Endemic Research Articles

Islands are key for protecting the world's plant endemism.

Islands are renowned as evolutionary laboratories and support many species that are not found elsewhere1,2. Islands are also of great conservation concern, with many of their endemic species currently threatened or extinct3. Here we present a standardized checklist of all known vascular plants that occur on islands and document their geographical and phylogenetic distribution and conservation risk. Our analyses of 304,103 plant species reveal that 94,052 species (31%) are native to islands, which constitute 5.3% of the global landmass4. Of these, 63,280 are island endemic species, which represent 21% of global plant diversity. Three-quarters of these are restricted to large or isolated islands. Compared with the world flora, island endemics are non-randomly distributed within the tree of life, with a total of 1,005 billion years of unique phylogenetic history with 17 families and 1,702 genera being entirely endemic to islands. Of all vascular plants assigned International Union for Conservation of Nature conservation categories5, 22% are island endemics. Among these endemic species, 51% are threatened, and 55% of all documented global extinctions have occurred on islands. We find that of all single-island endemic species, only 6% occur on islands meeting the United Nations 30×30 conservation target. Urgent measures including habitat restoration, invasive species removal and ex situ programmes are needed to protect the world's island flora. Our checklist quantifies the uniqueness of island life, provides a basis for future studies of island floras, and highlights the urgent need to take actions for conserving them.

Records of endangered felines in conservation units in the Brazilian Pampa

The Brazilian Pampa biome is an environment formed by grasslands, shrubs, and riparian forests, home to several endemic species. These are being increasingly threatened by the replacement of their native areas by other types of land use, including agriculture and urbanization. To obtain comprehensive records of the native fauna, camera traps were installed in two protected areas, the Ibirapuitã Biological Reserve and the Espinilho State Park. In this way, it was possible to detect diverse populations of two native cats, the margay (Leopardus wiedii) and the Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), as well as the first record of the elusive Pampa’s cat (Leopardus munoai) in Brazilian conservation units, highlighting the critical importance of these unique habitats for biodiversity conservation and ecological research.

Evaluation of methyl jasmonate as elicitor in the production of cycloartane saponins in Astragalus aitosensis in vitro root cultures

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment is known to increase the levels of plant secondary metabolites. The significant medicinal benefits of cycloartane type saponins, including immune modulation, antiviral properties, and antitumor activity, drive high global demand, making sustainable production methods economically, medically, and ecologically important. In this study the effect of MeJA as an elicitor for promoting higher accumulation of cycloartane saponins – astragaloside I, II and IV was evaluated. The experiment was conducted using biotechnological approaches for sustainable production using in vitro root cultures of the endemic plant species Astragalus aitosensis, which is known to produce rare cycloartane saponins. LC-HRESI-MS analysis was used to identify and quantify compounds. The content of astragaloside I increased significantly by 68% (118 ng/mg DW) compared to control group (70 ng/mg DW). Astragaloside II was found with 1.5 points increased amount (473 ng/mg DW), compared to control (331 ng/mg DW) and astragaloside IV production was also improved. The highest cost-efficacy concentration of the elicitor for all tested astragalosides was observed at 50 µL MeJA.

Life history of Mexican species of the genus <i>Tlaloc</i> (Cyprinodontiformes, Profundulidae)

Fish of the genus Tlaloc are distributed from southern Mexico to Central America and are a distinctive example of the endemic fauna of the Mesoamerican highlands, which has been scarcely studied in Mexico. The present study provides basic life-history data for the species Tlaloc hildebrandi, T. candalarius, and T. labialis, which are native to the headwaters of the Grijalva-Usumacinta basin in southeastern Mexico. We collected 918 specimens to determine their Length-Weight Relationship (LWR), Relative Condition Factor (Kr), sex ratio, Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), fecundity, and size at first sexual maturity. Both sexes of all species had positive allometric growth, except for T. candalarius females (isometric). Mean Kr and sex ratio values differed significantly among species. Females’ GSI values differed significantly among species but were highest during the dry season in all three species. Absolute fecundity was positively correlated with standard length and weight. Sexual maturity was reached at different lengths among species. Based on these results, we suggest that all three species present an opportunistic life strategy, which is very common in fish of the order Cyprinodontiformes. These results represent a first contribution on the life-history of this group of fish and provide basic information that is fundamental to ensuring their conservation.

