Conservation Status Research Articles

Arrojadoa bahiensis subsp. minutiflora (Cactaceae, Cactoideae), a new subspecies from the Brazilian flora

Arrojadoa bahiensis subsp. minutiflora is described on the basis of living collections and herbarium specimens. The new subspecies is considered endemic to the Brazilian Caatinga (Municipality of Piatã, Diamantina Plateau, Bahia State). Comments on its morphology in comparison with the similar taxa, as well as geographical distribution, phenology, habitat, conservation status, and original photographs are provided.

A new species of Miconia (Melastomataceae) with domatia from the Andean Cordilleras of Colombia

Abstract Miconia andinodomatia is proposed as a new species in the M. sect. Cremanium, from the mountains of Colombia, where it is widely distributed in the sub-Andean and Andean forests of the Western, Central, and Eastern Cordilleras of Colombia. Miconia andinodomatia is similar to several species, such as M. cremophylla, M. lehmannii, M. theaezans, M. tovarensis and M. turgida. However, it can be distinguished from all these by a combination of characters, including occurrence of leaf domatia, presence of a prominent interpetiolar line, and anthers with four terminal pores. The new species is herein formally described and illustrated, and its relationships to morphologically closely related taxa are discussed. An identification key to the species with leaf domatia placed in the Miconia III clade from Colombia is also provided. Additionally, comments about its distribution, ecology, habitat, floral biology, phenology, uses and conservation status are presented. Finally, the possible novel role played by domatia in the species is discussed.

Unaddressed hybridization between green (Bufotes viridis) and natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita) can lead to underestimation of genetic heterozygosity and inflated estimates of inbreeding

Abstract Hybridization is a major evolutionary process with significant consequences for the ecology and conservation of species and lineages. However, genetic studies that evaluate the level and influence of hybridization in wild populations of conservation concern remain scarce, despite recognition that unaddressed hybridization can bias results and lead to erroneous conclusions. Here, we explore how hybridization in mixed populations of the natterjack (Epidalea calamita) and green toads (Bufotes viridis) impacts the estimation of genetic parameters used to evaluate the conservation status of the regionally threatened natterjack toad. In order to determine the population structure of natterjack toads in the Central German Mining District near Leipzig (Germany) we have analysed 594 samples of bufonid eggs and tadpoles from eight different sites. Based on a detailed analysis of microsatellite loci, 392 individuals were determined as E. calamita, 158 as B. viridis and 44 as hybrids. Due to the high proportion of hybrids at some sites, estimates of inbreeding (FIS) in natterjack toads were biased towards higher values due to the detection of false homozygous individuals when hybrids were not removed from the dataset. Since inbreeding coefficients are a crucial parameter for population genetic analysis and biased estimates can give misleading results, our findings show that unaddressed hybridization can result in inflated estimates of inbreeding. This in turn, can lead to false conclusions that may ultimately misdirect conservation actions. We suggest that, if hybridization is documented for species pairs, it needs to be considered at an early stage when analysing populations.

Unravelling the Mexican Magnolia dealbata (Magnoliaceae) species complex

In the last two decades, approximately 80 new Magnolia species have been described from the Neotropics; thus this region now hosts almost half of the world’s known Magnolia diversity. Many of these likely are not segregate taxa but rather separate populations or groups of populations of the previously broadly circumscribed, widespread species. Such is possibly the case of the Magnolia dealbata species complex (belonging to Magnolia sect. Macrophylla), distributed throughout the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range in Eastern Mexico. This species complex has been divided into six morphospecies based on morphological criteria only. However, recent microsatellite markers have suggested that these may be a single entity. Considering geographical data and the isolation of populations, we hypothesised that the different morphospecies could form two entities, corresponding to the north and centre of the Sierra Madre Oriental. This hypothesis was tested by morphological observations, chloroplast comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of plastomes, angiosperm DNA plastid barcodes and Magnolia-specific plastid DNA barcodes from hypervariable regions. Phylogenetic results from plastomes and angiosperm DNA plastid barcodes refute the multispecies hypothesis and show that the six morphospecies of this complex inhabiting the Sierra Madre Oriental form a single entity. Evidence is also provided that the morphological characters used to delimit the morphospecies of the complex, mainly numbers of carpels and the absence-presence and colour of a spot in the petals, are, in fact, phenotypic variation and have no taxonomic significance. Therefore, the taxa M. alejandrae, M. nuevoleonensis, M. rzedowskiana, M. vovidesii and M. zotictla are synonymised here under M. dealbata. However, the possibility remains of including the latter as a variety of M. macrophylla, based on the results of the Magnolia-specific plastid DNA barcodes. Furthermore, this study proposes an updated conservation status for M. dealbata, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation measures. The taxonomic clarification presented here is essential to properly target such efforts, especially in the face of threats such as indiscriminate collection and vulnerability to environmental disturbance.

