Conservation Status Research Articles

A conservation assessment of birds in the Karoo region of South Africa: densities, populations, ranges, and trend estimates

The Karoo region of South Africa, which includes the Succulent and Nama Karoo biomes, supports a unique avian fauna, with ten bird species occurring exclusively in this arid-zone region and many others exhibiting a strong preference for this habitat. To better determine the conservation status of these birds, we conducted point counts to estimate population densities of bird species occurring in the South African Karoo region in 2017 and 2018. We also used data of the South African Bird Atlas Projects (SABAP2) to estimate the species’ ranges and to determine population trends. Although the population densities are naturally low for most species, their ranges are very large, and reporting-rate trends appear stable for most species. Our analysis reveals that none of the Karoo bird species are currently of serious conservation concern. However, the Red Lark Calendulauda burra and Sclater’s Lark Spizocorys sclateri should be considered regionally Near Threatened as they are habitat specialists with inferred declining populations and are not currently protected within any designated conservation areas. Given the rapid transformation of landscapes linked to mining and alternative energy developments currently underway in the Karoo, combined with the poor representation of bird species in protected areas, it is imperative that special attention be paid to the conservation of bird species endemic to the Karoo, and that appropriate mitigation measures be taken by developers.

Two new species of Lomandra (Asparagaceae: Lomandroideae) from north Queensland, Australia

Lomandra scabrifolia Jian Wang ter & B.Gray, sp. nov. and Lomandra tenuis Jian Wang ter & B.Gray, sp. nov. from north Queensland, Australia are described, illustrated and compared to the morphologically and phylogenetically closely related species. Notes are provided on their distributions including a map, habitat, phenology and affinities. Their conservation status is also assessed.

Comparing the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of two sampling methods for monitoring carabid beetle diversity, species assemblages and conservation status in an alpine grassland

Comparing the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of two sampling methods for monitoring carabid beetle diversity, species assemblages and conservation status in an alpine grassland

A new species of Croton sect. Geiseleria (Euphorbiaceae) from Brazil, supported by macro- and micromorphological data

Taxonomic studies on the genus Croton in the Midwest region of Brazil enabled the analysis of about 700 collections from all over the country. Three of these collections were identified as a new species, Croton piriquetifolius, which is described and illustrated here. We also give a preliminary evaluation of its conservation status, provide data on flowering and fruiting seasons, geographic distribution environmental preferences, as well as its systematic position. The new species is compared macro- and micromorphologically with C. adamantinus, C. glandulosus and C. eremophilus, with which it resembles or has been confused in herbaria. Morphological (e.g., presence, shape, and location of the acropetiolar nectaries, presence, and distribution of glands on stipules, presence, and size of pedicel on pistillate flower, integrity of styles, type, and location of trichomes) and anatomical (e.g., disposition of the stomata, contour of petiole and midrib, organization of vascular bundles, type of mesophyll, and types of trichomes) characters serve to differentiate the species studied.

Molecular phylogenetic studies on Asparagus (Asparagaceae) revealed the position of the highly endangered Irano-Turkish halophytic species A. lycaonicus P.H.Davis related to A. officinalis L.

Asparagus lycaonicus P.H.Davis (Asparagaceae), a highly interesting halophytic species was found in two disjunct populations of ca. 1550 km aerial distance, one in Central Anatolia (Bolluk Salt Lake) and the other in Central Iran (Meyghan Salt Lake). Using one nuclear phytochrome C (PHYC) and two plastid regions (trnH-psbA and trnD-T) the phylogenetic position of this Irano-Turkish endemic species was studied. In contrast to low resolution of plastid sequences, the PHYC provides good resolution for understanding species level phylogeny in SW Asian Asparagus. Molecular data confirms a conspecific position of the two disjunct localities in Turkey and Iran and their position in a clade containing cultivated Asparagus and many other Irano-Turkish species. Asparagus lycaonicus is extremely rare in Iran and since its discovery in 1986, it has never been rediscovered in Iran, even in its initial collection site. Intensive land use activities, water level changes and the passage of Arak wastewater into the Meyghan Salt Lake area has drastically changed the habitat of A. lycaonicus and might have caused its extinction. Since its discovery in 1960 in Turkey, the species is only found in a small area around and inside a sodic extraction factory around Bolluk Lake. Considering the critical condition of its populations in Iran and Turkey, we evaluate the conservation status of Asparagus lycaonicus as Critically Endangered (CR). In conclusion we urge the authorities to implement in situ measures for conservation and restoration of the habitats of A. lycaonicus, a halophytic species related to cultivated Asparagus. The taxonomic status of some newly described Asparagus from Iran is discussed with reducing A. touranensis Hamdi & Assadi to synonym of A. griffithii Baker., A. khorasanensis Hamdi & Assadi to synonym of A. breslerianus Schult. & Schult.f, and Asparagus bojnurdensis Hamdi & Assadi to synonym of A. verticillatus L.

