OHT) based on pre-clinical and phase 0 clinical research. Potential and promising for the treatment of metabolic, degenerative, catastrophic, neoplasmic, genetic and infectious diseases, Dayak onions can be developed into phytopharmaca in the future. The study aim is to make guidelines for the standardized herbal medicines development according to the rules and regulations. Keywords: Dayak Onion, Eleutherine sp, Scientific based Herbal Medicines, Phytopharmaca, Pre Clinic and Clinical Trials phases

Managing Floral Resources in Apple Orchards for Pest Control: Ideas, Experiences and Future Directions.

Functional biodiversity is of fundamental importance for pest control. Many natural enemies rely on floral resources to complete their life cycle. Farmers need to ensure the availability of suitable and sufficient floral biodiversity. This review summarizes 66 studies on the management of floral biodiversity in apple orchards, published since 1986. Approaches followed different degrees of intervention: short-term practices (mowing regime and weed maintenance, cover crops), establishment of durable ecological infrastructures (perennial flower strips, hedgerows) and re-design of the crop system (intercropping, agroforestry). Although short-term practices did not always target the nutrition of natural enemies by flowering plants, living conditions for them (alternative prey, provision of habitat) were often improved. Perennial flower strips reliably enhanced natural enemies and techniques for their introduction continuously developed. Resident natural enemies and their impact in pest control reacted positively to the introduction of a more diversified vegetation, whereas the response of very mobile organisms was often not directly linked to the measures taken. A careful selection and management of plants with particular traits exploitable by most natural enemies emerged as a key-point for success. Now the elaborated design of such measures needs to be adopted by stakeholders and policy makers to encourage farmers to implement these measures in their orchards.

Is Osmia bicornis an adequate regulatory surrogate? Comparing its acute contact sensitivity to Apis mellifera.

Bees provide essential ecosystem services and help maintain floral biodiversity. However, there is an ongoing decline of wild and domesticated bee species. Since agricultural pesticide use is a key driver of this process, there is a need for a protective risk assessment. To achieve a more protective registration process, two bee species, Osmia bicornis/Osmia cornuta and Bombus terrestris, were proposed by the European Food Safety Authority as additional test surrogates to the honey bee Apis mellifera. We investigated the acute toxicity (median lethal dose, LD50) of multiple commercial insecticide formulations towards the red mason bee (O. bicornis) and compared these values to honey bee regulatory endpoints. In two thirds of all cases, O. bicornis was less sensitive than the honey bee. By applying an assessment factor of 10 on the honey bee endpoint, a protective level was achieved for 87% (13 out 15) of all evaluated products. Our results show that O. bicornis is rarely an adequate additional surrogate species for lower tier risk assessment since it is less sensitive than the honey bee for the majority of investigated products. Given the currently limited database on bee species sensitivity, the honey bee seems sufficiently protective in acute scenarios as long as a reasonable assessment factor is applied. However, additional surrogate species can still be relevant for ecologically meaningful higher tier studies.

Floral species richness, structural diversity and conservation value of vanilla agroecosystems in Madagascar

AbstractAgricultural landscapes provide financial livelihoods for farming communities in rural areas. However, such agroenvironments can significantly impact the local floral biodiversity and introduce harmful invasive species to the ecosystem. Despite the prominence of plantations throughout the tropics, their effects on local flora are limited to only a few specific cash crops and geographical regions. Here, we compared the species richness and structural diversity of vegetation in natural forest fragments and three types of vanilla plantation within the Sava region of north‐east Madagascar ranging from those within or adjacent to existing forests, to intensively cultivated plantations. We recorded data on plant species abundance, diameter at breast height and canopy cover within multiple sites of each habitat. We used abundance data to calculate species richness indices, and we compared these metrics between habitats. Forested habitats contained a significantly higher floral species richness, structural diversity and more endemic and regionally native species than nonforested, anthropogenic vanilla plantations. However, our results suggest that the high floral species richness and structural diversity of natural forests can be partially achieved in vanilla plantations, depending on the site's management regime; traditionally managed vanilla plantations located close to natural forests can support diverse floral communities. These encouraging findings for plant conservation and sustainable agroforestry in Madagascar suggest that that newly created vanilla plantations and already existing nonforested plantations should endeavour to follow the more traditional forested approach to enhance the future sustainability and promote floristic diversity.

