Conservation Status Research Articles

Novelties on Vasivaea Baill. (Malvaceae, Grewioideae, Grewieae) for the Colombian flora

A new species of Vasivaea Baill. (Malvaceae, Grewioideae, Grewieae) from central and northwestern Colombia is described, illustrated, and their morphological relationships with related species are discussed. Vasivaea distopo is a tree up to 20 m tall, common in floodplain lowland forests (20–220 m elev.) located in the middle Magdalena, the lower Cauca, Nechí, and Atrato river basins. It is characterized by its tubular androgynophore with free lobes in staminate flowers and obcordate fruit shape. Vasivaea distopo represents the first species of this genus recorded from outside the Amazon, Essequibo, and Orinoco River basins. Geographical and phenological information, data about its conservation status, and an updated key to species are presented.

Salicaceae of Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil

The Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (ParNa Iguaçu) is a conservation unit that contains the largest remnant of Seasonal Semideciduous Forest for Brazil, also presenting a small region of Mixed Ombrophilous Forest. This survey aims to inventory the Salicaceae of the ParNa Iguaçu, providing descriptions, an identification key, conservation status and illustrations of the species. Seventeen field expeditions were carried out between May 2019 and March 2020 in two areas composed of Seasonal Semideciduous Forest and a transitional area of this formation with Mixed Ombrophilous Forest. Eight native species of Salicaceae were found, distributed in four genera, with Casearia the most well-represented with three species. Xylosma venosa is a new occurrence for Iguaçu National Park and Banara parviflora, Xylosma ciliatifolia and Xylosma venosa are new occurrences in Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. From the observation of the material analyzed of C. lasiophylla, characters that are not included in the current descriptions were found, which brings new information to the description of the species. The present study contributed to expand the knowledge of the ParNa Iguaçu flora, as well as the flora of Paraná.

On the Museum Monitoring at the Time of COVID-19. Methodological Approach and Application to Palazzo Altemps in Rome

ABSTRACT This article presents a multiparametric and multiscale methodological approach devised during the COVID-19 pandemic event for the environmental monitoring of artworks housed in a museum. The pandemic event provided the opportunity to analyze the museum environment in the absence of visitors, thus enabling the evaluation of indoor conditions solely influenced by environmental, meteorological, and microclimatic factors. The experimental analysis was conducted in the Altemps Palace in Rome. Microclimatic variables, such as temperature, relative humidity, and air quality (PM10 and PM2.5) were monitored using a network of MeMS sensors, which were made interoperable through Long Range transmission technology. To establish a comparative reference, indoor were compared with outdoor measurements, along with ground measurements (provided by the Regional Prevention and Environment Agency, and weather forecasts based on the COSMO model. At the same time, analyses were conducted on the conservation status of the exhibited artworks. The analysis of the collected data revealed critical issues regarding the indoor microclimatic conditions, particularly related to the significant variability of the relative humidity. Additionally, numerous episodes exceeding the maximum threshold for PM10 and PM2.5 were logged, emphasizing pollution concerns. The research findings have practical implications for the conservation and protection of the artworks housed in the museum.

Paepalanthus roqueae: a new critically endangered Eriocaulaceae in campo rupestre of Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

Here we describe a new species of Paepalanthus (Eriocaulaceae) from the Chapada Diamantina, in the northern part of the Espinhaço range in Brazil. The study aims to contribute to the knowledge of Eriocaulaceae in this area, which has a significant knowledge gap, and to provide a comparison with other poorly understood species in the region. The new species, named Paepalanthus roqueae, is described in detail, including morphological measurements, illustrations, and distribution maps. Its conservation status is also evaluated using IUCN criteria. This paper emphasizes the importance of botanical research in the high biodiversity area of Chapada Diamantina, to increase the knowledge of poorly understood species and promote conservation efforts.

