Conservation Status Of Species Research Articles

An assessment of the water footprint of the population and agricultural crops in the natura 2000 site ROSCI0434 siretul mijlociu, Romania

The designation of a Natura 2000 site ROSCI0434 Siretul Mijlociu for the protection of habitats and species, whose development is closely tied to the aquatic environment, signifies that the management of water resources, and implicitly, the water footprint, has contributed to maintaining a balanced and favorable status for biodiversity conservation. Given that the Natura 2000 site was declared based on older studies, and the Management Plan for the protected natural area was not yet developed, we are now conducting an assessment of the impact of the water footprint in the current climatic conditions. This includes considering other predominant types of agricultural crops and changes in food habits. This evaluation aims to understand the relationship between the water footprint and the conservation status of species and habitats in light of these new circumstances.The blue and grey water components of the water footprint are the ones that directly affect the natural protected area out of the three components of the water footprint: green, blue, and grey water. The ecological impact of water use in ROSCI0434 Siretul Mijlociu is extensive, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Pollutants can harm habitats and species, while agricultural water usage alters habitats and disrupts hydrological patterns, impacting breeding and foraging grounds. Additionally, changes in water quantity and quality diminish ecosystem services like water purification and habitat provision, affecting biodiversity and human well-being.

Odonatofauna en una zona del Cerrado brasileño, con el redescubrimiento de dos especies

The Cerrado harbors rich biodiversity and yet faces various anthropogenic pressures, an alarming situation that justifies fauna inventory studies, particularly insects, often overlooked in such endeavors. Additionally, many locations within the Cerrado lack information about the odonatofauna, including Conservation Units (CUs), considered the main tools for biodiversity conservation in Brazil. The objective of our study is to report the Odonata community occurring in the Minas Gerais portion of the Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas (PNGSV), the conservation status of species, taxonomic information for some taxa, and compare the Odonata community along wet and dry seasons. The study was conducted from September 2022 to April 2023, with a total of 576 hours of sampling. We collected 601 specimens from 83 species, highlighting two new species (one recently described and other to be described elsewhere), eight new records for the state, and the rediscovery of the species Progomphus geijskesi Needham, 1944, collected for the first time in Brazil since 1918, and Argia botacudo Calvert, 1909, previously known only from the type material. The significant richness sampled, new taxa, new records, and the presence of species at some risk of extinction reinforce the Cerrado’s relevance as a global hotspot. It also underscores the importance of CUs as a tool to ensure the protection of Odonata communities in Brazil and highlights the need to strengthen public policies to guarantee investments and foster future financial resources for the protection of Brazilian biota, especially for conducting more inventory studies in the Cerrado.

A new species of karst-associated kukri snake (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae: Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826) from southern Thailand

Abstract We describe a new species of kukri snake (Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826) from the limestone karst formations of Satun and Trang Provinces in southern Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses based on three mitochondrial DNA fragments (12S–16S ribosomal rRNA and cytochrome b) recover the new species within the Oligodon cinereus species complex, where it forms a deeply divergent yet poorly supported clade sister to Oligodon saiyokSumontha et al., 2017 and another unnamed lineage currently referred to Oligodon cinereus (Günther, 1864) from southwest Myanmar. Morphologically, the new species is distinguished from all other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: ventral scales 189–193 with distinct lateral keeling; subcaudal scales 47–54, paired; anterior dorsal scale rows 17–19, with the reduction from 19 to 17 rows occurring above the 28th–30th ventral scale when present; maxillary teeth 8, blade-like and laterally compressed; dorsum olive–gray, plain; ventral surface white anteriorly, dark gray posteriorly; underside of tail dark gray, smeared with white. We briefly discuss the natural history and conservation status of this new species and provide observations of other kukri snakes inhabiting limestone karst habitats. Our study also incorporates genetic samples of four recently described Oligodon endemic to Thailand, all of which are recovered in the O. cinereus species complex. In agreement with previous studies, we demonstrate that species-level diversity within the O. cinereus species complex is underestimated, and additional sampling is necessary to revise this taxonomically challenging clade.

Small Paa Frog and Marbled Cascade Frog are not endemic to Nepal: a response to Tachamo-Shah et al. 2023

Response to ‘Wetland biodiversity of Ramaroshan Lake complex: a need for conservation’ on JoTT Vol 16 issue 12 <https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7918.15.12.24299-24320>. Many information in the article promising, highlighting the additional attention the area should receive for conservation. However, there are some aspects, particularly that are related to conservation status and endemism of amphibian species which is misleading, making me to realize to write this response.

