Conservation Concern Research Articles

A hairy giant among dwarves: Trichopelma grande, a distinct new species of tarantula from Cuba (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

ABSTRACT Large size, tropical climate, topographic complexity, and millions of years of isolation have turned the Greater Antillean islands into natural laboratories of evolution. Several groups have experienced explosive diversification across these islands, leading to highly diverse and endemic biotas and species experiencing unique adaptations. Here we describe a new tarantula species from the Viñales area, a biodiversity hotspot in western Cuba. Despite being a middle-sized species with large projected setae on the legs, reminiscent of those in arboreal tarantulas, phylogenomic analysis, diagnostic morphological features, and trap-door retreat building behaviour identifies it as the largest known representative of Trichopelma, and the only one with such hirsute legs. We provide mitochondrial barcoding data and a database of ultraconserved elements loci of the holotype of this species, which will help to include it in future phylogenetic studies of Theraphosidae. Given its limited distribution range, and its apparent absence in natural history collections despite its distinct appearance, this species might be scarce, positioning it as a potential conservation concern. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2F9ED7A1-1345-4295-A876-6B617ABF7C75

New records and an updated list of reptiles from Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

Thanh Hoa Province is located in North Central Vietnam and the Province contains a large area of 393,361.33 hectares of natural forest. A complexity of landforms has given this Province a high level of biodiversity potential. However, the reptile fauna of Thanh Hoa Province is still underestimated. Previous studies documented 111 species of reptiles from this Province. As a result of our field surveys in Pu Luong and Xuan Lien Nature Reserves, we report five species of reptiles for the first time from Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, namely Plestiodon tamdaoensis, Scincella devorator (Scincidae), Elaphe taeniura, Pareas macularius and Pseudoxenodon macrops (Colubridae), with novel data about morphological characteristics. In addition, we provide an updated checklist of 116 species of reptiles from Thanh Hoa Province. The reptile fauna of Thanh Hoa Province also contains a number of species of conservation concern: 22 species listed in the Red Data Book of Vietnam, 22 species listed in the IUCN Red List, 18 species listed in the Vietnam Governmental Decree No. 84; and 21 species listed in CITES appendices.

Repeatable patterns in the distribution of freshwater biodiversity indicators across contrasting landscapes

Abstract Context Freshwater biodiversity is declining at unparalleled rates, but fundamental questions remain over how it is distributed at the spatial scales most relevant for conservation management. Objectives Here, we test the hypothesis that freshwater biodiversity is distributed across standing waterbody types in a pattern that is reproducible across disparate biota and contrasting landscapes, such that conservation efforts can be aligned across landscapes and taxa. Methods We analysed the richness, composition and distribution of macrophytes, molluscs, beetles and odonates from 199 standing waterbodies (lakes, ponds, ditches and canals) nested within UK landscapes with contrasting dominant land use (agricultural, upland and suburban). Results We found a common pattern in the distribution of our biodiversity indicators across waterbody types in all landscapes that was largely repeated across biota; lakes consistently had the highest or equal alpha diversity and supported a greater proportion of the sampled species pool in each landscape (mean = 86%) in comparison to ponds (74%). Landscape-specific waterbody types (ditches and canals) also contributed significantly to the regional species pool (69 and 33% respectively). Each waterbody type contributed uniquely to landscape biodiversity and usually species of conservation concern, rather than simply supporting a subset of ubiquitous species found in lakes. Conclusions Landscape-wide management strategies that encompass multiple habitats and biota should prove advantageous and generalisable. However, our study landscapes suggest that long-term biodiversity conservation should also recognise lakes as a priority for nature recovery, both to minimise further losses and to maintain the largest reservoir of biodiversity.

