Conservation Status Of Species Research Articles

A review of threatened plant species utilization, conservation status and distribution in the Vhembe biosphere reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa

A review of threatened plant species utilization, conservation status and distribution in the Vhembe biosphere reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa

Leaping Forward or Crawling Backward? Efforts and Biases in Amphibian and Reptile Research on a Megadiverse Faunal Region in the Philippines

Research efforts to protect Philippine biodiversity have increased significantly. However, there is an imbalance in the distribution of published studies, with specific territories receiving more attention than others. Mindanao, a southern Philippine group of islands, is known for its high levels of endemism for amphibians and reptiles. Despite this, research on these groups remains scattered. To address this gap, we conducted a literature review focusing on amphibians and reptiles in the Mindanao faunal region. We found an increasing effort towards herpetofauna over the two decades, yet there is a clear bias in the effort towards amphibians compared to reptiles. Furthermore, we found that amphibians have a significantly higher species threat index than reptiles and all other vertebrate groups, regardless of species endemism and conservation status. Yet, threatened herpetofauna species and those facing greater threats are poorly studied in general. Understanding the factors driving research biases in Mindanao and the Philippines is essential to allow us to redirect research efforts to the most needed areas, particularly understudied and neglected taxa in Mindanao. This is especially urgent in the face of a changing climate, where diverse herpetofauna communities are at an increased risk of extinction. Consequently, by bridging these gaps in biodiversity information, we can effectively contribute to the conservation and understanding of biodiversity in the region.

Diversity, distribution and conservation status of mangrove species in Pulias Bay, Indonesia

As an ecosystem, the mangrove ecosystem serves various purposes. The objectives of this study are to (1) identify the community structure of the important value index; and (2) evaluate the importance of the mangrove species diversity index in Pulias Bay in Ogodeide District, Tolitoli Regency. The study was conducted in 2021 using a quantitative descriptive methodology and survey method. The number of discovered species will be used to establish the species composition. The structure of the mangrove communities is being evaluated by calculating the relative density (RD) and frequency (FR). The data is tabulated to calculate the Important Value Index (IVI) value according to the Shannon-Wiener formula. There were 18 different species of mangroves discovered, including Rhizophora apiculata, Rh. mucronata, Rh. stylosa, Bruguiera parviflora, B. gymnorrhiza, Ceriops tagal, C. decandra, Sonneratia alba, S. caseolaris, S. ovata, Avicennia lanata, Xylocarpus moluccensis, Acrostichum aureum, Nypa fruticans, and Pemphis acidula. The Rhizophoraceae family predominated at each observation station, according to the findings of the vegetation analysis. Meanwhile the most rarely found species of mangrove were Acrostichum aureum, Sonneratia casiolaris, and Xylocarpus moluccensis, each with two specimens. The community structure reveals that X. moluccensis has the lowest IVI value of 12.7%, while Rhizophora mucronata has an IVI value of 101.3%. The mangrove Diversity Index (H') has a value of 2.48 and meets the standards for moderate diversity. Physical and chemical parameter measurements often indicate that the four stations or sites where the data was collected have similar conditions. Interestingly, we also found Avicennia lanata, a mangrove species that falls under the Vulnerable category. The collected information can be used to manage the mangrove forest in Pulias Bay in the Ogodeide Sub-District of the Tolitoli Regency and serve as a database for efforts to conserve mangroves and mitigate the effects of global warming.

Transboundary conservation opportunities for Cerrado's plant species

Cerrado is considered one of the world's most threatened and floristically diverse tropical savannas. Distribution of the Cerrado flora comprises three countries: Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay; consequently, opportunities to conserve it require a transboundary effort. We aimed to (i) explore the relationship between a representative portion of Cerrado flora (8611 species), natural cover loss, and three country boundaries; and (ii) identify priority areas to expand protected areas at national and transboundary levels considering the different species conservation status, countries' governance, and natural cover loss. We modeled the distribution of Cerrado species for the three countries and overlapped species ranges with country boundaries to calculate species ranges shared between countries and the degree of endemicity. We identified national and transboundary priority regions to expand protected areas. We found that the areas with the highest plant richness are distributed in the central part of the Cerrado and Campos Rupestres Mountain Savanna ecoregions in Brazil (>8500 for the whole country). Bolivia ranked second in species richness (>4300), followed by Paraguay (>3700). The most anthropized areas in Brazil overlapped with regions predicted to foster the highest biodiversity. Conversely, such patterns were opposite in Bolivia and Paraguay, which harbored regions with high opportunities for Cerrado flora conservation. Transboundary prioritization suggested slightly higher species protection, including threatened and endemic species. Restoring some regions primarily in Brazil will be necessary to protect 30 % or 50 % of the study area. Together, the three countries can support more comprehensive conservation actions for the great diversity of the Cerrado flora.

The diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit species in Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Suwardi AB, Syamsuardi, Mukhtar E, Nurainas. 2023. The diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit species in Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 3245-3257. Sumatra Island is recognized as the distribution center of tropical fruit species in Indonesia. However, increased human activity threatens the existence of edible wild fruit plants in nature. The study aims to assess the diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit plant species in Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted in four provinces: West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, and Bengkulu. For the sampling, a modified line transect method was used. A total of 331 wild edible fruit plant species at four studied sites in Sumatra consisted of 73 families. The highest number of fruit plant species was recorded in West Sumatra Province, i.e., 176 species, followed by Jambi (172 species), Riau (121 species), and Bengkulu (76 species). The diversity of wild edible fruit plant species was higher in West Sumatra Province (3.85) but lower in Riau Province (3.25). Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr., Baccaurea lanceolata (Miq.) Müll.Arg., Baccaurea macrocarpa (Miq.) Müll.Arg., Baccaurea polyneura Hook.f., Garcinia atroviridis Griff. ex T.Anderson, Garcinia xanthochymus Hook.fil. ex J.Anderson, Mangifera foetida Lour., Mangifera laurina Blume, Mangifera odorata Griff., and Pometia pinnata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. were the most frequently recorded wild fruit plant species in all of the study area. However, 74 wild edible fruit plant species were recorded only in West Sumatra, 45 in Riau, 79 in Jambi, and 9 in Bengkulu. Among the 331 wild edible fruit species in the present study, 1 taxon was classified as endangered (0.30%), 9 taxa (2.72%) as vulnerable, 11 taxa (3.32%) as near threatened, and 139 taxa (41.99%) as least concern, and 171 taxa (51.67%) as Data Deficient.

Contrasting range changes of terrestrial orchids under future climate change in China

Climate change has impacted the distribution and abundance of numerous plant and animal species during the last century. Orchidaceae is one of the largest yet most threatened families of flowering plants. However, how the geographical distribution of orchids will respond to climate change is largely unknown. Habenaria and Calanthe are among the largest terrestrial orchid genera in China and around the world. In this paper, we modeled the potential distribution of eight Habenaria species and ten Calanthe species in China under the near-current period (1970–2000) and the future period (2081–2100) to test the following two hypotheses: 1) narrow-ranged species are more vulnerable to climate change than wide-ranged species; 2) niche overlap between species is positively correlated with their phylogenetic relatedness. Our results showed that most Habenaria species will expand their ranges, although the climatic space at the southern edge will be lost for most Habenaria species. In contrast, most Calanthe species will shrink their ranges dramatically. Contrasting range changes between Habenaria and Calanthe species may be explained by their differences in climate-adaptive traits such as underground storage organs and evergreen/deciduous habits. Habenaria species are predicted to generally shift northwards and to higher elevations in the future, while Calanthe species are predicted to shift westwards and to higher elevations. The mean niche overlap among Calanthe species was higher than that of Habenaria species. No significant relationship between niche overlap and phylogenetic distance was detected for both Habenaria and Calanthe species. Species range changes in the future was also not correlated with their near current range sizes for both Habenaria and Calanthe. The results of this study suggest that the current conservation status of both Habenaria and Calanthe species should be adjusted. Our study highlights the importance of considering climate-adaptive traits in understanding the responses of orchid taxa to future climate change.

