IUCN Categories Research Articles

Adonis fucensis (A. sect. Adonanthe, Ranunculaceae), a New Species from the Central Apennines (Italy).

Adonis fucensis is herein described as a new species based on morphological and molecular analyses. It is endemic to one locality of the Central Apennines between Amplero and Fucino plains within the NATURA 2000 network in the SAC IT7110205 (Central Italy). The only discovered population is composed of 65 individuals and is at risk of extinction. The conservation status assessment according to IUCN categories and criteria is proposed and discussed. The new species belongs to A. sect. Adonanthe and is morphologically similar to A. volgensis (incl. A. transsilvanica), a species distributed in Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey as well as eastward to SW Siberia and Central Asia. Adonis fucensis can be distinguished from A. volgensis by larger cauline leaves, pentagonal with lobes lanceolate, larger stipules with more lobes and teeth, and larger flowers. Finally, an analytical key to Adonis species belonging to sect. Adonanthe distributed in Europe is presented.

Habitat associations of red-listed epiphytic lichens in Finland

The Finnish red list shows that the epiphytic lichen flora of Finnish forests is highly threatened and declining steeply. Red lists provide limited information on the habitat associations of threatened species, which could be relevant in informing management and conservation measures. We used documented empirical data and expert assessments to determine for each red-listed (IUCN categories Near Threatened, NT; Vulnerable, VU; Endangered, EN; Critically Endangered, CR; Regionally Extinct, RE) epiphytic lichen species of Finland the following key habitat associations: host tree species, substrate type, habitat type, geographical distribution, preferred microclimate, and minimum required forest and tree age. The most important host tree species were Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and Populus tremula L. Other tree species of high importance included Sorbus aucuparia L. and Salix caprea L. One fourth of red-listed epiphytic lichens were primarily lignicolous. Most species required old-growth forests (required by 41% of species) or old trees (52%), but many species required only mature forests (36%) or trees (35%). The microclimatic preferences of most red-listed epiphytic lichens consisted of high or intermediate light availability and humidity. Most species whose status had deteriorated were dependent on deciduous trees. The continuous availability of old deciduous trees (especially Populus, Salix and Sorbus) requires special attention in both managed and protected forests. Red-listed epiphytic lichens would be aided by increased forest protection or transitioning to less intensive management regimes.

New records and nomenclatural novelties for three species of Agrostis (Poaceae, Pooideae, Poeae) from Central and South America and assessment on their conservation status

This paper reports seven new records of Agrostis in Central and South America: A. boyacensis in Bolivia, Peru and Venezuela; A. lenis in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela; and A. mertensii in Costa Rica. The lectotype of Agrostis williamsii is herein designated. This contribution includes synonymy, iconography, geographic distribution and habitat, phenology, conservation status according to IUCN categories of threat, uses, and a list of additional specimens examined.

On the presence of Cephalanthera caucasica (Orchidaceae) in Russia: rediscovery of a threatened orchid in the Republic of Dagestan

Cephalanthera caucasica had been reported previously from the Samur Forest in Dagestan (Russia), but that report was considered doubtful: a possible misidentification of supposed hybrids between C. damasonium and C. longifolia as C. caucasica was speculated. Moreover, this species was recently reduced to a synonym of C. kotschyana in the «Plants of the World Online» database. In the present study, we did not confirm the presence of C. caucasica in the Samur Forest, but it was revealed in a few localities in remnants of beech (Fagus orientalis) forests in Kaytagskiy district and Tabasaranskiy district in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia. Living plants were studied in the vicinity of the village Tatil where 40 flowering individuals were counted. A morphological study suggested that these plants belonged to typical C. caucasica, not to any hybrid. The synonymy of this species with C. kotschyana has also been rejected, because it contradicted to the «International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants» and, besides, was not properly reasoned. The lectotype of C. caucasica is designated in the present paper. The description of the species is provided with measurements of the main morphological parameters. Differences of C. caucasica and the related taxa are discussed. A key to the species of the genus Cephalanthera from the North Caucasus is provided. Cephalanthera caucasica is highly threatened in Russia, being estimated as Endangered taxon (EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)), according to the IUCN categories and criteria. It should be included to the next editions of both national and regional Red Data Books.

