Global Conservation Concern Research Articles

Important Bird Areas in Macedonia: Sites of Global and European Importance

Important Bird Areas in Macedonia: Sites of Global and European Importance

Understanding and addressing seabird bycatch in Alaska demersal longline fisheries

The incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries is a global conservation concern. In Alaska, annual seabird bycatch in demersal longline fisheries ranged between 10,300 and 26,300 birds (1995–2001). We explore the relationship between four categories of potential forcing factors (temporal, spatial, environmental, and fisheries-related) and seabird bycatch rates in Alaska demersal longline fisheries to provide practical management alternatives that could significantly reduce seabird bycatch. Separate generalized linear or additive models (GLM or GAM, respectively) were created for several combinations of seabird group, fishery and large geographic region. Across nearly all models, “vessel” was the most influential factor explaining seabird bycatch rate variation. Rather than a single variable, vessel is an amalgam of unmeasured forcing factors many of which could not be separated out in this data set (e.g., longline sink rate, vessel setting speed, line deployment location relative to propeller direction). A separate vessel-specific analysis also supported the multivariate results that performance of an individual vessel is overwhelmingly important (i.e., some vessels have consistently high or low bycatch rates from year to year). Therefore, vessel-specific performance is a critical management option. The effects of temporal (annual, month, and breeding phenology) and spatial variables were also moderately influential on seabird bycatch rates. Our results suggest that seasonal adjustments in the Alaska longline fishery have potential for overall bycatch reductions, but vague seabird management objectives could have huge unintended and undesirable consequences when implementing temporal adjustments. Other variables (environmental and other fishing-related factors) were frequently significant but contributed a small amount to overall explained deviance. Based on this study, we conclude that a vessel-specific management approach would be the most effective and efficient means to reduce seabird bycatch in Alaska.

Noteworthy Collections: SOUTH CAROLINA

Gratiola graniticola D. Estes & R. L. Small (PLANTAGINACEAE)—York County: 35.104965uN, 81.205331uW, 1.8 km east of Highway 321, 10 m south of Highway 55 opposite [southern terminus of] Green Pond Road, Clover, 17 May 1992, Brunton and McIntosh 11,113 (MICH, APSC, Brunton personal herbarium); 16 May 2008, Brunton and McIntosh 17,130 (USCH, APSC, Brunton personal herbarium, UNC, CAN, DUKE, WIN). Significance. This represents the first record of Granite Hedge-hyssop beyond northcentral Georgia. It occurs at Clover, South Carolina in silty sand at the edge of shallow erosion pools on bare ground or associated with Isoetes piedmontana (Pfeiffer) Reed, Croton willdenowii Webster, Eleocharis tenuis (Willd.) Schultes, Nuttallanthus canadensis (L.) D. Sutton, and Juncus dichotomus Elliott, on a tiny (,1 ha), open, granite flatrock (bedrock outcrop). A number of physically similar flatrocks with shallow erosion pools are evident on aerial imagery of the Clover, South Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina area. Examination on 16 May 2008 of two of these which supported most or all of the associated plants listed above failed to uncover other Gratiola populations. More comprehensive searches of the other flat rocks may uncover other local populations. Gratiola graniticola was recently separated from G. neglecta Torr. (sensu lato), and is otherwise known only from populations in 13 counties in Georgia (Estes and Small 2006). It represents an addition to the growing list of rare and/ or specialized taxa known to be endemic to this habitat in Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas and Virginia (McVaugh 1943, Murdy 1964, Heafner and Bray 2005). There is also a sight report of G. graniticola from suitable flatrock habitat from another flatrock site in Lancaster County, South Carolina, but no voucher confirmation could be located (Estes and Small 2006, D. Estes pers. comm. 2007). Aside from its distinctive habitat, Gratiola graniticola differs notably from G. neglecta by shorter (7–13 mm vs. 20–41 mm) and narrower (1–3 mm vs. 5–11 mm) mid-stem leaves, much longer fruiting pedicels (1.0– 2.0 vs. 0.5–1.0 times as long the subtending bracteal leaves), bracteoles shorter than (vs. as long to exceeding) the sepals, and longer seeds (0.36–0.42 mm vs. 0.22–0.26 mm). The global conservation status of this newly described species is unknown. Its highly restricted range in a specialized habitat, however, suggests that it probably is a species of global conservation concern. Although present in large numbers here (hundreds of plants), its status at the Clover, South Carolina site is tenuous as the population is vulnerable to physical degradation from associated urban development. In recent years it has been negatively impacted by roadway upgrading activities, the dumping of construction waste and vegetation removal (personal observation). Pending the results of additional detailed field surveys, this species seems to be of conservation concern, at least in the Carolinas. The author thanks Dwayne Estes, Austin Peay University, Clarkesville, Tennessee, for his confirmation of the identification of the original South Carolina specimen, James Matthews, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, for information on the Clover, South Carolina site, and Karen L. McIntosh, Ottawa, Ontario, for her continuing, sharp-eyed assistance in the field. The manuscript also benefited from the perceptive efforts of reviewers John Nelson and Douglas Rayner.

