Niche Modelling Analyses Research Articles

Targeted conservation management of white pines in China: Integrating phylogeographic structure, niche modeling, and conservation gap analyses

White pines (Pinus subsect. Strobus) are important in many Northern Hemisphere forest ecosystems, and white pine species are often narrowly distributed or even endangered in China. In this study, we integrated phylogeography, ecological niche modeling, and conservation gap analysis to assess conservation priorities for the white pine species in China, and subsequently provided valuable insights for their effective conservation. First, to infer their phylogeographic structure, DNA sequence data were obtained for three plastid and two mitochondrial regions from 87 individuals representing all 12 natural species in China. Then, the effectiveness of existing protected areas (PAs) in China was evaluated by overlapping 1372 PAs to the current and future suitable habitats identified by MaxEnt. We also used the software Marxan to assess irreplaceable planning units (IPUs) and conservation priority areas. Our results revealed that the plastid and mitochondrial data generated different phylogenetic relationships, indicating historical introgressions among the white pine species. Additionally, half of the species in China, including endangered species such as P. dabeshanensis, P. wangii, and P. kwangtungensis, are poorly protected with low percentages (<10%) of suitable habitats held within the current PAs. We also identified 73,390 IPUs representing 201 conservation priority areas for the white pine species. Those IPUs, as well as priority areas, are also poorly protected especially in southern China. Our results demonstrated large conservation gaps for white pines in southern China that need to be filled by creating more nature reserves. Given these findings, we concluded that white pine species in China urgently need targeted conservation management to ensure effective protection and to maintain the species’ overall genetic diversity. Such management should include in situ and ex situ conservation, ground protection, and assisted migration.

Phylogeny and evolution of Lasiopodomys in subfamily Arvivolinae based on mitochondrial genomics.

The species of Lasiopodomys Lataste 1887 with their related genera remains undetermined owing to inconsistent morphological characteristics and molecular phylogeny. To investigate the phylogenetic relationship and speciation among species of the genus Lasiopodomys, we sequenced and annotated the whole mitochondrial genomes of three individual species, namely Lasiopodomys brandtii Radde 1861, L. mandarinus Milne-Edwards 1871, and Neodon (Lasiopodomys) fuscus Büchner 1889. The nucleotide sequences of the circular mitogenomes were identical for each individual species of L. brandtii, L. mandarinus, and N. fuscus. Each species contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs, and 2 ribosomal RNAs, with mitochondrial genome lengths of 16,557 bp, 16,562 bp, and 16,324 bp, respectively. The mitogenomes and PCGs showed positive AT skew and negative GC skew. Mitogenomic phylogenetic analyses suggested that L. brandtii, L. mandarinus, and L. gregalis Pallas 1779 belong to the genus Lasiopodomys, whereas N. fuscus belongs to the genus Neodon grouped with N. irene. Lasiopodomys showed the closest relationship with Microtus fortis Büchner 1889 and M. kikuchii Kuroda 1920, which are considered as the paraphyletic species of genera Microtus. TMRCA and niche model analysis revealed that Lasiopodomys may have first appeared during the early Pleistocene epoch. Further, L. gregalis separated from others over 1.53 million years ago (Ma) and then diverged into L. brandtii and L. mandarinus 0.76 Ma. The relative contribution of climatic fluctuations to speciation and selection in this group requires further research.

Ecological patterns and effectiveness of protected areas in the preservation of Mimusops species’ habitats under climate change

