Conservation Assessment Research Articles

Taxonomic revision of the genus Calendula (Asteraceae) in the Canary Islands

A taxonomic revision of the genus Calendula (Asteraceae – Calenduleae) for the Canary Islands is presented. An extensive morphometric analysis was conducted on specimens held in several herbaria and collected by the team, as well as chromosome counts and genome size estimates. Four species of Calendula were recognized in the islands: C. arvensis, C. officinalis, C. ricardoi, and C. sventenii, the latter two being new taxa, described for the first time in this work. Descriptions, an identification key, distribution areas, ecology and conservation assessments for each taxon are presented, as well as discussions of the possible origins of the taxa in the territory.

Towards a Monophyletic Infrageneric Circumscription of Adesmia DC. (Dalbergieae, Leguminosae): a Taxonomic Revision in Adesmia series Adesmia

The Adesmia clade comprises five genera, with Adesmia being the most diverse and speciose, and formerly containing 206 species and 37 varieties, distributed in two subgenera and 43 series. The genus inhabits almost exclusively the South American Arid Diagonal, which hosts some of the driest environments on Earth. Within Adesmia subgenus Adesmia, three series primarily inhabit the Pampa grasslands: series Muricatae, Bicolores, and Subnudae. These taxonomically complex series display overlapping morphological characters and geographical distribution ranges, and their monophyly has never been tested. We carried out a thorough systematic study of the three series, combining Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses of 87 sequences of nrITS DNA of Adesmia. Beased on our phylogenetic results, we provide a taxonomic revision of the species in series Muricatae, Bicolores, and Subnudae. Series Subnudae and Bicolores are nested within series Muricatae, and synonymization of the first two under series Muricatae is here proposed. Three clades containing species with geographical and morphological coherence were unraveled inside Adesmia. Three varieties are elevated to species level, and another six were reduced to synonyms. Seven lectotypes and one neotype are proposed. We recognize 21 species in the new circumscription of Adesmia series Muricatae, and provide a species identification key, descriptions, illustrations, and maps, as well as comments on phenology, taxonomy, etymology, distribution, and habitat. We also present conservation assessments for the species of the series.

Four new deciduous species of Hyperacanthus (Rubiaceae: Gardenieae) from western Madagascar: the sofikomba alliance

SummaryThe genus Hyperacanthus comprises 11 species, nine in Madagascar and two in Africa, although many Madagascan species remain undescribed. All Madagascan species of Hyperacanthus are evergreen trees occurring in humid and semi-humid forest. Four deciduous species occur in the dry forests of northern, western, and southern Madagascar but are unknown to science. These four species, collectively and informally referred to as the sofikomba alliance, are described here: H. decaryi, H. piliformis, H. septentrionale and H. sofikomba. Three of the four species are illustrated and all four are mapped. A key to species, species descriptions, other key taxonomic information, and preliminary conservation assessments are also provided.

Bat pollinators: a decade of monitoring reveals declining visitation rates for some species in Thailand

Bats are important pollinators, but they are difficult to study since they are volant and nocturnal. Thus, long-term studies of nectarivorous bats are scarce, despite their potential to help assess trends in bat populations and their pollination services. We used capture rates of nectarivorous bats at chiropterophilous flowers in order to examine temporal trends in bat visitation in an area that is undergoing extensive land use change. We mist-netted at five bat-pollinated plant taxa (Durio zibethinus, Musa acuminata, Oroxylum indicum, Parkia speciosa, and Sonneratia spp.) in southern Thailand over six years between 2011 and 2021. We found that the most common bat species, Eonycteris spelaea, was the main visitor at all five plant taxa and had consistent visitation rates across all study years. In contrast, two other important pollinators, Macroglossus minimus and M. sobrinus, showed 80% declines in the number of individuals netted at mangrove apple (Sonneratia spp.) and banana (Musa acuminata) flowers, respectively. These findings suggest that E. spelaea (a large, cave-roosting species with a broad diet) is more tolerant of anthropogenic change than are Macroglossus bats (small, foliage-roosting species with specialized diets), which may in turn affect the reproductive success of plants pollinated by these species. Our study demonstrates how decade-long monitoring can reveal species-specific temporal patterns in pollinator visitation, emphasizing the need for tailored conservation plans. While the conservation status of most nectarivorous bats in the area is Least Concern, our results indicate that population studies in Southeast Asia are urgently needed for updated bat species conservation assessments.