<i>Pinalia elata</i> (Eriinae) — taxonomic and conservation assessments of a lesser-known narrow endemic orchid from Peninsular Malaysia


 
 
 Pinalia elata is an attractive endemic species of Peninsular Malaysia, known from only six localities within the Titiwangsa mountain range where it is confined to montane vegetation. However, four of these localities are now threatened by anthropogenic factors, raising concerns about the ongoing survival of this endemic species in the wild. Despite efforts to understand the conservation status of Malaysian orchid species, there remains much work to be done, particularly for endemic species confined to remote and mountainous areas. Therefore, this paper provides a detailed morphological description, photographic illustrations for easy identification of the species, and a conservation assessment based on the IUCN Classification Criteria. Morphologically, P. elata can be easily distinguished from the other Pinalia species in Peninsular Malaysia by its erect inflorescences with well-spaced, closed flowers along the apical half, subtended by prominently large purplish-brown bracts. The flowers resemble buds with the labellum hidden by the petals and sepals. A preliminary risk-of-extinction assessment categorizes P. elata as critically endangered, CR A2acd C2a(i) D, according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
 
 

Conserving useful plants for a sustainable future: species coverage, spatial distribution, and conservation status within the Millennium Seed Bank collection

A substantially rich diversity of the world’s recorded useful plants (UPs) is captured within the Millennium Seed Bank collection hosted by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, at Wakehurst, UK with 13,598 species (34%) belonging to 3696 genera and 325 families. This constitutes just over half of the total accessions and one third of the species and covers all 9 continents, 8 realms, 14 biomes, 34 biodiversity hotspots and 175 countries. The most common beneficial use category within the captured diversity is medicinal, then species with environmental, material, and human food value. About 86% of conserved UP species have a ‘Least Concern’ conservation status but 8% are identified as globally threatened. The advantages of mutual, continued, and long-term partnership (e.g., Mexico) are showcased when conserving plants important for local communities and addressing conservation challenges beyond seed banking. However, the geographic coverage suffers from a lack of partnerships with some parts of the world. Also, a low number of accessions contributed from many countries means that insufficient native range is yet to be captured for many species. This is particularly the case for restricted or narrow distribution species from families or genera with a high incidence of recalcitrant or short-lived seeds. Future planning must tailor better to cover the spatial distribution patterns for individual species, thereby improving the number of accessions and geographical coverage for those captured. Moreover, seed biology research should characterise desiccation tolerance and develop complementary, novel conservation methods, such as cryopreservation, to strengthen conservation options for UP species.

Potential hotspots of amphibian roadkill risk in Spain

We test a forecasting strategy to identify potential hotspots of amphibian roadkill, combining the spatial distribution of amphibians, their relative risk of collision with vehicles and data on road density in Spain. We extracted a large dataset from studies reporting road casualties of 39 European amphibian species and then estimated the ‘relative roadkill risk’ of species as the frequency of occurrence of casualties for each amphibian and standardized by the range of distribution of the species in Europe. Using a map with the spatial distribution of Spanish amphibians at a spatial resolution of 10 × 10 Km squares, we estimated the ‘cumulative relative risk of roadkill’ for each amphibian assemblage as the sum of risk estimates previously calculated for each species. We also calculated the total length of roads in each square (road density). Finally, combining all layers of information, we elaborated a forecasting map highlighting the potential amphibian roadkill risk across Spain. Our findings are relevant to suggest areas that should be focused on at more detailed spatial scales. Additionally, we found that the frequency of roadkill was unrelated to the evolutionary distinctiveness score and conservation status of amphibian species, while was positively correlated with their distribution range.

The diversity and conservation status of snakes in the eastern part of PT GAN, Riau Province

PT Global Alam Nusantara (GAN) is one of ecosystem restoration concessions in Kampar Peninsula managed by Riau Ecosystem Restoration (RER). Unlike other companies under RER, information on the diversity of snake species in PT GAN is not yet available. Therefore, this study aims to determine the diversity and conservation status of snake species in PT GAN. There are 4 transects are placed systematically based on habitat conditions. Two transects are located near the river (transect 1 and transect 2), the other two transects are far from the river and are located around the peat dome (transect 3 and transect 4). Observations were made using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method on four observation transects. Data analysis used the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') and the Sorensen Index (IS). The snakes found were 16 individuals, belonging to three families and 11 species, namely: Ahaetulla prasina, Boiga jaspidae, Boiga cynodon, Boiga drapiezii, Coelognathus flavolineatus, Dendrelaphis caudolineatus, Dryocalamus subannulatus, Lycodon subcintus, Sibynophis melanochepalus, Tripodolaemus wagleri, and Calliophis bivirgatus. The diversity of snakes in PT GAN was moderate with a low Sorensen similarity index. All snake species found are unprotected, with low-risk IUCN status, and have not been included in the CITES appendix.