Assessment of Reserved Areas for Sustainable Ecotourism in Khmelnytskyi region, Ukraine

Ukraine has recently started promoting and developing some sectors of tourism despite its rich cultural heritage, natural resources and protected areas. Most visited tourist attractions are located in Kyiv, Odesa and Lviv, while the remote locations are less studied. To promote ecological tourism in urban territories, to properly manage protected areas and maximize economic benefits for the local community, research on the assessment of reserved areas should be carried out. Khmelnytskyi region ranks third among administrative-territorial units in Ukraine with a high level of the conservancy. However, only limited reserved areas and natural monuments like “Podilski Tovtry”, “Verkhnіe Pobuzhzhia” and “Malovanka" are at the centre of tourism interests. The present article reviews IUCN categories of reserved areas in Khmelnytskyi region in line with Davey’s management objectives and Leung’s management approach to tourism. Most of the natural monuments, national parks, and protected landscapes in the Khmelnytskyi region are suitable for tourism and recreation. Developing ecotourism will assist in attracting investors, and provide additional income to the local community along with creating jobs for temporarily displaced people during wartime in Ukraine.

The distribution, ecology and conservation status of the long-tailed woodnymph Thalurania watertonii

Compilation and scrutiny of all accessible specimen and observer records of the long-tailed woodnymph Thalurania watertonii, a hummingbird currently listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, eliminates Guyana, Pará, Maranhão, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba from its range and sets aside both Sergipe and Bahia as unproven, leaving 29 certain localities, 15 in Pernambuco and 14 in Alagoas, north-east Brazil, all of them in Atlantic Forest and not Cerrado or Caatinga. Among them are records from ten IUCN category I‒IV protected areas (seven in Pernambuco, two in Alagoas and one shared between the two). Remote sensing analysis shows all confirmed localities to contain a total of c.292 km2 of forest (with an extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of 16,090 and 910 km2, respectively), thus indicating the species qualifies for ‘Vulnerable’ (rather than ‘Endangered’) on the IUCN Red List. However, within the species’ range, we find a maximum total of 2568 km2 of forest, unexplored patches of which may host important populations of this and other threatened species endemic to the ‘Pernambuco Centre of Endemism’. Range-wide research is urgently needed into the condition of these sites and the status of the species within them as well as the general densities, ecology and true distribution of the species, which is now known to breed from October to March, to feed on at least 25 plant species and possibly to need shallow clean-water streams, in order to identify the key measures needed to ensure its survival.

Rinorea spongiocarpa and Rinorea dimakoensis (Violaceae), new threatened species of forest trees from East and South Regions of Cameroon and Gabon

SummaryTwo tree species are described as new to science: Rinorea spongiocarpa Achound. sp. nov. (placed in Rinorea [unranked] Brachypetalae) and R. dimakoensis Achound. sp. nov. (placed in Rinorea [unranked] Ilicifolieae). Both species occur in Cameroon, south of the Sanaga river, the first from South and East Regions, occurring in evergreen forest from Ngovayang and Lolodorf across the southern plateau to the Dja forest. The second extends also to Gabon, occurring in Cameroon in the northern part of East Region in semi-deciduous forest towards the interface with woodland habitats in the Dimako-Bertoua area. The two species are mapped and illustrated, and their affinities and conservation status according to the 2012 IUCN categories and criteria are discussed. Both R. spongiocarpa and R. dimakoensis are threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction, both are assessed as Vulnerable.

Global and Regional IUCN Red List Assessments: 14

In this contribution, the conservation status assessment of three vascular plants according to IUCN categories and criteria are presented. It includes the assessment of Allium ravenii F.O.Khass., Shomuradov & Kadyrov and Centaurea seguenzae (Lacaita) Brullo, Marcenò & Siracusa at global level and Haloxylon persicum Bunge ex Boiss. & Buhse at regional level.

Carex camposii subsp. tejedensis (Cyperaceae), a new taxon for Southern Iberian Peninsula based on molecular, morphological and ecological differentiation.