Gynoxys revolutifolia (Senecioneae, Asteraceae): A new species from southern Ecuador

Gynoxys is a very diverse genus of Asteraceae with an Andean distribution from Venezuela to northern Argentina. It comprises about 130 species, 34 of which are recorded in Ecuador. In the present study, we describe Gynoxys revolutifolia, a new species occurring in Ecuador between Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe provinces. The new species is a shrub or treelet characterized by coriaceous leaves with a strongly revolute margin. After an accurate revision of the main Ecuadorian herbaria and field surveys, we provide a comprehensive comparison of G. revolutifolia with the species it was previously misidentified as. We also provide information concerning the chemical composition, distribution range and conservation status of the new species.

Faecal Standing Crop with real time correction using scat detection dogs to estimate population density

Abstract Population density is fundamental information for assessing the conservation status of species and support management and conservation actions for in situ populations, but is unknown for many forest species due to their difficulty in detection. The Faecal Standing Crop (FSC) method using detection dogs is an alternative for cryptic or elusive species. An intrinsic difficulty of FSC is the ability to find faecal samples in the field and to estimate the probability of which faeces detection is influenced by degradation due to climatic conditions. Our goal was to propose a concurrent FSC parameter estimation using a scat detection dog under different climatic conditions and apply those parameters in a wild deer population. Ten faecal samples of grey brocket deer (Subulo gouazoubira) were placed weekly in a transect (24 × 1440 m) in both dry and wet seasons (12 weeks each). A scat detection dog was then employed to find experimental faecal samples to determine the FSC parameters that were subsequently used with naturally occurring faecal samples (also dog‐detected) to estimate population density. The oldest dog found samples were 21 (Dry) and seven (Wet) days after placement, resulting in dog efficiency of 22.5% (Dry) and 30% (Wet). Adjusting the model to account for efficiency and scat durability, we estimated similar, seasonal, densities of 4.51 individuals km−2 (SD = 2.21, Dry) and 5.37 individuals km−2 (SD = 3.71, Wet). Synthesis and applications: Our results demonstrate that our concurrent methodology corrected the effects of weather and habitat on FSC parameters thereby allowing for accurate population density estimation. Additionally, this method can provide reasonably precise density estimates with a logistically feasible sample size, as demonstrated by simulation. Following our recommendations, this method allows a reliable estimate of population density because it incorporates any influence of study area, dog ability and climate in faecal sample detection, providing fundamental information for the conservation of many cryptic and elusive species.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List does not account for intraspecific diversity

Abstract The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List identifies threatened and endangered species and is a key instrument in global biodiversity conservation efforts. Our understanding of the structure and value of genetic biodiversity below the species level is rapidly increasing. Nonetheless, the IUCN assessment criteria overlook genetic variation within species. Here, we address this blind spot and discuss the principles of species conservation status classification relative to intraspecific biodiversity. We focus on coastal species, which thrive in heterogeneous environments known to drive genetic differentiation. The focal example species, Atlantic cod and sugar kelp, have contrasting life histories, are ecologically and economically important constituents of the coastal ecosystem, and are currently not classified as threatened in Norway and Canada. We expose important variation in population structure, the presence of ecotypes and genetic-environment covariation, as well as loss of ecotypes that threatens the conservation of these species. Because the genetic makeup of species directly influences their resilience, omitting this information from conservation status assessments can result in loss of adaptive capacity to future stressors, such as climate change. Consequently, recognizing and preserving intraspecific variation emerges as vital for species’ abilities to adapt to and survive in future ocean conditions.

Species diversity and conservation status of ornamental fish traded in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Abstract. Usman Z, Hariyadi DR, Serihollo LGG. 2024. Species diversity and conservation status of ornamental fish traded in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1116-1126. The high demand for ornamental fish native to Indonesia has the potential to be used as a source of foreign exchange income. In addition to increasing the national income, the ornamental fish trade must also be considered to preserve the population of the fish species being sold. The study aimed to determine ornamental fish diversity and conservation status in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara. This research was conducted in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, from August to September 2023. The research was conducted using survey (non-experiment) and observation methods. The survey method was carried out using a form to conduct interviews with sellers in 11 ornamental fish shops. At the same time, the observation method was used to identify the types of fish being traded. The study's results recorded 18 families, 39 genera, and 46 fish species (Include 1 species is hybrid fish). The highest species diversity came from the Cichlidae family with 9 species (1 species (Amphilophus citrinellus x Cichlasoma trimaculatum) is hybrid fish), followed by Cyprinidae with 7 species, whereas each species of the Characidae and Poecilidae families were 5 species. Conservation status shows 4 status groupings, namely Least Concern (LC), Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN), and Not Evaluated (NE). Based on these groupings, there were 32 species in the Least Concern (LC) category, 3 species in the Endangered (EN) category, 2 species in the Vulnerable (VU) category, and 8 species in the Not Evaluated (NE) and 1 unclassified category. There is only 1 species that is included in the Appendix I category, namely Scleropages formosus, and other species are Not evaluated. This is the first study conducted in Kupang City to reveal the types of ornamental fish species sold and their conservation status. The study will be useful information to the government, researchers, and other stakeholders on the potential extinction risk of each type of fish being traded.