กลยุทธ์การบริหารการพัฒนายุทธศาสตร์การท่องเที่ยวเชิงนิเวศในบริบทมรดกโลกทางธรรมชาติ: กรณีศึกษาป่าสงวนแห่งชาติหินหนามหน่อเมืองบัวละพา แขวงคำม่วน สาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยประชาลาว (The Strategy Development Administration Ecotourism Strategic Plan of National Hinnamno in the Context of Word Natural Heritage: A Case Study of Hinnamno National Protected Area Bualapa District, Khammouane Province, Lao People Democratic Republic)

Thai Abstract: ศกษาปรากฏการณในสภาพปจจบนในเขตปาสงวนแหงชาตหนหนามหนอ ทางดานสภาพธรรมชาตหรอนเวศวทยาดานสงคมวฒนธรรมของผคนและการทองเทยวทปรากฏอยปาสงวนแหงชาต หนามหนอในปจจบน 2) พฒนากลยทธการบรหารการพฒนายทธศาสตรการทองเทยวเชงนเวศในบรบทมาดกโลก กลมเปาหมาย 58 คน ใชวธการสมภาษณเชงลก ไดแก ภาครฐ ภาคประชาชน ภาคเอกชนและภาคองคกรอสระ และ กลมเปาหมาย 15 คน โดยการประชมเชงปฏบตการ ใชวธเลอกสมแบบเจาะจง เครองมอทใชในการเกบรวบรวมขอมล คอ แบบสมภาษณทมโครง สรางและอธบายเนอหาแบบพรรณาวเคราะห ผลการศกษาวจยพบวา 1) ใน หนหนามหนอมลกษณะทางกายภาพทโดดเดน ไดแก ความหลากหลายทางชวภาพ แมน าเซบง ไฟ ภเขาหนปน และสตวปาทหลากหลายชนด ดานสงคมและวฒนธรรมมชนเผาตางๆ เชน ชนเผาผไท, โยย และ กะเลง ชนเผามอญ-ขะแม, ชนเผามะกอง ตรชนเผาผสม-งอน, สะลางและอนๆ ส าหรบการทองเทยวเชงนเวศในปา สงวนแหงชาต เชน การเดนส ารวจถ า ปนจกรยาน และการขบขรถมอเตอรไซค การเรยนรวถชวตทองถนและการ ดา รงชวตคนกบปาและการใชประโยชนจากทรพยากรธรรมชาตอยางยงยนในอนาคต 2) การพฒนากลยทธการบรหาร การพฒนา ไดแก กลยทธการสรางเครอขายเอกชนมาลงทน กลยทธการสงเสรม สนบสนนภาครฐ และเอกชนเขารวมประชาสมพนธ กลยทธการ สงเสรมสนบสนนการพฒนาสมรรถนะใหบคลากรม ความเชยวชาญดานการทองเทยวและมรดกโลก กลยทธการสงเสรมสนบสนนการพฒนาดานพนทการทองเทยวเชง นเวศ กลยทธการสงเสรมสนบสนนการศกษา ผลกระทบทเกดจากการพฒนาการทองเทยวเชงนเวศ และกลยทธการ สงเสรมสนบสนนการสา รวจทรพยากรการทองเทยว คา สา คญ: การพฒนายทธศาสตร, การทองเทยวเชงนเวศ, ปาสงวนแหงชาตหนหนามหนอ, มรดกโลกทางธรรมชาต English Abstract: The purpose of this research is 1) to study about present situations in the Hinnamno National Protected Area which focus on natural aspect or socio-cultural ecology of local people and current eco-tourism development of the area and 2) to develop the management strategy for eco-tourism development in the natural world heritage context. There are 58 target persons were interviewed by using the in-depth interview method, the target interviewees are from various sectors including key persons working government agencies, civil society organizations and independent organization. The workshop was helped with 15 target persons and the purposive sampling method is used as a tool to collect the information and data by using questionnaire forms that have structure and description to explain the descriptive analysis. The result from this research found out that 1) Hinnamno National Protected Area currently has the outstanding physical characteristics including its biodiversity, Xebangfai river, limestone landscape and variety of flora and fauna, socio-culture of ethnic groups such as Phou Thai, Yoiy, Kaleung, Mom-Khamae, Makong, Tri, Salang and other tribes. However, the eco-tourism development activities of the protected area consist of visiting the caves, cycling and driving the motorbike, learning the way of life of local villagers and their livelihood with forests and their sustainable uses of the natural resources in the future. 2) developing the management strategy for eco-tourism development strategy including strategies to develop the private investment network, promote the government-private sector involving in eco-tourism public relation, expertise capacity building for stakeholders in eco-tourism and world heritage field, eco-tourism development sites, studies on impact assessment from eco-tourism development and eco-tourism resource surveys.

