Hotspots Of Endemism Research Articles

The phylogenetic relationships within the Eastern Afromontane clade of Crocidura based on mitochondrial and nuclear data

Eastern Afromontane region is a well-known hotspot of biodiversity and endemism; however, the relationships between groups of organisms inhabiting different highland areas are still poorly understood. Herein, the phylogenetic relationship between endemic Crocidura from Ethiopia and Tanzania was assessed using mitochondrial and nuclear data. At the genus scale, all analyses supported the monophyly of the Eastern Afromontane clade. Within this clade, most of the Ethiopian endemics form a group, which is paraphyletic relative to a more compact Tanzanian clade. The Ethiopian C. macmillani was found to be closely related to Tanzanian species. In fact, according to the mitochondrial DNA data, it may be a descendant of the C. montis–C. luna clade. The molecular dating results suggest that the Ethiopian–Tanzanian clade diverged at ca. 3.4 Mya while the onset of radiation within the clade corresponds to Early Pleistocene (ca. 2 Mya). The inferred phylogenetic pattern is consistent with the scenario that has Ethiopia as the primary centre of diversification for the Eastern Afromontane clade. The areas southwards from Ethiopia were found to be colonized through a single dispersal event at 1.3–0.7 Mya; the distribution of C. macmillani might be explained by a secondary re-colonization of Ethiopia. Collectively, the nuclear and mitochondrial data revealed a low divergence between morphologically distinct and elevationally parapatric C. thalia and C. glassi, thereby aligning with the gradient model of speciation.

The testate amoebae of New Zealand: A checklist, identification key and assessment of biogeographic patterns

New Zealand (NZ) is a well-known hotspot of biodiversity and endemism for macroscopic organisms, but its microbial diversity is comparatively poorly documented. We assembled all records on NZ testate amoebae published since the early 20th century and present a comprehensive taxonomic checklist for NZ. Testate amoebae are reported from six major habitat types across both the North and South Islands of NZ, but the sampling effort is ecologically and geographically biased in favour of wetlands and the South Island. As a result, 93% of all 128 morphotypes recorded in NZ occur in wetlands, 28% are restricted to the South Island, and diversity is greater at higher latitudes. Around 50% of morphotypes have a broad latitudinal distribution across the NZ mainland, whereas 15% have narrow latitudinal ranges. Future research should aim to broaden the geographical and ecological ranges. We predict that our list of NZ testate amoebae will expand substantially with future work, and that the latitudinal diversity gradient will be inverted. We also introduce an interactive, fully illustrated, online Lucid key for the rapid identification of NZ testate amoebae. As many morphospecies are cosmopolitan, this key provides a useful tool for testate amoebae identification in other parts of the world.

A New Species of Blue-Tailed Skink (Scincidae: Plestiodon) from the Sierra Madre del Sur, Mexico

Recent studies on the systematics and phylogeny of the blue-tailed skinks in the Plestiodon brevirostris group identified a population from the Sierra Madre del Sur of eastern Guerrero, Mexico, that appeared to represent an undescribed species. Here, we formally describe this lineage as a new species, compare it with the other species in the P. brevirostris group, identify a specimen from western Oaxaca that belongs to the new species, and provide an updated key to the group. The new species is morphologically similar and closely related to P. ochoterenae, but molecular and morphological data support its evolutionary independence. The new species is distinguished from the other species in the P. brevirostris group, except for P. ochoterenae, by the presence of a primary temporal, a well-defined lateral pale line on the neck, and a well-defined dorsolateral pale line that extends posteriorly to the level of the hind limbs. It differs from P. ochoterenae by having longer limbs and a well-defined lateral pale line on the neck. The present study further highlights the relevance of the Sierra Madre del Sur as a hotspot of endemism and undescribed diversity.