A new characid species with remarkable sexual dimorphism (Characiformes: Characidae: Stevardiinae) from the upper Guayabero River, Orinoco basin, Colombia.

A new species of characid with remarkable sexual characteristics is described from the upper Guayabero River drainage from the Orinoco basin in Colombia. The new species is included in the genus Monotocheirodon by sharing most of the previously proposed diagnostic features of this genus. It differs from all Stevardiinae by the combination, in adult males, of an enlarged urogenital papilla in contact with the first anal-fin unbranched ray and a highly modified anal fin with enlarged and distally elongated first and second branched anal-fin rays, forming a gonopodium-like structure. In addition, it differs from congeners by the presence of an adipose fin, an incomplete lateral line, an ascending process of the premaxilla dorsally oriented, and a long snout. The new species was discovered from a poorly sampled region in Colombia and is an unexpected new record given its disjunct geographic distribution from other species of the genus. Monotocheirodon species were previously known from piedmont drainages in Bolivia and Peru. The conservation status of the new species is herein categorized following IUCN criteria.

A Study on the Fresh Water Fish Diversity of Mora Dhansiri River, Assam, India

The Mora Dhansiri River, situated in Darrang District, Assam, India, harbors a diverse array of freshwater fish species, contributing significantly to the region's biodiversity. Through comprehensive sampling efforts, this study identified a total of 29 fish species across 05 orders and 12 families. Cypriniformes dominated the catch list with 17 species, followed by Perciformes with 04 species, Siluriformes with 05 species, Synbranchiformes with 02 species, and one species from Gobiiformes. The most abundant family was Cyprinidae, comprising 22 species, followed by Bagridae and Cobitidae with four species each. The study revealed prominent genera such as Labeo, Puntius, Mystus, and Channa, with multiple species representing each genus. Notably, the presence of exotic species such as Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharyngodon idella, and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix underscores the influence of adjacent private ponds on the river's fish diversity. Of the recorded species, 19 were deemed edible and suitable for aquarium trade, with three species also possessing medicinal value. Furthermore, the study assessed the conservation status of the fish species, revealing that 2.19% were endangered, 4.54% vulnerable, and 6.81% near-threatened, while 77.2% were categorized as least concern. Additionally, 2.27% of species were classified as data deficient, and 9.09% were not accessed. The presence of near-threatened species like Hypophthalmichthys molitrix highlights the conservation significance of the Mora Dhansiri River. However, anthropogenic pressures such as industrial effluents, pesticide use, overexploitation, and habitat destruction pose significant threats to the river's aquatic biodiversity. Urgent conservation measures are needed to safeguard these valuable resources and ensure their sustainable management for future generations.

A price on their heads? Assessing foreign demand as a driver of hornbill hunting in Cameroon

Unsustainable hunting to supply wildlife markets is a global threat to bird species and a key driver of biodiversity declines across Africa. Despite well-documented negative impacts of wildlife trade on many bird species, such as Asian hornbills and African vultures, its consequences for African hornbills remain poorly understood. Here, we use data from both online trade and interviews with hunters in Cameroon to investigate the implications of foreign demand for African hornbills, using a twofold approach. First, we explored factors associated with the prices of hornbill skulls, the most heavily traded and expensive hornbill products, in online markets. Second, we examined the relationship between hunting pressure and market demand using semi-structured interviews with hornbill hunters and traders in Cameroon. In our online sales analysis, we considered factors including numbers of sales, species conservation status, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) listing, body size, sex, and skull length (including bill and casque). In addition, we considered the number of sound recordings available for focal species, as this factor is highly correlated with species range size and may serve as a proxy for detectability in the field. We then used generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMM) to identify variables closely associated with the prices of hornbill skulls online. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to examine the relationship between hunting pressure and the local and foreign demands in Cameroon. We found that online trade included skulls and other products from 20 African and five Asian hornbill species, the latter of which were all CITES-listed. The median online price for a hornbill skull was £117. Nearly half (nine out of 20) of the African hornbill species found in online trade were native to Cameroon. The three most heavily traded species—Yellow-casqued Hornbill (Ceratogymna elata), Black-casqued Hornbill (C. atrata), and White-thighed Hornbill (Bycanistes albotibialis)—accounted for 66% of online hornbill products. Larger-bodied hornbill species classified as threatened, subject to CITES regulations, and species with higher numbers of sound recordings available tended to command higher prices online and thus likely face higher hunting pressure. We also found that foreign demand has a significant impact on hornbill hunting pressure, particularly among younger hunters. Approximately 73% of Cameroonian hunters interviewed targeted hornbills, with 91% of these motivated to acquire hornbill heads for trade, and 98% intending to sell their products to foreign buyers. Our findings highlight the urgent need to address the negative impacts of international wildlife trade and implement measures to protect African hornbill populations from increasing threats of overexploitation.

