High Concentrations Of Species Research Articles

El género Zygia P. Browne (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae: Ingeae) en Colombia: análisis de distribución y clave actualizada para su identificación

A taxonomic list of the species of the genus Zygia (Leguminosae) from Colombia is presented, including an analysis of their geographical and altitudinal distribution, their distribution in the Natural Regions of Colombia, and the vegetation types associated with each one of the species of the genus. Similarly, data on the phenology, vernacular names, uses and an updated dichotomous key for the identification of the Colombian species of Zygia is presented. To study the distribution, common names, uses and morphology of Zygia in Colombia, scientific collections deposited in 16 national and foreign herbaria were studied. In Colombia, the genus Zygia is represented by 21 species, of which 8 are endemic to the country. The greatest species richness was found in the Andean (76,2 %) and Amazon (66,66 %) regions, while the departments with the highest number of species are Amazonas (12) and Caqueta (11). In Colombia, the species of Zygia occupy an altitudinal range between 0 to 2800 m, with the highest concentration of species below 1000 m. Members of Zygia prefer environments corresponding to humid forests associated with watercourses or located on riverine plains.

Ultrasensitive Electroanalysis: Femtomolar Determination of Lead, Cobalt, and Nickel.

We demonstrate the feasibility of attaining femtomolar limits of quantitation in electroanalysis. The method employed is based on electrocatalytic amplification, where small quantities of metal deposit performed on a carbon electrode causes a large increase in the observed current, for example, for the oxidation of water. We show calibration curves at the femtomolar level for cobalt, nickel, and lead ions on carbon ultramicroelectrodes (CUMEs), ca. 500 nm radii. The CUME was biased at a potential where the ion would deposit as the metal oxide, MOx, and a high concentration of species that is oxidized at the deposit is present in solution. Blips were observed in the amperometric i-t response, and their frequency scaled linearly with the concentration of ions at the femtomolar level. From these results, the limits of quantitation for cobalt, nickel, and lead ions were reported at 10 s of femtomolar level for the first time.

Non-uniform temperature and species concentration measurements in a laminar flame using multi-band infrared absorption spectroscopy

We report in situ measurements of non-uniform temperature, H2O and CO2 concentration distributions in a premixed methane–air laminar flame using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS). A mid-infrared, continuous-wave, room-temperature interband cascade laser (ICL) at 4183 nm was used for the sensitive detection of CO2 at high temperature.The H2O absorption lines were exploited by one distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser at 1343 nm and one ICL at 2482 nm to achieve multi-band absorption measurements with high species concentration sensitivity, high temperature sensitivity, and immunity to variations in ambient conditions. A novel profile-fitting function was proposed to characterize the non-uniform temperature and species concentrations along the line-of-sight in the flame by detecting six absorption lines of CO2 and H2O simultaneously. The flame temperature distribution was measured at different heights above the burner (5–20 mm), and compared with the thermocouple measurement with heat-transfer correction. Our TDLAS measured temperature of the central flame was in excellent agreement (<1.5% difference) with the thermocouple data.The TDLAS results were also compared with the CFD simulations using a detailed chemical kinetics mechanism (GRI 3.0) and considering the heat loss to the surroundings.The current CFD simulation overpredicted the flame temperature in the gradient region, but was in excellent agreement with the measured temperature and species concentration in the core of the flame.

The genus Corchorus L. (Malvaceae) in India: species distribution and ethnobotany

Understanding phyto-geographical distribution pattern and ethnobotanical applications are critical for comprehensive conservation and utilisation of native plant genetic resources. Dearth of such scientific reports on Corchorus species in India seriously compromises inclusiveness, precision and penetration of national endeavour to conserve the valuable resources. In this context, an ecogeographical study conducted to analyse geographical distribution, ecological adaptation, species richness and ethnobotanical applications of the genus in the country. The study revealed pandemic distribution of the genus with differential habitat preferences. Combine geographical, edaphic and precipitation based distribution profile of Corchorus spp. demonstrated multilayer interactions between species and environment that led to their differential spatial distribution. The highest species concentration was found in Tamil Nadu followed by Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Complementarity analysis showed that the major diversity hotspots for the genus present in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Besides, wide spectrum ethnobotanical applications of the genus reflect their long association with prevailing ethnic communities across regions. Documentation of such time honoured traditional practices has special bearing on designing comprehensive conservation and management strategies. This information will help to prioritise both ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts for the genus particularly in ecologically vulnerable sites of India.