Biogeography of the Iranian snakes.

The events of the Cenozoic era such as mountain formation caused Iran to become one of the most amazing biodiversity hotspots in the world today. This pioneering study on Iranian snake biogeography integrates historical and ecological analyses. A phylogeographic review traces speciation and dispersal, while cluster analysis with a new snake checklist assesses faunistic similarities within Iran and its surroundings. Jaccard and Sorenson indices generate similarity dendrograms, Indicator Species Analysis pinpoints regional key species, and Endemism index calculates regional endemism rates, enriching our knowledge of Iran's species diversity. Phylogeographic analyses identify four biogeographical corridors for snake ingress into Iran: the Arabian region through southwestern Iran, the Western Asian mountainous transition zone via northwestern Iran, the Turanian region into northeastern Iran, and the Indus River Valley into southeastern and eastern Iran. Dendrogram analysis divides snake fauna into three groups. The first group associates western Zagros and Khuzestan fauna with the Sahara and Arabian regions. The second group links Kopet Dagh and Turkmen Steppe fauna with the Turanian region, and Central Plateau and Baluchistan fauna with the Iranian region. The third group connects northwest highlands, Alborz and Zagros mountains, and Caspian Sea coasts with the Western Asian Mountain transition zone. The study validates broad biogeographic patterns via ecoregional associations and indicator species analysis, providing finer resolution. Species like Platyceps najadum in Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests exemplify ecoregional alignment, while Zagros and Alborz mountains exhibit unique faunal indicators, indicating species-level divergence. Shared indicators among widespread ecoregions reflect habitat continuity; exclusive indicators emphasize regional distinctiveness. Despite endemic species prevalence, they seldom act as significant indicators due to various factors. Our research confirms the Zagros Mountains, Khuzestan Plain, Alborz Mountains, and Persian Gulf coasts as snake diversity hotspots, marked by higher species richness compared to other Iranian regions.

The endemic plant species of Ebo Forest, Littoral Region, Cameroon, with a new Critically Endangered cloud forest shrub, Memecylon ebo (Melastomataceae-Olisbeoideae)

SummaryWe emphasise the urgent need to conserve the Ebo forest (Littoral Region, Cameroon), which holds 10 strict endemic plant species and 15 near endemics for a total of 25, a very high number far exceeding the threshold for its recent status as an Important Plant Area (IPA). We describe a further strict endemic species from the Ebo Forest, Memecylon ebo sp. nov. (Melastomataceae-Olisbeoideae), placed in sect. Afzeliana due to its ellipsoid, blue-green fruits. The yellow petals and jade green anther-connectives of M. ebo are unique in the genus Memecylon, which has >400 species ranging overall from Africa to the western Pacific. Memecylon ebo is assessed as Critically Endangered [CR], using the 2012 IUCN standard, due to its small range size and the extremely high and ongoing threats of logging at Ebo and also due to subsequent threats of potential oil palm plantation and mining projects. With the addition of Memecylon ebo, the tally of Critically Endangered plant species recorded from Ebo forest is now the highest of any IPA in Cameroon, equalling that of Ngovayang with 24 CR species.

Palaeodrainages of the Sunda Shelf detailed in new maps

The Sunda Shelf is a prime biodiversity hotspot where some of the planet's most endemic species can be found. Much of the diversity in this important bioregion has been shaped by sea-level fluctuations that took place during the Pleistocene. Using depth contours obtained from the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans Grid 2023, we provide high-resolution reconstruction of land areas and palaeo-drainages on the Sunda Shelf at the 50, 75, 100, and 120 m isobaths, as well as palaeo-catchments at the 120 m isobath, in order to elucidate the history of this region. The maps presented here aim to reconstruct the connection between palaeo-rivers in the Sunda Shelf and contemporary rivers and identify possible dispersal routes and barriers for the floras and faunas/biotas associated with riverine systems found here.