Diversity, Dominance, and Conservation Status of Bird Species Traded in Bird Shops Around of Jambi City

Maintaining bird diversity is essential for preserving biodiversity. The popularity of bird keeping as a hobby is due to their attractive colours and sounds, as well as their economic value. However, the breeding and trading of various bird species has led to the development of bird races and competitions. This study aims to determine the diversity, dominance, and conservation status of songbird species that are traded and competed in Jambi City. The study is a descriptive field research that showcases our expertise in the field. In August 2023, the study confidently employed structured observations and interviews through a questionnaire. The analysis confidently used the variety index, evenness index, and dominance index. The research confidently identified ten species, two of which are protected: The Cucak hijau Chloropsis sonneratii (Chloropseidae) and the Serindit melayu Loriculus galgulus (Psittacidae). The bird species have been classified into three categories based on their IUCN conservation status: endangered (10%) Chloropsis sonneratii, vulnerable (20%) Alophoixus tephrogenys and Zosterops melanurus, and least concern (70%) Copsychus saularis, Kittacincla malabarica, Leptocoma brasiliana, Zosterops simplex, Loriculus galgulus, Agapornis sp., and Serinus canaries

New data on distribution of Miramiola pusilla (Miram, 1927) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae

The rare bush-cricket Miramiola pusilla (Miram, 1925) is distributed over the dry steppe and semi-desert territories of Eurasia from the southern parts of East European Plain up to the southern parts of West Siberian Plain and the Tarbagatai Mts. (E Kazakhstan). The species is strongly associated with short grass vegetation. Its abundance is usually low. The ecologo-geographic models of the species distribution over the eastern parts of its range are generated by the Maxent algorithm for the first time. The species conservation status is discussed.

New records and conservation status of tree species from environmental licensing studies in highly human-modified areas in Bahia, northeastern Brazil

Based on fieldwork for licensing environmental impact studies in Bahia, northeastern Brazil, we present new records of five tree species, including two species known only from their type locality. The records mostly originate from highly human-modified areas in Atlantic Forest, which we argue that should not be underestimated by environmental licensing studies. We assess the conservation status of the five species and highlight the importance of using trained botanists for recording species of conservation concern. Our data demonstrate that studies for environmental licensing can contribute knowledge and aid in biodiversity conservation.

Species diversity, conservation status and feeding habitate of Avifauna in Waraseoni Tehsil of Madhya Pradesh, India

Species diversity, conservation status and feeding habitate of Avifauna in Waraseoni Tehsil of Madhya Pradesh, India

A new species of Mesocapparis (Capparaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

Mesocapparis minutiflora, a new species for the Cerrado, is described and compared with related species. The taxon is described from the state of Tocantins and Piauí, with only five known collections. It is distinguished from other species mainly by the different shapes of leaf base, petiolar insertion, and the shorter size of petals, gynophore, and filaments. The conservation status of the new species is discussed, and information is provided on its flowering period and geographic distribution.

Checklist of the marine malacofauna of Culuccia Peninsula (NW Sardinia, Italy), with notes on relevant species.