Constructing Knowledge Graphs for New Species in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Purpose: This study presents a methodology for developing a knowledge graph by integrating World Wildlife Fund (WWF) species discovery reports in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Design/methodology/approach: The research employs a four-phase approach: constructing a taxonomic data model, implementing a graph database, developing a web application architecture, and creating an interactive user interface. Findings: The knowledge graph integrates 2,783 species across 27 taxonomic groups, comprising 12,089 nodes and 30,303 connections. The system enables complex queries through SPARQL endpoints, revealing patterns in species distribution and conservation status from 1997 to 2022. Research limitations: Primary limitations include geographical constraints to the Greater Mekong Subregion and limited integration with external biodiversity databases. Practical implications: The system provides researchers with a graph search engine for exploring species data, supporting scientific research and conservation planning. Originality/value: This study presents a novel approach to organizing biodiversity data by combining taxonomic hierarchies with conservation metrics, establishing a framework for integrating species discovery data.

The Richness, Similarity, and Conservation Status of the Herpetofauna of the Balsas Basin Biogeographic Province of Mexico

The Richness, Similarity, and Conservation Status of the Herpetofauna of the Balsas Basin Biogeographic Province of Mexico

Understanding fish assemblage structure using enviro assessment techniques in a Northwestern Himalayan reservoir of Beas River basin in Himachal Pradesh (H.P.), India.

Environmental factors play a fundamental role in shaping fish assemblage in aquatic ecosystems. The present study describes the fish assemblage structure on the spatial scale in Pong Reservoir, which lies in foothills of the Northwestern Himalaya within the river Beas basin. Through sophisticated enviro assessment techniques, using ArcGIS mapping, this study provides valuable insight into how physicochemical factors shape the fish assemblage in the reservoir. In total, 1211 individuals belonging to 8 orders, 10 families, 15 genera, and 19 species were recorded. The order Cypriniformes has the highest number of species. The invasive species Oreochromis niloticus was also documented for the first time in this reservoir. At a spatial scale, diversity indices reveal that the lacustrine zone had the lowest fish diversity. The transitional zone showed more species richness as compared to other riverine and lacustrine. The IUCN conservation status showed that among 19 fish species, two species (Wallago attu and Cyprinus carpio) are under vulnerable and only one species, Tor putitora, is under the endangered category. The majority of recorded water quality parameters fell within the acceptable range. CCA analysis of physiochemical parameters with fish abundance reveals that DO and turbidity were found to positively influence the species abundance. These findings provide a valuable resource for understanding ecology and also lay a solid foundation for the development of effective fisheries management strategies in this reservoir.

Comparative Analyses and Phylogenetic Dependence in Traits and Trends of the Dipterocarpaceae.

The role of trait evolution in shaping the functional and ecological diversity of tropical forests remains poorly understood. Analyses of trait variation as a function of evolutionary history and environmental variables should reveal the drivers of species distributions, as well as generate insights valuable to conservation. Here, we focus on the Dipterocarpaceae, the key plant family underpinning the hyperdiversity of South-East Asian tropical forest canopies and of major conservation concern due to over-exploitation for timber, cultivation, and climate change. Our objectives are to (i) assess whether dipterocarp species traits are phylogenetically conserved through a phylogenetic signal, indicating phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC); (ii) determine the drivers of dipterocarp species distribution; (iii) examine the relationship between morphological traits with habitat factors; and (iv) assess the correlation between conservation status and phylogeny. We compiled a dataset of species-level plant traits of the Dipterocarpaceae together with population-level ecological trends. We found substantial evidence of phylogenetic conservatism of plant traits in dipterocarp species, with a moderate to strong phylogenetic signal, and that the elevational gradient shapes dipterocarp species distribution pan-tropically. Morphological traits including height and diameter show phylogenetically dependent relationships with soil type, while shade tolerance traits are related to survival. We find that conservation status is related to phylogeny and correlated with population trend status, suggesting that decreasing population trends correlated with conservation status. Overall, our analyses show that functional traits and ecological trends of dipterocarp species are shaped by the phylogenetic history. Our study highlights that conservation strategies require consideration of the consequences of these relationships for long-term population changes.

