High Proportion Of Endemic Species Research Articles

Rolling with the punches—How competition shapes the morphology of small passerines on small islands

AbstractAimWallacea is a global biodiversity hotspot and Sulawesi is the largest island in this region, notable for a high proportion of endemic species. The Wakatobi archipelago, off the southeastern peninsular arm of Sulawesi, is home to several endemic bird species. Although islands are known to influence the morphology of their resident species, competitive interactions also exert strong influences on morphology. Here, we consider the contributions of both islands and competitors on two morphological traits of two bird species in a small passerine guild found on the Wakatobi islands.LocationWakatobi archipelago, Sulawesi Tenggara, Indonesia.TaxonWakatobi White‐eye (Zosterops flavissimus) and Wakatobi Sunbird (Cinnyris infrenatus).MethodsWorking with morphological measures (from netting studies), population density metrics (from transect surveys) and fundamental data from islands (area, distance from mainland and elevation), we investigated (by means of multiple linear regression) which terms best explained variation in the body size and bill size of two small passerine birds endemic to the Wakatobi islands.ResultsBoth island metrics and competitor presence/density were useful in describing the variation in body size of both bird species. However, only competitor presence/density was useful in describing variation in bill size of the birds. The best models describing variation in these traits included terms representing both interspecific and intraspecific competition.Main ConclusionsOur findings indicate that simple island metrics may be useful in predicting some of the variation in some functional traits of island species. However, in this example, simple island metrics were insufficient to explain the full variation in body size of endemic birds across the Wakatobi archipelago and were of no use in predicting the variation in their bill size. As bill morphology frequently dictates diet and feeding niche, it is a trait which may determine population divergence and speciation. If simple island metrics fail to describe such diversification, it is surely important to capture that information in other ways.

Expansion of the distribution range of Aspleniumtrilobum Cav (Polypodiopsida, Aspleniaceae) in the Mediterranean forest of the Chilean coast.

The biodiversity hotspot of central Chile is home to a high proportion of endemic species, but some of these species are inconspicuous and not easily observed. During a botanical exploration in the Los Queules National Reserve (Chile), a population of Aspleniumtrilobum Cav. was identified. The plants were found growing on the bark of a Myrceugeniaparvifolia (DC.) Kausel tree in a small swamp next to specimens of Drimyswinteri J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (35°59'11.84"S; 72°41'11.53"W). Several previously unrecorded species were found, including Carexcf.excelsa Poepp. ex Kunth, Chusquea cf. quila Kunth, Ercillacf.spicata (Bertero) Moq., and Boquilatrifoliolata (DC.) Decne., highlighting the importance of exploring and documenting this biodiversity hotspot. The discovery in this wilderness area extends the distribution 86 km north on the continent, which was previously limited to the east of the municipality of Penco in the Biobío region (36°44'9.26"S; 72°57'42.5"W). This paper presents an observed specimen, its locality, and associated species.

Application of genetic and Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture analyses to design adaptive feral cat control in a large inhabited island

Faunas of oceanic islands have a high proportion of endemic species which contribute to the uniqueness of island communities. Island species are particularly naïve and vulnerable to alien predators, such as cats (Felis catus). On large, inhabited islands, where the complete eradication of feral cat populations is not considered feasible, control represents the best management option to lower their detrimental effects on native fauna. The first objective of our study was to investigate population genetics of feral cats of Réunion Island. The second objective was to understand the space use of feral cats established near the breeding colonies of the two endemic and endangered seabirds of Réunion Island, the Barau’s Petrel (Pterodroma baraui) and the Mascarene Petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima). We evaluated genetic diversity, population structure and gene flow amongst six groups of feral cats located at a maximum of 10 km from known petrel colonies. We also analysed the behaviour and space use of one of these feral cat groups using camera-trap data and Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture (SECR) models. Genetic analyses revealed that feral cats were structured in three genetic clusters explained mostly by the island topography. Two clusters were observed at five sampled sites, suggesting high connectivity amongst these sites. The last cluster was found in only one site, suggesting high isolation. This site was a remote mountain area located in the vicinity of one of the main Barau’s Petrel colonies. The behavioural study was conducted on this isolated feral cat population. Mark recapture analysis suggested that feral cats were present at low density and had large home ranges, which is probably explained by reduced food availability. Finally, we make several recommendations for refining feral cat management programmes on inhabited islands.