Primulina longiflora (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China

Primulina longiflora, a new species endemic to Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is most similar to P. curvituba in the shape and texture of leaf blades and the curved corolla tube, but mainly differs in having longer calyx lobes, salverform and much longer corolla, and the bifid lower stigma lobe. Conservation status and discussions on differences between this new species and morphologically similar species are also provided.

A new species of velvet gecko (Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from basalt habitat of inland north Queensland, Australia

Many Oedura geckos are saxicoline, and a number of these species are restricted to outcropping of a particular rock type. Most commonly this is sandstone, but some species primarily occur on other rock types, such as granite or limestone. There are few areas of extensive basalt outcropping in Australia, and these are typically of young age. Here I describe a new species of Oedura discovered in the Sturgeon Basalt outcropping of inland north-east Queensland, an extensive outcropping of deep age. Oedura atra sp. nov. is readily distinguished from congeners by its relatively dark colouration, with pattern restricted to narrow, pale bands, and other morphological features such as a short, broad tail, and a relatively wide head. It is genetically divergent from, but allied to, several Oedura species in inland north Queensland, with the ND4 mtDNA phylogeny suggesting closest relationship to O. argentea Hoskin, Zozaya & Vanderduys, 2018. Oedura atra sp. nov. appears to be restricted to basalt rocks and is only known from a localised area. However, it is likely to be more widely distributed along the extensive basalt outcropping in this region. Oedura atra sp. nov. best fits a conservation status of Data Deficient, pending further surveys and assessment of potential threats.

A new species of Prasophyllum (Orchidaceae) for New Zealand and lectotypification of P. colensoi

ABSTRACT A new species of leek orchid Prasophyllum elegantissimum is here described. The new species is segregated from P. colensoi based on genetic and morphological evidence. It inhabits wet grassy areas and wetland margins in the central North Island, South Island, Stewart Island and Auckland Island. The conservation status of P. elegantissimum is ranked Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable. We also designate a lectotype for P. colensoi.

Vanishing Voices: Tracing the Trade Networks and Distribution Pathways of Songbirds in Banda Aceh Markets

Tracing the trade and distribution pathways refers to the systematic analysis of the origins, movement routes, and distribution patterns of a commodity, such as songbirds, from its source to the final market or end consumer. This study explored the dynamics of bird trade in the markets of Banda Aceh city, focusing on species diversity, conservation status, species origin, and trade patterns. The study was conducted in nine sub-districts, covering 18 bird shops, using a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through direct observation, market surveys, and structured interviews with traders. Species identification was conducted using the Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago guide, while conservation status was evaluated based on the IUCN Red List and CITES Appendices. In addition, Geographic Information System (GIS) software was used to map bird trade distribution channels. The results showed the presence of 54 bird species with a total of 638 individuals, mostly from the Passeriformes order. The most commonly traded species was Acridotheres javanicus (kerak kerbau), with 132 individuals, reflecting its high demand due to its adaptability and affordability. Conservation analysis showed the vulnerability of species such as Gracula religiosa (Nias parrot), which is listed in Appendix II of CITES, and Rubigula dispar (yellow finch), which is categorized as Vulnerable. This research highlights the complex relationship between the local bird trade and conservation efforts, and the importance of stricter regulation and increased public awareness to protect threatened species. The findings make an important contribution to policy recommendations in order to promote sustainable bird trade and biodiversity conservation in Banda Aceh.

The global conservation status of plants growing on cliffs and rocky outcrops

Ecosystems that occur on cliffs and rocky outcrops are home to many plants that are specially adapted to harsh environmental conditions. These habitats are seeing increased pressure from development, recreational use, and invasive species, calling for a thorough evaluation of the endangerment of the taxa inhabiting them. However, the conservation status of these taxa is not well understood preventing effective conservation prioritization and action. In this study, we examine the conservation status of vascular plant taxa associated with these ecosystems, using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species assessments, and compare these to their taxonomic status (families and genera) and range (realm, country, occupancy). We have assembled data highlighting regions where cliff and rocky outcrop taxa most frequently occur (Madagascar, Brazil, Spain) and found that plants growing in these habitats may be more endangered than expected given global plant endangerment, however, risk patterns do vary. Certain groups find refuge in cliffs or rocky outcrops environments (Euphorbiaceae, 18% less endangered), while others may be facing increased risk (Cactaceae, 19% more endangered). We have also found that taxa occurring in habitats with low mean elevation or narrow elevational ranges are more endangered. To assist future research, we have developed a dashboard summarizing available data that also allows for interactive analyses based on user-defined goals. We see the need for additional research on cliff and rocky outcrop plants to enhance the Red List assessment process and support overall plant conservation efforts.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic biases in translocated angiosperm plant species across European countries.

