IUCN Categories Research Articles

Diversity and conservation status of tree species in Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS) of Chittagong, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS), located in the Fatikchari upazila of Chittagong district, Bangladesh with a land area of 2,908.5 acres, is a Protected Area IUCN Category II. Once the forest was very rich in flora and fauna but apparently, it seems that some lesser known species may have been disappeared from the area due to changes in overall conditions. The study was conducted through systematic quadrat method where the size of the plot was 20 m×20 m. A total of 162 tree species (having ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh)) belonging to 50 families were recorded where Euphorbiaceae family possess the highest number of species (18) followed by Moraceae (12 species). Conservation status of the plants indicated that 52% species (85 species) were Least Concern (LC) which was maximum among the conservation categories. However, the Vulnerable, Endangered, Near Threatened and Critically Endangered tree species were represented by 20% (32 species), 6% (9 species), 1% (1 species) and 2% (3 species) respectively. The study created a baseline of information on the tree species diversity of the protected area which is expected to be helpful to the future researchers as well as in taking managerial actions by the policy makers.

Building local support for a coastal protected area: Collaborative governance in the Bigi Pan Multiple Use Management Area of Suriname

Bigi Pan Multiple Use Management Area (MUMA, IUCN category VI) is a coastal protected area situated in the Northwest Suriname between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nickerie River. The area is characterized by wetlands with mangrove forests, contains high biodiversity, and is of socio-economic, ecological and ornithological importance. However, the MUMA is overexploited and subject to competition between various income generating activities, including uncontrolled fisheries and unregulated tourism combined. Insufficient capacity of government agencies for enforcement and policy implementation and lack of communication between relevant government agencies has further contributed to unsustainable practices that diverge from ‘wise use’ and conservation. This article analyses the case of Bigi Pan MUMA from the perspective of collaborative governance. It explores how local communities address the conflicts, user pressure, and implementation gaps that lead to unsustainable practices in Bigi Pan MUMA. In addition, it explores the potential of stakeholder engagement with the local community and key user groups to provide meaningful and regular opportunities to actively participate in decision-making structures and to deliberate on management actions. The conclusion finally presents arguments on how collaborative governance can become more effective by including local communities and by strengthening local decision-making and management.

Global and Regional IUCN Red List Assessments: 8

In this contribution, the conservation status assessment of four vascular plants according to IUCN categories and criteria are presented. It includes the assessment of Ophrys normanii J.J.Wood at global level, and the regional assessment of Genista anglica L., Helianthemum lippii (L.) Dum.Cours., and Scrophularia lucida L. (Italy).

Protected areas reduce poaching but not overall anthropogenic mortality of North American mammals

Protected areas are established for diverse conservation strategies, but their effectiveness for conserving species varies widely. We compiled studies that used telemetry to determine cause-specific mortality of North American mammals and compared mortality sources of animals monitored in areas classified as protected by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and non-protected areas. Our dataset consisted of 358 studies which monitored the fates of 28,925 individuals and documented 9348 mortalities of known cause across 66 mammalian species. Although anthropogenic mortality was found to be higher in protected areas, we did not find evidence that protected area status was associated with that difference. However, poaching was 75% lower in protected areas. Within protected areas, we found no evidence that number of years since protection nor IUCN category of protection influenced any mortality source, but proportion of anthropogenic mortality on average decreased by 4% with each additional 50 km2 in protected area size. Species body mass was an important factor determining susceptibility to harvest mortality and anthropogenic mortality overall. Protected areas in North America were associated with reduced poaching mortality of mammals, but the ecological importance of this reduction is likely influenced by population- and species-specific factors.

Two new species of Microlicia D.Don (Melastomataceae) from campos rupestres in eastern Brazil

Two new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) endemic to campos rupestres in Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil, are described, illustrated and compared with their putative relatives. Microlicia rugosa sp. nov. is similar to M. minutiflora and M. martiana by having fastigiate branches, ascending, lanceolate or oblanceolate leaves with obtuse apex, attenuate base and entire margin, flower with short pedicels (1−2 mm long), magenta petals, and dimorphic stamens. Microlicia rugosa is further characterized by wrinkled surface of hypanthium and sepals, and both leaf surfaces with distinct depressions, which sometimes contain short‐stalked glandular trichomes. Microlicia viscida sp. nov. is similar to M. martiana, M. furnensis and M. rugosa mainly by having fastigiate branches, terete stems without leaves at the base and the bark gradually peeling to reveal the underlying brownish wood and leaves with similar size and shape. Microlicia viscida is characterized by a conspicuous secretion covering branches, leaves, hypanthium and sepals, giving a smooth and bright appearance. The leaf anatomy of both new species is briefly described. Microlicia rugosa and M. viscida are assessed as ‘Endangered’ and ‘Critically Endangered’ respectively, due to its limited extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, according to the IUCN categories and criteria.