Burbot resource selection in small streams near the southern extent of the species range

Abstract – Burbot Lota lota are of global conservation concern particularly near the southern extent of the species range. Populations in small streams lack quantitative descriptions of resource selection. Microhabitat and reach‐scale habitat were surveyed at occupied and unoccupied locations. Data were analyzed with logistic regression to develop resource selection function models which predicted the probability of occurrence and abundance categories for microhabitat and reach‐scale habitat, respectively. Information‐theoretic model selection methods were used in an exploratory context, and four competing models were multi‐model averaged to create a microhabitat resource selection function. The sum of Akaike’s Information Criterion weights across the four competing models indicated that substrate type, substrate embeddedness, and depth were equally the most important microhabitat explanatory variables. At the reach scale, high correlation among explanatory variables precluded multivariate model development. Stream‐reach gradient was the most supported univariate model. Three additional models competed as important; mean summer temperature, sinuosity, and dominant substrate type. The created resource selection functions can be used in ranking potential translocation sites, used in instream flow assessments, and provide habitat selection information that can provide context for habitat management decisions.

Distribution of breeding birds in the Gediz Delta, Western Turkey

Atlas mapping of breeding birds in Gediz Delta Ramsar Site on the western coast of Turkey was performed in 2002. The study area of 305 km2 was divided into 305 1x1 km square UTM grids. Breeding evidence was obtained for 92 species in 291 UTM squares; 47 were classified as confirmed breeding, 22 as probable breeding, and 23 as possible breeding. Among the breeding species, three were European species of global conservation concern (Falco naumanni, Pelecanus crispus, Emberiza cineracea), 12 were species with a concentrated population and with unfavourable conservation status in Europe, and 34 were species with their population not concentrated in Europe but with unfavourable conservation status in the region. Among those with a threatened status, 7 species were vulnerable, 4 were rare, 2 were localised, 18 were declining, and 18 were depleted species. During the study, various threats were identified in 173 UTM squares out of 291 (59.5%). Among these, the most frequently observed were pollution observed in 30% of the squares, overgrazing in 22% and illegal hunting in 22%.

The Conservation Status and Trends of Raptors and Owls in Europe

To conserve biodiversity efficiently, an international framework is needed to ensure that national priorities take into account regional and global priorities. BirdLife International has published five comprehensive assessments of the global status of the world's birds and two evaluations of the status of Europe's birds at a continental level. This paper analyzes the results of these assessments in relation to Europe's 56 species of raptors and owls, 18% of which are of global conservation concern, and 64% of which have an unfavorable conservation status in Europe. The European Union (EU) holds half of the total estimated European breeding population of raptors and owls, and European Russia supports another third, but every European country has a responsibility for at least two species of European conservation concern. During the 1990s, more raptors increased than decreased in most EU member states, but the opposite was true in eastern Europe, where many of the most threatened species are concentrated. Given the popularity of these species with the public, and the political commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010, much more action is needed to monitor and conserve birds of prey.