Climate Warming Impacts Tuttuk (Caribou) Forage Availability in Tongait (Torngat) Mountains, Labrador

Tuttuk [caribou (Rangifer tarandus)] populations are in decline across Canada, making them a major conservation concern for Inuit of Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador) and Nunavik (Northern Quebec). This study investigates changes to caribou forage over 14-years at two tundra sites in northern Nunatsiavut, Labrador. We ask: 1) How much of the total vegetation is suitable caribou forage and how has this changed with time and experimental warming; and 2) Which forage species are most affected by recent climate change? At control and warming plots, we identified selected, edible, and avoided caribou forage based on published literature, and modeled observed changes in forage availability. We found that the relative frequency of selected winter forage was lower than summer forage at both sites. Caribou appear to be more forage limited in the winter than summer, and birch (Betula spp.), and ericaceous shrub species (Vaccinium spp.), increased over time. Our research provides valuable insight into recent changes in caribou forage availability and develops a novel methodology that can be applied across other caribou ranges. This knowledge will inform conservation and management measures by helping identify possible forage limitations and can contribute to recovery targets across Nunatsiavut and ultimately the social-ecological resilience of northern communities.

A Review of Non-Destructive Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometric Techniques in the Analysis of Cultural Heritage

Today, there is an increasing concern and effort for protection, conservation, and restoration of cultural heritage materials. Non-invasive analytical methodologies such as Raman spectroscopy offers various advantages such as high speed, robust identification, low cost, and in-site analysis. Previous contributions highlighted the potential of Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistics for identification and quality evaluation of cultural heritage materials such as paints, fiber, dyes, woods, stones, inks, and textile materials. Especially, application of chemometrics and multivariate statistics algorithms opens new horizons for scientists and inspectors. In conclusion, the paper provided an overview of the state-of-the-art uses of multivariate statistically equipped Raman spectroscopy methods for evaluation of cultural heritage and art materials with illustrations from previous research studies.

Generating bat primary and immortalised cell-lines from wing biopsies.

Bats are becoming recognised as new model species to study naturally evolved mammalian extended healthspan and disease tolerance. However, this research is limited by the lack of bat specific cellular resources. Here we describe an optimised protocol to develop both primary and immortalised fibroblast cell-lines from wing biopsy punches from the Egyptian fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus. We show that the immortalised cell lines and primary cells show similar characteristics in their proliferative capacity and response to oxidative stress. They also exhibited a similar response in their NF-κB immune response to TLR agonists including SARS-CoV2. As wing punches can be acquired non-lethally, these methods can be used to develop primary and immortalised cells, from potentially any bat species, including those of conservation concern that cannot be sacrificed. This can expand the scope of bat species that can be studied in the future, and the development of key cellular resources required to functionally validate the regulators of bats' unique longevity.

Rediscovery of a population of the plains spotted skunk, Spilogale interrupta, a species of conservation concern, from southern Texas, USA

Abstract The Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale interrupta) historically occurred across parts of the eastern and midwestern United States west of the Mississippi River. Following perceived population declines across much of its range, efforts to assess populations of this species have increased. Here, we report novel records of S. interrupta from this area of south Texas for the first time since 1961. This rediscovery demonstrates the persistence of this species in an underreported portion of its range. This information is useful for better understanding the distribution and population status of S. interrupta in Texas and broadly throughout North America and is crucial for future applied conservation policy efforts.

High variability in the attractiveness of municipally-planted decorative plants to insects.

Insect populations are declining globally. A major driver of this decline is land use change, including urbanisation. However, urban environments can also offer a wide range of floral resources to pollinators, through ornamental plantings, but these can vary widely in their attractiveness to insects. Often, the largest single planter of ornamental plants in an urban area is the municipality. Here we evaluated the decorative plantings carried out by the city municipality of Regensburg, Germany, by systematically surveying insect visitations on different plant types in late summer, when forage is often limited for pollinators. We found a 130-fold difference from the least to the most attractive plants, and high variation in which insect groups were attracted to which plants. While honey bees, which are not a conservation concern, were the most common insect visitors, some decorative plants attracted a very large proportion of wild bees, flies, and wasps. Our results demonstrate that there is great scope for increasing the supply of urban forage to pollinators in general, and specific groups in particular, without requiring new decorative plant types to be sourced or planted. We argue that providing local evidence-based guidance to municipalities offers a quick and potentially cost-neutral method for supporting urban insect populations.