First description of deep benthic habitats and communities of oceanic islands and seamounts of the Nazca Desventuradas Marine Park, Chile

Seamounts and oceanic islands of the Chilean Exclusive Economic Zone at the intersection of the Nazca and Salas y Gómez ridges lie within one of the least explored areas in the world. The sparse information available, mainly for seamounts outside Chilean jurisdiction and shallow-water fauna of the Desventuradas Islands, suggests that the area is a hotspot of endemism. This apparent uniqueness of the fauna motivated the creation of the large Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park (NDMP, ~ 300,000 km2) around the small islands San Felix and San Ambrosio in 2015. We report for the first time a detailed description of benthic microhabitats (i.e., centimeter to meter scale), macrohabitats (i.e., meter to kilometer-scale) and associated megafauna within the NDMP. Descriptions were based on analysis of fauna collected by trawling and ROV video observations from ~ 50 to 370 m depth. Rocky, coarse sand and silty sediment bottom habitats were observed at island slopes. In contrast, rocky and coarse sandy bottom habitats with a predominance of rhodoliths, thanatocoenosis, and other biogenic components were observed at seamounts. Mobile fauna and predators dominated the oceanic islands and nearby seamounts, whereas seamounts farther from the islands were dominated by sessile and hemisessile fauna that were mainly suspension and deposit feeders. Based on the register of 118 taxonomic units, our results provide an expanded and updated baseline for the benthic biodiversity of NDMP habitats, which seemed pristine, without evidence of trawling or anthropogenic debris.

The living heart: Climate gradients predict desert mountain endemism.

Mountain regions are centers of biodiversity endemism at a global scale but the role of arid‐zone mountain ranges in shaping biodiversity patterns is poorly understood. Focusing on three guilds of taxa from a desert upland refugium in Australia, we sought to determine: (a) the relative extent to which climate, terrain or geological substrate predict endemism, and (b) whether patterns of endemism are complimentary across broad taxonomic guilds. We mapped regional endemism for plants, land snails, and vertebrates using combined Species Distribution Models (SDMs) for all endemic taxa (n = 82). We then modelled predictors of endemism using Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) and geology, terrain, and climate variables. We tested for the presence of inter‐ and intraguild hotspots of endemism. Many individual plant and land snail taxa were tightly linked with geology, corresponding to small distributions. Conversely, most vertebrate taxa were not constrained to specific geological substrates and occurred over larger areas. However, across all three guilds climate was the strongest predictor of regional endemism, particularly for plants wherein discrete hotspots of endemism were buffered from extreme summer temperatures. Land snail and vertebrate endemism peaked in areas with highest precipitation in the driest times of the year. Hotspots of endemism within each guild poorly predicted endemism in other guilds. We found an overarching signal that climatic gradients play a dominant role in the persistence of endemic taxa in an arid‐zone mountain range system. An association with higher rainfall and cooler temperatures indicates that continuing trends toward hotter and drier climates may lead to range contractions in this, and potentially other, arid‐zone mountain biotas. Contrasting patterns of endemism across guilds highlight the need to couple comprehensive regional planning for the protection of climate refugia, with targeted management of more localized and habitat specialist taxa.

Diversity patterns and evolutionary history of Arabian squamates

AbstractAimDeserts are generally perceived as areas of low diversity, and hence receive little attention from researchers and conservationists. Squamates are the dominant group of vertebrates in arid regions, and as such represent an ideal model to study biodiversity patterns in these areas. We examine spatial patterns of diversity, evolutionary history and endemism of terrestrial squamates of the Arabian Peninsula and test hypotheses on the role of topography and history of isolation so as to identify possible environmental drivers of diversification.LocationThe Arabian Peninsula.TaxonSquamate reptiles (Squamata; lizards and snakes).MethodsWe generated distribution maps for all Arabian squamate species (including yet undescribed) and reconstructed their phylogenetic relationships using existing and newly produced genetic data for nearly all the species. We assessed patterns of the distribution of species richness, phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic endemism across the peninsula to identify areas that could be considered evolutionary or endemicity hotspots for squamates. We evaluated community turnover across the peninsula and assessed the possible environmental drivers affecting the diversity of Arabian squamates in a regression framework.ResultsThe main hotspots of Arabian squamate diversity are mostly along the mountains that rim the peninsula while the most arid, central regions support a low diversity of species. The distribution of the phylogenetic diversity mirrors that of the species richness. Phylogenetic endemism is also highest in the mountains, especially when only endemic species are analysed. The deserts of northern Arabia are poor in terms of species richness and they show low connectivity to the peninsular communities. Topographic heterogeneity is the strongest predictor for Arabian squamates, followed by elevation. There is no correlation between richness and temperature.Main conclusionsThe mountains of Arabia support rich and unique squamate communities that are dominated by local radiations of closely related and narrow‐ranging species. In particular, the Asir Mountains of SW Arabia, Dhofar Province of Oman and the Hajar Mountains of northern Oman and UAE show unprecedented levels of squamate endemism and phylogenetic endemism. While many generalist species range across Arabia, a low number of species is shared between the peninsula and mainland Asia, indicating an effective isolation of the Arabian fauna. Squamate richness is highest in heterogeneous, topographically complex habitats.