The influence of climate change on the suitable habitats of Allium species endemic to Iran

Identifying the consequences of global warming on the potential distribution of plant taxa with high species diversity or a high proportion of endemic species is one of the critical steps in conservation biology. Here, present and future spatial distribution patterns of 20 Allium endemic species were predicted in Iran. In this regard, the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) and seven environmental factors were applied. In addition, optimistic (RCP2.6) and pessimistic (RCP8.5) scenarios of 2050 and 2080 were also considered to predict the future spatial distributions. The results showed that annual mean temperature (BIO1), temperature annual range (P5-P6) (BIO7), soil organic carbon content, annual precipitation (BIO12), and depth of soil were the most important environmental variables affecting the distributions of the studied taxa. In total, the model predictions under the future scenarios represented that the suitable habitats for all Allium species endemic to Zagros except for A. saralicum and A. esfahanicum are most probably increased. In contrast, the suitable habitats for all species in Azerbaijan Plateau, Kopet Dagh-Khorassan region, and Alborz except for A. derderianum are most likely decreased under the future climate conditions. The present study indicates that the habitats of Alborz, Azarbaijan, and Kopet Dagh-Khorassan will be probably very fragile and vulnerable to climate change and most species will respond strongly negatively under applied scenarios, while Zagros species occupy new habitats by expanding their distributions. Therefore, determining conservation strategies for the species in these regions seems to be very important and high priority for decision makers.

喜马拉雅山东段鸟类多度-垂直分布幅关系:特有种与非特有种的对比

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 喜马拉雅山东段鸟类多度-垂直分布幅关系:特有种与非特有种的对比 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202009302530 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金（31901109，31901220）；广东省科学院发展专项资金项目（2019GDASYL-0105044）；广东省科学院科技发展专项（2018GDASCX-0107） Abundance-elevational range size relationship of bird in the eastern Himalayas: comparison of endemic species and non-endemic species Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:物种多度与分布幅之间的正相关被认为是一种普遍的规律。但近年在热带山地和岛屿的研究发现多度-分布幅关系会出现不相关或负相关的现象；该现象可能是由于当地多度高且分布幅小的特有种比例较高所导致。在喜马拉雅山东段的勒布沟沿海拔2350-4950 m开展研究：1）记录了当地鸟类多度垂直分布格局；2）验证了该区繁殖鸟总体多度-垂直分布幅关系，并对比了特有种和非特有种分组子集多度-垂直分布幅关系、平均多度和垂直分布中心的差异。研究发现勒布沟鸟类多度垂直分布格局为驼峰格局。该区繁殖鸟类与非特有种的多度-垂直分布幅关系均为正相关，但特有种的多度-垂直分布幅关系为不相关。特有种的多度及海拔分布中心位置均高于非特有种。结果表明区域的鸟类特有性对多度-垂直分布幅关系存在着重要的影响；地理隔离导致的区域物种组成差异，是造成多度-分布幅关系模式变化的重要原因之一。 Abstract:The positive relationship between species abundance and range size is considered to be general. However, many studies focusing on tropical mountains and islands have found an irrelevant or negative abundance-range size relationship, probably caused by the high proportion of endemic species with high abundance and large range size. The aim of this study was to 1) explore the bird elevational abundance pattern; 2) test the abundance-range size relationship of overall breeding birds, endemic species, non-endemic species, and the difference between mean abundance and elevational range center of endemic species and non-endemic species along the elevation gradient (2350-4950 m) in Lebu Valley, eastern Himalayas. Our results showed that the bird elevational abundance pattern was a hump-shaped pattern. The abundance-range size relationship of breeding birds and non-endemic species was both positive. But the abundance-range size relationship of endemic species was not correlated. Besides, the abundance and elevational range center of endemic species were higher than those of non-endemic species. The result demonstrated that the endemism of regional birds influenced the abundance-range size relationship, and the differences of regional species composition caused by geographic isolation were one of the important reasons for the variations of pattern of the abundance-range size relationship. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

New data on the distribution of Orthoptera (Caelifera, Ensifera) from eastern Morocco with notes on chorology

Summary New faunistic and distributional data are provided on grasshopper and cricket fauna from the Oriental region of Morocco, a poorly studied area, covering 88,681 km2. An annotated list of 62 species, belonging to 41 genera and 10 families, is given. Fourteen species are newly recorded for the Oriental region. Moreover, at least 14 taxa are rediscovered in whole Morocco more than 30 years after their last record. Finally, we add new distribution records for the previously known species, including pest ones such as Schistocerca gregaria and Dociostaurus maroccanus. In a context of mainly arid steppe landscape, the richness of stations increases with annual rainfall and follows the Mid-Domain effect with altitude. We found a clear dominance of the Palearctic elements, mainly Mediterranean, with a high proportion of endemic species. This chorotype pattern is similar to patterns observed for other insect groups in the same study area.