Investigations on the influence of angular and linear misalignment on the fatigue strength of HFMI-treated structural steel butt joints

The effect of High-Frequency Mechanical Impact (HFMI) treatment on the fatigue resistance of structural steel S355 butt welds with macro geometric imperfections outside of the usual fatigue design limits was investigated. Thin-walled specimens (t = 8 mm) were manufactured with different degrees of angular and linear misalignment and fatigue tested in the as welded and HFMI treated condition. The fatigue test results show that HFMI treatment can compensate the fatigue strength-reducing effects of macro geometric imperfections (ΔσC,HFMI = 127 N/mm2, m = 5), but also that linear and angular misalignment does not reduce the fatigue strength of butt welds as severely as rules and guidelines suggest (ΔσC,AW = 107 N/mm2, m = 3). Underestimating the fatigue strength determined by testing by more than 40%, numerical analysis and strain gauge measurements show that the application of the effective notch stress approach and the structural hot-spot stress approach delivers conservative assessment results, which might not always be representative for the actual fatigue strength benefit that can be gained by HFMI treatment.

Influence of molecular marker type on estimating effective population size and other genetic parameters in a critically endangered parrot

AbstractGenetics is a fast‐moving field, and for conservation practitioners or ecologists, it can be bewildering. The choice of marker used in studies is fundamental; in the literature, preference has recently shifted from microsatellites to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci. Understanding how marker type affects estimates of population genetic parameters is important in the context of conservation, especially because the accuracy of estimates has a bearing on the actions taken to protect threatened species. We compare parameter estimates between seven microsatellites, 3761 SNP loci, and a random subset of 100 SNPs for the exact same 324 individual swift parrots, Lathamus discolor, and also use 457 additional samples from subsequent years to compare SNP estimates. Both marker types estimated a lower HO than HE. We show that microsatellites and SNPs mainly indicate a lack of spatial genetic structure, except when a priori collection locations were used on the SNP data in a discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). The 100‐SNP subset gave comparable results to when the full dataset was used. Estimates of effective population size (Ne) were comparable between markers when the same individuals were considered, but SNPs had narrower confidence intervals. This is reassuring because conservation assessments that rely on population genetic estimates based on a few microsatellites are unlikely to be nullified by the general shift toward SNPs in the literature. However, estimates between markers and datasets varied considerably when only adult samples were considered; hence, including samples of all age groups is recommended to be used when available. The estimated Ne was higher for the full SNP dataset (2010–2019) than the smaller comparison data (2010–2015), which might be a better reflection of the species status. The lower precision of microsatellites may not necessarily be a barrier for most conservation applications; however, SNPs will improve confidence limits, which may be useful for practitioners.

Integrating spatiotemporal hydrological connectivity into conservation planning to protect temporary rivers

Abstract Temporary rivers (TRs) have been largely overlooked in conservation assessments. Because TRs are such dynamic ecosystems, spatial and temporal aspects of their hydrology and ecology need to be taken into account when designing conservation plans. The aim of this paper is to propose a set of recommendations that could be useful for managers to do this, using seasonal diatom and macroinvertebrate data from north‐eastern Spain as a case study. Beta diversity was partitioned into local and species contributions to beta diversity (LCBD and SCBD). Additionally, priority conservation sites covering the spatial distribution of all species were identified using Marxan and the selection frequency (MSF) of the sites served as a measure of the relative irreplaceability of each site. Using both approaches (beta diversity and Marxan), the effects of changing spatiotemporal connectivity and habitat heterogeneity on the selection and prioritization of sites to be conserved were assessed. It was found that LCBD and MSF ranged widely both in space and time. However, LCBD and MSF were weakly related. Marxan adequately represented all taxa by selecting a few sites, while LCBD selected communities with higher differentiation but not necessarily those with rare species. In addition, SCBDs assigned low values to rare taxa, thus care must be taken when using this index for conservation planning. Spatiotemporal connectivity and local habitat heterogeneity played a critical role at the regional and local scales, driving site prioritization. Overall, we recommend: 1) monitoring multiple hydrological phases to encompass the different community types and capturing total diversity; 2) using Marxan and LCBD in combination, to benefit from their complementary insights; and 3) integrating spatiotemporal isolation and habitat heterogeneity into conservation plans, since they are the main drivers of community variation over space and time in TRs.

