International Union Of Conservation Of Nature Research Articles

Cross Sectional Anatomy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Juvenile Atlantic Puffin Head (Aves, Alcidae, Fratercula arctica).

The Atlantic puffin is a medium-sized seabird with black and white plumage and orange feet. It is distributed mainly along the northern Atlantic Ocean, and due, among other reasons, to human activities, it is in a threatened situation and classified as a vulnerable species according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In this study, we used a total of 20 carcasses of juvenile Atlantic puffins to perform MRI, as well as anatomical cross-sections. Thus, an adequate description of the head was made, providing valuable information that could be helpful as a diagnostic tool for veterinary clinicians, who increasingly treat these birds in zoos, rehabilitation centers, and even in the wild.

Dwindling Coastal Fisheries Biodiversity of Bangladesh: The Causes and Effects

Being a sub-tropical nation in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta with long shoreline along the Bay of Bengal, the coast of Bangladesh is blessed with rich living resources. The country has a coastline of about 710 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 121,110 km2. Bangladesh’s coastline extends from St. Martin’s living coral island in the south-east to the Sundarbans-world’s largest adjoining mangrove-in the south-west. The coast holds diverse habitats- coral, sandy, muddy and rocky beaches, salt marshes, grass beds and mangroves - with uniquely diversified faunal configurations. So far, 730 fishes, 150 crustaceans and 336 mollusks have been recorded from the coastal waters of Bangladesh, apart from a number of cephalopods, sea turtles, reptiles, and mammals. Increasing population, destruction of mangroves, pollution, overfishing, and illegal/destructive fishing using set bag nets and monofilament gillnets and an extensive collection of shrimp larvae are the root causes of biodiversity loss in the coast. Already, the near-shore fish stocks are overexploited and catch per unit fishing effort is falling and many shrimp and fish stocks are in the decline. The percentage contribution of marine segment in the fisheries sector of the country is decreasing every year. About 28% of the coastal fishes assessed by IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) are now placed under IUCN Red List of ‘threatened species’. To ensure sustainable fisheries management, a number of laws have been put in place, but the implementation of these laws and regulations is constrained due to conflicts and non-compliance by the stakeholders. Hence, Bangladesh needs a robust legal and policy framework for conservation and sustainable utilization of the coastal resources. Establishment of sanctuaries and marine protected areas following a co-management approach can achieve notable success in protecting coastal biodiversity. Strict enforcement of legal measures aimed at protection of mangroves, development of eco-coastal tourism and social safeguards for resource conservation and management, is needed for long-term and sustainable management of coastal biodiversity of Bangladesh.

Biodiversity clock and conservation triangle: Integrative platform for biodiversity monitoring, evaluation, and preemptive conservation intervention

Business-as-usual is no more an option on the table for biodiversity conservation. Disruptive transformation at both policy and polity levels are pressing needs. The possibilities presented by the current wave of information and communication technology can act as travelators to meet the conservation targets. Here, we introduce twin concepts of biodiversity clock and conservation triangle that posit as convergence plane to seamlessly consolidate ongoing discrete efforts and convey real-time biodiversity information in a lucid schematic form. In its present form, the biodiversity clock depicts 12 ecological and 6 biophysical components. The universal consistency in clock-reading facilitates the biodiversity clock to be read and interpreted identically across the world. A ternary plot of the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) species conservation status is presented as the conservation triangle. Together, the biodiversity clock and the conservation triangle are invaluable in strategizing biodiversity conservation, post-2020. Leveraged smartly, they make possible pre-emptive intervention for biodiversity conservation.

Rubiaceae Flora of Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Isabela, Luzon, Philippines: Species Richness, Distribution, and Conservation Status

The Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP) in Isabela, Philippines holds the record of being the widest remaining tropical rainforest on the island of Luzon. However, this park remains underexplored in terms of its flora. A few botanical studies have been conducted but were particularly focused on the general floristic diversity of the area. No botanical studies have been done yet concentrated on a particular plant family. Species conservation and protection could be more resounding if attention is given to a particular group of plants like the very diverse Rubiaceae family. Hence, an initial checklist of Rubiaceae species in NSMNP is provided with accounts in their richness, distribution, and conservation status. The botanical exploration was conducted in April–August 2019 in NSMNP, specifically in the coastal areas – namely, Palanan, Divilacan, and Maconacon – and a non-coastal zone, Cabagan. In total, 52 Rubiaceae species were recorded belonging to 23 genera and representing 15 tribes of the family. The number of species constitutes about 9.72% of the total number of species in the country. The most specious among the tribes belong to Psychotrieae (9), followed by Spermacoceae (8), Naucleeae and Urophylleae (6), and Coffeeae (5). Of these species, 31 are Philippine endemic, while two are considered narrow endemic to the province. As regards their conservation status based on the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of threatened species, one was assessed as critically endangered (CR) and another one as endangered (EN). Further, two more species were recognized as highly threatened (HT), being CR species, and two other species were assessed as vulnerable (VU) based on the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Plants and Their Categories found in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2017-11.

Use of the nucleotide diversity in COI mitochondrial gene as an early diagnostic of conservation status of animal species

AbstractSpecies assessed as threatened by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) show evidence of declining population sizes. Genetic diversity is lost by this decline, which reduces the adaptive potential of the species and increases its extinction risk in a changing environment. In this study, we collected an extensive dataset of nucleotide diversities in the COI (Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I) mitochondrial gene for 4,363 animal species assessed by IUCN and found significantly reduced levels of diversity in threatened species of long‐lived animal classes. Then, we built up a comparative frame by acquiring the 95% confidence interval (CI) of mean values of COI nucleotide diversity in bootstrapped samples of nonthreatened species. Finally, we tested the comparative frame with data from the endangered bivalve species, Pinna nobilis. We conclude that nucleotide diversity in COI is a good proxy for a first evaluation of the conservation status of species populations, where previous knowledge is lacking and census is difficult to perform .

Red list of Natura 2000 habitat types of Poland

The deterioration of conservation status of ecosystems, loss of habitats and extinction of species call for actions to halt these negative processes. The starting point is to determine the threat status of specific nature components which may be achieved, for example, by the development of red lists.This paper presents the current threat status of natural habitats listed in Annex I to the Habitats Directive (HD) in Poland. Threat categories were based on the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) division, while threat status assessment of habitats was carried out using a simple method taking into account limitations resulting from the quality of available data. The assessment was based on four criteria: Current habitat area of occupancy, area trend, habitat structure and function status and sum of pressures to habitat. Data were derived from reports on the conservation status of natural habitats in alpine and continental bioregions, submitted to the European Commission (EC) in 2019. Out of 77 habitats, 2 and 8, respectively, were classified as Critically Endangered (CR), 5 and 19 as Endangered (EN), 10 and 23 as Vulnerable (VU), 15 and 18 as Near Threatened (NT) and 8 and 2 as Least Concern (LC). In the alpine region, the largest share of CR + EN habitats was in the habitat group of water habitats, grasslands and heaths and shrubs. In the continental region, only in the habitat group of forests were there no CR or EN habitats, and the degree of threat to habitats was significantly higher than in the alpine region. Threats to natural habitats in the alpine region most often result from their small area and the tendency to area decline. On the other hand, in the continental region, habitat structure and function distortions, strong environmental pressure and small area equally contribute to habitat threat.

DNA Extraction of Sumatran Striped Rabbit from Tissue Samples

The Sumatran Striped Rabbit (Nesolagus netscheri ) is a naturally rare, which is a protected animal based on Government Regulation Number 7 of 1999 and renewal of Permen LHK No. P.106 which are categorized as Data Deficient by the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) since 2019. Samples were obtained from Pagar Alam, South Sumatra. Most commonly found at elevations above 600 m in montane and sub-montane primary habitat. Molecular genetic characterization of sumatran striped rabbit is to know genetic information and genetic identification of N. netscheri. Primers 12S rRNA were used in this study to characterize Sumatran striped rabbit. A 1 band were detected ranged from 900 to 1000 bp. Molecular markers represent reliable tools which may have a great impact in rabbit breeding and genetic improvement of rabbits. Molecular markers on Nesolagus netscheri is expected to tools in the identification of Sumatran striped rabbits from South Sumatra.