The bycatch of piramutaba, Brachyplatystoma vaillantii industrial fishing in a salinity and depth gradient in the Amazon estuary, Brazil

ABSTRACT The piramutaba, Brachyplatystoma vaillantii is a freshwater catfish that is the most abundant fishery resource in the Amazon estuary. Piramutaba trawling is done on industrial fishing scale and is characterized by the presence of many freshwater and marine bycatch species, with and without commercial value. Here we describe the bycatch of the industrial fishery of piramutaba in the Amazon estuary and evaluate the relationship of two important environmental factors, depth and salinity, with the accidental capture of freshwater and marine fishes in the Amazon estuary in the rainy and dry seasons. We identified 21 cartilaginous fish species (19.1% freshwater and 80.9% marine) and 125 bony fish species (25.6% freshwater and 74.4% marine). The bycatch included 64 species without commercial value (43% of all bycatch species), which are always discarded. Freshwater and estuarine fishes exhibited significantly higher abundances in shallower environments, while marine fishes were similarly abundant along the entire depth gradient. On the contrary, the abundance of freshwater fishes significantly decreased, and that of estuarine and marine fishes significantly increased with increasing salinity. Regarding the conservation status of the bycatch species, one is classified as vulnerable (VU), and seven as critically endangered (CR). The information on the bycatch of piramutaba fishery in the Amazon estuary is important to subsidize regional fisheries policies and the management of protected areas.

Anatomy, ecology, and behavior of a new species of Scleronema Eigenmann, 1917 (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from coastal drainages in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, with comments on the monophyly and phylogeny of the genus.

A new species of Scleronema (Trichomycteridae) is described from the lowlands of three coastal river basins in the Atlantic Forest of the Santa Catarina state, Southern Brazil. Aspects of the anatomy, reproduction, diet, feeding behavior and habitat of the new species are described and discussed in comparison with related taxa. The conservation status of the new species, which currently faces several threats due to environmental impacts on its region of occurrence, is established. Based on characteristics observed in the new species, as well as in most of its congeners, the phylogenetic position and monophyly of Scleronema are discussed and traits considered synapomorphic for the subgenera Plesioscleronema and Scleronema are reviewed. The monophyly of the genus Scleronema is supported by a new synapomorphy. In addition, two new synapomorphies, one of which based on behavior, are suggested for the subgenus Scleronema, justifying the inclusion of the new species. Within the subgenus Scleronema, the new species is assigned to the S. minutum group, which currently includes the majority of species of the genus, due to the presence of synapomorphic traits related to the body shape, maxillary barbel, skin flap of the opercle, caudal and pectoral fins, as well as osteological features of the lower jaw, hyoid arch, and postcranial axial skeleton. The species herein described differs from all its congeners by a combination of characters from various morphological complexes, which are described in detail using different methodologies, including radiography, whole-specimen clearing and double-staining procedures, and tridimensional computer nanotomography (3D nano-CT).

Endemic Bamboo (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) of the Lesser Sunda Islands

More than 40 species of bamboo were known from the Lesser Sunda Islands (LSI), including several endemic species. Endemic species are often highly specialized, found in limited geographical areas, and vulnerable to extinction if their habitat is destroyed. This study aimed to provide an account of endemic bamboo species on the LSI. Fieldwork involved collecting samples of bamboo in the LSI. Herbarium specimens of bamboo deposited in the Herbarium Bogoriense (BO), collected from the LSI were examined, and endemic LSI species were recorded. The conservation status followed the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list categories and criteria. The conservation status of unassessed species was evaluated using IUCN red list categories and criteria. A spatial analysis was also conducted. Data were analyzed and presented descriptively. There are 10 endemic bamboo species in the LSI, namely Bambusa ooh Widjaja & Astuti from Bali (conservation status: endangered), Chloothamnus reholttumianus (Soenarko) Widjaja from Sumba (vulnerable), C. schmutzii (S.Dransf.) Widjaja from Sumbawa and Flores (near threatened), Dinochloa kostermansiana S.Dransf. from Sumba and Flores (near threatened), D. sepang Widjaja & Astuti from Bali (vulnerable), Fimbribambusa rifaiana Widjaja from Alor (near threatened), Gigantochloa aya Widjaja & Astuti from Bali (vulnerable), G. baliana Widjaja & Astuti from Bali (vulnerable), G. taluh Widjaja & Astuti from Bali (vulnerable), and Schizostachyum purpureum Damayanto & Widjaja from Sumba (data deficient). They can be found at an altitude of 20–1700 m in various habitats, including forests, bamboo forests, villages, botanical gardens, along a road, slopes, valleys, riverbanks, and around a lake.