Ex situ conservation of two rare oak species using microsatellite and SNP markers.

Plant collections held by botanic gardens and arboreta are key components of ex situ conservation. Maintaining genetic diversity in such collections allows them to be used as resources for supplementing wild populations. However, most recommended minimum sample sizes for sufficient ex situ genetic diversity are based on microsatellite markers, and it remains unknown whether these sample sizes remain valid in light of more recently developed next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches. To address this knowledge gap, we examine how ex situ conservation status and sampling recommendations differ when derived from microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in garden and wild samples of two threatened oak species. For Quercus acerifolia, SNPs show lower ex situ representation of wild allelic diversity and slightly lower minimum sample size estimates than microsatellites, while results for each marker are largely similar for Q. boyntonii. The application of missing data filters tends to lead to higher ex situ representation, while the impact of different SNP calling approaches is dependent on the species being analyzed. Measures of population differentiation within species are broadly similar between markers, but larger numbers of SNP loci allow for greater resolution of population structure and clearer assignment of ex situ individuals to wild source populations. Our results offer guidance for future ex situ conservation assessments utilizing SNP data, such as the application of missing data filters and the usage of a reference genome, and illustrate that both microsatellites and SNPs remain viable options for botanic gardens and arboreta seeking to ensure the genetic diversity of their collections.

Marijordaania (Celastraceae: Cassinoideae), a new monotypic genus from South Africa

Background and aims – The species name Gymnosporia filiformis, validly published in a 1927 revision of South African Celastraceae, was based on syntypes representing both Maytenus cordata and a new species. Subsequent studies supported the distinction of Gymnosporia and Maytenus as separate genera. From 1984, this new species was provisionally referred to by the designation “Maytenus sp. A”. Maytenus in Africa comprises a diverse group of species not closely related to the New World members of Maytenus. Here, we clarify the taxonomic identity and generic placement of G. filiformis, and compare it with species with which it has historically been confused. Material and methods – Descriptions and observations are based on extensive field work, supported by conventional taxonomic methods, including study of relevant literature and herbarium collections. Key results – The name Gymnosporia filiformis is lectotypified using a syntype representing “Maytenus sp. A”. We describe a new monotypic genus, Marijordaania, to accommodate “Maytenus sp. A”, and propose the new combination, Marijordaania filiformis. An amended description is provided for the species. It is morphologically quite different from Maytenus cordata, but also from Maytenus acuminata and Maytenus abbottii, species with which it has been confused in the past. Marijordaania filiformis grows in the understorey of evergreen Scarp Forest and is relatively rare, known with certainty only from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces, South Africa. A preliminary conservation assessment suggests that M. filiformis should be classified as Endangered. Conclusion – Marijordaania filiformis is a taxonomically isolated species with no apparent close relatives among African Celastraceae. While the generic status of other African members of Maytenus still needs to be resolved, it would not impact the taxonomic status of Marijordaania. In a recent key for Celastraceae genera based on morphology and geography, M. filiformis ran to the genus Euonymus, but this association lacks support from available molecular evidence.

Tumor Predisposing Post-Zygotic Chromosomal Alterations in Bladder Cancer-Insights from Histologically Normal Urothelium.

Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) is the 10th most common cancer with a low survival rate and strong male bias. We studied the field cancerization in BLCA using multi-sample- and multi-tissue-per-patient protocol for sensitive detection of autosomal post-zygotic chromosomal alterations and loss of chromosome Y (LOY). We analysed 277 samples of histologically normal urothelium, 145 tumors and 63 blood samples from 52 males and 15 females, using the in-house adapted Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations (MoChA) pipeline. This approach allows identification of the early aberrations in urothelium from BLCA patients. Overall, 45% of patients exhibited at least one alteration in at least one normal urothelium sample. Recurrence analysis resulted in 16 hotspots composed of either gains and copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) or deletions and CN-LOH, encompassing well-known and new BLCA cancer driver genes. Conservative assessment of LOY showed 29%, 27% and 18% of LOY-cells in tumors, blood and normal urothelium, respectively. We provide a proof of principle that our approach can characterize the earliest alterations preconditioning normal urothelium to BLCA development. Frequent LOY in blood and urothelium-derived tissues suggest its involvement in BLCA.

Fatigue behavior of load-carrying cruciform fillet weld joints under variable amplitude load

The objective of the current work is to study the mean stress effect of variable amplitude (VA) loading on the fatigue strength of load-carrying fillet-welded joints (LCFWJs). Experimental fatigue tests were carried out on LCFWJs made of S700 high-strength steel, considering constant amplitude (CA) and VA loads. In the case of VA loads, a Gaussian load spectrum shape with both constant minimum and maximum stress levels was considered to study varying mean stress conditions. Numerical analyses were conducted to determine the effective stresses at the weld root. The fatigue behavior of LCFWJs was evaluated using the 4R method, which takes into account the local stress ratio (Rlocal, i), material ultimate strength (Rm), residual stress (σres), and weld toe radius (r). Lower fatigue strength was found for the VA tests with the constant maximum stress tests compared to the CA tests when using damage parameter of D = 1.00, while the VA tests with the constant minimum stress tests showed higher fatigue performance. Nonetheless, employing damage parameters of D = 0.2 and D = 0.5 for variable amplitude loads with and without fluctuating mean stress conditions, respectively, provided conservative assessments compared to the design standards. By employing the 4R method, the precision of the assessments could be significantly improved, and the CA and VA fatigue test results fit into a single scatter band with scatter index of Tσ = 1.06 with damage sum of D = 1.00.

The mortality burden attributable to wood heater smoke particulate matter (PM2.5) in Australia

Air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor for mortality worldwide. In Australia, residential wood heating is the single largest source of pollution in many regions of the country. Estimates around the world and in some limited locations across Australia have shown that the health burden attributable to wood heating PM2.5 is considerable, and that there is great potential to reduce this burden. Here, we aimed to calculate the mortality burden attributable to wood heating emissions (WHE)-related PM2.5 throughout Australia and estimate the potential health benefits of reducing WHE-related air pollution, by replacing wood heaters with cleaner heating technologies. In summary, we used a four-stage process to (1) compile a nationwide WHE inventory, (2) generate annual exposure estimates of WHE-PM2.5, (3) estimate the annual mortality burden attributable to wood heater use across Australia for the year 2015, and (4) assess the potential health benefits of replacing existing wood heaters with cleaner heating technologies. We estimated that population weighted WHE-PM2.5 exposure across Australia for 2015 ranged between 0.62 μg/m3 and 1.35 μg/m3, with differing exposures across State/Territories. We estimated a considerable mortality burden attributable to WHE-PM2.5 ranging between 558 (95 % CI, 364–738) and 1555 (95 % CI, 1180–1740) deaths annually, depending on the scenario assessed. We calculated that replacing 50 % of the current wood heater stock, with zero or lower emission technologies could produce relevant health benefits, of between $AUD 1.61 and $AUD 1.93 billion per year (303–364 attributable deaths). These findings provide a preliminary and likely conservative assessment of the health burden of wood heater smoke across Australia, and an estimation of the potential benefits from replacing the current wood heater stock with cleaner technologies. The results presented here underscore the magnitude of the health burden attributable to wood heating in Australia.