Conservation Status and Threats to Vascular Plant Species Endemic to Soutpansberg Mountain Range in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Soutpansberg Mountain range is one of the main biodiversity hotspots in South Africa and it is located in Limpopo Province. It possesses high diversity of flora and fauna. Communities surrounding this mountain have long benefited from the ecosystem services that the area provides. It is of importance to determine the threat status of plant species endemic to this mountain range that has been a great source of ecosystem services. Twenty-two endemic vascular plant species of the mountain range have been identified. In this study we use the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) current 2017 version Red List categories to determine the threat status of plant species endemic to Soutpansberg Mountain range. SANBI is the national body in South African that is responsible for national threat assessment for plant and animal species and they also provide data to IUCN (International Union ofC onservation of Nature) on threat status of plant and animal taxa found in South Africa. We calculated the categorical percentages of threat status of endemic vascular plants species of Soutpansberg Mountain range and the threats these plant species are facing were gotten from SANBI Red List. This study showed that over 50% of the plant species endemic to this area are of conservation concern meaning they deserve conservation attention. Majority of threats are due to anthropogenic pressure. This implies that the endemic flora of this region is facing risk of extinction. This study recommends protection of all the endemic plant species of this mountain range in order to prevent theirf uture extinction.

RECENT OBSERVATIONS OF Elephas maximus sumatranus IN SEMBILANG NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH SUMATRA

Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) are one of four Asian elephants subspecies, which are categorized as Critically Endangered by the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) since 2011. Some factors that might drive this species into extinction ranges from wild attacks in the forest, habitat degradation due to land acquisition for plantation and development areas, and human slaughter because they regard these animals as enemies that sometimes enter community settlements. Elephants in Sembilang National Park is an interesting issue because it has not been registered as key species in Sembilang National Park, as well as no authentic evidence and official reports about the existence of elephants in the park. This paper proves the existence of elephants in Sembilang National Park, South Sumatra. The elephant documentation is in the form of photos and videos of 4 different elephant individuals, footage, cruising lanes and elephant puddles. Evidence of the existence of elephants in Sembilang National Park strongly indicates that future actions, participation and attention of all stakeholders are needed to the conservation efforts of the biggest Sumatran mammals in Sembilang National Park

Decrease in Sightings of Sixgill Sharks, Hexanchus griseus, in Elliott Bay, Seattle, WA, United States, a Comparison Between 2003–2005 and 2008–2015

The Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus, is a large predatory shark, has a worldwide distribution and is listed as near-threatened by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Seattle Aquarium collected observations of free-swimming Sixgill Sharks in Elliott Bay, Washington, under the aquarium’s pier in 20 m of water from 2003 to 2005 and again from 2008 to 2015 using the same methodology. Compared to total Sixgill sightings between 2003-2005 (273) fewer total Sixgills were sighted at the aquarium’s research station between 2008-2015 (33). The reason for the observed decline in sightings in unknown but based on data from other studies on Sixgills in Puget Sound during the same timeperiod the authors hypothesize the decrease may be due to natural variability of juvenile Sixgill recruitment to Elliott Bay.

A checklist and conservation status of the medicinal plants of Mount Arayat National Park, Pampanga, Philippines

A checklist of medicinal plants in a natural area is fundamental not only it provides an updated reference but also it gives the current status of biodiversity. In this study, available medicinal plants in Mt. Arayat National Park (MANP) was documented. Existing and comprehensive references on Philippine medicinal plants were used to assess the medicinal values. To determine their conservation status, the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and list from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines were accessed. Results indicated a total of 60 species under 27 families were recorded in MANP. Out of the 27 families, Leguminosae represented the highest number of medicinal plants and the genus Ficus has the most number of species. Based on literature, most of the plants were used to treat infectious and parasitic diseases and diseases of the digestive system. In terms of the conservation status, IUCN has assessed 6 vulnerable and 5 least concern species while DENR has listed 1 vulnerable species and the rest of the medicinal plants were marked as not evaluated. This checklist provides data of various medicinal plants which aims to emphasize their uses and the need of conservation.

Morphological, anatomical and karyological investigations of the Turkish endemic species Lathyrus woronowii Bornm. (Fabaceae)

AbstractLathyrus woronowiiBornm., an endemic species of Turkey, is threatened with extinction due to dam construction. It exists only in the Çoruh valley, Artvin. This annual species is in the critically endangered (CR) category according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria. Its morphology, anatomy and karyology are studied here for the first time. A detailed description is given and the general appearance of the species has been drawn; cross sections from the stem and leaf have been taken and examined; and the diploid chromosome number (2n = 14) has been reported and illustrated for the first time.