Fertilidade do solo e estoques de carbono e nitrogênio sob sistemas agroflorestais no Cerrado mineiro

Os sistemas agroflorestais são utilizados para diversificar a produção de alimentos, proporcionar aumento na biodiversidade da fauna e da flora e conservação do carbono e nutrientes no solo. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a fertilidade e os estoques de carbono (C) e nitrogênio (N) do solo após dez anos de implantação de sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) no Cerrado mineiro. O estudo foi realizado no Assentamento Agroextrativista Americana, localizado no município de Grão Mogol, mesorregião norte do Estado de Minas Gerais. Foram selecionados três SAFSs e duas áreas de vegetação nativa (VN) adjacentes, utilizadas como referência para o estudo, as quais foram agrupados em função da classe de solo: Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo e Cambissolo Háplico. A amostragem do solo foi realizada em março de 2013, dez anos após a implantação dos SAFs, em que amostras compostas foram retiradas das camadas 0-5 e 0-20 cm de profundidade para avaliação dos teores de nutrientes e densidade aparente, e na primeira camada os estoques de C e N do solo. Os SAFs que foram implantados com manejo baseado em desrama e manutenção da diversidade florística contribuíram com e melhoria da qualidade do solo e manutenção da fertilidade e estoques de C em níveis semelhantes à vegetação nativa. Já o SAF que foi implantado com a prévia supressão da vegetação nativa reduziu a diversidade arbórea e, consequentemente, os estoques de C ao longo do tempo. Porém, o manejo com culturas anuais e uso de leguminosas contribuiu para a melhoria da fertilidade do solo e incremento dos teores e estoques de N.

New, Rare and Constant Habitats for Endangered Aquatic Plant Communities: The Importance of Microhabitats for Global biodiversity

Natural water reservoirs are very valuable floristic sites, with springs particularly important for the preservation of floral biodiversity. This paper presents, as a case study, a community of water plants that is new to limnocrene karst springs in Europe: Potametum alpini (Potametea), found in Poland. The paper provides the floristic composition and ecological requirements of this plant association, which is rare and endangered in Europe. According to our knowledge, the habitat data presented here are unique as they are published for the first time for this plant community, and thus it is currently not possible to compare them with data from other authors. Our study confirms the importance of rare microhabitats for global biodiversity. Research on as yet unknown physical and chemical factors limiting the range and development of patches of different plant associations should be conducted intensively, because plant communities, including rare, endangered and protected examples, are an important element of biodiversity at both continental and local scales. All the issues discussed in the paper (rare microhabitats, endangered aquatic plant communities, global biodiversity) are important because they are related to the conservation and management of inland waters.

Floristic Biodiversity of Weed Communities in Arable Lands of Istria Peninsula (From 2005 to 2017)

Abstract This paper analyses the floristic biodiversity of weed communities in the arable lands of the Istrian peninsula during a twelve year period (2005–2017). A total of 50 fields were surveyed for each sampling time using the seven-degree Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale in the following agricultural categories: a) permanent crops (vineyards/olive groves), b) alfalfa fields, c) cereals, d) row crops and e) ruderal areas. The taxonomic identification was performed during the full development of vegetation, for cereals in June and July, and for the rest – in August and September. A total of 175 weed species were determined during both study periods with Asteraceae and Poaceae families as the most abundant. Altogether, therophytes were dominant in both surveys, followed by hemycryptophytes and geophytes. Variations in species composition were visible in both study periods (2005 and 2017) as well as in the selected habitat types. Exclusive species were found in addition to those that were common for both surveys. Changes in species composition between 2005 and 2017 referred to the difference in row spacing in earlier period, and ruderal vs. agricultural habitats in the recent survey. The differences in phenological traits between the past and present surveys were greatest for germination season in permanent crops and row crops, flowering start for permanent crops, flowering period for ruderal area and weed height for permanent crops. Significant differences between the past and present survey for other plant traits did not occur.