Diversidad y conservación de los murciélagos de Cusco, Perú

In this work, we present an updated list of bats from the Cusco department, based on the review of scientific collections, databases, and published research. Our data show that Cusco is one of the regions with the highest bat diversity in the country, recording seven families, 55 genera, and 114 species, nearly 60% of those recorded for Peru. This diversity includes two of the nine endemic species registered in Peru: Mormopterus phrudus and Anoura javieri. According to Peruvian legislation, five species are categorized as threatened, while six species are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Additionally, 10 species are considered common, and 27 are classified as rare. The density map of records indicates that the highest concentration of records is in the La Convención province and identifies four areas with information gaps: 1) Southeast of Cusco, 2) Southwest, encompassing the provinces of Chumbivilcas and Espinar, 3) Northwest of La Convención, and 4) Northeast of La Convención. The list provides species data at the provincial level, highlighting information gaps and updates on species distribution across ecoregions, besides is included the distribution maps of all species.

Population Genomics of Adaptive Radiations: Exceptionally High Levels of Genetic Diversity and Recombination in an Endemic Spider From the Canary Islands.

The spider genus Dysdera has undergone a remarkable diversification in the oceanic archipelago of the Canary Islands, with ~60 endemic species having originated during the 20 million years since the origin of the archipelago. This evolutionary radiation has been accompanied by substantial dietary shifts, often characterised by phenotypic modifications encompassing morphological, metabolic and behavioural changes. Hence, these endemic spiders represent an excellent model for understanding the evolutionary drivers and to pinpoint the genomic determinants underlying adaptive radiations. Recently, we achieved the first chromosome-level genome assembly of one of the endemic species, D. silvatica, providing a high-quality reference sequence for evolutionary genomics studies. Here, we conducted a low coverage-based resequencing study of a natural population of D. silvatica from La Gomera island. Taking advantage of the new high-quality genome, we characterised genome-wide levels of nucleotide polymorphism, divergence and linkage disequilibrium, and inferred the demographic history of this population. We also performed comprehensive genome-wide scans for recent positive selection. Our findings uncovered exceptionally high levels of nucleotide diversity and recombination in this geographically restricted endemic species, indicative of large historical effective population sizes. We also identified several candidate genomic regions that are potentially under positive selection, highlighting relevant biological processes, such as vision and nitrogen extraction as potential adaptation targets. These processes may ultimately drive species diversification in this genus. This pioneering study of spiders that are endemic to an oceanic archipelago lays the groundwork for broader population genomics analyses aimed at understanding the genetic mechanisms driving adaptive radiation in island ecosystems.

An overview of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest species of Pachythone Bates (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae), with the description of a new species and an updated checklist of Pachythonina

The taxonomy of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest endemic species belonging to the Neotropical metalmark genus Pachythone Bates, 1868 is revised. A new endemic species is described, Pachythone gagarini Dolibaina & Dias, sp. nov., based on historical specimens from a single locality in Rio de Janeiro state. Adults and genitalia of the new species are illustrated and described in detail. Pachythone palades Hewitson, (1873) and P. pasicles Hewitson, (1873), described from females and males, respectively, and regarded as two distinct species since their descriptions, are here recognized as a single species, the former being considered a junior subjective synonym of the latter (syn. nov.). Lectotypes are designated for both P. palades and P. pasicles. Pachythone sumare Callaghan, 1999, so far known from its type locality in Rio de Janeiro state, is here reported from Joinville, Santa Catarina, which extends its occurrence 700 km southwards. Lastly, an updated checklist for the recently proposed subtribe Pachythonina is given.