Girrimarring wiirrilgal bulany ngayanbading (bat nest-type fur sun-like): blending traditional knowledge and western science to create roosting habitat for the threatened golden-tipped bat Phoniscus papuensis

Context Despite being widely distributed along eastern Australia, the golden-tipped bat (Phoniscus papuensis) is listed as Vulnerable in New South Wales (NSW). The 2019–2020 wildfires affected an estimated 40% of foraging and roosting habitat, causing further conservation concern. The species roosts in suspended birds’ nests located along watercourses in rainforest or wet sclerophyll forests. Habitat augmentation is a key recovery action for the species; however, effective techniques are unknown. Aims We integrated western scientific and Indigenous cultural knowledge and practice to deliver an artificial roosting structure for golden-tipped bats, and designed and implemented a collaborative model for habitat restoration, with genuine opportunity for cultural practice and two-way knowledge sharing. Methods In partnership, members of Indigenous groups, western scientific organisations and volunteers shared learnings about bats, culture and caring for Country. Weaving materials were collected from local forests, roosts were woven and hung in rainforest gullies and monitored using remote cameras and direct visual inspection. Key results Golden-tipped bats used woven roosts, suggesting that roosting-habitat augmentation could support recovery of the species. Strong partnerships were established between government conservation programs and local Indigenous communities, engaging younger generations in cultural practice and learning. Delivery models were demonstrated for further collaborative, two-way threatened species projects. Conclusions Golden-tipped bats will use woven structures for roosting. Integrating Indigenous knowledge into threatened species programs can deliver effective conservation outcomes for specialist and cryptic species. Implications Should further broadscale fire, or other impact causing loss of roosting structures occur, community, Indigenous groups or government agencies can utilise this model to implement effective conservation actions together.

Evidence of anthropogenic subsidisation of red foxes in a national park important for breeding wading birds

AbstractThe red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a generalist mesopredator found throughout the UK. It has been linked to national declines in native wildlife, especially ground-nesting birds such as waders. In the New Forest National Park, nest predation and poor chick survival is primarily responsible for low breeding success of Eurasian curlew (Numenius arguata), a species of high conservation concern. To reduce predation losses, foxes are lethally controlled by wildlife managers. Here, we identified the major food resources that are being exploited by foxes in the New Forest area and examined temporal and spatial patterns in the presence of specific food categories, with special reference to anthropogenic food. Stomachs from foxes culled in curlew breeding areas were collected from April 2021 - July 2022 and the contents of these stomachs were quantified. Foxes exhibited a highly varied diet with no single food category predominating. Anthropogenic food comprised 14% of the overall diet, with its presence predicted by proximity to human settlements and other infrastructure. We also estimated the total annual volume of anthropogenic food consumed by the fox population and by extension how many individual foxes this volume of food could support in isolation. According to these calculations, at present the number of foxes subsidised by anthropogenic food is approximately 64.8% (50.2–79.7%) of those removed by culling per year. Our findings highlight that better local food sanitation and education should become important parts of a more holistic management approach to reduce the burden of fox predation experienced by breeding waders.