Conservation translocations are a well-known conservation tool used to reverse the effects of local population extinctions and restore ecosystems. Compared with mammals and birds, plants are underrepresented in translocation programs, and little is known about the potential taxonomic and phylogenetic biases of plant translocation efforts. We aimed to assess how translocated plant species may contribute to the conservation of phylogenetic diversity (PD) among European countries. Focusing on angiosperms across 4 European countries with well-documented flora and comprehensive sampling of translocated plant species, we determined whether species translocations were related to species conservation status with binomial generalized linear mixed models with threat status as a binary response variable. Then, we evaluated the taxonomic and phylogenetic biases of translocated plant species relative to national floras based on PD and evolutionary distinctiveness (ED). To evaluate PD and ED, we constructed null models to assess the deviation of observed values from those expected under a scenario in which translocated species were randomly sampled from the species pool of national floras in each country. Although most species lacked conservation status assessment, plant translocations mainly targeted species with high extinction risk at national, European, and global scales. Although plant orders with a higher representativeness of translocated species also tended to have a higher representativeness of native species, the probability of species being translocated varied significantly across plant order, suggesting a significant taxonomic bias. Based on null models and considering all countries, PD and mean ED of translocated plants were higher than expected by chance in most countries. These results suggest that although translocation programs were implemented independently across countries, the diversity of translocated plant species is relevant to conserving PD from national to continental scales and restoring evolutionarily distinct species when these species succeed. We argue that PD indicators should be incorporated into translocation planning to restore target species' evolutionary trajectories and to contribute to conservation of PD.

Soil Water Conservation Status and Way Forward

Soil Water Conservation Status and Way Forward

A new species of hedgehog-lizard of the genus Echinosaura (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Colombia and Panama with a reevaluation of the conservation status of the genus

The gymnophthalmid semi-aquatic lizards of the genus Echinosaura have been subject to taxonomic scrutiny in recent years. Here, we combine previously available and new morphological and phylogenetic evidence to describe a new species formerly known under the name E. palmeri. Our results are consistent with previous phylogenetic hypotheses and recover an overlooked evolutionary lineage which is both morphologically and genetically different from the other ones currently recognized within the genus. This species is diagnosable based on external and hemipenial morphology and is phylogenetically related to E. centralis, E. palmeri, and E. panamensis. The new species inhabits the northern portion of the Pacific region in Colombia and the Darien zone between Colombia and Panama. We also re-evaluate and propose a new IUCN extinction risk categorization for the nine species in the genus, assessing three uncategorized species, removing two species from a threatened category, and including a previously considered Least Concern species into a threatened status.

Checklist of Mammals of Syria

A checklist of the wild mammals of Syria including their current status and geographical distribution is provided. Data related to 110 mammalian species were collected following a comprehensive review of available literature records, grey data, and online observations combined with photographic evidence and in situ surveys carried out between 2006 and 2023. The checklist comprises seven orders, 36 families, 73 genera (subgenera), and 110 species, and includes data on 15 globally threatened species of wild mammals. Overall, we report up-to-date information on taxonomic revisions, historical and current geographical range, as well as the conservation status recently assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for one species of hyrax, two lagomorphs, 36 rodents, eight insectivores, 27 chiropterans, 20 carnivores, seven terrestrial artiodactyla, and nine cetaceans.

Tetrastigma fruticosum, a new species of Vitaceae from limestone karst in central Laos

A new species of Tetrastigma, T. fruticosum (Vitaceae), from the limestone karst in Khammouane Province, central Laos, is described. The new species can be distinguished from the previously known species in the genus by a combination of its shrubby habit, absence of tendrils, pedately 5-foliolate leaves (rarely 4, 6, or 7-foliolate) with shallowly emarginated leaflet, and 1-seeded oblong-ellipsoid fruits. A description, photographs, vernacular name and preliminary conservation status are provided for it.