Effect of different land-use on occurrence and morphological traits of Carex buxbaumii (study from Biebrza National Park, Poland)

Carex buxbaumii is rare sedge of moist to wet meadows, marshes and fens. The population trends and detailed habitat requirements of this species remain unknown. In Poland, C. buxbaumii belongs to EN category of IUCN, while is even more endangered in other European countries. The knowledge on this species is limited, but probably it needs active protection for its maintenance. It is also known that plants respond morphologically to changes in the site conditions which may help to determine the ways of effective method of their conservation. Therefore, we examined the frequency and morphology of Carex buxbaumii growing in a sward of fen-grasslands i) abandoned for 15 years, ii) mowed, or iii) grazed by Konik horses. The description of the occurrence and of the morphological reaction to the differentiation in land–use type of C. buxbaumii is presented against the background of changes in vegetation cover that occurred in 2010–2016 in the examined fen-grassland.There was stated that C. buxbaumii grew on peat soils, of high content of organic matter and Ca+2. The type of land-use significantly differentiated both the frequency and morphology of C. buxbaumii. In the mowed site C. buxbaumii grew as an element of the Molinion vegetation and appeared there with 100% frequency. The individuals growing in the mowed site had the longest shoots, the longest inflorescence brackets, and the longest terminal spikes. In the site grazed by Koniks, C. buxbaumii was a component of Scheuchzerio–Caricetea nigrae vegetation, while its frequency of C. buxbaumii was 87%. The shoots there were the shortest, and in general, the morphology was the most differentiated. In the abandoned site C. buxbaumii abundance amounted 46%, and the individuals were smaller than those under the mowing regime but larger than those grazed by Koniks. In that site, the previous vegetation with high proportion of the Molinion and Phragmitetea species was replaced by Alnetea glutionosae vegetation, represented mainly by trees and shrubs. We have shown that the best conditions for the development of the C. buxbaumii population in the examined fen-grasslands are created under an extensive mowing regime.

Conservation assessment at a regional level: the study case of 'Delphinium fissum' subsp. 'sordidum' (Ranunculaceae), an endemic Iberian subspecies with disjunct distribution

Delphinium fissum subsp. sordidum is a restricted endemic subspecies whose core distribution is located in the central-western Iberian Peninsula with a disjunct subpopulation in Sierra Mágina (Jaén Province). This article reports a detailed study of its current distribution, population size and structure, and the threats that it faces. Phytosociological analysis shows two main plant communities where D. fissum subsp. sordidum develops: Quercion pyrenaicae and Quercion broteroi. According to the most recent IUCN categories and criteria, the conservation status of D. fissum subsp. sordidum is “Endangered” (EN) in Castile and Leon. We propose the creation of a Plant Micro-Reserve (PMR) in an enclave with high geological, ecological and conservation values. Medium-long term and individualized monitoring programs are required for all distribution range of Delphinium fissum subsp. sordidum. An overall Recovery Plan for the subspecies should be considered and implemented, including in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures that guarantee its protection, conservation and recovery.

BEGONIA MAGUNIANA (BEGONIACEAE, BEGONIA SECT. OLIGANDRAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM NEW GUINEA

The new species Begonia maguniana H.P.Wilson from New Guinea is described. It is endemic to the Central Range of New Guinea at altitudes of c.1700–2300 m and belongs to the IUCN category Least Concern.

Towards systematic and evidence-based conservation planning for western chimpanzees.