Understanding the niche and habitat requirements of useful and threatened species, their shifts under climate change and how well protected areas (PAs) preserve these habitats is relevant for guiding sustainable management actions. Here we assessed the ecological factors underlying the distribution of two multipurpose and threatened species, Mimusops andongensis and M. kummel, in Benin, and potential changes in the suitable habitats covered by PAs, under climate change scenarios. Fifty seven occurrence points were collected for M. andongensis and 81 for M. kummel. Associations with 19 bioclimatic (from WorldClim database) and six soil variables (from World Soil Information website) were analyzed using Principal Components Analysis, niche modelling and gap analysis. M. andongensis occurrence is associated with high soil clay, silt, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity. Contrastingly, M. kummel occurrence is linked to high sand content and prolonged water holding capacity. Climatically, M. andongensis occurrence is positively related to mean annual temperature, while M. kummel occurrence is influenced by the seasonality of precipitation and precipitation of the wettest period. Predictions showed affinity of suitable areas with water lines, suggesting that components of soil texture and chemical properties should be considered during modelling. For M. andongensis suitable areas are confined to the Guineo-Congolian zone, while for M. kummel they are mostly located in the Guineo-Sudanian zone and absent from the driest part of the Sudanian zone. Under climate change, moderately to highly suitable areas (probability of occurrence of species>20%) covered by PAs will decrease in the case of M. andongensis, but remain stable for M. kummel. In Benin, PAs are under threat from exploitation and uncontrolled bushfires, which may also affect populations of the two species. Consequently, additional actions are required, including the monitoring of species populations and the extent of different pressures, and the regularization of access to PAs. Populations of these species outside PAs should also be given consideration because of their very limited abundance.

&lt;em&gt;Potentila indica (Andr.) nov.&lt;/em&gt; (wild strawberry) in Sri Lanka is Restricted to a small Climatic Envelop Urging Strict Conservation

Purpose: The nomenclature of the wild strawberries inhabited in Sri Lanka is ambiguous. In Sri Lanka, this species is still named Duchesnea indica which needs a revision. Wild strawberries grow well in natural habitats of upcountry in Sri Lanka. Since the commercial strawberry cultivations gain a popularity in upcountry, the studies on wild strawberry is essential for crop improvement and management.Research Method: In the present study, we conducted extensive field sampling followed by a phylogenetic analysis with the DNA barcoding markers ITS and, trnL-F by using a representative sample of wild strawberry plants in Sri Lanka. The distribution of the species was identified using maximum entropy modeling approaches.Findings: Sri Lankan wild strawberry got placed at subtribe: Potentilla, and clade: Reptans and show a shallow divergence with the species Potentilla indica reported. Thus, we reposition the genus of wild strawberries in Sri Lanka from Duchesnea to Potentilla and hereafter name it as P. indica. The niche model analysis predicted a highly restricted distribution of Sri Lankan wild strawberry in Nuwara-Eliya district over an area of 166.36 km2 in the altitude range of 1546 - 2524 m in a small climatic envelop highlighting the need for urgent conservation measures.Research Limitations: The pop-set for available in literature of P. indica is limited for comparison. Extensive studies based on DNA sequencing is needed for further validation.Originality / Value: Taxonomy, narrow distribution, need of conservation, and phylogenetic distance to Fragaria chiloensis, a progenitor species of cultivated strawberry, are defined for Sri Lankan wild strawberries.

Pleistocene climatic fluctuations promoted alternative evolutionary histories in Phytelephas aequatorialis, an endemic palm from western Ecuador

AbstractAimPleistocene (2.58 Ma–11.7 ka) climatic fluctuations have shaped intraspecific genetic patterns worldwide; however, their impact on species in many regions remains unknown. In order to determine the impact of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations on the tropical rain forests of western Ecuador, we explored the evolutionary history of the endemic palm Phytelephas aequatorialis.LocationWestern Ecuador, north‐western South America.TaxonPhytelephas aequatorialis (Arecaceae).MethodsOne hundred and seventy‐six nuclear genes were sequenced in 91 individuals for phylogenomic and population structure analyses. The time of divergence between identified genetic lineages was estimated using a coalescent phylogenomic analysis. Palaeoecological niche modelling analyses were performed to determine areas of historical climatic suitability since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 22 ka) that potentially acted as forest refugia during the Pleistocene. A Wilcoxon test and Pearson correlations were used to explore how current levels of genetic diversity, in terms of expected heterozygosity (Hs), have been shaped by several palaeoclimatic and geographic factors.ResultsPhylogenomic and population structure analyses revealed two main genetic lineages with a north–south distribution, which diverged 1.14 Ma during the Pleistocene. Two potential Pleistocene refugia were identified, one along the Pacific coast of Ecuador and one in the Andean foothills of south‐western Ecuador. The location of these refugia agrees with the spatial location of the two genetic lineages. Within the Andean foothills, Hs was lower for the southern lineage than for the northern lineage. Hs significantly increased with decreasing latitude across the species as a whole.Main conclusionsPleistocene climatic fluctuations promoted intraspecific divergence in P. aequatorialis within the rain forests of western Ecuador. The Andean foothills of south‐western Ecuador could be an important area for rain forest evolution because they potentially remained climatically suitable throughout the Pleistocene. Lower genetic diversity in the southern lineage, which apparently remained isolated in the Andean foothills during glacial cycles, adds evidence to the presence of a forest refugium in south‐western Ecuador. The geographic pattern in genetic diversity suggests that P. aequatorialis colonized western Ecuador from the north. This study supports the role of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations in promoting intraspecific divergence, and for the first time, we show their impact west of the Andes.