Primulajiaozishanensis (Primulaceae), a new species in Primula sect. Petiolares subsect. Davidii from Yunnan, China.

Primulajiaozishanensis Z.K.Wu, W.H.Yang & Yuan Wu, a new species of Primulaceae is described and illustrated from Jiaozi Snow Mountain of Dongchuan District, Yunnan, China. Morphological evidence supports P.jiaozishanensis as a member of P.sect.Petiolaressubsect.Davidii, which is characterized by firmly papery or leathery leaves, with veins impressed adaxially, often prominently raised and alveolate abaxially. The new species is characterized by having long and stout rhizomes, smaller leaves with short petioles, short or almost obsolete scape, and larger flowers. The distribution, phenology and conservation status of the new species are also provided.

Diversity, distribution, and conservation status of fish species in Kallar Stream, Achankovil River, Western Ghats of Kerala, India

The current study presents the findings of fish species inventories conducted at 12 locations in ‘Kallar’, the perennial tributary of the undammed Achankovil River that flows through the Achankovil Reserve Forest in Kerala State. A new checklist of ichthyofauna is prepared, by adding the updated scientific names, which comprises 35 species from 27 genera, 13 families, and eight orders. In order of abundance, Opsarius bakeri, Salmostoma boopis, and Garra surendranathanii were the most prevalent species in the Kallar tributary. Eight of the total species documented are listed as threatened on IUCN Red List. The study reports the presence of a poorly known smiliogastrin cyprinid, Dawkinsia lepida for the first time in the Achankovil River as well as the range expansion of the threatened catfish, Batasio travancoria, and the Malabar Spiny Eel Macrognathus guentheri to the Kallar tributary. The study also reports a species of Balitora from Kallar, distinct from its congeners in several morphometric and meristic characteristics. The absence of any non-native fish species in the study area revealed the pristine nature of the stream habitat. A comparison of diversity indices with the available pre-flood study revealed that the fish species composition in Kallar stream has not altered as a result of the 2018 catastrophic flood. The main existing threat is the practice of destructive fishing at high levels by local communities adjacent to but outside the forest area during the dry season by damming the streamlets and then applying plant-based piscicides. It is recommended that fishing be banned during dry season because this is the time of year when the majority of the upstream fishes breed. The existing environment and fisheries acts should also be strictly enforced. For the sake of future conservation, the competent authorities should see to it that the last remaining natural forest cover in the Kanayar and Kallar ranges are safeguarded from being converted to forest plantations.

Assigning trend-based conservation status despite high uncertainty.

Estimates of temporal trends in species' occupancy are essential for conservation policy and planning, but limitations to the data and models often result in very high trend uncertainty. A critical source of uncertainty that degrades scientific credibility is that caused by disagreement among studies or models. Modelers are aware of this uncertainty but usually only partially estimate it and communicate it to decision makers. At the same time, there is growing awareness that full disclosure of uncertainty is critical for effective translation of science into policies and plans. But what are the most effective approaches to estimating uncertainty and communicating uncertainty to decision makers? We explored how alternative approaches to estimating and communicating uncertainty of species trends could affect decisions concerning conservation status of freshwater fishes. We used ensemble models to propagate trend uncertainty within and among models and communicated this uncertainty with categorical distributions of trend direction and magnitude. All approaches were designed to fit an established decision-making system used to assign species conservation status by the New Zealand government. Our results showed how approaches that failed to fully disclose uncertainty, while simplifying the information presented, could hamper species conservation or lead to ineffective decisions. We recommend an approach that was recently used effectively to communicate trend uncertainty to a panel responsible for setting the conservation status of New Zealand's freshwater fishes.