LA RIQUEZA DE LAS PLANTAS CON FLORES DE COLOMBIA

&lt;p&gt;Con base en los inventarios florísticos a nivel regional que se adelantan desde 1991 se documentaron los patrones de riqueza (distribución, concentración) a nivel de familia de las plantas con flores en Colombia y en sus regiones naturales extra-andinas. En Colombia están representadas 238 de las 414 familias de plantas con flores reconocidas a nivel global, lo cual significa el 57.7% de esta riqueza. De las regiones naturales incluidas en este estudio, la Amazonia es la más rica en número de especies y la de mayor superficie y en el Caribe se alcanzó el mayor número de familias (201). El índice de riqueza a nivel de familia fue mayor en el Caribe (15.6 x 10-4) y el de especies fue mayor en el Chocó (3.4x10-2) y menor en la Orinoquia (1.7x 10-2.). En la Orinoquia están ausentes 65 familias, en la Amazonia 49, en el Chocó 59 y en el Caribe 35 respectivamente. En cuanto a distintividad taxonómica a nivel de familias, en el Caribe se encuentran 19 familias con distribución restringida, en Amazonia cinco, en el Chocó y en la Orinoquia una en cada caso. No se comprobó una relación directa entre superficie del área de la región natural y las expresiones de la riqueza y de la distintividad taxonómica. Se confirma el patrón alto de riqueza en un número reducido de familias, en las 50 familias más ricas en todas las regiones naturales se concentran los valores de riqueza específica por encima del 82%. Entre las familias con mayor concentración de especies en Colombia, en comparación con la situación a nivel del mundo cabe destacar a Metteniusaceae, grupo que presenta siete de las nueve especies registradas en el mundo e igualmente a Brunelliaceae, Siparunaceae, Cyclanthaceae, Heliconiaceae, Myristicaceae, Marcgraviaceae, Gunneraceae, Humiriaceae, Rapateaceae y Tropaeolaceae. Una comparación de los patrones de riqueza a nivel de familia en los países megadiversos de Suramérica, muestra que en Brasil 41 familias tienen mayor número de especies; especialmente Compositae (1965), Fabaceae (2694), Poacaeae (1401), Myrtaceae (927), Melastomataceae (1312) y Bromeliaceae (1207). En Colombia 15 familias tienen el mayor número de especies; Araceae (800), Piperaceae (604) y Gesneriaceae (520). En Ecuador hay cuatro familias con mayor expresión de la riqueza, especialmente Orchidaceae (3630) y Ericaceae (224). En Ecuador se encontraron los valores más altos en los índices de riqueza a nivel de familia (8.2 x 10-4) y de especie (5.5X10-2).&lt;/p&gt;

Crop wild relatives of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]: Distributions, ex situ conservation status, and potential genetic resources for abiotic stress tolerance