Comolia paraensis (Melastomataceae), a striking new species of Marcetieae endemic to Pará, Brazil

During the preparation of the taxonomic review of Comolia, some taxonomic novelties were found. Here we describe Comolia paraensis, a new species endemic to the Brazilian state of Pará, preliminary categorized as Endangered. This species occurs in the campinas around Oriximiná and in the stony Amazonian savannas of Monte Alegre and Óbidos. Comolia paraensis is morphologically similar to C. kuhlmannii and C. veronicifolia, two taxonomic entities that here were considered distinct from C. villosa. Comolia paraensis is illustrated, compared with similar species, and notes on its geographic distribution and preliminary conservation status are provided. We also discuss the succulence found in the branches of the population from Monte Alegre, something unprecedented within Marcetieae, but commonly reported in Pyramieae and Sonerileae.

Cheniella tsoongii (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae), a rare, critically endangered new species from southern China

We describe here a rare, critically endangered new species of the genus Cheniella from Guangdong province of southern China. Cheniella tsoongii is morphologically similar to C. corymbosa, and can be distinguished by having a combination of deeply-bilobed hairy leaves, white flowers, shorter hypanthia, yellow anthers, and densely ferruginous-tomentose inflorescence rachides, pedicles and hypanthia. We suggest assessing the conservation status of the species as Critically Endangered (CR) as it possesses an extremely high risk of extinction based on the rapid population declines during the last century and, only no more than 10 individuals remain in an environmentally unprotected area now. Urgent conservation studies and actions are necessary to prevent the extinction of this species.

Pteridophytes and lycophytes from Osomba Hills, Cross River National Park, Nigeria

Pteridophytes and lycophytes from Osomba Hills, a biodiversity hotspot in Nigeria, were collected using a transect method. Floristic sampling was done in six 100 m transects and elevation range of 170 m – 405 m above sea level where each transect consisted of five 10 m × 10 m quadrats spaced 10 m apart. Fieldwork was performed during the dry (February) and wet seasons (July) in 2022. F ifty species from 22 genera in the nine families Adiantaceae, Aspleniaceae, Cyatheaceae, Dennstaedtiaceae, Hymenophylaceae, Polypodiaceae, Pteridaceae, Schizaeaceae and Selaginellaceae were recorded. The lycophytes were represented by only one family, the Selaginellaceae, while the remaining eight families are pteridophytes. The family with the highest number of species was Polypodiaceae (21), while Cyatheaceae and Schizaeaceae recorded only 1 species each. Nine species were collected only in the dry season while 20 species were collected during the wet season. The remaining 21 species were identified in both dry and wet seasons. T he tree fern Alsophila camerooniana (Hook.) R. M. Tryon and the three species of Hymenophyllaceae were limited in range of occurrence. The diversity of these ferns was significant (P<0.05) within Osomba Hill. This variance was typified along latitudinal and temporal scales. The conservation status of 47 species were categorized as ‘Not Evaluated’. A comprehensive evaluation of the conservation status of these plants is recommended to enable the implementation of an appropriate conservation strategy by the management of the park.

Seminatural areas act as reservoirs of genetic diversity for crop pollinators and natural enemies across Europe

AbstractDespite increasing recognition of the importance of the multiple dimensions of biodiversity, including functional or genetic diversity as well as species diversity, most conservation studies on ecosystem service‐providing insects focus on simple diversity measures such as species richness and abundance. In contrast, relatively little is known about the genetic diversity and resilience of pollinators or natural enemies of crop pests to population fragmentation and local extinction. The genetic diversity and demographic dynamics of remnant populations of beneficial insects in agricultural areas can be a useful indicator proving additional insights into their conservation status, but this is rarely evaluated. Although gene flow between agricultural and seminatural areas is key to maintaining genetic diversity, its extent and directionality remain largely unexplored. Here, we apply a pan‐European sampling protocol to quantify genetic diversity and structure and assess gene flow between agricultural and nearby seminatural landscapes in populations of two key ecosystem service‐providing insect species, the lady beetle Coccinella septempunctata, an important predator of aphids and other crop pests, and the bee pollinator Andrena flavipes. We show that A. flavipes populations are genetically structured at the European level, whereas populations of C. septempunctata experience widespread gene flow across the continent and lack any defined genetic structure. In both species, we found that there is high genetic connectivity between populations established in croplands and nearby seminatural areas and, as a consequence, they harbor similar levels of genetic diversity. Interestingly, demographic models for some regions support asymmetric gene flow from seminatural areas to nearby agricultural landscapes. Collectively, our study demonstrates how seminatural areas can serve as genetic reservoirs of both pollinators and natural enemies for nearby agricultural landscapes, acting as sources for recurrent recolonization and, potentially, contributing to enhancing ecosystem service and crop production resilience in the longer term.