Ecological niche modelling and phylogeography reveal range shifts of pawpaw, a North American understorey tree

AbstractAimPredictions of species' responses to accelerating global climate change require an understanding of historical range shifts. However, large‐scale phylogeographical studies of Eastern North American understorey plant taxa are relatively scarce. Here we employ ecological niche modelling and genetic analyses for inference of optimal pawpaw habitat in the past and future.LocationIn all, 26 states in the eastern United States.TaxonAsimina triloba (L.) Dunal (Annonaceae).MethodsThe present‐day niche of Asimina triloba was modelled in Maxent using seven bioclimatic variables, elevation and location data from field samples and herbarium specimens. To model historically optimal habitats, the present‐day model was projected onto rasters of seven bioclimatic variables and elevation representing the last glacial maximum (~22,000 years before present [YBP]) and the mid‐Holocene (~6,000 YBP). Predicted habitat suitability for 2070 was also modelled. Additionally, 62 populations were genotyped with nine nuclear microsatellite loci and statistically analysed. Levels and partitioning of genetic variation within and among populations were estimated within a geographical context.ResultsModels indicate that optimal habitat 22,000 YBP was severely restricted to mostly now‐submerged Gulf of Mexico and southeastern US coastlines. By 2070, models suggest that optimal habitat will expand substantially northward relative to the present. Species‐level genetic diversity (HE = 0.765) is high and genetic structure among populations is moderate (GST = 0.202). Structure indicates that there are two population clusters straddling the Appalachian Mountains.Main conclusionsModels suggest that 22,000 YBP A. triloba was restricted to two major refugia in narrow bands of mostly now‐submerged habitat and possibly several small inland refugia. Molecular data are consistent suggesting that the eastern refugia expanded to give rise to the eastern cluster which is characterized by higher genetic diversity. The Gulf of Mexico refugium likely gave rise to populations in the western cluster, which is characterized by lower genetic diversity.

Potential Himalayan community turnover through the Late Pleistocene

Prevailing models for the high biodiversity in tropical mountains assume that organisms can survive through past climate change by performing short elevational movements to track suitable habitats. However, dramatic Pleistocene climatic oscillations could also lead to species turnover but have widely been ignored. Here, we used ecological niche modelling (ENM) of 288 passerine species in the Himalayas to test the effect of climate change during the Last Interglacial Period (LIG), the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the present day. The ENM analyses hindcasted species persistence through climate change from the LGM to the present day but likely showed a high degree of species turnover (e.g. 32.6–46.2%) from the LIG to the LGM. Further elevational dynamic reconstructions demonstrated that species might survive these two periods of climate change by upward and downward shifts, respectively. Statistical analyses of climatic variables showed increased climatic variability in the Himalayas during the LIG, which might have caused community turnover. The severe evolutionary consequence of the LIG climate in the Himalayas contrasts with the paradigm of the climatic optimum in Europe and North America and suggests potential geography-dependent effects of past climate change. More importantly, our results demonstrate that dramatic historical climate change might overwhelm the buffering effect of elevational heterogeneity, which should be considered when investigating the origin of tropical montane biodiversity.