Threatened bird species on two little-known mountains (Chiperone and Mabu) in northern Mozambique

The montane forests of northern Mozambique and southern Malawi support several bird species of global conservation concern, and particularly in Malawi are seriously threatened by deforestation. However, the status of these in northern Mozambique remains poorly known. We report that some 1 600 ha of mid-altitude and montane evergreen forest still exists on Mt Chiperone, and that two globally threatened bird species last reported from this locality in 1950, Thyolo Alethe Alethe choloensis (IUCN status Endangered) and White-winged Apalis Apalis chariessa (Vulnerable), still occur there. Mt Mabu, which to the best of our knowledge was previously biologically undescribed, also has extensive evergreen forest (possibly >5000 ha) and also supports two globally threatened bird species, Thyolo Alethe and East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi (Vulnerable). Range extensions of several forest bird taxa of lesser conservation concern are also reported. The evergreen forests on both mountains appear not to have suffered from any substantial human encroachment and do not seem to be under imminent threat, although more extensive surveys are needed. Our records of Thyolo Alethe suggest that its global population is substantially larger than previously thought and that uplisting to Critically Endangered might not be warranted.

The flora of highly degraded and vulnerable wetland ecosystems of Nyamuriro and Doho, Uganda

AbstractThe wetlands of Nyamuriro and Doho were surveyed for their flora during the period August 2001 and May 2002. These two wetlands are highly degraded through cultivation. The plants in these areas were documented with a view to determining their richness and conservation importance in Uganda. Two hundred and eight species were recorded in 140 genera, 63 families and 37 orders in Nyamuriro while 184 species, 109 genera, 39 families and 27 orders were recorded in Doho. Although there are no species of global priority conservation concern, these wetlands harbour reasonable numbers of plant species, some of them rare, for their size. Nyamuriro has five species of restricted range in the country occurring in only one of the four floristic regions. Adenostemma caffrum DC. var. longifolium Chiov., from Nyamuriro, is a new record for Uganda. Typically high‐elevation species absent in most wetlands in Uganda, were recorded in Nyamuriro. Plants rare in Uganda were recorded from both Doho and Nyamuriro. These two wetland ecosystems are therefore still vital for the country's flora in terms of species richness, rarity and uniqueness. Nyamuriro needs urgent action to reverse the current trend of habitat loss and degradation. Doho was severely altered and there is a little chance for restoration.

The significance of littoral and shoreline habitat integrity to the conservation of lacustrine damselflies (Odonata)

Human development of pond and lake shorelines may significantly impact native lacustrine biota including a variety of aquatic macroinvertebrate groups. In an effort to better understand the habitat associations and sensitivities of lacustrine damselflies (Odonata: Zygoptera), we sampled adults in littoral macrophyte habitat during two flight periods at 35 randomly selected pond and lake sites in southern Maine during 2000 and 2001. Data were also collected to help characterize water body, shoreline disturbance, and aquatic vegetation at each study site. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling was used for ordination of damselfly assemblages, and coordinates from the most stable solution were related to site variables using forward stepwise multiple regression. Our results suggest that the diversity and composition of damselfly assemblages is related to the abundance and richness of littoral zone macrophytes, extent of riparian disturbance, benthic substrate granularity, and lake productivity; all variables subject to anthropogenic degradation on excessively developed waterbodies. Additionally, we developed a Habitat Tolerance Index useful for distinguishing between relative habitat specialists and generalists from among a diverse assemblage of 19 lacustrine species. Finally, species-specific damselfly associations with multiple genera of floating and emergent macrophytes were assessed using both nonparametric correlation and multiplicative regression yielding significant relationships for 17 species, including two damselflies of global conservation concern (Enallagma laterale and E. pictum). We conclude that the protection of littoral and shoreline habitat integrity, with special emphasis on emergent and floating macrophytes, is critical to the conservation of lacustrine biodiversity.