DNA barcodes combined with geometric morphometry challenge species hypothesis in palaemonid shrimp

Although the Mediterranean Region is known as a hotspot for biodiversity and endemism its freshwater fauna is still greatly unexplored, and even the emblematic taxa such as decapods require in-depth integrative investigation. In our research we used integrative approach composed of various geometric morphometric and molecular methods to challenge the taxonomic status of two freshwater shrimps representing Palaemonidae: Palaemon antennarius and Palaemon minos. Basing on 352 COI sequences, three Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) were defined. Two of them belonged to P. antennarius: first inhabiting Apennine Peninsula and Sicily, the second one from the Balkan Peninsula. The third MOTU corresponded to Palaemon minos from Crete. The Balkan MOTU of P. antennarius was closer to P. minos in terms of genetics, than to the other conspecific MOTU. The carapace shape variation, studied on 180 individuals, was mainly explained by the geographic distribution. Balkan and Cretan groups were clearly distinguished, while other samples were distributed along the shape gradient from Sicily and southern Apennine Peninsula to the Balkans. The results of our study showed that, either the MOTU assigned to the Apennine Peninsula and Sicily constitutes a separate species or, alternatively, P. minos should be synonymised with P. antennarius.

Mountains, climate and niche heterogeneity explain global patterns of fern diversity

AbstractAimIt is well known that the distribution of species diversity is spatially heterogeneous, but understanding the factors contributing to this heterogeneity and to the formation of biodiversity hotspots remains a challenge. Here, we seek to improve our understanding of how historical, ecological and evolutionary processes contribute to current patterns of global fern diversity.LocationWorldwide.TaxonFerns.MethodsTo evaluate the drivers of global fern diversity, we integrate over 800,000 georeferenced species occurrence records of nearly 8000 species, a time‐calibrated phylogeny and seven climate and environmental layers. We use these data to summarize diversity and evolutionary patterns at a resolution of 100 × 100 km, and identify hotspots of fern species richness and endemism. We compare these hotspots to neighbouring non‐hotspot regions to provide insight into the factors controlling global patterns of fern diversity.ResultsTropical and subtropical mountains harbour a disproportionate amount of species relative to the land area they occupy; 58% of global species richness occur in eight principally montane hotspots together comprising just 7% of Earth’s land area. We identify hotspots of fern species richness and endemism that are universally characterized by disproportionately high ecological variation. We demonstrate that total fern species richness scales linearly with available climate space at regional and global scales.Main ConclusionsAreas of high environmental heterogeneity harbour a disproportionate amount of fern species, and global patterns of extant fern diversity reflect the distribution of these areas, especially in mountains at lower latitudes. Persistence of ancient lineages in areas with long‐term climatic stability helps explain exceptional endemism in regions such as Malesia.