INVESTIGANDO O PROCESSO DE CRIAÇÃO DA PINTURA “COSTUREIRAS” DE TARSILA DO AMARAL, DE 1950, POR IMAGENS UVL, IR E MA-XRF

REVEALING THE ARTISTIC PROCESS OF TARSILA DO AMARAL’S “COSTUREIRAS”, 1950 BY UVL, IR, AND MA-XRF IMAGING. In last decades, technical-scientific investigations into cultural heritage assets have increasingly become part of analysis methodologies accessible to professionals from different areas for a broad understanding of the complex material and historical nature of objects. In this interdisciplinary word, the painting “Costureiras” by Tarsila do Amaral (1886-1973), from 1950, was studied by ultraviolet-induced visible luminescence (UVL), infrared image (IR) and macro X-ray fluorescence scanning (MA-XRF) techniques. UVL and MA-XRF images enabled the exploration of the conservation status of the artwork, the creative process of the artist, and areas featuring materials distinct from the original painting. By combining the results of IR and MA-XRF images, it was confirmed that changes occurred in the creative process during the composition of the artwork. MA-XRF images further allowed the inference of the primary pigments employed by the artist, revealing that, during canvas priming, Tarsila do Amaral utilized pigments based on lead and zinc.

Dark diversity and habitat conservation status: Two sides of the same coin for conservation and restoration?

Dark diversity and habitat conservation status: Two sides of the same coin for conservation and restoration?

Melicopeiolensis (Rutaceae), a new tree species from Kaua'i, Hawaiian Islands.

A newly-discovered endemic tree species of Melicope from Kaua'i, Hawaiian Islands, is described and illustrated with notes on its distribution, ecology, conservation status and phylogenetic placement. A modification to the existing key to Hawaiian Melicope is also provided. Melicopeiolensis sp. nov. is a member of Stone's Megacarpa group having carpels connate at base, capsules 4-lobed and leaves usually opposite. The new species differs from its Hawaiian congeners by its unique combination of abaxially glabrate to pilose-pubescent leaves with petioles up to 70 mm long, ramiflorous and axillary inflorescences, sepals on staminate flowers 0.3-0.5 mm long, capsules with green and purple streaking, 10-14 mm wide and seeds 3-3.5 mm long. Since its discovery in 2021, 15 individuals have been documented within a single remote windward hanging valley below the Kawaikini Summit of Kaua'i. Melicopeiolensis represents a new Critically Endangered (CR) single island endemic species in need of conservation.

English

Abstract A new species of freshwater crayfish, Euastacus coughrani sp. nov., is described from the Bemm, Brodribb and Queensborough River catchments in eastern Victoria, Australia. Euastacus coughrani sp. nov. inhabits perennial, small to medium, cool-flowing streams through a range of forest ecosystems including ancient wet eucalypt forests, cool and warm temperate rainforests at elevations between 251 m and 1050 m. The species’ restricted extent of occurrence (422 km²) supports a conservation status of Endangered. Morphologically, E. coughrani sp. nov. is closely related to E. diversus and E. bidawalus and represents a genetically distinct population distributed between the two. This new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the morphology of the thorax, abdomen, chelae and gastric mill. Detailed insights into the species’ ecology, biology, and conservation status are provided herein to facilitate and guide future conservation and management endeavors.

RHODODENDRON ARBORUEM: A REVIEW

Rhododendron arboreum Sm., the national flower of Nepal, is an ecologically and culturally significant species of the Ericaceae family distributed across the Himalayan region. This review synthesizes current knowledge about its botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and conservation status. The species contains various bioactive compounds including flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenoids, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant properties. Beyond its medicinal value, R. arboreum has important applications in the food industry and plays a crucial role in Himalayan ecosystem stability. However, the species faces significant threats from habitat destruction, overexploitation, and climate change, highlighting the urgent need for conservation measures.