Culuccia is a small peninsula of about 3 km2 placed in north-western Sardinia (Italy) at the margin of the Maddalena Archipelago. The marine area surrounding this Peninsula is a Special Area of Conservation, included in the European Natura 2000 Ecological Network of protected areas, but until now, no information on biodiversity of this area is available. In 2021, a research project to study both terrestrial and marine biodiversity of Culuccia has started in order to fill this gap of knowledge. This work provides the first inventory of the marine malacofauna of the coast of Culuccia. Fifteen sites were sampled seasonally for one-year by using different sampling methods and the present study shows the results from approximately 50 scientific SCUBA and free dive surveys, carried out in all main marine habitats of the studied area. In total, 259 species of molluscs were recorded along the coasts of the Culuccia Peninsula (0-25 m depth), belonging to the classes Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Polyplacophora and Scaphopoda. Amongst the four classes recorded, gastropods were the most represented (66.90%; 173 species), followed by bivalves (28.10%; 73 species), polyplacophorans (4.60%; 12 species) and scapophods (0.40%; 1 species). Notes about distribution, conservation status and ecology for some valuable species are provided, together with images of representative species, consisting mainly of in situ photographs. Additionally, the present investigation recorded the presence of four alien species, whose Mediterranean distribution was extended to north-western Sardinia.

Species Composition and Conservation Status of Ornamental Fishes in Khambrenga Wetland, Kamrup District, Assam, India

Ornamental fish culture, also known as aquariculture, is a significant industry globally, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and employment generation. India, particularly the northeastern region, is endowed with diverse indigenous ornamental fish species. However, the ornamental fish trade in India remains relatively underdeveloped. This study aimed to document the ornamental fish diversity in Khambrenga Beel, a freshwater wetland located near Guwahati City, Assam, India.
 From December 2022 to April 2023, fish samples were collected and photographed in the study area. Local knowledge and identification literature were utilized to identify the fish species, while the IUCN Red List was referenced to determine their conservation status. A total of 48 species belonging to 30 genera, 20 families, and 10 orders of ornamental fishes were recorded in Khambrenga Beel. The Cypriniformes and Perciformes orders were the most diverse, comprising 16 species each.
 The majority of the recorded species were categorized as least concern (LRlc), indicating a relatively stable conservation status. However, three species were categorized as near threatened (NT), one species as vulnerable (VU), and one species as endangered (EN). The abundance of ornamental fishes varied across different sampling sites and seasons, reflecting the influence of habitat heterogeneity and seasonal dynamics.
 The findings highlight the importance of conserving Khambrenga Beel's unique ecosystem and its diverse ornamental fish species. Conservation measures such as habitat protection and sustainable fishing practices are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of these species. This study provides valuable information for the development of conservation strategies to protect the ornamental fish populations in Khambrenga Beel, thereby contributing to the overall conservation of indigenous ornamental fishes in India.

A Preliminary Checklist of Fish Species in the Peat Swamp Forest of Ayer Hitam Utara State Park Forest, Johor, Malaysia

Ayer Hitam Utara State Park Forest (AHUSPF) is an invaluable sanctuary in Johor, the last remaining intact peat swamp forest reserve that hosts many species unique to this distinctive habitat. Some rapid surveys conducted from 2019 to 2022 recorded 40 species of freshwater fish within AHUSPF. Notably, 11 are stenotopic to acid blackwater, and 12 are stenotopic to acid water, most belonging to the family Osphronemidae and Danionidae. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List has designated two species, Encheloclarias curtisoma and Betta persephone, as Endangered, while Betta omega is classified as Critically Endangered. The checklist presented herein was first produced from an inventory study in AHUSPF. The preservation of peat swamp forests in the area is under imminent threat due to the alarming rate of land conversion, forest fires, and the recent potential threat from the red-claw crayfish invasion in the aquatic environment. Hence, continuous monitoring is vital for documenting and updating the conservation status of the fish species. These endeavours will facilitate the development of practical conservation approaches to ensure the long-term sustainability of AHUSPF and its associated species.

Conservation and Population Status of Freshwater Fishes from Kelekar River, South Sumatra, Indonesia

This study assessed the conservation and population status of the fish species collected from the Kelekar river. This study was conducted between May 2022 and June 2023. A total of 1.267 fish belonging to 49 species and 19 families were recorded. Cyprinidae was found to be the richest family (18 species) followed by Osphronemidae (5 species), Channidae (4 species), Siluridae (3 species), Bagridae, Claridae, Pangasidae, Pristolepidae (2 species), and others (1 species). The Shannon-Weiner diversity index was 3.547. The Simpson’s dominance index was 0.035, and the Evenness index was 0.921. The biodiversity index of the Kelekar river was in the high category. Base on the latest IUCN red list, one species as data deficient, forty-three species as least concern, two species as near threatened, two species as vulnerable, and one species as critically endangered. The IUCN based population status of fish species present in the Kelekar River was unknown (35%), stable (47%), and decreasing (18%).