Impacts of Selective Logging and Agricultural Clearing on Forest Structure, Floristic Composition and Diversity, and Timber Tree Regeneration in the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo

Mature tropical forests at agricultural frontiers are of global conservation concern as the leading edge of global deforestation. In the Ituri Forest of DRC, as in other tropical forest areas, road creation associated with selective logging results in spontaneous human colonization, leading to the clearing of mature forest for agricultural purposes. Following 1–3 years of cultivation, farmlands are left fallow for periods that may exceed 20 years, resulting in extensive secondary forest areas impacted by both selective logging and swidden agriculture. In this study, we assessed forest structure, tree species composition and diversity and the regeneration of timber trees in secondary forest stands (5–10 and ∼40 years old), selectively logged forest stands, and undisturbed forests at two sites in the Ituri region. Stem density was lower in old secondary forests (∼40 years old) than in either young secondary or mature forests. Overall tree diversity did not significantly differ between forest types, but the diversity of trees ≥10 cm dbh was substantially lower in young secondary forest stands than in old secondary or mature forests. The species composition of secondary forests differed from that of mature forests, with the dominant Caesalpinoid legume species of mature forests poorly represented in secondary forests. However, in spite of prior logging, the regeneration of high value timber trees such as African mahoganies (Khaya anthotheca and Entandrophragma spp.) was at least 10 times greater in young secondary forests than in mature forests. We argue that, if properly managed and protected, secondary forests, even those impacted by both selective logging and small-scale shifting agriculture, may have high potential conservation and economic value.

Recovery of wild large herbivores following livestock decline in a tropical Indian wildlife reserve

Summary Resource competition is an important process governing the impact of livestock on native wild mammalian herbivores, an issue acknowledged to be of global conservation concern. Resource competition occurs between species when their resources (habitat and diet) overlap and are limiting. Yet the evidence that livestock compete with wild herbivores has remained weak because resource limitation is often difficult to demonstrate in the field. This 2‐year field study at Bandipur National Park, India, examined livestock‐mediated resource limitation among five wild herbivore species: wild pig Sus scrofa, chital Axis axis, sambar Cervus unicolor, gaur Bos gaurus and Asian elephant Elephas maximus, by comparing their distribution and densities in adjoining livestock‐grazed and livestock‐free areas before, and after, a 49% decline in livestock density. During 2001, mean densities of wild grazers, gaur (0·11 ha−1), chital (1·51 ha−1) and elephant (0·61 ha−1), were, respectively, 132, 11 and six times higher in the livestock‐free area than in the adjacent livestock‐grazed area. Densities of gaur, chital and elephant showed a sharp declining relationship with increasing livestock density, whereas no clear pattern was discernible with wild pig, a non‐ruminant generalist, and the sambar, a forest browser. Preferred plant biomass also fell sharply with increasing livestock density. Following the decline in livestock density in the livestock‐grazed area in 2002, the densities of gaur, chital and elephant increased by a factor of 57, five and two in the same area, respectively, whereas no changes were seen in the densities of wild pig and sambar or in the preferred plant biomass. Except for a decline in elephant density, the livestock‐free area did not show changes in wild herbivore densities. Given the considerable overlap in habitat and dietary preference/requirements between livestock and wild herbivores in the study area, it is suggested that the recovery of gaur, chital and elephant densities following the livestock decline represents their release from livestock‐mediated resource limitation. Synthesis and applications. These results indicate that resource competition may be intense between wild herbivores and grazing livestock, and if left unchecked could trigger declines of wild herbivores, particularly grazing ruminants and bulk feeders. These results also suggest that, where possible, interventions to reduce livestock grazing may rapidly benefit wild herbivores that have been competitively suppressed. This has important implications for the management of livestock grazing in India's wildlife reserves.