Integrating hotspots for endemic, threatened and rare species supports the identification of priority areas for vascular plants in SW China

Southwest China (SW China) covers three global biodiversity hotspots—the Mountains of Southwest China, the Eastern Himalayas and the Indo-Burma, India and Myanmar region—and has been recognized as one of the world’s most important refuges for diverse types of wildlife. Knowledge of the distribution of vascular plants in SW China provides essential information for determining priority conservation areas within these global biodiversity hotspots. However, little is known of the congruence among hotspots identified by different criteria. Here, the research aimed to identify proxies that could represent vascular plants in SW China by identifying the spatial congruence between different hotspots. First, the distributions of species richness (SR), endemic species richness (ER), threatened species richness (TR) and rare species richness (RR) for 24,070 vascular plants in SW China were mapped. Then, Gi* statistics were used to identify endemic species hotspots (EH), threatened species hotspots (TH) and rare species hotspots (RH); spatial congruence was tested by overlapping these three hotspots. The results showed that the spatial congruence of EH, TH and RH in the three hotspots was low, only ~21% were common to the three hotspots, and ~51% did not overlap with any other hotspots. However, the integration of EH, TH and RH (EH ∪ TH ∪ RH) provided a robust proxy for vascular plant diversity based on metrics of conservation efficiency, as the combination represents ~84% of all vascular plants in SW China and supports ~81%, ~82% and ~75% of endemic, threatened and rare species, respectively. Finally, 8 hotspot regions (counties) representing 20,187 species were identified as priority conservation areas, with only ~8.2% land cover of SW China, suggesting that this hotspots integration approach can provide a robust alternative for enhancing overall levels of biodiversity conservation and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of local management efforts.

Epidemiology of Lassa Fever.

Lassa fever (LF) is a lethal hemorrhagic disease primarily concentrated in the tropical savannah regions of Nigeria and the Mano River Union countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. Endemic hotspots within these countries have had recurrent exposure to Lassa virus (LASV) via continual spillover from the host reservoir Mastomys natalensis. Increased trade and travel throughout the region have spread the virus to previously unexposed countries, including Ghana, Benin, Mali, and Côte d'Ivoire. In the absence of effective treatment or vaccines to LASV, preventative measures against Lassa fever rely heavily on reducing or eliminating rodent exposure, increasing the knowledge base surrounding the virus and disease in communities, and diminishing the stigmas faced by Lassa fever survivors.

Diversity Patterns of Neotropical Ferns: Revisiting Tryon's Centers of Richness and Endemism

Almost fifty years ago Dr. Rolla M. Tryon investigated the patterns of neotropical fern diversity and discovered that sites of exceptional richness and endemism are found in five predominantly montane regions. Here, we revisit these sites with the aid of contemporary methodologies. We integrate phylogenetic, ecological, climatic, and occurrence data to better understand what factors contribute to the patterns of fern diversity throughout the neotropics. With this dataset we are able to reassess Tryon's neotropical hotspots fifty years later and take one step closer to understanding the processes governing the distribution of fern species. We recover six hotspots of neotropical species richness and endemism that closely mirror those delineated by Tryon. Like Tryon, we find that hotspots are found predominantly in montane regions with more climatic space compared to surrounding areas. Patterns of species richness and lineage diversification can largely be explained by the extent of available habitats, especially in association with montane ecosystems. We also show that patterns of species assemblages across the neotropics are largely dictated by distance and elevation. In synthesis, we propose that, in addition to migration and persistence of relictual lineages, patterns of species richness and endemism in the neotropics are driven by in situ speciation in montane regions.

A Keragaman dan Populasi Burung Endemik pada Hotspot Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan Produksi Wae Sapalewa Seram Utara

Endemic bird species have a high conservation value concentrated in a critical location for conservation with an exciting value in endemic bird species groups. The site of concentration of endemic bird species can be referred to as Endemic Bird Diversity Hotspot. There are seven bird diversity hotspot locations identified in the KPHP Wae Sapalewa region in North Seram, with a good bird species diversity, including endemic bird species. The study aimed to examine the variety and population of endemic bird species at seven hotspot locations within kphp Wae Sapalewa. The research method uses Point Count, which is placed in the transek. The results showed 121 species of birds, consisting of 9 species, namely: Basilornis corythaix, Cacatua moluccensis, Gymnophaps mada, Eos semilarvata, Lorius domicella, Halcyon lazuli, Rhipidura dedemi, Philemon subcorniculatus, and Myzomela blasii. Most endemic bird species have a low population density. This condition shows the need for conservation action for endemic bird species groups in these hotspot locations. KPHP Wae Sapalewa organization has the opportunity to take appropriate conservation actions to accelerate the existence of these endemic bird species.