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a versatile, stress-tolerant, and nutritious grain legume, possessing traits of value for enhancing the sustainability of dry sub-tropical and tropical agricultural systems. The use of crop wild relatives (CWR) in pigeonpea breeding has been successful in providing important resistance, quality, and breeding efficiency traits to the crop. Current breeding objectives for pigeonpea include increasing its tolerance to abiotic stresses, including heat, cold, drought, and waterlogging. Here we assess the potential for pigeonpea CWR to be further employed in crop improvement by compiling wild species occurrence and ex situ conservation information, producing geographic distribution models for the species, identifying gaps in the comprehensiveness of current germplasm collections, and using ecogeographic information to identify CWR populations with the potential to contribute agronomic traits of priority to breeders. The fifteen prioritized relatives of pigeonpea generally occur in South and Southeast Asia to Australia, with the highest concentrations of species in southern India and northern Australia. These taxa differ considerably among themselves and in comparison to the crop in their adaptations to temperature, precipitation and edaphic conditions. We find that these wild genetic resources are broadly under-represented in ex situ conservation systems, with 80% of species assessed as high priority for further collecting, thus their availability to plant breeders is insufficient. We identify species and highlight geographic locations for further collecting in order to improve the completeness of pigeonpea CWR germplasm collections, with particular emphasis on potential traits for abiotic stress tolerance.

A taxonomic revision of the genus Pauridia (Hypoxidaceae) in southern Africa

Pauridia, a genus confined to southern Africa, Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, is distinguished from other genera of Hypoxidaceae by the synapomorphic mucilage canals above the vascular bundles of the leaves and the disulcate, micro-echinate pollen grains, apart from the secondarily derived trisulcate state in one of the Australian species. The majority of species (86%) are endemic to southern Africa, mostly in seasonally damp sites within the winter rainfall and all-year-round rainfall regions of Namibia and South Africa. The Australian, Tasmanian and New Zealand taxa were revised by Henderson (1987) and the African taxa were revised by Nel in 1914. The difficulties of applying Nel’s classification to the wealth of new material collected within the last century duly prompted a revision of Pauridia in southern Africa. Thirty species and three subspecies are recognised in this work, which includes a key to the species and full descriptions of all the southern African taxa, together with the updated nomenclature, geographic distribution, discussion on diagnostic characters and putative relationships of each. Four new species, P. breviscapa, P. maryae, P. monticola, and P. pudica and two new subspecies, P. monticola subsp. nubigena, P. gracilipes subsp. speciosa are described and illustrated, adding to the four other southern African species described subsequent to Nel’s revision. P. acida, a high altitude species that appears to flower after fire, remains poorly understood and one taxon, though almost certainly distinct, has been left unnamed until more complete material becomes available. The study of morphology, leaf anatomy and seed micromorphology suggests that the floral bracts and seeds are most helpful in revealing putative relationships among species. These characters are nevertheless insufficiently discrete to allow the recognition of formal infrageneric taxa. The northwestern and southwestern Cape has the highest concentration of species and according to IUCN criteria is home to three Endangered species (P. canaliculata, P. maximiliani, P. pygmaea) and two Vulnerable species (P. alba, P. linearis), found mainly in the lowland areas where natural habitats have been extensively fragmented.

Modeling the Impact of Iron–Carboxylate Photochemistry on Radical Budget and Carboxylate Degradation in Cloud Droplets and Particles

To quantify the effects of an advanced iron photochemistry scheme, the chemical aqueous-phase radical mechanism (CAPRAM 3.0i) has been updated with several new Fe(III)-carboxylate complex photolysis reactions. Newly introduced ligands are malonate, succinate, tartrate, tartronate, pyruvate, and glyoxalate. Model simulations show that more than 50% of the total Fe(III) is coordinated by oxalate and up to 20% of total Fe(III) is bound in the newly implemented 1:1 complexes with tartronate, malonate, and pyruvate. Up to 20% of the total Fe(III) is found in hydroxo and sulfato complexes. The fraction of [Fe(oxalate)2](-) and [Fe(pyruvate)](2+) is significantly higher during nighttime than during daytime, which points toward a strong influence of photochemistry on these species. Fe(III) complex photolysis is an important additional sink for tartronate, pyruvate, and oxalate, with a complex photolysis contribution to overall degradation of 46, 40, and 99%, respectively, compared to all possible sink reactions with atmospheric aqueous-phase radicals, such as (•)OH, NO3(•), and SO4(•) (-). Simulated aerosol particles have a much lower liquid water content than cloud droplets, thus leading to high concentrations of species and, consequently, an enhancement of the photolysis sink reactions in the aerosol particles. The simulations showed that Fe(III) photochemistry should not be neglected when considering the fate of carboxylic acids, which constitute a major part of aqueous secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA) in tropospheric cloud droplets and aqueous particles. Failure to consider this loss pathway has the potential to result in a significant overestimate of aqSOA production.

Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations

AbstractAimOur aims were to identify centres of endemism and to infer whether these areas have functioned as refugia for subtropical rain forest plants through historical climate fluctuations.LocationSubtropical easternAustralia (23–33° S; 145–155° E).MethodsWe collated 25,000 records of 179 endemic rain forest plants to identify geographical areas with unusually high concentrations of endemic taxa and range‐restricted endemics. We then tested whether centres of endemism coincide with other features indicating refugia, including habitat stability over 120,000 years, and we related dispersal patterns to past habitat stability using seed weight as a surrogate for dispersal ability of endemic plant taxa.ResultsWe identified five main centres of endemism. Historical stability and other processes affecting diversity, including current rainfall, rain forest area, and topographic complexity, explained 58% of variation in plant‐weighted endemism. Taxa with poor dispersal ability were concentrated in the areas that were most stable historically.Main conclusionsSeveral lines of evidence suggest that centres of endemism have functioned as important refugia for subtropical rain forest taxa through historical climate fluctuations. The highest concentrations of range‐restricted endemic species occur in locations that are predicted to have maintained stable rain forest habitat over at least the past 120,000 years. This association was independent from other factors that were expected to promote diversity (i.e. rain forest area and current environmental suitability). These locations have disproportionately high concentrations of species with poor dispersal ability (large‐seeded species).

Fenologia reprodutiva e vegetativa de arbustos endêmicos de campo rupestre na Serra do Cipó, Sudeste do Brasil

Os Campos rupestres têm destaque no cenário mundial da conservação por sua enorme riqueza em espécies e alta taxa de endemismo. É considerado um ecossistema ameaçado devido à intensa e progressiva descaracterização que vêm sofrendo pela ação antrópica. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os padrões fenológicos reprodutivos e vegetativos em seis espécies arbustivas endêmicas dos campos rupestres da Cadeia do Espinhaço, simpátricas na Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, e testar a relação entre suas fenofases e a estacionalidade climática. Esperamos que as espécies tenham suas fenofases fortemente relacionadas às variações entre as estações seca e úmida. As observações fenológicas foram conduzidas mensalmente nas fenofases reprodutivas (flor, fruto e dispersão) e vegetativas (queda de folhas e brotamento). De acordo com a combinação dos padrões fenológicos reprodutivos, vegetativos e sazonalidade, foi possivel distinguir quatro estratégias fenológicas para as seis espécies avaliadas. Dessa forma, o presente estudo mostrou uma grande diversidade de padrões fenológicos, mesmo considerando o pequeno número de espécies amostradas. Por outro lado, em todas as espécies as fenofases reprodutivas apresentaram um padrão significativamente sazonal, com alta concentração de espécies reproduzindo em uma dada estação do ano, sugerindo uma importância destacada da sazonalidade do clima na definição dos padrões fenológicos em campos rupestres.

The effects of electrolyte concentration on film composition and homogeneity in electrodeposition

We have investigated the effects of electrolyte concentration on the composition and homogeneity of thin films of the ternary alloy CoNiCu grown by single-bath electrodeposition techniques. The material was chosen owing to its academic and industrial applications but our results are more generic and will apply to other alloys grown this way. We compare weak (low species concentrations) and strong (high species concentrations) electrolyte solutions using identical electrolyte ratios. By choosing the concentration of the more noble species, in this case Cu, to be 25 times less than that of the other species, we controlled alloy composition as a function of potential. Films grown from the strong electrolyte solution were largely invariant in composition, whereas the weak solution produced highly potential sensitive alloy compositions. We found a trade-off between the accessible alloying range and thickness homogeneity across the film. This was shown to be due to the convective evolution of the diffusion layer using schlieren imaging.