Chemical profiling, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and molecular modelling studies on the leaves and stem bark extracts of three African medicinal plants

Africa is famous for its floral biodiversity, exploited by local people for therapeutic purposes. However, such plants need to be scrutinised scientifically for the presence of bioactive compounds and possible biological properties. This study attempts for the first time to highlight the pharmacological and phytochemical profile of extracts prepared from leaves and stem barks of three African plants (Macaranga hurifolia Beille, Sterculia tragacantha Lindl. and Zanthoxylum gilletii (De Wild.) P. G. Waterman. The extracts were tested for antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects. Free radical scavenging, metal chelator, reducing power and phosphomolybdenum assays were performed to evaluate antioxidant effects. To identify enzyme inhibitory effects, cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butrylcholinesterase (BChE)), tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase were selected as target enzymes. High performance liquid chromatography-Electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) technique was also used for chemical profiling. ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assays showed that the stem barks of all three African plants were better scavenger than leaf extracts. Sterculia tragacantha was found to be a better metal chelator (64.10 ± 4.66 mg EDTAE/g) among the studied plants. All extracts exhibited good clinical enzyme inhibitory activities. The stem bark of S. tragacantha exhibited the best acetylcholinesterase activity compared to the other plants. HPLC-ESI-MS characterization showed that the most abundant compounds in stem bark were flavonoids in M. hurifolia (4.2 ± 0.2 mg/g DE), proanthocyanidins in S. tragacantha (42 ± 1 mg/g DE) and similar concentrations of phenolic acids and flavonoids in Z. gilletii (2.8–3.1 mg/g DE). Based on the biological activity, the most abundant and relevant bioactive compounds in the extracts were studied using molecular modelling approach against tyrosinase. The studied African plants showed good antioxidant and enzymatic propensities and thus can be considered as potential bioresources for future development of nutraceuticals and/or for pharmaceutical applications.

Biodiversity flora and fauna in tropical tidal lake

Tidal lakes are unique lakes because of the fluctuations of the water in the lake are influenced by the sea tides. Therefore, Tidal lakes are also called brackish lakes or salty lakes. Thus, the organisms that live in the lake must be able to adapt to the dynamics of brackish water changes. Therefore, the study of the biodiversity of flora and fauna is interesting to study related to organisms that are able to live and adapt to dynamic environments. This research was carried out in Siombak Lake, Medan City, North Sumatra Province from June to July 2018. The data collected were organisms in the form of flora (mangroves and aquatic plants) and fauna (ictiofauna or nekton which were fish, shrimp, crab, and mollusca). The results of research in the Siombak Lake ecosystem found 7 species of mangroves, 5 species of coastal plants, and 2 species of aquatic plant. Fauna found were 14 species of fish, 7 species of gastropods, and 1 species of bivalve, 1 species of shrimp and 1 species of crab.

Traditional Knowledge and Potential Use of Stingless Bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponinae) in the Manantlan Sierra, Jalisco, Mexico

Stingless bees (meliponines) play an important role in ecosystems; they pollinate different plant species, assist in the reproduction and conservation of floral biodiversity and their products can be obtained and sold, with the consequent economic benefit for stingless beekeepers. Surveys were conducted to find out how much knowledge inhabitants of two marginalized communities of the Manantlan Sierra in Jalisco, Mexico, have on the use and exploitation of stingless bees. In addition, several stingless bee species of this region were captured and identified, and wild nests of those bees were located and recorded in their natural habitats. Information about the knowledge and culture of stingless bees in the region was analyzed and based on that as well as on the most abundant species captured, those with more potential are suggested for management in a sustainable manner. Unlike other areas of Mexico where meliponiculture is practiced, in Jalisco there is no record of traditional culture of meliponines. However, a certain level of knowledge and a high degree of interest was found among the respondents for engaging in keeping and managing stingless bees, mainly because their management does not involve the risk of stinging incidents. Nine stingless bee species were identified in total. Of these, the most abundant were Scaptotrigona hellwegeri, Trigona fulviventris, Partomona bilineata, Friseomelita nigra and Nannotrigona perilampoides. It is recommended that studies are conducted to develop management practices for these bee species. The implementation of courses on how to keep these meliponines is also recommended, so that in the future, the inhabitants of these communities can benefit from the integral and sustainable use of stingless bees.