Nymphanthus adenophorus, a new species of Phyllanthaceae from Vietnam

A new species of Nymphanthus (Phyllanthaceae), N. adenophorus from Ninh Thuan Province, central Vietnam, is described and illustrated, along with its vernacular name and preliminary conservation status. The new species is similar to N. pireyi and N. nanellus, but distinguished by its terete and shorter floriferous branchlets with fewer leaves, larger leaf blades, faintly visible lateral veins, longer pedicels of male flowers, and accordion-folded discs of pistillate flowers.

Chromosome length genome assembly of the stone marten (Martes foina, Mustelidae): a new view on one of the cornerstones in carnivore cytogenetics.

The stone marten (Martes foina) is an important species for cytogenetic studies in the order Carnivora. ZooFISH probes created from its chromosomes provided a strong and clean signal in chromosome painting experiments and were valuable for studying the evolution of carnivoran genome architecture. The research revealed that the stone marten chromosome set is similar to the presumed ancestral karyotype of the Carnivora, which added an additional value for the species. Using linked-read and Hi-C sequencing, we generated a chromosome-length genome assembly of a male stone marten (Gansu province, China) from a primary cell line. The stone marten assembly had a length of 2.42 Gbp, scaffold N50 of 144 Mbp, and a 96.2% BUSCO completeness score. We identified 19 chromosomal scaffolds (2n=38) and assigned them chromosome ids based on chromosome painting data. Annotation identified 20,087 protein-coding gene models, of which 18,283 were assigned common names. Comparison of the stone marten assembly with the cat, dog, and human genomes revealed several small syntenic blocks absent on the published painting maps. Finally, we assessed the heterozygosity and its distribution over the chromosomes. The detected low heterozygosity level (0.4 hetSNPs/kbp) and the presence of long RoHs require further research and a new evaluation of the conservation status of the stone marten in China. Combined with available carnivoran genomes in large scale synteny analysis, the stone marten genome will highlight new features and events in carnivoran evolution, hidden from cytogenetic approaches.

A new species of Mollia (Malvaceae, Grewioideae) from the Brazilian Amazon with a divergent floral morphology

Here we describe a new species from the Brazilian Amazon, Mollia trimera. This species is mainly distinguished from other species of the genus by flowers with trimerous external whorls (calyx, corolla, and outer androecium), a rare morphological characteristic in Malvaceae. Morphological description, taxonomic comments, illustrations, distribution, habitat, preliminary conservation status, and phenology are provided.

Current methods and best practice recommendations for skate and ray (Batoidea) research: capture, handling, anaesthesia, euthanasia, and tag attachment

Abstract Skates and rays (Batoidea) play a significant ecological role, contributing to ecosystem services through bioturbation and acting as vital intermediate components of the trophic chain in various aquatic environments. Despite their wide global distribution and ecological importance, batoids receive less attention than their shark relatives, resulting in substantial knowledge gaps that might impede a comprehensive understanding of their conservation status. This review addresses critical aspects of their capture, handling, tagging, and release to provide readers with crucial information needed to perform research on batoids. Protocols for analgesia, anaesthesia, and euthanasia are also discussed, taking into account the ethical and logistical considerations necessary for research involving this group of species. This information can give researchers and ethics committees the knowledge to conduct and approve studies involving batoids, thereby promoting more effective and ethical research practices.

Life-history traits, capture dynamics, and conservation status of key species landed by the artisanal gillnet fleet in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

Life-history traits, capture dynamics, and conservation status of key species landed by the artisanal gillnet fleet in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

Species Distribution Model and Conservation of Mentaok (Wrightia javanica) in Indonesia

The Alas Mentaok was a forest dominated by the mentaok tree (Wrightia javanica) that once existed in Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia. This forest has cultural and historical value, as it is believed to be the first location to establish the Mataram Islam Kingdom in Java in 1582 AD. This study utilized species distribution models (SDMs) to investigate the species distribution pattern and assess its latest conservation status in Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. The methodology used involved collecting occurrence and environmental data of W. javanica, conducting species distribution modeling using the maximum entropy algorithm, evaluating the model's accuracy, and performing an independent assessment of the area of occupancy (AOO) and extensive occurrence (EOO) using the geospatial conservation assessment tool (GeoCAT). While the number of suitable habitat areas for W. javanica in Yogyakarta is projected to decrease by 2100, the islands of Sumba and Timor are anticipated to experience an increase in the suitable habitat areas for the species during the same year. The analysis of BIOCLIM 34 indicates the mean moisture index of the warmest quarter plays a vital role in the current and future projections. AOO calculation in GeoCAT places this species in the endangered (EN) category, particularly within our regions of interest in Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands. Overall, a full assessment combining a habitat suitability model with current conservation status information would provide a more comprehensive understanding of mentaok's habitat preferences and current conservation status in Indonesia.