Diversity patterns and conservation status of native argentinean crucifers (Brassicaceae)

Global warming, coupled with habitat destruction and human activity, are accelerating the rates of species extinction worldwide. Species-extinction risk assessment using the IUCN Red List categories, together with the study of the spatial patterns of biodiversity, are fundamental approaches for identifying conservation priorities and targeting government decisions to mitigate impacts on biodiversity. Here, we analyzed the geographic distribution of Argentinean species of Brassicaceae using species point distributional data. In this way, we classified species following the IUCN threat categories at a regional level, and analyzed patterns of richness, endemism, and threat on the different ecoregions and biomes of the country. In addition, we also explored differences in elevation, annual mean temperature, annual precipitation, and aridity between endemic vs. non-endemic and threatened vs. non-threatened species. The results showed that of the 162 Argentinean taxa, 58 species were here categorized as threatened (VU, EN, or CR) (36%). However, when only endemics are considered, more than half of these (33 spp, 57%) are threatened. Although species inhabit all environments and biogeographic regions of the country, arid to semi-arid areas, which are associated to the Andes and the Patagonian steppe, contained most of the species. Specifically, the Central Andean Puna and the Patagonian steppe ecoregions included the greatest number of species, endemics, and threatened species. Furthermore, different hotspots of richness, endemism, and threat were detected along Andean regions and the Patagonian steppe, and endemics were characterized by inhabiting on average drier areas than non-endemic native species. An up-to-date species list, including conservation status, distribution maps for all species, hotspots of richness, endemism, and threat, are also provided. This work seeks to contribute to the knowledge on geographical patterns of the Argentinean flora and its conservation, complementing the information published in the Flora of Argentina.

Spatial Fingerprint of Younger Dryas Cooling and Warming in Eastern North America

AbstractThe Younger Dryas (YD, 12.9–11.7 ka) is the most recent, near‐global interval of abrupt climate change with rates similar to modern global warming. Understanding the causes and biodiversity effects of YD climate changes requires determining the spatial fingerprints of past temperature changes. Here we build pollen‐based and branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether‐based temperature reconstructions in eastern North America (ENA) to better understand deglacial temperature evolution. YD cooling was pronounced in the northeastern United States and muted in the north central United States. Florida sites warmed during the YD, while other southeastern sites maintained a relatively stable climate. This fingerprint is consistent with an intensified subtropical high during the YD and demonstrates that interhemispheric responses were more complex spatially in ENA than predicted by the bipolar seesaw model. Reduced‐amplitude or antiphased millennial‐scale temperature variability in the southeastern United States may support regional hotspots of biodiversity and endemism.

An alien species or another perspective to the freshwater gobies puzzle: a new finding in Lake Prespa

Here we present a discovery of a new fish from the family Gobiidae in Lake Prespa, which is known as a European hotspot for biodiversity and endemism. This is the first detection of a fish species from this family, not only regarding this lake but also in the territory of the Republic of North Macedonia in general. The close examination of the recorded specimens revealed the presence of perianal organ surrounding the anus. This unique organ and various other observed morphometric and phenotypic characteristics point out to the genus Economidichthys. The two known fish species from this genus are currently considered endemic only to the rivers and lakes of western Greece. This new finding could be an evidence of alien species introduced in this lake, or an evidence of native species that are not recorded yet because of their characteristic life habits. Either way, this is a very important finding for the taxonomy and biogeographical distribution of the freshwater gobies in the Balkans.