A new species of Leucostethus (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from the Cordillera Mache-Chindul in northwestern Ecuador, with comments on similar Colostethus and Hyloxalus.

We describe a new species of dendrobatid frog, Leucostethus bilsa sp. nov., using molecular, morphological, and acoustic evidence. We also comment on the taxonomic status of four similar Hyloxalus and Colostethus. We provide an updated phylogeny of Leucostethus that corroborates previous hypotheses of relationships of nine species. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial (i.e., 7095 bp of combined data from NADH1, NAHD2, cytochrome c oxidase I, cytochrome b and 12S-16S rRNA) and seven nuclear genes (i.e., 4739 bp) indicate a close relationship of L. bilsa to an undescribed species from Gorgona Island, Colombia, both of which apparently diverged in the Pliocene about 3 million years ago with about 6.25% (i.e., 146/2335 bp) differences for the section of 12S-16S mitochondrial fragment. Leucostethus bilsa is diurnal and riparian, characterized by distinctive bright mustard-yellow flash marks in the axillar and groin regions, posterior belly, and in the hindlimbs, the presence of dark gray lower labial stripe or marks, sexual dimorphism in ventral pattern, and by having male uniparental care. We describe its osteology and the male advertisement call, which is a series of peep notes. Osteological microCT images of representatives of each of the Colostethinae genera reveal a number of intriguing characters that may prove to be useful in phylogenetic studies. In terms of its distribution, Leucostethus bilsa is currently known only from a very small area within the Reserva Biológica Bilsa, located within the Cordillera Mache-Chindul in the Chocoan region of northwestern Ecuador, which was a Pliocene-Pleistocene refugium. This region is highly threatened with habitat degradation and remains as the last surviving refuge for a forest community known for a high proportion of endemic species of both flora and fauna.

Naturalised plants transform the composition and function of the New Zealand flora

The New Zealand flora has a high proportion of endemic species but has been invaded by almost the same number of non-native plant species. To support management of invasive plant species, we provide an updated inventory of New Zealand’s naturalised flora and compare it with the native flora to identify key taxonomic and functional distinctions. We also assess how the naturalised flora may impact ecosystem processes differently than the native flora using functional traits related to plant resource use strategy. The 1798 species in the naturalised flora currently comprise 43.9% of the total number of vascular plant species, and add 67 plant families and 649 genera to the total vascular flora. The naturalised flora has a greater proportion of herbaceous species and annual species than the native flora, which could influence ecosystem processes such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. Naturalised trees have higher leaf nitrogen concentration for a given leaf area than native trees, which could increase rates of nutrient cycling in invaded forest ecosystems. A greater number of naturalised species are present in larger, more northerly, and more populated regions of New Zealand. Our results demonstrate both taxonomic and functional differences between the native and naturalised flora of New Zealand that can be used to guide management of naturalised plants, including the 314 species currently managed as environmental weeds, from the local to national scale.

Evaluating acoustic indices in the Valdivian rainforest, a biodiversity hotspot in South America

Passive acoustic monitoring is becoming an extensively used tool to evaluate the status and variation of populations of sound producing animals. The analyses of extensive acoustic recordings for identification and detection of acoustic signals of different species is highly time-consuming, either by traditional audiovisual procedures or by developing effective automated recognizers. These drawbacks in data analysis have promoted research efforts aimed to develop acoustic diversity indices, which are relatively easily obtained by means of different algorithms considering spectral and/or temporal properties of the sounds contained in the recordings. Nevertheless, studies performed in different environments and geographical areas reveal inconsistencies in the association between acoustic diversity indices and biodiversity, suggesting the need of new studies to evaluate commonly used acoustic diversity indices as proxies of the richness of sound producing animal species. The Valdivian rainforest from Chile, South America, is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot because of the high proportion of endemic species and their threatened status associated to anthropogenic activity. As it is imperative to evaluate cost-effective strategies for biodiversity monitoring, in this study we evaluated seven acoustic indices to assess their reliability as proxies of the variation in bird and anuran species richness, two important components of the biodiversity of this threatened environment. Our results indicate that most of the acoustic indices tested fail to describe satisfactorily the variation in species richness. Nevertheless, two indices, namely the Temporal Entropy and the Acoustic Evenness Index, may potentially serve as an indicator of bird richness, but future studies should fine-tune these indices to obtain a robust validation of its use within this environment. We expect that this work will contribute to the understanding of the significance and potential use of acoustic indices within this biodiversity hotspot as well as in other regions of interest for conservation.