Habitat selection by East Caucasian tur ( Capra cylindricornis)

Habitat selection by East Caucasian tur ( Capra cylindricornis), a species of global conservation concern, was examined in relation to terrain, climate and degree of human disturbance using a Geographical Information System and logistic regression. The study area was in the part of the Greater Caucasus of Georgia, where the species protection was not enforced. Two models of tur habitat requirements were obtained: one model at a scale of 20 × 20 m plots, and the other one at a scale of different habitat fragments made up of 20 × 20 m plots identified by the first model at its optimal cut-off value. The second model refined the first one. The first model suggested that the probability of a 20 × 20 m plot being part of tur habitat was positively correlated with slope, distances to roads and livestock summer camps, and negatively correlated with human population density and annual rainfall. The probability had a bell-shaped correlation with elevation, reaching its maximum at 3008.4 m. The second model suggested that a fragment of a land made up of 20 × 20 m plots with optimal characteristics for tur occurrence was more likely to contain tur if the area of the fragment was larger and its distance to the nearest area where tur occurred was shorter. The results show that the occurrence of East Caucasian tur is affected by climate, terrain, human disturbance and habitat fragmentation, and can be predicted regardless of seasonality in the species movements. These models can be applied to the management of the species and its habitat in the areas of the Caucasus that lie at >1000 m asl and have an annual rainfall >600 mm, and where the species protection is not enforced.

Applying the IUCN threat categories to island endemics: Sardinian butterflies (Italy)

European nature conservation documents, often reflect the charisma of a species rather than its actual degree of threat. The assessment of the threat status of 14 endemic Sardinian butterfly species, underlines that European nature legislation documents are incomplete. Pseudophilotes barbagiae and Lysandra coridon gennargenti (Lycaenidae) are identified as globally Vulnerable and are therefore proposed to be added to the Red Data Book of European butterflies as species of global conservation concern. A threat factor analysis identifies risks towards butterflies in Sardinia arising from increasing human activities. It is shown how the quantitative information used by the IUCN criteria, together with a qualitative assessment of human induced threat factors, could be combined to produce an objective standardised assessment that can be used also when only data on present distribution are available. Threats to Sardinian butterflies are highlighted and conservation measures proposed. The inclusion of Pseudophilotes barbagiae and Lysandra coridon gennargenti in Annex II and IV of the European Habitats Directive, and in Appendix II of the Bern Convention, is strongly recommended.

Land-use and the conservation of Sharpe's Longclaw Macronyx sharpei in central Kenya

The highland grasslands of central Kenya hold a suite of restricted-range bird species, including several of global conservation concern. These grasslands occur almost entirely on private land with no formal protection, and have received little conservation attention. This paper describes land-use change on the Kinangop Plateau, Kenya, and considers the implications for grassland bird species, especially Sharpe's Longclaw Macronyx sharpei. The Kinangop Plateau is an area of montane grassland east of the Rift Valley, used primarily for dairy farming since human settlement in 1964. However, dairy farming (which retains grassland as pasture) has given way to other forms of land-use, especially cultivation of crops. In March 1996, a questionnaire was administered to 50 landowners to investigate community attitudes towards birds and their conser vation, the extent of present land-use changes and likely future land-use patterns. The mean acreage of landholding was decreasing, and more grassland was rapidly being converted into cultivated land, with 3.2% being ploughed up during the six months from November 1995 to May 1996. Farmers expressed a preference for crop farming (66%) over livestock farming (26%) or other land uses. Thirty-two per cent expressed a positive attitude, and 60% were indifferent, towards birds. Most (76%) were not aware of biodiversity values or conservation. Though 64% were aware of declining bird populations around them, 82% of this group did not realize that their activities might be contributing to this decline. Sixty-eight per cent of landowners planned to convert all or part of their grassland holdings. Although landowners' interests seemed generally incompatible with grassland conservation, a substantial proportion (44%) were prepared to consider opportunities to enhance the area's conservation value. An informal follow-up survey in March 1999 concluded that prospects for the dairy industry and for grassland habitats on Kinangop were not as bleak as the initial survey suggested, but confirmed the delicate conservation status of Sharpe's Longclaw and its habitat. We suggest a variety of actions that might help to secure the future of Sharpe's Longclaw while promoting sustainable agricultural development on Kinangop, and propose several topics where further research is needed. Species such as Sharpe's Longclaw will only survive if we can develop ways of managing their habitats in a manner that is consistent, rather than in conflict, with the needs of the agricultural community.