Centrosema flavescens (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae), a new species from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Background: Centrosema (Fabaceae) includes 35-44 species in the New World, 10 in Mexico, and 9 in the Yucatan Peninsula. Most species have trifoliolate leaves and bicolored flowers. Unifoliolate leaves are an infrequent character that is found in a few species, e.g., C. sagittatum (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Brandegee, but monochromatic flowers, e.g, lacking nectar guides, is even a more unusual character state. Several populations of a Centrosema from the Yucatan Peninsula share both character states, a combination that sets them apart from other members of the genus.
 Question: Is the Centrosema with unifoliolate leaves, alate petioles, and monochromatic flowers of the Yucatan Peninsula, a species distinct from the phenetically similar C. sagittatum?
 Studies species: Centrosema (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae).
 Study site and dates: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, 2021-2023.
 Methods: Botanical specimens were collected and determined taxonomically through the use of relevant literature, keys, and the consulting of botanical collections. The conservation status of the new species was assessed using the IUCN methodology.
 Results: The specimens collected do represent an undescribed species that differs from Centrosema sagittatum by its smaller, cream-yellow, monochromatic flowers. The species is assessed as Endangered (EN).
 Conclusions: A new species, Centrosema flavescens from the Yucatan Peninsula is proposed. Eleven species of Centrosema are now recognized in Mexico, nine in the Yucatan Peninsula. C. sagittatum does not occur in the Yucatan peninsula.

Defining Evolutionary Conservation Units in the Macedonian Crested Newt, Triturus macedonicus (Amphibia; Salamandridae), in a Biodiversity Hotspot

In this study, we used genetic approaches to assess the conservation status of a protected amphibian species, the Macedonian crested newt, Triturus macedonicus, in Northern Pindos National Park (Epirus, Greece). Mitochondrial DNA sequences and multilocus genotypes of individuals from 38 breeding sites were used to infer their phylogenetic position and to detect and measure genetic variation patterns, population genetic structure, and levels of gene flow. The examined individuals fell within two major clades of the Macedonian crested newt phylogeny, being geographically separated by the Aoos River valley and Vikos Gorge. Both groups constitute separate gene pools, bearing private haplotypes and alleles, and the groups were found to be highly differentiated in both their mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. Thus, they meet all of the criteria needed to be characterized as evolutionary significant units (ESUs) that deserve a separate conservation status. Within each ESU, the particularly high inter-population differentiation and low migration rates imply a lack of connectivity between breeding sites and local isolation in favorable habitats. Our results can inform future programs and actions towards the conservation and management of the Macedonian crested newt in the area.

Robber flies and hover flies (Insecta, Diptera, Asilidae and Syrphidae) in beech forests of the central Apennines: a contribution to the inventory of insect biodiversity in Italian State Nature Reserves.

The present paper describes a sampling-event dataset on species belonging to two families of Diptera (Syrphidae and Asilidae) collected between 2012 and 2019 in two Italian beech forests located in the central Apennines. The reference dataset consists of an annotated checklist and has been published on Zenodo. Syrphidae and Asilidae are two widespread and key ecological groups, including predator, pollinator and saproxylic species. Despite their pivotal role in both natural and man-made ecosystems, these families are still poorly known in terms of local distribution and open-access sampling-event data are rare in Italy. This open-access dataset includes 2,295 specimens for a total of 21 Asilidae and 65 Syrphidae species. Information about the collection (e.g. place, date, methods applied, collector) and the identification (e.g. species name, author, taxon ID) of the species is provided. Given the current biodiversity crisis, the publication of checklists, sampling-event data and datasets on insect communities in open-access repositories is highly recommended, as it represents the opportunity to share biodiversity information amongst different stakeholders. Moreover, such data are also a valuable source of information for nature reserve managers responsible for monitoring the conservation status of protected and endangered species and habitats and for evaluating the effects of conservation actions over time.

A new species of Centaurea sect. Acrocentron (Asteraceae, Cardueae) from Iran

Centaurea serowensis Negaresh, a new species of C. sect. Acrocentron from the West Azerbaijan Province of NW Iran, is described and illustrated. Diagnostic morphological characters of this and closely related taxa are discussed and presented. The ecology and conservation status of the new species are discussed. The geographic distribution of the new species and closely related species is also presented and mapped. In addition, a taxonomic key to the species of C. sect. Acrocentron in Iran is provided.