To conserve African tropical forests, invest in the protection of its most endangered group of monkeys, red colobus

AbstractForest loss and overhunting are eroding African tropical biodiversity and threatening local human food security, livelihoods, and health. Emblematic of this ecological crisis is Africa's most endangered group of monkeys, the red colobus (genus Piliocolobus). All 17 species, found in forests from Senegal in the west to the Zanzibar archipelago in the east, are threatened with extinction. Red colobus are among the most vulnerable mammals to gun hunting, typically disappearing from heavily hunted forests before most other large‐bodied animals. Despite their conservation status, they are rarely a focus of conservation attention and continue to be understudied. However, red colobus can act as critical barometers of forest health and serve as flagships for catalyzing broader African tropical forest conservation efforts. We offer a plan for conservation of red colobus and their habitats and discuss conservation and policy implications.

Rediscover of the Iranian endemic alpine Arenaria bulica after 139 years and note of the related species (Caryophyllaceae)

The Zagros Mountain range is one of the biodiversity centers with the highest percent of endemic species in Iran. There are several peaks with more than 4000 m high in Zagros hosting many rare alpine species. Arenaria is one of the morphological complicated genera with a large number of species and endemism in SW-Asia with an high species concentration in Turkey and Iran. By recollecting the rare and endemic species of Arenaria bulica from locus classicus after 139 years and examining the herbarium specimens, it was found that the two species, A. minutissima and A. semiromica can be considered as its synonyms. A detailed description, original photos, habitat, distribution map, phytogeography, conservation status, seed micromorphology and growth form have been provided and discussed.

Ophiorrhiza paralatiflora (Rubiaceae), a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China

Ophiorrhiza paralatiflora, a new species of Rubiaceae from limestone areas of Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to O. alatiflora, but differs from the latter by having an inflorescence that is erect from the youngest developmental stage (versus initially drooping then gradually erect), subulate bract (versus linear or linear‐lanceolate) absent or shorter than 3 mm (versus obvious, 5–15 mm long). It also resembles O. cantonensis, but can be distinguished from the latter by the same characters as from O. alatiflora, plus by having a corolla tube with ca 1 mm (versus 0.3 mm) wide wings outside along its entire length (versus from near apex to the middle part). The conservation status was assessed as ‘Least Concern' (LC) according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Petrorhagia dubia subsp. mustafanus (Caryophyllaceae), a new subspecies from Turkey

Petrorhagia dubia subsp. mustafanus (Caryophyllaceae) is described as a new subspecies from Dede mountain in Soma (Manisa), west Anatolia, Turkey. Diagnosis, description, preferential habitat, distribution, conservation status, and original photographs are given, as well as a comparison with the similar P. dubia subsp. dubia is discussed.

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 tentative list of reptilian fauna of Algeria and their conservation status

Algeria is situated at the crossroads between Europe and Africa. The northern part of the country is listed as an area of high biodiversity. Currently, the ecosystems (rivers, lakes, deserts, forests etc.) and the species are under more pressure than ever. The impact of humans is significant and many factors constitute a strong threat to this fauna, especially reptiles, which are the most vulnerable because of their low mobility. Thus, pollution, the drying up of wetlands and their conversion to agriculture have clearly affected the existence of many species. The herpetofauna of Algeria is one of the most diversified in the Mediterranean Basin, consisting of 104 species of which 16.98% are endemic. We suppose that the present list of reptilian fauna provided in this paper is not exhaustive and it is expected to include more species given the lack of research on reptiles in Algeria and its large area. Our dataset contains information on reptile occurrences in Algeria. The dataset is based on original research by the staff of the Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Agroecology of Chadli Bendjedid University in Algeria. The conservation status of all recorded species is given.

Does the State of Scientific Knowledge and Legal Regulations Sufficiently Protect the Environment of River Valleys?