Retrospective comparison of the distribution and abundance of breeding Prairie Warbler (<i>Setophaga discolor</i>) along eastern Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada

Species inhabiting rare habitats or unique geographic regions may be underrepresented in standard surveys. More intensive, periodic surveys may be required to improve data quality, especially for species of conservation concern. Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) has experienced range-wide declines of >50% in recent decades and is a species of conservation concern in Canada. The largest continually occupied breeding population of this species in Canada occurs along the shoreline of eastern Georgian Bay, Ontario, where annual Breeding Bird Survey and eBird coverage is generally poor. In 2015, we replicated a spatially intensive 1997 survey of this species along the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, visiting the same sites and using comparable methods. We detected more male birds at the survey sites in 2015 (estimated >350 breeding pairs) than in 1997 (estimated 265 breeding pairs). We also surveyed sites farther north than those covered in 1997, but the breeding range appears not to have moved substantially northward. We also conducted additional surveys and canoe transects in the core range in southern Georgian Bay to ensure that breeding birds were not being missed. Combining data from all our surveys in 2015, we estimated a total of 427 singing males in eastern Georgian Bay. Although overall numbers here appear to have increased in recent decades, localized declines in some areas warrant further investigation. The population appears to be stable or increasing in this region, but we recommend intensively re-surveying this population on at least a 20-year basis.

Molecular Identification of Mycoplasma agassizii in Confiscated Tortoises in Madagascar.

Mycoplasmosis is of concern for chelonian conservation. We detected a Mycoplasma sp. in confiscated radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) and spider tortoises (Pyxis arachnoides). Sequence analysis of the 16S-23S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer region was consistent with Mycoplasma agassizii. Mycoplasma spp. have not been previously reported in native tortoises in Madagascar.

Rediscovery of Portulaca trianthemoides (Portulacaceae) in southern Africa after 89 years

Portulaca trianthemoides was described in 1931 and known previously only from the type locality in Soutpansberg, Limpopo, South Africa. It has not been collected since 1934; however, a recent rediscovery of the species led us to investigate the name (typification) and propose an emended description. Some aspects of the ecology of the species are also discussed, and first images of live plants are provided. Despite its restricted distribution area, an estimation of the population size is more than c. 15,000 individuals, suggesting that the species is not of conservation concern.

Differential responses to weather and land‐cover conditions explain spatial variation in winter abundance trends in a migratory bird of conservation concern

Abstract Effective conservation strategies for animal populations require knowledge of relationships between population dynamics and their environmental drivers. However, these processes often vary within animal populations, requiring site‐specific conservation planning. Given limited financial resources, identifying groups of sites with similar population dynamics can help practitioners efficiently implement conservation programs to larger areas. We evaluated spatial patterns and environmental drivers of wintering site trends in a migratory bird of conservation concern, the Greenland white‐fronted goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris). We used latent class analysis to identify trend patterns in 35 years of abundance data among 59 geographically discrete Greenland white‐fronted goose wintering sites. We developed a state‐space abundance model in a Bayesian framework to quantify the effects of weather and land‐cover conditions experienced throughout spring migration, summer breeding, autumn migration and wintering periods on variation in wintering site abundance. We identified two main patterns in Greenland white‐fronted goose abundance trends: northeastern wintering sites declined on average by 3% per year, while southwestern wintering sites declined on average by 14% per year. Differential responses to weather and habitat conditions likely explained variation among groups, as geese at southwestern wintering sites were more negatively affected by harsh weather conditions (e.g. low temperatures and high precipitation on breeding areas) and poor habitat conditions (i.e. low‐quality grasslands and croplands) on wintering areas. Future conservation efforts to improve the suitability and nutritional quality of agricultural areas, especially cereal croplands in autumn and early winter and grasslands in late winter and early spring, could potentially improve local habitat conditions, especially in the southwestern wintering sites where abundance declines were steepest. Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate the potential to delineate animal populations based on spatial patterns in population dynamics using long‐term abundance monitoring data, which are commonly the only available data for conservation practitioners. By grouping sites based on spatial patterns in local abundance trends, we can further test hypotheses about how these groups are differentially affected by changing environmental conditions. This information is important for informing efficient conservation planning over large areas when financial resources are limited.

Pathogens from salmon aquaculture in relation to conservation of wild Pacific salmon in Canada.