Some data about endangered and rare plant species in Me Linh Station for Biodiversity, Vinh Phuc province

Me Linh Station for Biodiversity has an area of ​​170.3 hectares, near Tam Dao National Park. Although the area is not large, it has with high biodiversity and rich flora, including many rare and threatened plant species. So, this place not only preserves biodiversity but also organizes research and educational activities to protect biodiversity and the environment. Some research projects have been done on species diversity, ecosystem diversity, and forest biomass... This study identifies 38 endangered and rare plant species. Among them, 20 species in Vietnam Red Data Book 2007; 20 species belong to Decree No. 84/2021/ND-CP; 16 species belong to Appendix II of CITES (2024), and 4 species belong to IUCN (2024). Simultaneously, this study added summary information about the conservation status, life forms, geographical factors, and uses of 38 plant endangered and rare species in Me Linh Station for Biodiversity, Vinh Phuc province.

Xanthophytumantoanense (Rubiaceae, Ophiorrhizeae), a new species from Vietnam.

Xanthophytumantoanense is described as a new species endemic to Central Vietnam. It is morphologically closest to X.capitatum in having setose hairs on the abaxial leaf surface and a pedunculate head-like inflorescence but differs from the latter by a number of characteristics: shorter stem, 3-lobed stipules, narrowly lanceolate leaf blades with a cuneate-oblique base and 20-22 pairs of secondary veins, 3.5-4.5 cm long peduncle, spatulate calyx lobes, larger corollas with a 5-5.4 mm long tube and 2.4-3 mm long lobes, and an apically hairy style. A detailed description, an illustration, and information on distribution, ecology and phenology, and a provisional assessment of the conservation status of the new species are provided.

ЛАПЧАТКА МУЛДАШЕВА POTENTILLA MULDASCHEVII KNIAZ. ET SEMERIKOV (ROSACEAE) – НОВЫЙ ЭНДЕМИЧНЫЙ ВИД ФЛОРЫ РЕСПУБЛИКИ БАШКОРТОСТАН

of the Southern Urals, candidate of biological sciences, senior researcher at the laboratory of Geobotany and Plant Resources of the Ufa Institute of biology of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, honored ecologist of the Russian Federation Albert Akramovich Muldashev in connection with his 70th anniversary, which was celebrated on August 25, 2024. The species Potentilla muldaschevii Kniaz. et Semerikov (family Rosaceae) is a narrow-local endemic of the Southern Urals (Uchalinsky Uplands). This species was described in 2006 from the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan (RB) by famous scientists from Yekaterinburg M.S. Knyazev and V.L. Semerikov [2006]. The species is included in the Red Data Book of the RB 3rd edition [2021] with the regional protection status: 1) rarity status category: 1 – endangered species; 2) endangered status category: endangered species (EN – Endangered); 3) conservation status: II priority (it is necessary to implement one or more special measures to preserve the species in the Southern Urals). This species is very rare. In the RB, the species is known from 3 points in the Uchalinsky district: the Maly Irendyk ridge west of the village Tungatarovo (locus classicus), ridges to the north and south of the village of Polyakovka [Knyazev, Semerikov, 2006; materials of the LE Herbarium and the SVER Herbarium; Red Data Book…, 2021]. In the Chelyabinsk region, the species is found on the limestone Ustinovskie cliffs along the right bank of the Miass River (Miass district) [materials of the CSUH Herbarium; Knyazev, Semerikov, 2006; Red Data Book…, 2017].

Checklist of Ferns in Mt. Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines

A checklist of fern species in Mt Mariveles, Bataan was provided in two trails of the said mountain, Tarak ridge and Pantingan peak from 400 masl to 1000 masl with information in their growth forms, endemicity and conservation status. The collected specimens were identified and evaluated based on their conservation status. There were 28 taxa, 20 genera in 14 families of ferns observed at Mt. Mariveles Bataan. Among the 14 families, Aspleniaceae has the most numbered of species consisting of 5 taxa. There are 20 taxa of ferns, 14 genera in 10 families that are found in Tarak of Mt Mariveles while 11 taxa and 9 genera in 10 families were recorded in Pantingan of Mt Mariveles. More ferns were observed in Papaya River in Tarak and in 800 to 1000 masl in Pantingan. Mid-elevation forests had the highest maximum fern richness. It results from the combination of high humidity, precipitation, and moderate temperatures. The growth form of collected ferns are mostly epiphytic. Based on their conservation status there are two species that are Least Concern (LC) these are Pteridium aquilinum and Dicranopteris linearis while Angiopteris evecta of Marattiaceae was considered as Other threatened species (OT).