Carex camposii Boiss. & Reut., endemic to high mountain ranges in Southern Iberian Peninsula (Sierra Nevada, Sierra de los Filabres and Sierra de Baza), is a morphologically and molecularly well-defined species included in Carex gr. laevigata (subg. Carex, sect. Spirostachyae). We have discovered a population of a morphologically similar species to C. camposii in a different mountain range (Sierra de Tejeda), that displayed some deviant morphological characters and was found in a different habitat from that typical of the species. In order to disentangle the taxonomic status of this population, we have conducted a phylogenetic analysis using five nuclear (ITS, ETS, G3PDH, CATP and GZF) and three plastid (matK, rpS16 and 5’trnK intron) DNA regions. In addition, a morphological analysis including the population from Sierra de Tejeda was carried out. The resulting phylogenetic trees show that the samples of the problematic population are closely related to C. camposii, while the morphological study revealed that a total of nine morphological features did not match those of typical C. camposii. Even though the samples from Sierra de Tejeda are genetically not well differentiated from C. camposii, the morphological and ecological differentiation supports its recognition as a new subspecies, C. camposii subsp. tejedensis. An assessment of its conservation status using IUCN categories and criteria suggests that it could be critically endangered (CR).

An appraisal of tree and fauna species diversity and distribution of Osogbo sacred grove, Osun State, Nigeria

Appraisal of tree and fauna species is crucial; this ensures effective conservation of the forests and their resources. This study aims at an appraisal of tree and fauna species diversity in Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Nigeria for record update, knowledge, and monitoring species status for conservation management. A total of 70 tree species belonging to 26 families were recorded. The tree species in the Fabaceae and Apocynaceae families were the most abundant. Tree species richness indices for the three zones were 2.16, 1.89, and 1.72, respectively. Most of the tree species encountered were in the IUCN categories of vulnerable (6.7%), least concerning (71.1%), and not evaluated (71.1%). The result revealed that the core zone was richer and more diverse than the buffer and the outer zones, with diversity indices of 3.06, 2.995, and 2.16, respectively. The fauna species diversity and richness index were 3.40 and 2.35, respectively. The least vulnerable fauna species were 86.4%, with 6.8% vulnerable. Class Aves has the highest percentage of 61.4%, with Gastropoda being the least-represented (2.3%). Mona monkeys were the most sighted fauna species in the area. Thus, there is an urgent need to increase the level of security around the sacred grove and to ensure sustainable management strategies are fully implemented in the study area.

Assessing variation in the effectiveness of IUCN protected area categorisation. What remotely sensed forest integrity and human modification reveals across the major tropical forest biomes

• We focused on evaluating the efficacy of forested protected areas (PAs) across the three main tropical biomes- Congo Basin, Tropical Andes, insular Malaysia and Indonesia. • PA efficacy was evaluated on the basis of ecoregional representation, human modification and forest integrity. • Representation of key ecoregions varied with 7%, 11% and 22% of named ecoregions being unprotected within each major region. • IUCN management categories play a minor role in influencing PA efficacy. • PA size was an important determinant of PA efficacy. One of the major threats facing protected areas (PAs) in hyper-diverse tropical forest ecosystems is human modification of their natural habitats. With a focus on forested PAs situated across three of the world’s major tropical regions, the Congo Basin, insular Indonesia Malaysia and the Tropical Andes. We analyse their representation of identified ecoregions and remote sensing data of human modification and forest integrity levels within PAs and used a generalized linear modelling approach to estimate the influences on these pressures, with a particular focus on IUCN management categorisation, PA size, and geographic location. Representation of key ecoregions varied with 7%, 11% and 22% of named ecoregions being unprotected within each major region. Overall, the IUCN management category allocation played a minor role in influencing the modification and forest integrity observed within PAs. Instead, PA size was the most important determinant of these variables across the different regions under consideration. This work provides further evidence to suggest that the assignment of PAs to IUCN categories in their current form is not interpreted consistently across different regions and does not correspond to the conservation benefits expected to be conferred by this categorisation.

Anurans of select green spaces of Davao City, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Abstract. Delima-Baron EM, Ruales CAS, Tripole C. Tagoon MDT, Susulan TB. 2022. Anurans of select green spaces of Davao City, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Biodiversitas 23: 4810-4815. Data on anurans in green spaces, especially in highly urbanized cities, including Davao, is still very limited. We present for the first time a checklist of anuran species from six green spaces of Davao City previously not surveyed for anuran data. Anurans were documented from January to April 2019 using visual encounter techniques coupled with microhabitat searches on several nocturnal surveys. Eighteen species representing seven families were recorded. Three endemic species: Pelophryne brevipes, Fejervarya moodiei, and F. vittigera, were added to the current list of anurans known from green spaces of Davao City, bringing the total known species for Davao City to 23. Thirteen of the species recorded are endemic. Two species under the Near Threatened category of IUCN, Limnonectes magnus and Sanguirana everetti, were also documented. The study also accounted for four invasive species: Rhinella marina, Eleutherodactylus planirostris, Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, and Kaloula pulchra. However, these species were encountered only in sites with artificial structures nearby, prominent noise, and has less heterogeneous vegetation. Data adds to the limited account of anurans in Davao City’s green spaces. Adding more species also implies that the list of anurans from Davao City’s green spaces is far from complete. Exploration of other green spaces available in the city is necessary to fully understand anuran species composition and the value of green spaces to the persistence of this taxon even in highly urbanized areas.