As animal populations continue to decline, frequently driven by large-scale land-use change, there is a critical need for improved environmental planning. While data-driven spatial planning is widely applied in conservation, as of yet it is rarely used for primates. The western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) declined by 80% within 24 years and was uplisted to Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2016. To support conservation planning for western chimpanzees, we systematically identified geographic areas important for this taxon. We based our analysis on a previously published data set of modeled density distribution and on several scenarios that accounted for different spatial scales and conservation targets. Across all scenarios, typically less than one-third of areas we identified as important are currently designated as high-level protected areas (i.e., national park or IUCN category I or II). For example, in the scenario for protecting 50% of all chimpanzees remaining in West Africa (i.e., approximately 26,500 chimpanzees), an area of approximately 60,000 km2 was selected (i.e., approximately 12% of the geographic range), only 24% of which is currently designated as protected areas. The derived maps can be used to inform the geographic prioritization of conservation interventions, including protected area expansion, "no-go-zones" for industry and infrastructure, and conservation sites outside the protected area network. Environmental guidelines by major institutions funding infrastructure and resource extraction projects explicitly require corporations to minimize the negative impact on great apes. Therefore, our results can inform avoidance and mitigation measures during the planning phases of such projects. This study was designed to inform future stakeholder consultation processes that could ultimately integrate the conservation of western chimpanzees with national land-use priorities. Our approach may help in promoting similar work for other primate taxa to inform systematic conservation planning in times of growing threats.

KERAGAMAN FLORISTIK DAN STATUS KETERANCAMAN KEPUNAHAN JENIS TUMBUHAN DI KAWASAN AIR TERJUN BUNBUN KABUPATEN MURUNG RAYA (Floristic Diversity and Extinction Threat Status of Plants at the Bunbun Waterfall Region, Murung Raya Regency)

ABSTRACT This research is concerning the floristic diversity and status of extinction threat of class of plants at the Bunbun Waterfall region, Uut Murung sub Regency, Murung Raya Regency, Central Kalimantan Province. The purpose of this research was intended to find out the composition, diversity, and threat status of plants based on Government Regulation (PP) Nomor 7/1999 about Indonesia Scarce Plants and IUCN Global Red List. The research was using combination between the way of path and the way of blocked path. The research result showed that there are 42 kinds of trees, whereas six of which are assigned into critically endangered category of IUCN, like as gaharu (Aquilaria beccariana), keruing (Dipterocarpus cornutus), meranti kuning (Shorea macroptera), meranti merah (Shorea leprosula), meranti putih (Shorea lamellata) and ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri). Shorea macroptera is assigned into endangered category, meanwhile Eusideroxylon zwageri and Aquilaria beccariana are assigned into vulnerable category based on IUCN. Shorea leprosula is a class which has the greatest essential value in whole growth stage, whereas Eugenia europholia, Shorea uliginosa and Shorea leprosula are dominant classes at each stage of growth. The index of tree diversity is classified into moderate category.
 Keywords: Floristic diversity, extinction threat status of plants, IUCN.

Révision taxonomique du genre Santiria (Burseraceae) en Afrique tropicale

Ikabanga, D.U., K.G. Koffi, J.M. Onana, B. M'Batchi, O.J. Hardy & T. Stevart (2019). Taxonomic revision of Santiria (Burseraceae) in Tropical Africa. Candollea 74: 115–130. In French, English and French abstracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2019v742a1In Tropical Africa, the genus Santiria Blume (Burseraceae) was considered as having one species, Santiria trimera (Oliv.) H.J. Lam ex Aubrev. The recent studies combining morphometric and molecular analysis revealed four isolated genetic groups that can be distinguished with clear morphological features. Following this study, a taxonomic revision of Santiria is conducted in tropical Africa, including the islands of the Gulf of Guinea. Four species are recognized: in addition to Santiria trimera, taxa previously described as Santiria balsamifera Oliv., Santiria ebo (Pierre) H.J. Lam and Santiria obovata (Pierre) H.J. Lam are re-established. Morphological distinctive traits that differentiate the four species are abundance of the elemi, presence/absence of lenticels on the twigs, pubescence of the inflorescence, and immature fruit color. A taxonomic key is provided. Three neotypes and two lectotypes are designated (including synonyms). Each species is described, affinities with other taxa, uses, field pictures and a preliminary conservation status according to the IUCN Categories and Criteria are provided.