The spread of pathogens from farmed salmon is a conservation concern for wild Pacific salmon in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Three pathogens are prevalent in farmed Atlantic salmon in BC, spill over to wild Pacific salmon, and are linked to negative impacts on wild salmon: Piscine orthoreovirus, Tenacibaculum spp., and sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). Molecular screening of infectious agents in farmed and wild salmon and environmental DNA highlights a further 4 agents that are likely elevated near salmon farms and 37 that co-occur in wild and farmed salmon. Pathogens likely affect wild salmon indirectly by mediating migration, competition, and predation. Current net-pen aquaculture practices pose these risks to numerous populations of all species of wild salmon in BC, most of which are not covered in Government of Canada science and advisory reports. Climate change, pathogen evolution, and changes to disease management and aquaculture regulations will influence future risks.

Islands are key for protecting the world's plant endemism.

Islands are renowned as evolutionary laboratories and support many species that are not found elsewhere1,2. Islands are also of great conservation concern, with many of their endemic species currently threatened or extinct3. Here we present a standardized checklist of all known vascular plants that occur on islands and document their geographical and phylogenetic distribution and conservation risk. Our analyses of 304,103 plant species reveal that 94,052 species (31%) are native to islands, which constitute 5.3% of the global landmass4. Of these, 63,280 are island endemic species, which represent 21% of global plant diversity. Three-quarters of these are restricted to large or isolated islands. Compared with the world flora, island endemics are non-randomly distributed within the tree of life, with a total of 1,005 billion years of unique phylogenetic history with 17 families and 1,702 genera being entirely endemic to islands. Of all vascular plants assigned International Union for Conservation of Nature conservation categories5, 22% are island endemics. Among these endemic species, 51% are threatened, and 55% of all documented global extinctions have occurred on islands. We find that of all single-island endemic species, only 6% occur on islands meeting the United Nations 30×30 conservation target. Urgent measures including habitat restoration, invasive species removal and ex situ programmes are needed to protect the world's island flora. Our checklist quantifies the uniqueness of island life, provides a basis for future studies of island floras, and highlights the urgent need to take actions for conserving them.

A potential evolutionary trap for the extended phenotype of a nematomorph parasite

Abstract Human activities introduce new environmental cues to wild organisms, leading to maladaptive behavioural and life-history decisions known as the ‘evolutionary trap’. This trap is thought to be a major conservation concern for free-living organisms. However, it has never been studied in endosymbionts, one of the most successful and diverse life forms on Earth. Here, we examine this trap in the extended phenotype of a parasite that exploits the visual system of hosts to alter host behaviour for its benefit. Arboreal mantids infected by nematomorph parasites are drawn to horizontally polarized light, thereby inducing them to enter the water. In this study, we found that the degree of linear polarisation (DOP) of reflected light served as a reliable environmental cue for identifying perennial waters, where nematomorphs can survive in their aquatic life stage without drying out. Infected mantids exhibit attraction to horizontally polarized light with higher DOP in behavioural assays and jumped into pools reflecting light with higher DOP in field experiments. The asphalt road reflected horizontally polarized light closely resembling the polarisation levels observed in perennial waters, likely leading to a higher prevalence of mantids on asphalt roads compared to those found in natural arboreal habitats. In a field experiment, we observed infected mantids walking on asphalt roads more often than on cement roads. These findings imply that evolutionary traps can endanger endosymbionts beyond their hosts that directly perceive environmental cues.

Montane willow scrub restoration in Scotland: reviewing 30 years of progress to reestablish the altitudinal treeline