Resource stock, age structure, and seed prediction of ferula sinkiangensis K.M. Shen

Ferula sinkiangensis K.M. Shen (FS) is an endemic species in Xinjiang, China. It has extremely high economic and medicinal value but is on the brink of extinction. A comprehensive survey of the distribution area of FS was conducted to study its resource stock, age structure and yielding capacity of seeds. Results show that there is one existing distribution area of FS with an area of 322.84 hm2 and a total plant quantity of 907,100. The age structure of FS population is reasonable showing a growing type of population. After low-temperature treatment and indoor germination of the seeds of FS, the utilization efficiency of seeds was increased by 15.45 times and 1165.81 times respectively. The establishment of the original habitat protection zone has played a huge role in promoting the recovery of the population of FS and the indoor germination of seeds would greatly alleviate the problem of seeds shortage of FS. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 765-772, 2024 (September) Special

Centaurea dimorpha Viv. (Asteraceae) growing in Algeria extracts as a promising natural cosmetic active ingredient: Broad-spectrum photoprotection and antioxidant efficacy

Recently, plants have been considered as a valuable natural source of cosmetic active ingredientsowing to their sustainability and weak toxicity. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the cosmetic efficacy of Centaurea dimorpha Viv (Asteraceae), an endemic species of North Africa, as a promising natural cosmetic active ingredient. In the present study, Ethyl acetate and Butanolic extracts obtained from powdered Centaurea dimorpha aerial parts were investigated for their phenolic and flavonoid contents, which were evaluatedvia Folin-ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride methods, the in vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging,phosphomolybdenum and phenanthroline assays, the UVB and broad spectrum protective efficacy was spectrophotometrically assessed by measuring SPF, UVA/UVB ratio and critical wavelength (CW) indices. The highest levels of TPC and TFCwere recorded by the ethyl-acetate extract (119.20 ± 0.32 µg GAE mg-1, 50.65 ± 0.43 µg QEmg-1, respectively). Similarly, this extract displayed a significant antioxidant effect, particularly in the phenanthroline assay (152.63 ± 0.49 µg AAEmg-1). Ethyl acetate extract also showed UVB and broad-spectrum (UVB-UVA) protective efficacy (SPF=12.30 ± 0.001, UVA/UVB ratio=0.63 ± 0.001, λc= 371). The results obtained show the possibility to use Ethyl acetate extract as a promising active ingredient for sunscreen formulations.

Setting the record straight: a re-examination of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Cyprus deposited at the Museum of Zoology of Athens

Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus is a biodiversity hotspot hosting an important number of endemic species. In recent years, its myrmecofauna has been increasingly enriched with the detection of both new alien and native species as well as the description of new endemic taxa. Nevertheless, earlier reports of dubious taxa remaining in scientific literature constitute an impediment towards the study of the island’s biodiversity. This article summarizes the results of re-examination of a collection of ants deposited in the Museum of Zoology of the University of Athens, which was a source of some faunistic records recently published as a conference poster. Specimens have been re-identified, and their metadata have been digitalised, supplementing our knowledge of the species’ distribution and correcting previous misidentifications. Tapinoma festae Emery, 1925, Tapinoma glabrella (Nylander, 1849) (Dolichoderinae), Plagiolepis perperamus Salata, Borowiec & Radchenko, 2018, Plagiolepis xene Stärcke, 1936 (Formicinae), Crematogaster lorteti Forel, 1910, and Tetramorium indocile Santschi, 1927 (Myrmicinae) are reported for the first time for the island. Adiitionally, a new distributional record is also provided for Camponotus cf. vitiosus, an enigmatic alien species on Cyprus. Lastly, a number of dubious records are removed from the checklist of Cypriot ants with notes on further taxa that could be removed in the future.