Multiple facets of rarity among rain forest trees in the Western Ghats of India

We collated data on the latitudinal, elevation and seasonality ranges, local densities, stature and dispersal mode of 514 evergreen tree species (≥10 cm girth at breast height), including 317 endemics, from the rain forests of the Western Ghats (WG) of India using two complementary databases, (i) 68 tree inventory plots, and (ii) the Atlas of Endemics. We tested the hypotheses that (i) regional rarity would be associated with local rarity and narrower ecological amplitudes, (ii) shorter and mechanically dispersed trees would be rarer, (iii) higher proportion of endemic species would be rare (iv) regionally wide ranging species would be locally rare, and localised species would be denser, (v) families with single species would be relicts in this biome, (vi) larger families would have a higher proportion of rare and endemic species. We used Atlas records in a generalised least square model acknowledging phylogenetic relationships, to test hypotheses (i) to (ii), and non parametric tests for (iii) to (vi). We identified rare species using binary cut-offs and compared these with IUCN threat status. Rarity was associated with (i) narrower ecological amplitudes and shorter stature, independent of phylogeny, (ii) 18 wide ranging and locally sparse, 41 narrow ranging and locally dense species, (iii) relict species and families, (iv) larger families. Rare species were more likely to be threatened, but 39% were not evaluated. We identified zones of rare endemics to help with conservation planning. The WG rain forests have a unique evolutionary history and potential that require increased conservation measures.

Evolutionary history of campo rupestre: an approach for conservation of woody plant communities

The campo rupestre sensu lato is among the most species-rich vegetation in the world, harbouring a high proportion of endemic species. We aimed to identify the processes that could generate a high level of phylogenetic diversity (PD) in campo rupestre for woody species and point out biodiversity hotspot areas which may provide additional information for conservation planning. We compiled a database of 2049 woody species from 185 community inventories. We calculated the evolutionary history using species richness (SR), PD, mean pairwise phylogenetic distance between species (MPD), the mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD) and their equivalents standardised (ses.PDss, ses.MPD, ses.MNTD), evolutionary distinctiveness (ED), and biogeographically weighted evolutionary distinctiveness (BED). Cloud dwarf-forests had the highest SR, PD, MPD and ses.MPD and lowest MNTD, while rupestrian cerrado presented the highest ses.PD and ses.MNTD. All areas are important for conservation, but the intersections between the hotspots should receive special attention in future conservation actions. The grids identified as hotspots by three or more metrics were localized mainly in Espinhaco Range in Minas Gerais State and a further expansion of protected areas is required. Moreover, the intersections between the hotspots obtained by mean ED and ses.PD are concentrated in the rocky dwarf forest and rupestrian cerrado, with considerable conservation gaps. The degree of protection of campo rupestre was low with unprotected areas comprising 56% of the species. Our results show an urgent need for increasing protected areas of campo rupestre in order to avoid the loss of valuable, endemic species with unique evolutionary history.

Diversity and distribution of parasitic angiosperms in China.