Fritillaria yalcinii (Liliaceae), a new species from southeastern Turkey

Fritillaria yalcinii (Liliaceae) is described as a new species from Diyarbakır Province, southeastern Turkey. It is superficially similar to F. carica, F. forbesii, F. minima, F. minuta, F. mughlae and F. sibthorpiana, but differs in several morphological characters, such as leaves, perigon, nectary, filament, stigma and anther. Diagnostic characteristics, a comprehensive description, photographs, geographical distribution, conservation assessment, observations and a distribution map are provided.

Bulbophyllumromklaoense (Orchidaceae), a new species from Thailand.

Bulbophyllumromklaoense (B.sect.Lemniscata) from northern Thailand is described and illustrated as a species new to science. It is most similar to B.muscarirubrum and B.triste, but differs by having inflorescences with only 4-6 reddish-brown flowers, falcate-subovate lateral sepals that are connate only in the upper half along the interior margins, petals with erose to fimbriate margins and a lip with long cilia in the distal half on the lower surface. A comparison with other similar species in the section, as well as notes on ecology, phenology, conservation assessment and a key to B.sect.Lemniscata in Thailand are also provided.

Phytosociological Analysis of Functional Components in Silvipastoral Land Use Systems of Himachal Pradesh, India

Phytosociological studies are important for devising suitable conservation strategies of the plant genetic resources. Himachal Pradesh is a north-western Himalayan state with diverse landscape having rich and unique floristic diversity. Silvipastoral systems are one among the most prominent agroforestry land use systems which contributes significantly in productivity, ecological balance and livelihood of local communities. Thus, to know the status of floristic and phytosociological diversity in these land use systems, the present study has been conducted from April 2018 to March 2022 in 12 selected villages in Himachal Pradesh. Total number of plant species recorded in study area was 1046 (including 114 tree, 170 shrub and 762 herb species), belonging to 108 families and 538 genera. Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae were the five most dominant families. Maximum tree density recorded for species Myrica esculenta (980 ind. ha-1) at site 3, Grewia optiva (660 ind. ha-1) at site 2 and Grewia optiva (640 ind. ha-1) at Site 1 Naun, Mandi, followed by Bauhinia variegata (630 ind. ha-1) at Site 2 Banalgi, Solan in zone-II. On the basis of IVI, Cedrus deodara (252.30) was most dominant species followed by Quercus oblongata (193.11), Pinus wallichiana (164.68) and Myrica esculenta (149.10). Among the shrubs Hippophae salicifolia (119.24) was most dominant species followed by Berberis lycium (96.14) and Berberis aristata (90.98). However, Achyranthus aspera (107.66) was most dominant herb species followed by Commelina benghalensis (97.50) and Sonchus asper (44.01). The lowest value of IVI was observed for Capsella bursa-pastoris (9.63) and Tanacetum dolichophyllum (10.54). According to CAMP (Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization), 2013 nine species viz., Angelica glauca, Berberis aristata, Dioscorea deltoidea, Polygonatum cirrhifolium, Hyoscyamus niger, Bunium persicum, Ephedra gerardiana, Juniperus communis and Selinum vaginatum are threatened and requires conservation and management efforts. In past no study was conducted on floristic and phytosociology diversity of silvipastoral systems of Himachal Pradesh. Hence, present study will definitely act as base line data for further in-depth studies on restoration of degraded lands and silvipastoral system management and improvement programs.

The potential of historical spy-satellite imagery to support research in ecology and conservation.

Remote sensing data are important for assessing ecological change, but their value is often restricted by their limited temporal coverage. Major historical events that affected the environment, such as those associated with colonial history, World War II, or the Green Revolution are not captured by modern remote sensing. In the present article, we highlight the potential of globally available black-and-white satellite photographs to expand ecological and conservation assessments back to the 1960s and to illuminate ecological concepts such as shifting baselines, time-lag responses, and legacy effects. This historical satellite photography can be used to monitor ecosystem extent and structure, species' populations and habitats, and human pressures on the environment. Even though the data were declassified decades ago, their use in ecology and conservation remains limited. But recent advances in image processing and analysis can now unlock this research resource. We encourage the use of this opportunity to address important ecological and conservation questions.