Collection, preservation, and identification of freshwater fish species in middle to north-east Bangladesh with special notes on phenotypic plasticity of few species

A checklist of 110 species of fishes belonging to 10 orders, 31 families and 78 genera was recorded with their scientific, common and Bangla or local names. These fish specimens were collected from the rivers, beels, haors, ponds and swamps of middle to North-east Bangladesh (Jamalpur, Netrokona, Kishorganj, Munshiganj and Bogra Districts). The order Cypriniformes (37%) was recorded higher followed by Perciformes (24%), Siluriformes (23%), Clupeiformes (6%). The global and national IUCN categories of these species are also provided. Based on local IUCN criteria, around 23% fish species belongs to threatened level and 5, 8 and 10% are denoted as critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN) and vulnerable (VU), respectively. Although collection and preservation is comparatively hassle-free, however, due to mingle nature of few fish species; it seems difficult to error free identification of the collected fishes by morphological traits alone. Two individuals from Sanondabari, Jamalpur (MHBSFMSTU Fish 92 and Ghaglajur Bazar, Netrokona (MHBSFMSTU Fish 84), morphologically very similar but they are completely two separated species i.e. Gagata cenia and G. youssoufi, respectively. Phenotypic plasticity is a barrier to name the fish species accurately, suggesting the presence of putative candidate species or existence of hidden diversity in the collected specimens of Sisoridae family. Due to anthropological effects, the biodiversity and fishing grounds are losing their qualities, resulting the low number of freshwater fish species in these sampling sites. The systematic, ecology, distribution, habitats of these fish fauna need to be studied exclusively and a well-planned conservation strategy need to implement as early as possible for protecting our valuable freshwater tasty fishes. Further, the output of the current study will also guide the government and non-government organization to come forward and take necessary measure for the betterment of the country, its economy, and fisheries resources.

Thismia petasiformis (Thismiaceae), a new fairy lantern species from the Brazilian Amazon Forest

Thismia petasiformis is described and illustrated as a new achlorophyllous mycoheterotrophic species discovered in the Brazilian Amazon Forest. The species belongs to Thismia subg. Ophiomeris sect. Pyramidalis by the presence of horizontal cylindrical roots, terete stem with scattered leaves, pyramidal stigma, and stamens flattened with connective not dilated, interstaminal lobes absent and ovary with parietal placentation from the base to the top of the ovary. Thismia petasiformis differs from T. fungiformis by the perianth tube apparently trigonous with slightly curved sides, annulus inconspicuous, and inner perianth lobes forming a single hat-shaped mitre. We present a taxonomic treatment for T. petasiformis, with a detailed description, illustrations and a preliminary assessment of its conservation status following IUCN categories and criteria.

Using niche modelling and human influence index to indicate conservation priorities for Atlantic forest deer species

To prioritise conservation actions and management strategies for threatened forest deer species at the Atlantic forest, we aimed to identify and describe the most suitable habitat areas for forest deer species and to indicate conservation measures for state agents and local communities. We adopt an approach based on ecological niche modelling, key variable thresholds and spatial analyses. In addition, we associated our approach with a human influence index, an invasive species dataset of occurrences, protected area cover and IUCN category. We indicate 2 % (484 km2) of the Atlantic forest cover as conservation priority areas (CPAs). Of these, 56.8 % are outside protected areas, 20.7 % are inside IUCN categories i, ii and iii protected areas, 19.9 % are inside IUCN categories iv, v, and vi protected areas, and 2.6 % are inside indigenous areas. Also, we indicate the most relevant protected areas for deer conservation in the Atlantic forest. The CPAs were classified into more human-influenced areas (MHIA) and less human-influenced areas (LHIA), and we identified 21 significant (greater than120 km2) continuous CPAs outside protected areas. We highlight actions in several perspectives of human influence, governance levels and law protection that would rationalise the use of funds and human resources.