The pressure of human activity in river valley environments has always been high. Even today, despite the increasing awareness of societies around the world regarding the need to protect water and biodiversity, there are concerns that the current river valley management systems are insufficient. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the state of knowledge about the soils and forest ecosystems of river valleys in terms of the possibility of protecting river valley environments. This study used data obtained from the Forest Data Bank (FDB) database, which focuses on forests in Poland. After analyzing 17,820 forest sections where the soils were described as fluvisols, it was found that forest areas associated with fluvisols (typical, fertile soils of river valleys) are quite well recognized and protected in Poland. Most (55%) forested fluvisols are located in Natura 2000 sites (an important European network of biodiversity hotspots), 4% in nature reserves, and 1% in national parks. Additionally, the main forest habitat type associated with fluvisols is riparian forest, composed mainly of Quercus, Ulmus, and Fraxinus, which is protected as Natura 2000 habitat type 91F0. Preserving the sustainability of the forest is also a form of soil protection. Despite the identification of soils and forests in river valleys, as well as appropriate legal tools, their protection may be ineffective due to the fragmentation of forms of protection and the lack of a coherent system for managing river valleys. Because the conservation status of the river valleys is also influenced by the management of areas located outside the river valleys, in order to protect river valley ecosystems, integrated conservation plans for entire catchments should be implemented. Due to potential conflicts related to the management of areas with diverse expectations of local communities, it would be advisable for such plans to be created by local experts but under the supervision of a specialist/specialists from outside the area covered by a given river basin.

Population genomic history of the endangered Anatolian and Cyprian mouflons in relation to worldwide wild, feral and domestic sheep lineages.

Once widespread in their homelands, the Anatolian mouflon (Ovis gmelini anatolica) and the Cyprian mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion) were driven to near extinction during the 20th century and are currently listed as endangered populations by the IUCN. While the exact origins of these lineages remain unclear, they have been suggested to be close relatives of domestic sheep or remnants of proto-domestic sheep. Here, we study whole genome sequences of n = 5 Anatolian mouflons and n = 10 Cyprian mouflons in terms of population history and diversity, comparing them to eight other extant sheep lineages. We find reciprocal genetic affinity between Anatolian and Cyprian mouflons and domestic sheep, higher than all other studied wild sheep genomes, including the Iranian mouflon (Ovis gmelini). Studying diversity indices, we detect a considerable load of short runs of homozygosity (ROH) blocks (<2 Mb) in both Anatolian and Cyprian mouflons, reflecting small effective population size (Ne). Meanwhile, Ne as well as mutation load estimates are lower in Cyprian compared to Anatolian mouflons, suggesting the purging of recessive deleterious variants in Cyprian sheep under a small long-term Ne, possibly attributable to founder effects, island isolation, introgression from domestic lineages, or differences in their bottleneck dynamics. Expanding our analyses to worldwide wild and feral Ovis genomes, we observe varying viability metrics among different lineages, and a limited consistency between viability metrics and IUCN conservation status. Factors such as recent inbreeding, introgression, and unique population dynamics may have contributed to the observed disparities.

Reinstatement and lectotypification of Phyllanthus rosellus (Phyllanthaceae), an endemic species from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Phyllanthus rosellus, an endemic species from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, was treated under Phyllanthus niruri subsp. lathyroides. After analyzing herbarium collections, including all types related to the names P. niruri and P. rosellus, we conclude that both species are morphologically distinguishable, and consequently we propose the reinstatement of P. rosellus. Additionally, as the latter is a species usually known from literature dating from the 19th century, where its description overlaps with that of some congeners, we provide its description, illustrations, preliminary conservation status, images in their habitat, as well as designate a lectotype for it.

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.

Ecological values of Ourkiss wetland (Oum El Bouaghi province - Algeria), an overview of waterbirds diversity and richness

The monitoring of waterbirds’ abundance and richness serves as the primary method for scientists to characterize the ecological values and diversity profile of wetlands. This survey was specifically conducted in Ourkiss wetland, situated in the Oum El Bouaghi province of East Algeria, spanning from January to May 2013. The study aimed to elucidate the ecological significance of Ourkiss wetland by analyzing various parameters, including the abundance, richness, diversity profile, and conservation status of its waterbird population. A total of 23 species, representing 11 families, were documented during the survey period, with Anatidae and Rallidae emerging as the most prevalent taxa. Notably, Ourkiss wetland exhibited two distinct populations: the “wintering population” and the “breeding population,” with significant waterbird activity observed during migration between the northern and southern regions. The presence of the endangered species Oxyura leucocephala further underscores the ecological importance of this wetland. Noteworthy peaks in waterbird diversity were particularly observed in April, as indicated by richness and Shannon indices. To safeguard the ecological integrity of Ourkiss wetland, it is strongly recommended to intensify conservation efforts and implement effective management plans.