Niche filling predicts evolutionary trajectories in insular bird communities

Abstract Different theories have been proposed to explain the phenotypic changes observed in island lineages, but it remains unclear if predictable evolutionary trajectories can be identified within island communities. Using a 3D functional space approach, we tested whether insular endemic species tend to evolve towards apparent holes in niche space (expecting niche filling) or tend to become generalists, that is, moving towards the centre of the functional space (expecting niche expansion). We tested these two hypotheses in 378 insular endemic species from 24 islands of 8 archipelagos, including 177 prehistoric anthropogenically extinct species. Analyses were conducted with and without accounting for species size difference. We found that 57% of island endemic species evolved towards more unoccupied regions of the global morphospace (i.e. more distinct body sizes compared to the ones of their ancestors), suggesting a tendency for niche filling. When adjusted traits for body size, we found that half of the endemic species (50%) showed more distinct trait values than their ancestors. Results also revealed that certain dietary niches (terrestrial herbivores and nectarivores) evolved distinct body sizes more frequently. Differences noted between islands and archipelagos suggest that biogeographic factors may influence evolutionary trajectory and interactions between these two hypotheses. Our study confirms that extinct species occupied specific niches that have been left vacant, suggesting that these evolutionary ‘oddities’ could be more sensitive to extinction. Overall, it calls for a global assessment of the avian functional diversity lost from recent extinctions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Dynamic Changes in Flavonoids’ Accumulation Pattern in Tilia miqueliana Flowers at Different Developmental Stages Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomic Analysis

Tilia miqueliana is an endemic species belonging to the genus Tilia L. (Tiliaceae) in China, which is known for its fragrant flowers and nectar, but the dynamic changes in metabolites during its growth and development are still unclear. In this study, the metabolic profiles from T. miqueliana flowers at three developmental stages were detected by performing an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS)-based widely targeted metabolomic analysis. A total of 1138 metabolites were detected, with 288 Differentially Accumulated Metabolites (DAMs) determined, flavonoids accounting for the largest proportion. The trend analysis showed that DAMs present seven distinctive patterns, and subclass 5 obtained the largest amount with continuously increased relative content during flower development. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation and enrichment analysis of DAMs showed different overlap and variability in metabolic pathways, indicating different directions of flavonoids’ metabolic flux in the three developmental stages. A correlation network analysis further revealed five core metabolites that played essential roles in flavonoid biosynthesis. This research provides comprehensive insights into the exploitation and utilization of T. miqueliana as well as a scientific basis for phylogenetic studies of the genus Tilia.

The University of Tokyo's Conservation Work in the Ogasawara Islands

SummaryThe flora of the Ogasawara Islands is briefly described, and the causes of its decline are discussed. The conservation of endangered plants of Ogasawara since the 1980s by the Koishikawa Botanical Garden, The University of Tokyo, is detailed, with notes on the pollination biology of endemic species.

The effect of gamified e-learning on marine ecology education: insights from Iranian maritime students

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a gamified e-learning experience in marine ecology among Iranian maritime students. A pre-test/post-test design was adopted to achieve this purpose, focussing on the gamified experience itself rather than comparing it with traditional instructional approaches. The statistical population consisted of 15 undergraduate students at a maritime institute in Tehran, Iran, who were randomly selected. Reliability tests were conducted to collect data, and the test’s validity was approved by teachers and experts in the field of environmental education. Its reliability was determined to be 0.75 using the Kuder-Richardson methodology. Participants engaged in a gamified learning experience over a 2-week period. The study highlighted the post-test results and participants’ perceptions within the gamified learning environment. The results revealed that e-learning paired with gamification had a positive impact on students’ engagement and understanding of geographically remote ecological topics, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds and endemic species of the regions. These findings provide valuable insights for environmental teachers, learners, authorities and curriculum developers in maritime educational systems, emphasising the potential benefits of incorporating gamified learning experiences in educational curricula.