A hippo in the room: Predicting the persistence and dispersion of an invasive mega-vertebrate in Colombia, South America

Biological invasions are a big concern due to their potential to impact ecosystems, as well as local people. The hippo Hippopotamus amphibius, native to Africa, has invaded extensive areas of the Magdalena River basin (Colombia) over the past decades, and has been considered the largest invasive animal in the world. Here, we propose the use of two approaches of predictive modeling, in order to guide recommendations for the management of this biological invasion. First, we developed a population viability analysis (PVA) to simulate a hypothetical population growth under different management scenarios. Next, we explored the potential invasion area under future climate change scenarios throughout ecological niche modeling analyses. PVA models predicted that in the absence of an intense culling/hunting pressure, the population size will continue to steadily increase, which is consistent with the population growth observed during the last 20 years. Furthermore, our static and dynamic habitat suitability projections suggested that without dispersal limiting factors, potential colonization habitat for hippos may become very extensive across the landscape and can be favored by climate change in the future. Therefore, our findings show the urgent need of taking critical management decisions by the Colombian authorities, which should be focused on limiting the hippos' population growth and expansion. Ignoring cost-benefit considerations for the control of this invasive species may have unexpected and long-term social and ecological implications. However, the proposal of a course of action can become controversial when the species has a charismatic value for the society, regardless of its ecological or social impact.

Climatic and topographic changes since the Miocene influenced the diversification and biogeography of the tent tortoise (Psammobates tentorius) species complex in Southern Africa

BackgroundClimatic and topographic changes function as key drivers in shaping genetic structure and cladogenic radiation in many organisms. Southern Africa has an exceptionally diverse tortoise fauna, harbouring one-third of the world’s tortoise genera. The distribution of Psammobates tentorius (Kuhl, 1820) covers two of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world, the Succulent Karoo and Cape Floristic Region. The highly diverged P. tentorius represents an excellent model species for exploring biogeographic and radiation patterns of reptiles in Southern Africa.ResultsWe investigated genetic structure and radiation patterns against temporal and spatial dimensions since the Miocene in the Psammobates tentorius species complex, using multiple types of DNA markers and niche modelling analyses. Cladogenesis in P. tentorius started in the late Miocene (11.63–5.33 Ma) when populations dispersed from north to south to form two geographically isolated groups. The northern group diverged into a clade north of the Orange River (OR), followed by the splitting of the group south of the OR into a western and an interior clade. The latter divergence corresponded to the intensification of the cold Benguela current, which caused western aridification and rainfall seasonality. In the south, tectonic uplift and subsequent exhumation, together with climatic fluctuations seemed responsible for radiations among the four southern clades since the late Miocene. We found that each clade occurred in a habitat shaped by different climatic parameters, and that the niches differed substantially among the clades of the northern group but were similar among clades of the southern group.ConclusionClimatic shifts, and biome and geographic changes were possibly the three major driving forces shaping cladogenesis and genetic structure in Southern African tortoise species. Our results revealed that the cladogenesis of the P. tentorius species complex was probably shaped by environmental cooling, biome shifts and topographic uplift in Southern Africa since the late Miocene. The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) may have impacted the distribution of P. tentorius substantially. We found the taxonomic diversify of the P. tentorius species complex to be highest in the Greater Cape Floristic Region. All seven clades discovered warrant conservation attention, particularly Ptt-B–Ptr, Ptt-A and Pv-A.

The Quaternary range dynamics ofNoccaea iberidea(Brassicaceae), a typical representative of subalpine/alpine steppe communities of Anatolian mountains

AbstractThe responses of Anatolian plants to global climate change have been poorly investigated. In this study, we aimed to understand how climatic oscillation during the Quaternary period helped to shape the current distribution patterns of the Anatolian endemic Noccaea iberidea, a typical representative of tragacanthic (thorny cushion) steppe communities of Anatolia. We used ecological niche modelling combined with statistical phylogeography, based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastidic trnL-F and trnS-ycf9 regions. Both the structure of the haplotype networks and the results of the extended Bayesian skyline plot analysis clearly indicated that N. iberidea has been through a recent population expansion. This interpretation was also supported by ecological niche modelling analysis, which showed that the availability of areas of high suitability expanded from the Last Interglacial to the Last Glacial Maximum, suggesting that N. iberidea might have expanded its range during the glacial periods. In conclusion, the study improves our understanding of the demographic history and responses of steppe plant communities of Anatolia to global climate changes through the Late Quaternary glacial–interglacial cycles, which in turn might aid in the development of future conservation strategies.