Where the snails have no name: a molecular phylogeny of Raphitomidae (Neogastropoda: Conoidea) uncovers vast unexplored diversity in the deep seas of temperate southern and eastern Australia

Abstract Although raphitomid snails are a dominant component of gastropod communities in deep seas worldwide, their systematics is still largely tentative. We assembled the most complete sampling of Raphitomidae from south-eastern Australia to date. Based on morphological and molecular data from this material, we produced a robust phylogenetic framework and used it to delimit genera. For the focus area, our results show a large proportion of undescribed species- and genus-level taxa, 11 of which are formally described herein. We demonstrate that the examination of purely morphological characters rarely suffices for the purpose of accurate genus delimitation. As a result, some traditionally highly diverse raphitomid genera (such as Gymnobela) turn out to be artificial assemblages of several unrelated, mostly undescribed, genus-level lineages. Our data suggest that comparable configurations of shell and radular features, observed at the genus level, commonly do not reflect true phylogenetic relationships. However, our results are inconclusive as to whether homoplasy or conservatism are the drivers of this phenomenon. Accommodating for the inevitable sampling biases, south-eastern Australia appears as a possible hotspot for both raphitomid diversity and endemism, when compared with adjacent areas.

Mapping the Geographical Distribution and Seasonal Variation of Dengue and Chikungunya Vector Mosquitoes (<i>Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus</i>) in the Epidemic Hotspot Regions of India: A Step towards the Vector Control and Sustainable Health

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are known vector mosquitoes for several emerging arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) including dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika fever, Mayaro and yellow fever viruses across the world. Aedes species vector mosquitoes are blamed for the spread of dengue and chikungunya in India. Dengue and Chikungunya is the illustrious public health problems in the country, dengue has public health importance and cumulative burden to the affected community, especially in the Southern States of India, since 1991, and followed by the highest outbreaks of chikungunya in the Southern India, 2006. Dengue cases reported from 24 States and 3 Union Territories out of 34 States / Union Territories in India, and highest reports recorded in 5 major States (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab and West Bengal), during 2017. All the four serotypes of dengue virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4) are detected across the country various with space and time. Mapping the geographical distribution and seasonal variation of dengue and chikungunya vector mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) is absolutely significant for the systematic surveillance, organization, and implementation, accordingly, the public health authority possibly will make prevention measures to control the dengue epidemic earlier in advance and monitoring the endemic situation in the state as well as in the country, continuously [16,17,18]. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus vector mosquito’s density caused by the man-made containers (socio-economic variables), and the natural breeding habitats, and land use / land cover types, environmental risk factors, and climate determinants. All the four serotypes of dengue virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4) are reported in India. The study has mainly focused on the major endemic districts in India, where the state of endemic has accumulative problems, and is grumbling the community. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the known vector mosquitoes of dengue and chikungunya. The endemic districts have unique landscape terrain and land use / land cover pattern, and climate factors (precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, and saturation deficiency). The major landscape terrain has hilly, plain and coastal areas. The epidemic areas receive rainfall by both the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon from April to November (almost 8 months), and has the average temperature range of 22°C to 31°C, and relative humidity of 70 % to 90 %, and the present study contains the vector density is highly influenced by the maximum number of rainy days, and the occurrences of dengue epidemics clustered regions in India mainly where it receives annual mean rainfall ranging from 300 mm to 1200 mm. The spatial distribution and seasonal variation of vector mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) in the identified endemic districts are absolutely griping the situation by seasonal variation in precipitation and temperature, land cover spatial variations, socio-economic, and ecological differences have directly affected the profusion of vector mosquitoes and the incubation period of the dengue and chikungunya virus, and thus, huge epidemics in the identified endemic districts along with entire state. Consequently, the nature and manmade environment is fuelling for the huge number of profusion of Aedes species mosquitoes in the epidemics area. Mapping the spatial distribution and seasonal variation of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, using Remote Sensing, and GIS technology could be an ultimate tool for functioning a dengue surveillance in the endemic districts as well as in the country, and thus, comfort to the public health experts to organize, implement and choose an appropriate control strategy for the prevention measures to control the grumpy situation in the dengue endemic hot spot regions in the country.