Conservation evaluation for birds of Brachylaena woodland and mixed dry forest in north-east Tanzania

Three forest and woodland sites were surveyed in the lowlands of the East Usambara mountains, Tanzania, from August to October, 1996. Bombo East I and II Proposed Forest Reserves (PFR) and Bombo West FR were previously unknown biologically. Our fieldwork revealed several records of conservation interest. Four species of global conservation concern (Amani Sunbird Anthreptes pallidigaster, Southern Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus fasciolatus, Fischer's Turaco Tauraco fischeri and Plain-backed Sunbird Anthreptes reichenowi) were recorded, with a further seven species of regional concern. These sites were not as rich in bird species as other East Usambara lowland forests. Bombo East I PFR had the highest richness, which included the presence of three montane species that were most likely cold-season visitors. The Endangered Sokoke Scops Owl Otus ireneae, otherwise known from similar woodland habitat in Kenya as well as lowland forest in the East Usambaras, was apparently absent at these sites. It is also clear from our survey that at least four threatened mammals and one possibly endemic snake inhabit the Brachylaena woodlands and mixed dry forest. Thus, our results indicate that the previously unexplored Brachylaena woodlands and mixed dry forest in north-east Tanzania are an additional habitat to some fauna of threatened status and do, therefore, merit conservation attention. The Brachylaena tree is highly favoured for charcoal production and the enormous demand for this product is increasing the degradation of these woodland patches. Larger tracts of unprotected Brachylaena woodland should receive immediate conservation attention.

Conservation Trusts as Geographic Agents: Their Impact upon Landscape, Townscape and Land Use

The rapid growth of conservation trusts, in the conserving climate of the 1970s, is considered with respect to its impact upon the use and appearance of land in both rural and urban contexts. The paper focuses upon the role of three leading conservation trusts. The evolution, policy and land use of the National Trust are considered at length, with particular reference to its contribution to contemporary recreational patterns. The National Trust for Scotland and Heritage Canada are examined with reference principally to their innovative urban involvement. The significance of the trusts is seen to include their multi- plicity of indirect impacts, which result from interaction with and example to other relevant decision-makers. It is concluded that conservation trusts have now become a significant factor in the evolution of the form and function of the human environ- ment, and a greater academic and public awareness is needed of their status and the implications of their policies. Pertinent directions for geographical research are identified. Recent years have witnessed phenomenal growth in national conservation trusts, with respect to their membership, their activities and the area of land which they own or otherwise influence. Public concern for environment and heritage, which this growth reflects, is an inter- national phenomenon; the British trusts (among the oldest and most comprehensive private conservation movements) have now been joined by kindred organizations worldwide, many of which acknowledge inspiration from or interaction with their British counterparts. They include national trusts in the United States and many parts of the Commonwealth, such as the Australian states, Bermuda and Canada. After a decade of global concern for conservation it is timely to survey the geographical significance of these organizations and to identify pertinent research directions. This paper addresses the task with reference to three major examples of widely differing age: the National Trust' (of England, Wales and Northern Ireland-founded 1895), the National Trust for Scotland (1931) and Heritage Canada (1973). Key issues are discussed with respect to the National Trust and further themes are identified with respect to the significantly different approaches of the National Trust for Scotland and Heritage Canada. The content bears the mark of the author's experience2 but can fairly claim to present some international perspective. How far the issues considered are specific to temperate latitudes and advanced societies, rather than of truly global relevance, is a question which would merit further investigation. The primary geographical significance of conservation trusts, from the standpoint of this paper, lies in the visual impact of conservation and, more tangibly, in its associated land-use patterns (given that conservation is normally linked to a viable use beyond a purely 'museum'