Many mountain woodlands across the globe have undergone anthropogenic degradation with negative implications for the ecological and socioeconomic systems dependent on them. Montane willows are arctic‐alpine species of high nature conservation concern within the altitudinal treeline. Scotland has been pioneering the restoration of montane willow scrub for three decades following widespread loss linked particularly to overgrazing by sheep and deer since the eighteenth century. In the 1990s, the total area of montane willows throughout the country was less than 10 ha, with most remaining populations highly fragmented, in rapid decline, and restricted to inaccessible cliffs. Subsequently, montane willow scrub restoration has been part of an overall 2659 ha area managed for the recovery of mountain woodlands in Scotland. By May 2023, 396,868 montane willows were planted in projects encompassing large‐scale habitat creation, relict population reinforcement by genetic rescue, fencing, and landscape‐scale management for low‐density deer populations. This review summarizes restoration methods and outcomes with case study examples to promote conservation evidence and research on plant growth and survival, planting sites, associated biodiversity, molecular ecology, genomics, and long‐term population sustainability. With the potential for montane scrub restoration to be widely expanded, improved connectivity to revive a treeline mosaic shaped by regeneration will tackle biodiversity loss and help mitigate climate change impacts on a national scale. However, caution must be applied to creating definitions of distinct habitats for restoration that are based on non‐natural or ecologically degraded systems. These experiences are particularly relevant to montane and circumpolar regions with strongly modified landscape histories.

Serosurvey of Leptospira spp. in captive non-human primates in Spain

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by serovars of Leptospira spp. that can infect a wide range of wild and domestic species, highlighting non-human primates (NHPs) as one of the most susceptible taxonomic groups. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with exposure to Leptospira spp. in captive NHPs in Spain. Between 2007 and 2021, sera were collected from 258 NHPs in 16 zoos and wildlife rescue centers (WRCs), and tested for antibodies to Leptospira spp. using the modified microagglutination test (MAT). Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were detected in 73 (28.3 %) of the 258 NHPs evaluated. Seropositivity was found in 61.0 % (25/41) of the species analyzed and in 87.5 % (14/16) of the sampled centers. Sera seropositive for six different serovars of Leptospira spp. were detected, with L. Grippotyphosa being the most prevalent. Seroprevalence was found to be significantly higher in Hominidae (61.8 %; P < 0.001) compared to other NHP families tested. To the author’s knowledge, the present study is the largest serosurvey of Leptospira spp. conducted in NHPs in Europe and also reports for the first time exposure to Leptospira spp. in nine NHP species, expanding the host range for this zoonotic bacterium. Our results indicate high and widespread seropositivity of Leptospira spp. in NHPs kept in captivity in Spain, which may be of conservation and animal health concern. This study supports the need to include captive NHPs in monitoring programs to evaluate the exposure of these species to Leptospira spp. in captive centers.

Quantification of threats to bats at localized spatial scales for conservation and management.

In a rapidly changing world, where species conservation needs vary by local habitat, concentrated conservation efforts at small spatial scales can be critical. Bats provide an array of value to the ecosystems they inhabit; many bat species are also of conservation concern. San Diego County, California, contains 22 of the 41 bat species that occur in the United States, 16 of which are on conservation watchlists. Thus, management of bat communities in San Diego County is a pressing need. Because bats exploit vast areas of the landscape and historical sampling strategies have shifted over time, a standardized way of prioritizing areas of the landscape for management would provide an integral asset to bat conservation. We leveraged long-term bat community survey data from sampling areas across San Diego County to prioritize areas with the most management need. We calculated two types of scores: species scores and threat scores. Species scores incorporated richness and conservation status, and threat scores included landscape level threats that bats could encounter. We found that urbanization, the presence of artificial lights, and areas sampled on unconserved land were all significantly associated with decreases in species richness. Further, using species and threat scores, each sampling area was placed into one of four conservation categories, in order from greatest to least conservation need, ranging from highest priority (high species score, high threat score) to lowest (low species score, low threat score). Additionally, we focused on sampling areas in which Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) and/or pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) occurred. These two species are of exceptional conservation concern in San Diego County and across the western United States. We identified urbanization, the presence of artificial lights, and areas sampled on unconserved land as threats that were all significantly associated with the absence of Townsend's big-eared bat, but not pallid bat. The strategy, methodology, and solutions proposed in our study should assist bat conservation and management efforts wherever bats occur, and can be extended to other species that require conservation attention.