Bushmaster bites in Brazil: ecological niche modeling and spatial analysis to improve human health measures

In 2017, the World Health Organization has included ophidian accidents in category A of the list of neglected tropical diseases, i.e. with a high impact on world health and that do not receive the necessary attention. It is fundamental that the combat to this health issue becomes a priority and be developed through the cooperation of different areas of knowledge. Our goals were to identify the potential geographical distribution of Lachesis muta (bushmaster snake) for supporting the planning of the distribution of antivenom in Brazil and mitigate this disease. Occurrence records of the species were taken from scientific collections. The data of antivenom distribution were obtained from the Ministry of Health and State Secretaries of Health. Our results showed climatic suitability for L. muta in 60% of the Brazilian territory, including Amazon and Atlantic Forest Biomes. The highest incidence rates and suitability values were recorded for the North region, which is a priority for mitigate this disease. Our results can reduce unnecessary expense and support the efficient distribution of the antivenom medication. We encourage mapping the importance medical animals for recognize areas of occurrence of neglected diseases to improve human health measures.

The East Asian Winter Monsoon Acts as a Major Selective Factor in the Intraspecific Differentiation of Drought-Tolerant Nitraria tangutorum in Northwest China.

The influence of Quaternary climate fluctuation on the geographical structure and genetic diversity of species distributed in the regions of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) has been well established. However, the underlying role of the East Asian monsoon system (EAMS) in shaping the genetic structure of the population and the demography of plants located in the arid northwest of China has not been explored. In the present study, Nitraria tangutorum, a drought-tolerant desert shrub that is distributed in the EAMS zone and has substantial ecological and economic value, was profiled to better understand the influence of EAMS evolution on its biogeographical patterns and demographic history. Thus, the phylogeographical structure and historical dynamics of this plant species were elucidated using its five chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments. Hierarchical structure analysis revealed three distinct, divergent lineages: West, East-A, and East-B. The molecular dating was carried out using a Bayesian approach to estimate the time of intraspecies divergence. Notably, the eastern region, which included East-A and East-B lineages, was revealed to be the original center of distribution and was characterized by a high level of genetic diversity, with the intraspecific divergence time dated to be around 2.53 million years ago (Ma). These findings, combined with the data obtained by ecological niche modeling analysis, indicated that the East lineages have undergone population expansion and differentiation, which were closely correlated with the development of the EAMS, especially the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM). The West lineage appears to have originated from the migration of N. tangutorum across the Hexi corridor at around 1.85 Ma, and subsequent colonization of the western region. These results suggest that the EAWM accelerated the population expansion of N. tangutorum and subsequent intraspecific differentiation. These findings collectively provide new information on the impact of the evolution of the EAMS on intraspecific diversification and population demography of drought-tolerant plant species in northwest China.

Restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing data reveal a radiation of willow species (SalixL., Salicaceae) in the Hengduan Mountains and adjacent areas

AbstractThe Hengduan Mountains (HDM) in China are an important hotspot of plant diversity and endemism, and are considered to be a secondary diversification center for the woody plant genusSalixL. (Salicaceae). Here we aimed to reconstruct the spatiotemporal evolution of theSalix Chamaetia‐Vetrixclade in the HDM and to test for the occurrence of a local radiation. We inferred phylogenetic relationships based on more than 34 000 restriction‐site associated DNA loci from 27 species. Phylogenetic analyses recovered a well‐resolved tree topology with two major clades, the Eurasian clade and the HDM clade, with a divergence time of ca. 23.9 Ma. Species in the HDM clade originated in the northern part of the range and adjacent areas, and then dispersed into the southern HDM, westwards to the Himalayas and eastwards to the Qinling Mountains. Niche modelling analyses reveal that range contractions occurred in the northern areas during the last glacial maximum, while southward expansions resulted in range overlaps. Reconstructions of character evolution related to plant height, inflorescence, and flower morphology suggest that adaptations to altitudinal distribution contributed to the diversification of the HDM willows. Our data support the occurrence of a radiation in the HDM within theSalix Chamaetia‐Vetrixclade. Dispersal within the mountain system, and to adjacent regions, in addition to survival in glacial refugia shaped the biogeographical history of the clade, while adaptations of the HDM willows along an altitudinal gradient could be important ecological factors explaining the high species diversity ofSalixin this area.