Bird diversity in the coastal talukas of Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India

The list of birds of Sindhudurg coastal district was compiled based on primary and secondary information. All observations were made along the Sindhudurg coast, i.e., from Terekhol to Vijaydurg. Wetland birds were recorded during sampling while terrestrial birds were recorded opportunistically. Besides, we also collated bird occurrence records from published literature (including grey literature and online resources) to prepare a comprehensive list of birds for Sindhudurg coast. During our study, we recorded 283 species, and 24 more species were compiled from secondary sources. Altogether, 307 species belonging to 78 families and 22 orders were recorded from the Sindhudurg coast. Order Passeriformes was dominant with 111 species. Among the 307 species, four species are endemic to the Western Ghats. Three species of vultures had been reported earlier but two were not encountered in recent years. Great Knot (EN), Woolly-necked Stork (VU) and 14 other species (NT) fall under various threat categories of IUCN. Species richness was higher in Vengurla (256) followed by Malvan (247) and Devgad talukas. Construction of homestays, unregulated tourism in coastal areas, and conversion of natural habitats to meet increasing tourism are the major threats to the coastal avifauna of the district. A high species richness of birds in Sindhudurg coast is attributed to the availability of a wide array of habitats (coastal to woodlands with different degrees of anthropogenic disturbances). Considering the high species richness of birds and livelihood dependency of humans on the coastal zones, a few estuaries namely Mochemad, Karli and Mitbav estuaries may be recognized as community/ conservation reserve to manage the ecosystem sustainably for long-term conservation of these estuaries and sub-habitats therein. Also, those sites can be perceived as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas of IBCN as they fulfill the IBA criteria.

Hoping the best, expecting the worst: forecasting the potential impacts of climate and land-use change on Iberian plants of conservation concern

ABSTRACTBackground: Worldwide, halting biodiversity loss is still a major challenge. Climate and land-use change (CLUC) are major drivers of species decline, and further expected to drive species’ future ranges. Understanding how these changes may impact species in the future is thus of utmost importance in the context of conservation and monitoring. This is especially critical for species of conservation concern, known to be more prone to extinction under environmental change.Aims: Here we addressed how CLUC may affect future distributions of 64 plant species designated under conservation legislation for Portugal and Spain. Current and future species distributions were modelled and projected under three CLUC scenarios. Range changes were analysed for each species and IUCN category, considering climate versus land-use change models, and the trade-offs between them.Results: Overall, our results depict consistent trends in the distribution of the targeted species under CLUC. The results also highlight potential extinction for some of the targeted species under climate change. However, under land-use change, 10 species are likely to expand their suitable habitat.Conclusions: Our research advances existing knowledge on how climate and land-use change may impact species of conservation concern in the Iberian Peninsula. Such knowledge is essential if further losses of species of conservation concern are to be proactively anticipated. Ultimately, such information can be useful to support data-driven conservation programmes and decision-making in the future.

Morphological and molecular evidence of Turkish Minuartiella species (Caryophyllaceae), with a desciption of a new species and a proposal for a new combination

The genus Minuartiella comprises four species distributed in the E-Mediterranean region and SW-Asia. Some interesting specimens belonging to the genus where collected from Burdur province (Turkey). On the basis of macro- and micromprhological analyses, as well as molecular data, a new species—Minuartiella serpentinicola sp. nov.—and a new combination—Minuartiella ×antalyensis comb. nov.—are proposed in the present paper. A detailed description of the new species as well as pictures, distribution map, habitat, and IUCN category are also provided. A diagnostic key of Mnuartiella species is provided.

Dizygostemon riparius (Plantaginaceae, Gratioleae), a new species from Maranhão, northeastern Brazil

Here we describe and illustrate Dizygostemon riparius (Plantaginaceae, Gratioleae) as a new species from the state of Maranhao, northeastern Brazil. We present morphological and micromorphological descriptions and comparisons, along with illustrations, photographs, and information on its taxonomy, habitat, geographic distribution and conservation status. Dizygostemon riparius differs from D. floribundus, the only other accepted species of the genus, by having the stems sparsely to densely tomentose, the sepals as long as or slightly longer than the corolla tube, the posterior sepal to 1.5 times as wide as any of the other four, the ovary glandular villous, and the leaves larger. The new species is assessed as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN categories and criteria. Additionally, we provide diagnostic features that help to differentiate Dizygostemon from the similar Brazilian genera Achetaria, Stemodia and Tetraulacium.Citation: Scatigna A. V., Brandao C. M., Colletta G. D., Teles R. de M., Cavalcante K. S. B., Souza V. C. & Simoes A. O. 2019: Dizygostemon riparius (Plantaginaceae, Gratioleae), a new species from Maranhao, northeastern Brazil. – Willdenowia 49: 177–186. doi: https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.49.49206Version of record first published online on 27 June 2019 ahead of inclusion in August 2019 issue.