The species richness of click beetles in ancient pasture woodland benefits from a high level of sun exposure

Forests support high concentrations of species and beetles in particular are often used to evaluate forest biodiversity. Ancient pasture woodlands are facing a major decline in Europe mainly due to the abandonment of traditional management and subsequent succession. We studied click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in one of the largest central-European remnants of pasture woodland in Lany Game Park (Czech Republic) using flight interception traps placed at standing veteran trees. The gradient of sun-exposure, circumference of stem, height and vitality of tree and tree species were studied in relation to the species richness of click beetles and their ecological groups. Total species richness reached nearly one half of the recently documented fauna in the study area and species accumulations showed us that the majority of species were represented. Most species preferred solitary trees in sun-exposed habitats and avoided shaded trees in closed canopies. The same results were obtained for ecological groups, such as saproxylic and non-saproxylic species, functional groups and guilds. Our results showed that the species richness of one of the most ecologically diverse beetle families, click beetles, benefits from a high level of sun exposure. Thus, the long spatial and temporal continuity of sun-exposed veteran trees could be a good predictor for sustainable forest management.

Wetting properties of charged and uncharged polymeric coatings—effect of the osmotic pressure at the contact line

We study the wetting behaviour of water droplets on three types of thin water-soluble polymeric coatings spin-coated on a silicon wafer—(i) a neutral polymer, (ii) a cationic polyelectrolyte, and (iii) a zwitterionic polymer. We investigate the dynamical spreading of drops as well as their drying on these surfaces. The influence of a salt—added either in the water droplets or inside the coating—is investigated to better differentiate the three types of polymer. We find that the salt tends to promote spreading on charged polymeric coatings when it is added inside the coating, yet not when added in the drops. Salts inside a coating simply increase its surface tension, resulting in lower contact angles during the spreading motion of a drop. On the other hand, when drying starts on the neutral polymer, the drop starts receding (i.e. its radius decreases) immediately after its spreading motion has stopped, whereas for both charged polymers, it remains pinned on the substrate until the very end of drying. When an increasing amount of salt is incorporated inside the two types of charged coatings, the contact line tends to unpin faster. As charges and salts obviously have a strong impact on the pinning/receding of the contact line, we hypothesize that a contribution of osmotic nature drives the motion of the contact line of drying water drops on polymeric coatings. There is a competition between (i) the evaporation from the edge which favours recession and (ii) a flux of water resulting from the osmotic pressure imposed by the higher concentration of species at the edge of the drop. The osmotic pressure being high for charged polymers, water evaporating on a charged coating keeps flowing from the inside of a drop to the outer edge, and compensates for the fast evaporation in the edge: macroscopically, this keeps the apparent contact line at the same position so that it appears pinned as more and more dissolved polymer molecules are dragged toward the edge and accumulate in a ring like deposit. When a salt is added, the osmotic drive weakens and charged polymers eventually dry like neutral ones.

Environment and Economy of the Early Medieval Settlement in Žatec

Environment and Economy of the Early Medieval Settlement in Žatec

The diversity and radiation of the largest monophyletic animal group on New Caledonia (Trichoptera: Ecnomidae:Agmina)

In area, New Caledonia is the smallest of the world's 25 official biodiversity hotspots, but in many taxonomic groups, the island has the highest concentration of species on earth, particularly so in the freshwater insect order Trichoptera. This study aims at applying molecular data and morphology for estimating the real species diversity of the genus Agmina on New Caledonia and investigating potential effects of ultramafic rock substrate on diversification. A dated molecular phylogeny was applied to study diversity and diversification related to geological substrate using the dispersal-extinction-cladogenesis model, diva and Bayesian ancestral character reconstruction. More than 47 species (>63%) were unknown to science. Initial radiation occurred on ultramafic substrate followed by several independent dispersal events to nonultramafic substrate. The rate of shift from ultramafic to nonultramafic substrate was significantly higher than the rate of shift in the opposite direction, indicating a possible cost associated with living on ultramafic substrate.