Back to the future of a rare plant species of the Chihuahuan desert: tracing distribution patterns across time and genetic diversity as a basis for conservation actions

Habitat fragmentation and its effects on the persistence of populations and species are of major concern to conservation biology. Penstemon coriaceus is a rare and endemic species from the Mexican Central Plateau and adjacent foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental, which belongs to the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion. This is the first study that integrates population genetics and ecological niche modeling analysis as tools to understand the distribution and genetic diversity patterns of a Penstemon species. We used AFLP markers for 144 individuals across 11 populations, and calibrated Ecological niche modeling for three different time periods (current, future and past). Population genetics analysis showed low levels of genetic diversity at the population level and high genetic differentiation among populations. Ecological niche modeling analysis revealed an important decline of the distribution range due to climate change, which can be considered as an indicator for the vulnerability of temperate forest. The integration of both methods revealed that the genetic differentiation observed only show a relationship with the environment variables and the habitat suitability, but not with the geographical distribution of the populations sampled; which indicate the importance of the environmental factors in the determination of genetic processes for P. coriaceus.

Global analysis of ecological niche conservation and niche shift in exotic populations of monkeyflowers (Mimulus guttatus, M. luteus) and their hybrid (M. × robertsii)

ABSTRACT Background Hybridisation associated with biological invasions may generate new phenotypic combinations, allowing hybrids to occupy new ecological niches. To date, few studies have assessed niche shifts associated with hybridisation in recently introduced populations while simultaneously characterising the niche of parental species in both native and introduced ranges. Aims Here, we compared (1) the ecological niche of a novel hybrid monkeyflower, M. × robertsii, with the niches of its two parental taxa (M. guttatus, M. luteus), and (2) the ecological niches of native (Americas) and introduced parental populations (Europe and New Zealand). Methods We assembled >13,000 geo-referenced occurrence records and eight environmental variables and conducted an ecological niche model analysis using maximum entropy, principal component and niche dynamics analysis. Results We found no evidence of niche shift in the hybrid, which may result in potential competition between parental and derived taxa in the introduced range. M. guttatus showed niche conservatism in introduced populations in Europe, but a niche shift in New Zealand, while M. luteus showed a niche shift in Europe. Conclusions The comparison of native and non-native populations of parental taxa, suggests that whether invasions result in niche shifts or not depends on both taxon and geographic region, highlighting the idiosyncratic nature of biological invasions.

Ecological niche modelling and genetic analyses reveal lack of geographic differentiation of Leptolobium dasycarpum (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) across the Brazilian savannah

Trees from Brazilian savannah (Cerrado), especially species of the family Leguminosae, generally show genetic discontinuity among their populations. This leads to the formation of geographically delimited groups. This study assesses the effects of historical climatic changes during the Quaternary glaciations on the demography, diversification and spatial distribution of Leptolobium dasycarpum, a useful tree species of the Cerrado, using phylogeography and spatial distribution modelling. We sampled freshly collected and herborized individuals throughout L. dasycarpum’s distribution and sequenced two plastid intergenic spacers (133 plants) and the ITS region from the nuclear ribosomal DNA (124 plants). The current study’s framework incorporated statistical phylogeography, coalescent analyses and ecological niche modelling. The species presented significant differentiation among populations, with no geographically differentiated groups along the Cerrado and no signs of recent demographic changes. The species also experienced a moderate reduction of its suitable niche distribution during the Last Glacial Maximum. Moreover, the data suggested that the ancestral distribution area of L. dasycarpum was the central Cerrado and that colonization of adjacent areas occurred only recently. The results suggested that the central region of the Cerrado is the centre of L. dasycarpum lineage diversification and there are no significant barriers to gene flow among populations from the different regions of Cerrado. Historical climate changes did not impact the demographic history of L. dasycarpum probably due to the demographic stability throughout the Quaternary allied to the life history traces of this species.