Towards inclusion of genetic diversity measures into IUCN assessments: a case study on birds

The IUCN Red List categorizes species based on their geographical distribution and population size. However, attributes such as genetic information are not yet considered. We compiled information on genetic diversity (HE, HO) and inbreeding coefficient (f) along with their ecological attributes (IUCN category, migratory habit, forest dependence and habitat type) from a literature survey to assess whether bird species categorized as being of highest conservation concern display the lowest genetic diversity. We used generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to test whether avian species with less inclusive characteristics (e.g., taxa with small geographical distributions or low dispersal capability) display lower genetic diversity than those classified as Least Concern (LC). We used hylogenetic generalized least squares (pGLS) to account for phylogenetic independence of predictor variables and to verify robustness of GLMMs (generalized linear mixed models). In general, GLMM revealed more significant relationships among ecological attributes and genetic diversity patterns. After accounting for phylogenetic independence, the highest average heterozygosity values were observed in species falling under the LC category; non–migratory birds showed lower HO and HE average values than migratory birds, while non–forest birds showed lower heterozygosity than forest birds. Hence, we corroborate our hypothesis that genetic diversity of birds is lower in species of high conservation concern. We hope our results promote further studies on genetic diversity of bird populations. Lastly, we propose the incorporation of genetic data as metrics in the assessment of bird conservation status.

Isotrema plagiostomum (Aristolochiaceae), a new species from Guangdong, South China

Isotrema plagiostomum X. X. Zhou & R. J. Wang, a new species of Isotrema (Aristolochiaceae) from Guangdong, south China, is described and illustrated for the first time. It is similar to I. thwaitesii in the morphology of the obliquely truncated calyx limb, but differs by the habit, leaf shape, inflorescence position and splitting extent of calyx limb. It is evaluated as CR according to the IUCN categories and criteria.

Assessment of the extinction risks of medicinal plants in Egypt under climate change by integrating species distribution models and IUCN Red List criteria

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is one of the most important of all conservation indicators, but most developing countries do not have enough information with which to make assessments. The use of species distribution models (SDMs) to predict habitat suitability, both currently and in the future under the effects of climate change, offers a potential solution for estimating extinction risk. With a set of validated observations, we used SDMs to make preliminary evaluations of the risk of extinction for 114 Egyptian medicinal plants based on IUCN Red-List Criteria and Categories. Using MaxEnt and eleven environmental variables, distributions were projected for 2020, 2050, and 2080 under two emission scenarios (A2a and B2a) assuming unlimited and no dispersal. The IUCN assessments used the predicted distributions as well as the actual records to measure both extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO). There was a positive correlation between EOO estimates based on actual records and those based on SDMs, demonstrating the ability of SDMs to compensate for a lack of data. Most species could be classified as Least Concern (LC) at the current time, whilst in the future under climate change, many species face some risk of extinction, depending on assumptions. We conclude that it is possible to make regional risk assessments even in data-sparse countries, in order to plan conservation management in the future. Using species distribution modelling together with IUCN Red-List assessment is a good method for countries where data are sparse in order to conserve and protect threatened species.

Spiradiclis densa sp. nov. (Rubiaceae) from limestone areas in Guangxi, China

A new species of Rubiaceae, Spiradiclis densa, is described and illustrated from southwestern China. It is similar to S. tomentosa, but differs in the elliptic or oblong leaf blades, distylous flowers and inner sides of corolla tube with dense pubescence near throat. The conservation status of the new species is preliminarily assessed as ‘Vulnerable’ according to IUCN categories and criteria.

Global and regional IUCN Red List assessments: 7

In this contribution, the conservation status assessment of four vascular plants according to IUCN categories and criteria are presented. It includes the assessments of Aurinialeucadea (Guss.) K.Koch, Chondrillachondrilloides (Ard.) H.Karst., Daphnecneorum L., and Ophioglossumazoricum C.Presl at regional level (Italy).