Parasitic plants are an important component of vegetation worldwide, but their diversity and distribution in China have not been systematically reported. This study aimed to (1) explore floral characteristics of China's parasitic plants, (2) map spatial distribution of diversity of these species, and (3) explore factors influencing the distribution pattern. We compiled a nationwide species list of parasitic plants in China, and for each species, we recorded its phylogeny, endemism, and life form (e.g., herb vs. shrub; hemiparasite vs. holoparasite). Species richness and area‐corrected species richness were calculated for 28 provinces, covering 98.89% of China's terrestrial area. Regression analyses were performed to determine relationships between provincial area‐corrected species richness of parasitic plants and provincial total species richness (including nonparasitic plants) and physical settings (altitude, midlongitude, and midlatitude). A total of 678 species of parasitic angiosperms are recorded in China, 63.13% of which are endemic. Of the total, 59.73% (405 species) are perennials, followed by shrubs/subshrubs (14.75%) and vines (1.47%). About 76.11% (516 species) are of root hemiparasites, higher than that of stem parasites (100, 14.75%), root holoparasites (9.00%), and endophytic parasites (0.15%). A significant positive relationship is found between the area‐corrected species richness and the total species richness, which has been previously demonstrated to increase with decreasing longitude and latitude. Moreover, more parasitic species are found in the southwest high‐altitude areas than low areas. Consistently, the area‐corrected species richness increases with increasing altitude, decreasing latitude, and decreasing longitude, as indicated by regression analyses. China is rich in parasitic flora with a high proportion of endemic species. Perennials and root hemiparasites are the dominant types. The spatial distribution of parasitic plants is largely heterogeneous, with more species living in southwest China, similar to the distribution pattern of Chinese angiosperms. The positive relationship between parasitic and nonparasitic plant species richness should be addressed in the future.

Riqueza y afinidades geográficas de la flora de un bosque de Abies religiosa de la Faja Volcánica Transmexicana

Los bosques de oyamel (Abies religiosa) del centro de México han estado sometidos a fuertes presiones humanas y la información sobre su riqueza y la afinidad geográfica de su flora en algunas regiones ha sido poco estudiada. Mediante recorridos de campo y colectas de ejemplares botánicos, se determinó la composición florística y los patrones de distribución geográfica actual de las familias, géneros y especies de un bosque de oyamel localizado en la Faja Volcánica Transmexicana. Se obtuvo una lista de 94 especies agrupadas en 74 géneros y 42 familias. El 67 % de la flora se concentra en 13 familias de las que Asteraceae destaca por contener el mayor número de especies (24,5 %) y géneros (22 %). La similitud florística entre la zona de estudio y bosques vecinos se incrementa con la cercanía geográfica. El 60 % de las familias son de amplia distribución y cerca del 50 % de los géneros son americanos distribuidos principalmente de México a Centroamérica. El 95,8 % de las especies son exclusivas de América, de las cuales el 44,2 % se encuentran solo en los límites de México y 36,8 % se distribuyen de México a Centroamérica. Entre las especies arbóreas predominan los elementos distribuidos de México a Centroamérica (61,4 %), mientras que entre los arbustos y hierbas sobresalen las especies endémicas de México (60 % y 43,6 %, respectivamente). La alta proporción de especies endémicas de la zona analizada demandan monitoreo continuo que garantice la generación de nuevas alternativas para su conservación.

Model‐based mapping of assemblages for ecology and conservation management: A case study of demersal fish on the Kerguelen Plateau

AbstractAimQuantifying biological assemblages and their environment is a fundamental, yet statistically challenging task in conservation ecology. Here, we use a recently developed approach called Regions of Common Profile (RCP) to quantify and map the distribution of demersal fish assemblages in an ecologically significant region of the Southern Ocean to (1) gain ecological and management insights and (2) evaluate the utility of the new method for ecoregionalization.LocationNorthern Kerguelen Plateau, Subantarctic Islands, Southern Ocean.MethodsThe RCP approach is a multispecies, model‐based approach that can overcome many limitations of traditional distance‐based approaches. It simultaneously groups sites with a similar composition of species and describes the patterns of variation in assemblages using environmental data, allowing the prediction of assemblages across the study region. We apply RCP to a unique dataset of demersal fish occurrences across the northern Kerguelen Plateau to model and map the distribution of assemblages and examine the representativeness of the Heard Island and McDonald Island marine reserve.ResultsWe demonstrate that the RCP approach allows a direct and quantitative interpretation of the composition of assemblages as well as their environment. Further, the model reasonably predicts the occurrence of individual species across the plateau as well as the species composition of sites. We distinguish and map seven assemblages defined by depth, surface temperature and chlorophyll a. Shallow‐water assemblages contain a high proportion of endemic species, while deep‐water assemblages contain more cosmopolitan species. With the exception of one deep‐water assemblage, assemblages were well represented within the current Heard and McDonald Islands marine reserve.Main conclusionsThe RCP is a valuable tool for classifying biological regions with a range of ecological and conservation management applications. Our results extend current ecological and biogeographic knowledge for the northern Kerguelen Plateau, and maps of the distribution of assemblages will be useful for ongoing spatial management.