New records and a revision of the actual and potential distribution of Discoglossus montalentii to facilitate future conservation assessments

Abstract The Corsican Painted Frog Discoglossus montalentii has received little research attention since its discovery, which creates uncertainty about its distribution and conservation status. We here use a combination of field surveys, ecological niche modelling (ENM) and niche overlap analyses to (i) update the D. montalentii distribution; (ii) determine its potential range, and (iii) assess if presence of Discoglossus sardus influences that of D. montalentii. Our surveys reveal presence of D. montalentii at low and mid-altitudes throughout Cap Corse and near the north-western coast, while ENMs suggest that similar climatically and topographically suitable habitats occur beyond the confirmed range in northern- and westernmost Corsica. No evidence for competitive exclusion by D. sardus was found, with both species displaying broad niche overlap at macroscale. Whether potential differences between these species do exist at microhabitat level remains worth exploring. We finally review the conservation status of D. montalentii, and assemble practical knowledge to inform future conservation assessments.

New records of Convolvulaceae species for the Ceará state and its potential geographic distribution in Northeast Brazil

This study reports six new records of Convolvulaceae for Ceará state, notheastern Brazil: Ipomoea aristolochifolia G.Don, Ipomoea calyptrata Dammer, I. cynanchifolia Meisn, I. longibracteolata Sim.-Bianch. &amp; J. R. I. Wood, I. meyeri G. Don and Jacquemontia mucronifera (Choisy) Hallier f. Of these, I. longibracteolata and I. meyeri are new records for the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga, respectively. For each species registered are provided descriptions, taxonomic and ecological comments, illustrations or photos of diagnostic characters and an ecological niche modeling analysis in northeast Brazil.

Assessing the status of critically endangered Kondana soft-furred rat (Millardia kondana) using integrative taxonomy: combining evidence from morphological, molecular and environmental niche modeling

Abstract Kondana soft-furred rat is a critically endangered (CR) species, known from a single locality – Sinhgad in the northern Western Ghats, India. However, the taxonomic status of this species is uncertain due to its close resemblance to the widely distributed soft-furred field rat Millardia meltada, which has serious implications on the conservation status of Millardia kondana. In this study, we assessed the current taxonomic status of M. kondana through an integrative approach combining morphological, molecular and environmental niche modeling analyses. We collected morphological data from the specimens around Sinhgad as well as preserved specimens in the museum. Both morphological and two-dimensional (2D) morphometrical analyses showed a significant difference between M. kondana and M. meltada. Molecular phylogeny based on cytochrome b gene revealed a sister relationship between M. kondana and M. meltada, and both species form distinct well-supported monophyletic clades. Niche modeling also predicted niche segregation between the two species: M. kondana preferred areas with a high elevation and precipitation seasonality while M. meltada favored regions with a low elevation and precipitation. We confirmed that M. kondana is taxonomically distinct from M. meltada, and based on our estimates of its occurrence and occupancy, M. kondana continues to be treated as CR until further detailed investigations.

Filling biogeographic gaps about the shrimp Farfantepenaeus isabelaeTavares amp; Gusmão, 2016 (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in South America.

Farfantepenaeus isabelae is a recently described pink shrimp species with occurrence restricted to the South Atlantic. The real geographic distribution of this species is still uncertain, probably due to difficulties on identification in relation to congeners. The present study aims to increase the knowledge about its occurrence by using an integrative approach with morphology, molecular and niche modeling analysis. Our results extend both western and eastern limits of occurrence of F. isabelae, elucidating gaps along the northern region of Brazil. The knowledge about its distribution will contribute to updating the politics of management and fishing in order to preserve its natural stocks.