Geostatistical modeling and conservation implications for an endemic Ipomoea species in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon

The Canga ecosystem, in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon, is a biodiversity and endemism hotspot as well a potential resource for iron mining, raising conflicts between conservation and economic development. Here, we collected data from 60 randomly selected points in the Canga ecosystem in the Carajás National Forest, Brazil, to analyze the spatial patterns of Ipomoea cavalcantei occurrence in different phytophysiognomies. Through ordinary kriging and a GLM model, we identified that this endemic species occupies a very restricted range within the Canga ecosystem, specifically in areas of Open Rupestrian Fields and Shrub Rupestrian Fields where the iron crust restricts the soil depth to a few centimeters and the vegetation is mainly herbaceous or savannah shrub vegetation, with low sparse tree canopies. These conditions increased the passage of sunlight, revealing the importance of light conditions for the species. However, because the species occurs in suitable mining sites, there is continuing conflict between environmental and economic decisions. Spatial data showed that mining has increased in Carajás National Forest over the last 32 years, reducing the potential locations for I. cavalcantei to less than 50 % of its original range. Mining will potentially occupy the entire species range over the next three decades. Restoration outside its original habitat is difficult in the short term, because there is no knowledge of the species’ capacity for growth, survival, and replication. Conservation initiatives for the Canga ecosystem should prioritize strategies that reduce regional dependence on mining and provide alternative economic activities, such as sustainable exploitation of bio-products and ecological tourism.

Plankton spatial variability within the Marquesas archipelago, South Pacific

Abstract The Marquesas Islands, in the central South Pacific, is a region of enhanced phytoplankton enrichment visible from space and is a hotspot of endemism and biodiversity; however, it has been poorly studied. In situ physical-chemical-biological concomitant observations are almost non-existent and all located close to the main northern island, while ocean dynamics based on satellite observations and numerical modeling show contrasting north/south patterns within the archipelago. Thus, we took the opportunity of the Pakahi I te Moana cruise conducted in 2012 to collect hydrological and plankton samples and investigate biogeochemical spatial patterns, especially north/south, over the archipelago. These data provide the first description of the spatial and vertical distribution of physical, chemical and plankton characteristics over the entire Marquesas archipelago, and give a first hint to improve our understanding of this planktonic enrichment. The whole archipelago appeared to be a macronutrient-rich environment. Different patterns in the physical, chemical and biological vertical distributions were observed between the northern vs. southern part of the archipelago, and offshore vs. nearshore stations. Phytoplankton biomasses were higher in the north where stratification was weaker, compared to the south and higher close to the islands than offshore. Phytoplankton all over the archipelago was largely dominated by picophytoplankton; specifically, Prochlorococcus presented a more widespread distribution than previously thought and were present over a large range of nutrient concentrations. Copepods were always the most abundant taxa in the archipelago but showed higher mean relative abundances near the islands. The importance of suspension-feeding zooplankton in the northern islands coincided with the highest biomasses of phytoplankton with a predominance of nano- and micro-phytoplankton. This was consistent with a young community responding to nutrient enrichment by an increase of suspension-feeders animals and bottom-up effect on zooplankton. Opposite to this, small copepods were significantly less abundant in the northern offshore region and the dominance of carnivorous forms coincided with low phytoplankton biomass and strong dominance of picoplankton, suggesting a microbial grazing pathway and more mature communities.

The origin of the Afro-Mediterranean cypresses: Evidence from genetic analysis

Only few woody species of North Africa have been the subject of biogeographical studies, despite the importance of this region, in the Mediterranean area, for the presence of hotspots of endemism and biodiversity, and of refugia. Here, we present research on the Afro-Mediterranean Cupressus spp., which have a discontinuous and fragmented distribution, resulting from population dynamics experienced during their life history. We aim to retrace their demographic history, by combining Bayesian clustering and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) methods. The fragmentation of the cypress gene pool dates back to Pliocene, when the Mediterranean and the North African lineages separated from a common ancestor. The separation of C. atlantica and C. dupreziana dates back to the Pleistocene, when the history of C. dupreziana as relic species started. Finally, C. sempervirens var. numidica is likely endemic of Tunisia, belonging to the cypress gene pool of the central Mediterranean since the Pleistocene.