Avian-Faunal Diversity, their ecological guild and conservation status at Kaliyaganj, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal

A survey on avian faunal diversity was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019atfour sampling sites of Kaliyaganj block, Uttar DinajPur, West Bengal. The point count method was adoptedfor study.A total of 49 numbers of birds species were recorded during thetwo year survey periodbelonged to 29 families and 11 orders. Among 49 birds species,dominant order was Passeriformes with 11 orders (59%). The highest taxonwas recorded 46 in May and Lowest 28 in January.According to IUCN category, 48 birds were belonged to Least Concern category (LC) and schedule IV and only one bird Gyps bengalensis belonged under Critically Endangered category (CR) and schedule III. Avian faunal diversity decreases day by day due to anthropogenic activities.

Global and Regional IUCN Red List Assessments: 13

In this contribution, the conservation status assessment of two vascular plants according to IUCN categories and criteria are presented. It includes the global assessment of Isoëtes todaroana Troìa & Raimondo and Moluccella bucharica (B.Fedtsch.) Ryding.

Preliminary Red List Assessment of Turkish Sphagnum (Sphagnopsida)

The present study assessed the IUCN categories of 27 taxa belonging to genus Sphagnum from Turkey. Result of this evaluation showed that two taxa, S. flexuosum and S. fimbriatum are Critically Endangered; 5 taxa, S. angutifolium, S. fuscum, S. rubellum, S. squarrosum and S. warnstorfii, are vulnerable; and 6 taxa, S.contortum, S. medium, S. quinquefarium, S. papillosum, S. subfulvum and S. tenellum, are endangered. Moreover, 4 taxa were assessed as Near Threatened and 9 taxa were assessed as Least Concern. Lastly, S. cuspidatum which has been reported recently from Turkey was evaluated as data deficient. At the end of study, it has been determined that habitat losses are the most important threatening factor and conservation strategies are proposed for each species.

Assessing Protected Area Zoning Effectiveness With Remote Sensing Data: The Case of Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina

Protected areas (PAs) remain the most important tool to prevent biodiversity loss and habitat degradation worldwide, but the formal creation of a PA constitutes only the first step. In recent decades, concerns about PA effectiveness have arisen, and several PAs have been evaluated using different methods. Results show that while some PAs are achieving their conservation goals, others have been less effective. Particularly, assessing broadscale outcomes is a method that allows us to monitor change over time at a large scale, using remote sensing data. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of Nahuel Huapi National Park, with particular attention to its three protection categories: Strict Natural Reserve (SNR), National Park (NP), and National Reserve (NR) (IUCN categories Ia, II, and VI respectively). We compared changes in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) among sites in these categories and between them and neighboring unprotected areas, over the period 2000–2020. Overall, habitat degradation was low, and we found no difference among the four categories evaluated. Nevertheless, a greening process has been conspicuous in the entire area, with higher values both in the SNR and in the unprotected area. We propose possible explanations as we consider variables such as dominant tree species, precipitation, temperature, elevation, and wildfires. This study supports the importance of NHNP at the regional and national levels, particularly its SNR areas.

Fish diversity and habitat ecology of Tel River, a tributary of Mahanadi River

Ichthyofaunal survey was conducted in Tel River, an important tributary of Mahanadi River to document the diversity and distribution of freshwaterfishes along with evaluation of the habitat characteristics. A total of 71 fish species belonging to 48 genera, 22 families and 8 orders were recorded fromthe study area. Cypriniformes was found to be the most dominant order 53.5%), followed by Siluriformes (19.7%) and Perciformes (14.1%). It is of high concernthat some of the food fishes exploited by the local communities fall in "Near Threatened" or "Endangered" category of IUCN. Higher species richness anddiversity were observed at Belgaon and Kisinga in the midstream. Shannon-Weiner diversity index ranged between 2.33 and 3.705 indicating well-being of the river. Habitat and water quality parameters were documented and correlation analysis between the parameters was carried out. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was employed to understand the differential habitat preferences of biota and environmental variables and cyprinids were found to have a positive relationship with wetted area and channel width. Fish diversity can be periodically monitored to form basis for future conservation plans. The study would assist in formulating strategies for management of this riverine ecosystem and livelihood support of fisher communities.