Student-Led Campus Happiness Lunchboxes: Paying for Positive Impact

In the aftermath of the 2022 Russian–Ukrainian war, Taiwan experienced economic shocks that prompted the government to initiate the happiness lunchbox program, aimed at fostering sustainable development and zero hunger concerns. Despite these efforts, economically disadvantaged university students faced challenges due to the unconventional outsourcing of campus meals. This study, conducted by leveraging campus culinary facilities, adopts an inferred value approach as opposed to the subjective willingness-to-pay (WTP) method, providing a more conservative assessment of students’ willingness to contribute. Through regression analysis, this study highlights the positive correlation between student engagement in charitable activities and WTP for student-led events. This involvement not only enhances food safety and hygiene but also reflects a genuine commitment to supporting financially challenged students. The comprehensive nature of this approach effectively tackles issues related to campus nutrition, emphasizing the significance of establishing a sustainable campus environment to achieve objectives such as “zero hunger” and “responsible consumption and production” on campus.

Groundwater conservation, and recycling and reuse of textile wastewater in a denim industry of Bangladesh

Bangladesh holds the 2nd position after China in the global apparel market in terms of denim export. In the textile industry clusters of Bangladesh, the groundwater level is depleting at an alarming rate due to overconsumption and mismanagement. The present study evaluates the groundwater conservation potential of a denim facility in Manikganj District through an effluent recycling and reuse approach. In this study, 100% treated wastewater and 10% treated wastewater mixed with softwater were utilized in the wet processing plant to dye and wash sample denim products and investigated for their fabric quality using seven parameters. The test results followed the requirements given by the North American and European fashion brands that source denim products from Bangladesh. The feasibility assessment of groundwater conservation through its high (100%) and low (10%) recycling rates indicated that the studied facility can potentially save around 619,230 m3 and 61,923 m3 of groundwater in a year, respectively.

The influence of scale-dependent geodiversity on species distribution models in a biodiversity hotspot.

Improving models of species' distributions is essential for conservation, especially in light of global change. Species distribution models (SDMs) often rely on mean environmental conditions, yet species distributions are also a function of environmental heterogeneity and filtering acting at multiple spatial scales. Geodiversity, which we define as the variation of abiotic features and processes of Earth's entire geosphere (inclusive of climate), has potential to improve SDMs and conservation assessments, as they capture multiple abiotic dimensions of species niches, however they have not been sufficiently tested in SDMs. We tested a range of geodiversity variables computed at varying scales using climate and elevation data. We compared predictive performance of MaxEnt SDMs generated using CHELSA bioclimatic variables to those also including geodiversity variables for 31 mammalian species in Colombia. Results show the spatial grain of geodiversity variables affects SDM performance. Some variables consistently exhibited an increasing or decreasing trend in variable importance with spatial grain, showing slight scale-dependence and indicating that some geodiversity variables are more relevant at particular scales for some species. Incorporating geodiversity variables into SDMs, and doing so at the appropriate spatial scales, enhances the ability to model species-environment relationships, thereby contributing to the conservation and management of biodiversity. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Geodiversity for science and society'.

Conservation status of the idle crayfish Austropotamobius bihariensis Pârvulescu, 2019

Knowledge about the conservation status of a species is crucial for its protection in the long run. It provides insights into the geographic range, population size and trend, which are useful in management activities towards safeguarding the future of a species. The idle crayfish, Austropotamobius bihariensis, is a recently described crayfish species that has not yet undergone a full conservation assessment. Here, we present our extensive 13-year study that aimed to fill this gap by investigating and monitoring the species' entire geographic occurrence range and quantifying its subpopulations. Although it is an endemic crayfish located in the Apuseni Mountains (Romania), its range and population is stable. The observed relative abundance is highly unbalanced within subpopulations, with 71% falling below ten individuals per 100 m river stretch. We documented four extinct subpopulations (ca. 16%), whereas more than half of the subpopulations being in a size-decreasing trend. Since no invasive crayfish were detected in (or very close to) its distribution area, the idle crayfish can still be considered safe against invasions. However, based on our findings and following the IUCN Red List Guidelines, we concluded that idle crayfish's most appropriate conservation status is Endangered. IUCN ratification is required for increased significance.