Bio‐indicator species and Central African rain forest refuges in the Campo‐Ma'an area, Cameroon

This study aims to examine the geographical position of late Pleistocene forest refuges in the tropical lowland rain forest in southern Cameroon by analysing the distribution of 178 selected bio‐indicator species. We studied the distribution patterns of these species, such as strict and narrow endemics, as well as a number of well‐known slow dispersal species, to test whether the entire Campo‐Ma'an rain forest was part of a late Pleistocene rain forest refuge. Special attention was given to taxa with slow dispersal abilities such as those within Begonia sect. Loasibego‐nia and sect. Scutobegonia, Rinorea spp. , Caesalpinioideae and Rubiaceae. Species that occur in other rain forest refuges and that reach their northern limit of distribution in the Campo‐Ma'an area were also included in the analysis. The distribution patterns of the 178 bio‐indicator species were displayed in several maps. There was a high concentration of bio‐indicator species in the lowland evergreen forest rich in Caesalpinioideae, and in the submontane forests in the National Park and in the Kribi‐Campo‐Mvini area, and a relatively low concentration of these species in the Ma'an area. Similar patterns were observed for the distribution of strict and narrow endemic species, Begonia, Caesalpinioideae and Rubiaceae. Most of these species were particularly frequent on higher altitudes in the lowland rain forests, especially along the upper slopes of hills near the top, or along riverbanks. There was a relatively even distribution of bio‐indicator species from the Rubiaceae family within the Campo‐Ma'an area. The distribution of Begonia showed that some species were frequent in mountainous areas, along slopes near hilltops in the lowland forest and others were located along small streams in the lowland forest. As for the Caesalps, their distribution showed a high concentration of species in the evergreen forest rich in Caesalpinioideae with a decrease in number in the coastal forest and the mixed evergreen and semi‐deciduous forest. As for the Rinorea, many indicator species were mostly confined to the lowland forest, particularly in the evergreen forest rich in Caesalpinioideae. These species distribution patterns corroborate the view of many authors who argue that during glacial times forests were restricted to the upper slopes of hills, upper altitudinal zones in the lowland forests, or along riverbanks. Our findings, therefore, suggest that the Campo‐Ma'an area falls within a series of postulated rain forest refuges in Central Africa as proposed by previous authors.

Reducing Melt Inclusion by Submerged Heater or Baffle for Optical Crystal Growth

Optical and laser crystals grown by the Czochralski technique from a solute-rich melt usually suffer defects of melt inclusion or bubble core, which severely affects optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the material. The main purpose of this paper is to study the inclusion mechanism and reduce such defects. Two types of mechanism possibly responsible for inclusion are presented. Both of them show that solute pileup in front of the interface is the prerequisite for inclusion. The method to reduce inclusion is to prevent solute from pileup by controlling melt flow. Czochralski-grown optical crystals are examined to recognize the effects of crystal rotation and natural convection on the melt flow pattern and solidification interface shape. It is established that increasing the rotation rate of crystal or reducing natural convection in the melt will cause the solid–liquid interface change from the convex to concave shape and high concentration of species may be pushed away from the solidification interface. Simulations are performed to establish the relationships among the nondimensional parameter Gr/Re 2 , the change of growth interface shape, and the stagnant point location. A disk baffle or heater submerged into the melt is used to reduce natural convection. The effect of submerged baffle on enhancement of crystal rotation is demonstrated. Simulation results also demonstrate that melt flow near the solidification interface depends strongly on the baffle location. When the submerged heater is used, its temperature should be carefully designed. The value strongly depends on the ratio between crystal and crucible diameters, and a constant temperature may be not the best choice. An optimized temperature profile can be achieved by numerical simulations.