Plant biogeography, endemism and vegetation types of Dena Mts, Zagros, West Iran

Questions: The highest mountain peak of Zagros is located in the Dena mountain system (4409 m a.s.l.), which is identified as the second richest center of plant endemism of Zagros. In this study we (1) investigate floristic affinities of Dena Mts to adjacent mountain ranges based on the endemic species of the Iranian Plateau, (2) identify the species reaching the subnival zone, and (3) characterize the plant communities of the subnival zone of Dena Mts. Study area: Dena Mts is a calcareous mountain system in southern Zagros, Iran. Methods: The list of taxa endemic to the Iranian Plateau present also in Dena Mts was taken from our previously published data. Novel vegetation data were collected using the methodology of Braun-Blanquet. Classification was carried out in JUICE using the Modified TWINSPAN method. Results: Of the 242 taxa endemic to the Iranian Plateau present in Dena Mts, 22 taxa are endemic to the latter. Dena Mts have the strongest floristic affinity with the Yazd-Kerman massif, with which they share 84 taxa compared to 51 taxa shared with Alborz, 37 taxa shared with the Azerbaijan Plateau, and 15 taxa shared with Kopet Dagh-Khorassan. In Dena Mts, 38 taxa reach the subnival zone, most of them being endemic to the Iranian Plateau (68%). From scree habitats in the subnival zone, two new plant associations are described, Aethionemetum umbellati and Zerdanetum anchonioidei. These constitute a newly described alliance Galion pseudokurdici, classified within the class Didymophyso aucheri-Dracocephaletea aucheri. Conclusions: Although Dena Mts lie within a protected area, this will not prevent shrinking of alpine and subnival habitats due to global warming. Consequently, strong attention to the conservation of all range-restricted species of this mountain system, especially of alpine and subnival species, is highly recommended. Taxonomic reference: Flora of Iran (Assadi et al. 1989–2021) and, for families not yet covered in the previous source, Flora Iranica (Rechinger 1963–2015).

Application of otolith morphometrics in delineating population structure of Aphaniops stoliczkanus (Teleostei: Aphaniidae) in southern Iranian waters

AbstractWidely distributed Species in different geological and ecological environments often exhibit great intraspecific diversity. Aphaniops stoliczkanus (Day, 1872) is an endemic species of Middle East occurring over a vast geographic range in different basins. This species has been observed in freshwater, brackish water and hot sulphur springs; therefore, its populations are known to exhibit considerable morphological variation. In the present study, we have investigated the poorly studied populations of A. stoliczkanus of the Hormuz and Makran basins of Iran in terms of otolith morphology and morphometrics. According to the results, these populations can be divided into two distinct groups including east and west of the Strait of Hormuz. Our results also provide evidence that there is a relationship between otolith morphology and the environment, serving as environmental factors that may influence the formation of specific regions in the otolith shape. Despite the remarkable morphological similarities among otoliths in geographically close populations of Charak and Chiruyeh, our data purposed that geographically these populations have different dorsal tip shapes in their otolith. In comparison to the data from other studies, the otoliths of Qeshm Island appear to resemble the overall shape of otolith found in Oman very closely. However, it is believed that Qeshm Island population was separated from the Hormuz basin populations during the Holocene Sea level rise. Also, the outcomes of this study provide insights into the potential role of environmental factors in shaping intraspecific diversity and the migration patterns of this species within the Persian Gulf.

Ceratozamia guatemalensis (Zamiaceae): A new cycad species from Mesoamerica

Ceratozamia guatemalensis, a new cycad species from the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, is described and compared with the geographically proximal congeners C. vovidesii and C. matudae, with which C. guatemalensis has been historically confused based on their pendulous seed cones, a rare trait in the genus. Nonetheless, a recent phylogenetic study suggests that C. guatemalensis and C. vovidesii are sister species, while C. matudae belongs to distant clade. The new taxon is easily distinguishable from both C. vovidesii and C. matudae by qualitative and quantitative traits based on vegetative and reproductive structures. Remarkably, C. guatemalensis is characterized by having significant morphometric differences from the other two species, such as the wider median leaflets and wider leaflet articulations, and qualitative traits such as the seed cones of green color. The description of C. guatemalensis represents the recognition of the first endemic Ceratozamia species from Guatemala. It should be considered Critically Endangered (CR) due to limited populations and the ongoing destruction of its habitat.