Pinnatella limbata (Bryophyta: Neckeraceae): reassessment of conservation status based on recent findings

Pinnatella limbata Dixon (Neckeraceae), a rheophytic moss species with a bistratose leaf margin unique in the genus was reported from Sampkhand in Kanara district of Karnataka State in India. The species was subsequently collected from two additional localities of Kodagu (Coorg) District in Karnataka State and that P. limbata should be removed from the threatened category of the IUCN World Red List of bryophytes due to the new information of its distribution range. The present collection from Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Kannur District of Kerala is a range extension of this species in the Western Ghats and the first report from Kerala. An attempt is made to reassess the IUCN Red List status of P. limbata.

Morpho-anatomical characterization and conservation status of the Whisk Fern Psilotum nudum (L.) P.Beauv. (Polypodiopsida: Psilotaceae) from Cooch Behar District of West Bengal, India

The district Cooch Behar of West Bengal, India is considered a unique zone for pteridophytes. The Whisk Fern Psilotum nudum (Family Psilotaceae), one of the primitive members of living vascular plants considering its age of evolution during the Devonian, is reported to occur in the Cooch Behar District. The present study has been designed to investigate the current conservation status as well as to describe the morphological and anatomical features of the epiphytic species. The present study revealed that the natural falling of old aged host trees and cleaning and white painting of host tree trunks lead to habitat destruction which may lead to extinction of the species from the studied areas. During the field visits, a new site of the occurrence (Madan Mohan Temple of Cooch Behar City) of the species has also been recorded. Plants are perennial and pendent in nature. The rhizome is achlorophyllous, freely branched, and covered with rhizoids. The aerial stem is up to 36 cm long, repeatedly dichotomously branched and chlorophyllous. Leaves are scalelike, without any midrib, lanceolate to ovate, and without ligules. Synangiums are composed of three connected sporangia, bearing numerous bean-shaped spores. Stele in rhizome is haplostelic type; while, it is actinostele in the aerial stem. Morpho-anatomical description of the species has been documented for the first time from West Bengal and has enriched the botanical information of the species. Proper conservation of the taxa is utmost necessary in order to maintain their population in natural habitat.

Diversity and Conservation of Carnivores in Saudi Arabia

In the present study, we updated the taxonomy and distributional data for 14 carnivore species based on previous records and the recent results of camera trapping (4787 camera nights from 58 locations) and depicted species richness. We then identified threats and the conservation measures that are practiced to ensure the protection of the carnivores of Saudi Arabia. A total of 10 species of carnivores (Canis aureus, Canis lupus, Caracal caracal, Felis lybica, Genetta genetta, Hyaena hyaena, Ichneumia albicauda, Mellivora capensis, Vulpes cana, and Vulpes vulpes) were recorded based on camera trapping efforts. The striped hyena was the most recorded species in 13 locations, with the highest number of observations made at Raydah Protected Area, followed by the red fox and the Arabian wolf. Both Genetta genetta and Mellivora capensis were the least recorded species. Vulpes vulpes was the most distributed species and it was recorded from 15 sites. The southwestern corner of Saudi Arabia covering the Asir, Jazan, and Najran Plateaus extending further into the Al Sarawat Mountains hosts the highest number of carnivore species. Major threats affecting carnivores include killing and animal trade. The status of the critically endangered species, Panthera pardus nimr, was discussed. Threats and the conservation status based on regional assessment according to the IUCN Red List of the carnivores of Saudi Arabia were documented and highlighted.