Woody diversity plant and non-timber forest products potential in protected forest area of protected forest management unit model in Sorong City, West Papua

Abstract. Lekitoo K, Khayati L. 2019. Woody diversity plant and non-timber forest products potential in protected forest area of protected forest management unit model in Sorong City, West Papua. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 5: 294-298. Protected forest management unit (PFMU) model of Sorong Selatan is one of the models from three types of forest management units existed in Papua Barat Province. Floral biodiversity study in the PFMU model was an inherent aspect towards underpinning a primary responsibility and function of forest management unit in managing the whole forest activities. The output of this study will subsequently be a fundamental part in determining policy and effectuating perpetual forest management. Descriptive method through survey and design continuous strip sampling technique for data collection were applied during this study The result revealed that protected forest area of PFMU consisted of 392 vegetation species from 76 families with the detail of 275 species (68 families) in seedlings phase, 274 species (63 families) in saplings phase, 247 species (61 families) in poles phase (10-19 in diameter), and 225 species (52 families) in trees phase (? 20 cm in diameter). Dominant family in all growth phases is Moraceae with 32 species. Species diversity index based on growth rate was 4.844 in seedlings, 4.842 in saplings, 4.760 in poles and 4.518 in trees. Non timber forest product (NTFP) found can be grouped into resin-based product (7 species), essential oil (6 species), fat oil (4 species), food material (60 species), tannin-based product (5 species), colored-based product (12 species), medicinal plants (76 species), decorative plants (50 species), rattan-based product (5 species), bamboo (5 species), edible shots (15 species), bioethanol-based product (4 species), and biodiesel-based source (14 species).

Nitrogen limitation and calcifuge plant strategies constrain the establishment of native vegetation on magnetite mine tailings

Mine tailings are challenging substrates for ecological restoration, as the establishment of diverse native plant communities can be constrained by a range of edaphic factors. Thus, the ability to restore native vegetation communities will depend upon developing a clear evidence-base as to what types of species and communities are likely sustainably reinstated on such altered substrates. As global tailings production and the cumulative footprint of tailings storage facilities continue to grow, understanding the effect of edaphic filters on community establishment is foundational for developing effective restoration solutions for tailings. We standardised growth rate estimates derived from nine root and shoot parameters for plants grown in magnetite tailings and natural topsoil, using crops (eight species) to characterise previously identified plant responses and native plants (40 species) to understand the impact of edaphic conditions on the species pool available for restoration. The edaphic conditions of unweathered magnetite tailings select against the majority of native plant species and nutrient-acquisition guilds (approximately 75% of reference floristic biodiversity), with plant development on tailings compared with natural topsoil compromised in a number of variables in all but six species. Plant growth on tailings was limited by a lack of available nitrogen (N) and high alkalinity (pH >9), and seedling growth and development was positively associated with seed N concentration. Calcicole species and species from N2-fixing and cluster root-producing strategies performed better on tailings than calcifuge species and species without specialised nutrient-acquisition strategy or those reliant upon mycorrhizal associations. The return of plant communities native to highly weathered, acidic soils on magnetite tailings is likely unsuccessful, unless strategies to ameliorate substrate hostility through acidification of the soil profile and improving N availability are prioritised.

Predicting water levels in ephemeral wetlands under climate change scenarios

Ephemeral wetlands or kettle holes contain an often unique biodiversity of flora and fauna. In New Zealand, they can be an important breeding ground for iconic taonga species such as kakī/black stilt. Understanding the possible effects of climate change on the holes is a challenge as there is often limited information on the local hydrology, restricting the applicability of established hydrological models. We present a mathematical model that is parameterised using only recent rainfall data and water level. We assess the efficacy of our model to predict water levels under current climatic conditions and then explore the effects of a range of simple climate change scenarios. Our simple but effective modelling approach could be easily used in other situations where complex data and modelling expertise are unavailable.