Hotspot analyses indicate significant conservation gaps for evergreen broadleaved woody plants in China

Evergreen broadleaved woody plants (EBWPs) are dominant components in forests and savanna of the global tropic and subtropic regions. Southern China possesses the largest continuous area of subtropical EBWPs distribution, harboring a high proportion of endemic species. Hotspot and gap analyses are effective methods for analyzing the spatial pattern of biodiversity and conservation and were used here for EBWPs in China. Based on a distribution data set of 6,265 EBWPs with a spatial resolution of 50 × 50 km, we measured diversity of EBWPs in China using four indices: species richness, corrected weighted endemism, relative phylogenetic diversity, and phylogenetic endemism. According to the results based on 10% threshold, 15.73% of China’s land area was identified as hotspots using at least one diversity index. Only 2.14% of China’s land area was identified as hotspots for EBWPs by all four metrics simultaneously. Most of the hotspots locate in southern mountains. Moreover, we found substantial conservation gaps for Chinese EBWPs. Only 25.43% of the hotspots are covered by existing nature reserves by more than 10% of their area. We suggest to promote the establishment and management of nature reserve system within the hotspot gaps.

Temporal overlaps of feral cats with prey and competitors in primary and human-altered habitats on Bohol Island, Philippines.

The vertebrate fauna of the Philippines, known for its diversity and high proportion of endemic species, comprises mainly small- to medium-sized forms with a few large exceptions. As with other tropical ecosystems, the major threats to wildlife are habitat loss, hunting and invasive species, of which the feral cat (Felis catus) is considered the most damaging. Our camera-trapping study focused on a terrestrial vertebrate species inventory on Bohol Island and tempo-spatial co-occurrences of feral cats with their prey and competitors. The survey took place in the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape, and we examined the primary rainforest, its border with agricultural land, and rural areas in the vicinity of villages. Altogether, over 2,885 trap days we captured 30 species of vertebrates–10 mammals (including Sus philippensis), 19 birds and one reptile, Varanus cumingi. We trapped 81.8% of expected vertebrates. Based on the number of events, the most frequent native species was the barred rail (Gallirallus torquatus). The highest overlap in diel activity between cats and potential prey was recorded with rodents in rural areas (Δ = 0.62); the lowest was in the same habitat with ground-dwelling birds (Δ = 0.40). Cat activity was not recorded inside the rainforest; in other habitats their diel activity pattern differed. The cats’ activity declined in daylight in the proximity of humans, while it peaked at the transition zone between rainforest and fields. Both rodents and ground-dwelling birds exhibited a shift in activity levels between sites where cats were present or absent. Rodents tend to become active by day in cat-free habitats. No cats’ temporal response to co-occurrences of civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus and Viverra tangalunga) was found but cats in diel activity avoided domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). Our first insight into the ecology of this invasive predator in the Philippines revealed an avoidance of homogeneous primary rainforest and a tendency to forage close to human settlements in heterogeneous habitats. A detailed further investigation of the composition of the cat’s diet, as well as ranging pattern, is still needed.

Subspecific Differentiation Events of Montane Stag Beetles (Coleoptera, Lucanidae) Endemic to Formosa Island.

Taxonomic debates have been carrying on for decades over Formosan stag beetles, which consist of a high proportion of endemic species and subspecies featuring morphological variations associated with local adaptation. With the influence of periodical Pleistocene glaciations and the presence of several mountain ranges, the genetic differentiation and taxonomic recognition, within this medium-size island, of two endemic subspecies for each of four montane stag beetles, i.e. Lucanus ogakii, L. kanoi, Prismognathus davidis, and Neolucanus doro, has been an appealing issue. Based on monophyletic lineages and population structure, possible divergent scenarios have been proposed to clarify the subspecific status for each of the above mentioned stag beetles. Phylogenetic inferences based on COI+16S rDNA+28S rDNA of 240 Formosan lucanids have confirmed most species are monophyletic groups; and the intraspecific (<2%) and interspecific (>2%) genetic distances of the two mitochondrial genes could be applied concordantly for taxonomic identification. On account of Bayesian-based species delimitation, geographic distribution, population structure, and sequence divergences, the subspecific status for L. ogakii, L. kanoi, and Pri. davidis are congruent with their geographic distribution in this island; and the calibration time based on the mitochondrial genes shows the subspecific split events occurred 0.7–1 million years ago. In addition, a more complicated scenario, i.e. genetic differentiation including introgression/hybridization events, might have occurred among L. ogakii, L. kanoi, and L. maculifemoratus. The geological effects of mountain hindrance accompanied by periodical glaciations could have been vital in leading to the geographical subspecific differentiation of these montane stag beetles.