Flebotomíneos (Diptera, Psychodidae) em reservas florestais da área metropolitana de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil

This study deals with the diversity, relative abundance and seasonality of sandflies species in two modified primary forest fragments, situated at Sao Luis city, capital of the state of Maranhao. The sandflies were captured with the use of light traps, CDC (Center Control Disease) type, installed at the edge and in the center of the forest, at the height of 1.5 meter, being there from 6 p.m. up to 6 a.m., once per month, during a year time. An amount of 1,356 specimens from 23 species, which 21 belonged to genera Lutzomyia and two belonged to genera Brumptomyia, were captured. In the Sacavem forest reserve, 1,061 specimens were captured, resulting in a capture effort of 2.5 individuals/hour/trap, most of them L. longipalpis (44.8%), followed by L. antunesi (36.4%), L. sordelli (5.9%), L. flaviscutellata (3.9%) and L. whitmani (2.1%). The highest concentrations of species (11) and individuals (60.1%) occurred during the rainy period. In the Itaqui forest reserve, 295 specimens were collected and the capture effort was 0.2 individuals/hour/trap, most of them were L. flaviscutellata, (58.6%), L. sordelli (14.6%), L. longipalpis (7.1%), L. evandroi (6.4%), L. longipennis (3%), L. trinidadensis (2.7%) and L. whitmani (1.7%). The species were more frequent during the dry season (11) and specimens during the rainy spell (54.6%).

Exposure of European biodiversity to changes in human-induced pressures

There is increasing evidence that areas with high concentrations of species tend to have high concentrations of human activities. Would this tendency be altered with projected environmental changes? We investigate this possibility using the most extensive available dataset on species distributions in Europe, providing data for 3143 species. Observed land uses were utilised to generate three indicators of anthropogenic ‘pressure’ for 1971–2000: urbanisation, cropland and grassland use intensities. Storylines describing alternative development pathways were used to create four land-use scenarios for 2021–2050. Exposure of biodiversity to human activities was measured as changes in the degree of pressure recorded in hypothetical reserve networks selected to maximize the representation of plant, breeding bird, mammal, amphibian, and reptile species. In all socio-economic scenarios there was a tendency for increasing urbanisation and decreasing cropland intensities within selected conservation areas. Pressures arising from increasing grassland use were variable across scenarios and taxa. Our results challenge the idea that a single development strategy might provide reduced impacts in all regions and taxonomic groups. We show that impacts are likely to be complex and that tradeoffs might exist among development strategies. Nevertheless, results are contingent on the data, scale, and type of analyses conducted and further research is required to assess the impacts of alternative human-development scenarios.

Conservation hotspots of biodiversity and endemism for Indo‐Pacific coral reef fishes

1. Distribution patterns of 3919 species of Indo-Pacific reef fishes were analysed using GIS mapping software for the purpose of conservation prioritization of extraordinary high concentrations (‘hotspots’) of diversity and endemism. 2. Megadiversity countries with more than 1000 coral reef species include Indonesia, Australia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Solomon Islands, Palau, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, and the Federated States of Micronesia. 3. The richest area for reef fishes is the renowned Coral Triangle, which includes eastern Indonesia, Sabah (Malaysia), Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. The highest concentration of species within this region extends from south-eastern Indonesia to the central Philippines. 4. Occupying only 3% of the surface area of the tropical Indo-west and central Pacific, the heart of the Coral Triangle contains 52% of its total species. 5. The top-ranked areas based on percentage of endemism are Easter Island, Baja California, Hawaiian Islands, Galapagos Islands, Red Sea, Clipperton Island, Marquesas, Isla del Coco, Mascarene Islands, and Oman. 6. The highest concentration of endemics per unit area occurs at remote south-eastern Polynesian and eastern Pacific islands including Clipperton, Isla del Coco, Easter, Rapa, and the Pitcairn Group. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.