High xenodiversity versus low native diversity in the south-eastern Mediterranean: bryozoans from the coastal zone of Lebanon

Because of its location in the warmest corner of the Mediterranean, its proximity to the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, i.e. the gateway for massive exotic biota introduction into the Mediterranean, the occurrence of high shipping activity and strong human pressure, the Lebanese coastal zone is an area that is exceptionally well-suited for investigating the effects of these extreme conditions on Mediterranean biodiversity. Bryozoans, which are among the main components of sessile communities, reflect dramatically the impact of these particular conditions. Their assemblages, sampled by diving along the whole coast of Lebanon during a pluriannual programme, mainly between 1999 and 2003, consist of 93 species (12 Cyclostomata, 2 Ctenostomata, 79 Cheilostomata). The native part of this bryozoan fauna exhibits low diversity, with an unexpected absence of many taxa, from family to species level, which are very common in the rest of the Mediterranean. It is also characterized by a high proportion of endemic species, in contrast with the general eastward trend of decreasing endemicity observed in the Mediterranean, and by the strong presence of 'southern' thermophilic species. With 27 non-indigenous species, xenodiversity is exceptionally high, particularly in the cheilostome pool (26 species), but was likely undersampled. Moreover, one may assume that new non-indigenous bryozoans (NIB) are now established along the Levantine coasts. This trend is expected to increase in the near future with the intensification of surface water warming and boost of shipping activity and propagule flux generated by the expansion of the Suez Canal.

Narrow endemics of the Almeria Province (Andalusia, Spain) differ in their traits and ecological niche compared to their more widespread congeners

Understanding the evolutionary ecology of geographically restricted species is of great importance for the design of conservation strategies and for gaining insight into the evolutionary processes involved in the origin and maintenance of those species. With a very high proportion of endemic species and/or subspecies, the province of Almeria in Andalusia (SE Spain) represents a prominent hotspot of plant diversity in the Mediterranean Basin. In this paper, we use phylogenetically independent contrasts to examine whether narrow endemics (i.e. species mostly restricted to the Almeria Province, hereafter NE) have evolved a ‘syndrome of endemism’. Based on published trait values, we tested whether (i) NE occupy a particular altitudinal range, possess a smaller niche breadth and occur within particular plant associations, and whether (ii) NE have distinct vegetative and reproductive traits. We found that, compared to their more widespread congeners, NE (i) occupy a narrower altitudinal range at the upper or lower limits of their congeners’ ranges; (ii) occur in a smaller number of plant communities that are distinct from the communities of widespread species; and (iii) have an 11 % shorter flowering duration, 28 % fewer flowers per inflorescence, 30 % reduced floral display, and 23 % lower floral attractiveness. These differences are not explained by a smaller size overall or a different ploidy level. NE have apparently evolved traits that promote selfing. The shift towards higher selfing rates is interpreted as a mechanism to promote reproductive assurance and to decrease gene flow from the more widespread congeners.

Effect of Anthropogenic Activities on Patterns of Genetic Diversity inSymplocos racemosaRoxb. from Western Ghats, India

The Western Ghats (WG) in India is recognized as one of the global biodiversity hotspots which have high proportion of endemic species and the medicinally important tree species. Due to medicinal importance and being found on the forest fringes,Symplocos racemosaRoxb. is highly susceptible to anthropogenic activities. The present study was undertaken to systematically analyze the effects of anthropogenic activities on the genetic diversity and population structure ofS. racemosaand to generate preliminary data for conservation purposes. We analyzed the variation in intergenic sequences of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes from seven sites ofS. racemosasampled from protected, semiprotected, and disturbed areas of WG. Total diversity was high although within-sites diversity was low. The protected sites were highly diverse, while the disturbed areas possessed less genetic diversity indicating the effect of anthropogenic activities.