Review of extinction risk in African Cycads

Over a long period of time, cycads endemic to Africa have been facing high risk of extinction. Several conservation efforts have been made to reduce the risk of losing these highly endangered species. In this study we review the current risk of extinction of allAfrican cycads species. We calculated the percentages of each category of species found in African cycads using the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) red list of threatened species 2014 version. We compared our result with that of Donaldson (2003) on percentages of different categories of IUCN for cycads in Africa which was carried out a decade ago. We also calculated the percentage of population trend in African cycads. When comparing these results, we discovered that over one decade there was no improvement in cycads conservation despite several conservation efforts that were made during this period. The results of the populationtrend also showed that the majority of African cycads are experiencing population decreases. These results highlight that the risk of extinction of African cycads is still very high and much conservation effort is still required to properly tackle ecological factors pushing these endangered species to extinction.

Traditional beliefs and conservation of natural resources: evidences from selected communities in Delta State, Nigeria.

The role of traditional beliefs systems in the conservation of natural resources in some selected communities in Delta State, Nigeria, have been studied. Methodology of study involves the use of personal interview, literature review, group discussion, and site visitation carried out by the authors between April 2011 and March 2012. Findings show that traditional natural resources management in the selected communities are classified into the following categories: protection of particular ecosystems or habitats (such as sacred groves and sacred rivers/pond); and protection of particular animals or plant species (such as totem and tabooed species). The practices concerned relate to trees, forests, wildlife and marine organisms. The environmental wisdom and ethics expressed through these religious beliefs are very useful tools in natural resource management. Using the classification of the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the plants and animals species in the study scared groves and forest can be described as an environment with widespread and abundant taxonomy and are not at risk or endangered. Key words: Forest, sacred groves, traditional beliefs, biodiversity conservation, natural resources management, totems.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A HEALTH SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM FOR REINTRODUCTION OF THE EURASIAN BEAVER (CASTOR FIBER) INTO SCOTLAND

In 2009 and 2010 16 Norwegian Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) were reintroduced to Knapdale, Scotland as part of a 5-yr reintroduction trial (Scottish Beaver Trial). Despite numerous reintroduction programs throughout Europe there is no published information concerning recommended health surveillance during beaver reintroduction and only one publication describing causes of mortality. We describe the establishment of a health surveillance program based on International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and governmental guidelines, and report preliminary results based on the fecal and blood samples following the completion of the first stage of reintroduction. Animals underwent at least one general anesthetic to allow collection of fecal and blood samples and a thorough clinical examination. No bacterial enteric pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., or Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were isolated, nor were Giardia spp. or Cryptosporidium spp. However, numerous helminths including Travassosius rufus and Stichorchis subtriquetrus were detected. Five animals were positive for Leptospira antibodies. This included Leptospira saxkoebing, Leptospira canicola, Leptospira copenhageni, Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, Leptospira autumnalis, and Leptospira javanica. The highest loss of animals (20%) was during the statutory 6-mo rabies quarantine period. No common cause of death was determined. The rabies quarantine conditions were waived for four remaining animals, three of which were introduced to the wild successfully. The authors recommend the shortest possible quarantine period when introducing beavers, but allowing for the minimum recommended IUCN 35 days to allow for implementation of the initial stage of the health surveillance program, examination of animals, sample collection, and processing.

The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010.

THIS is the third Action Plan for Australian Birds produced since 1992 by Stephen Garnett and his colleagues. Each reviews the conservation (threatened) status of the 1266 indigenous bird taxa (species and distinct populations; excluding vagrants) found in Australia and its territories. Threats, important habitats, and gaps in information are given for each taxon listed. Twenty-seven taxa are extinct, with 20 critically endangered, 60 endangered, 68 vulnerable, and 63 near threatened. One-thousand and twenty-eight are taxa of “least concern” and are not listed. For each threatened taxon the reasons for listing are explained, the taxon’s past and present distribution and abundance given, and the threats the taxon faces summarized. There is also a brief account of each taxon’s ecology and a bibliography of relevant publications. Recommendations are made for conservation action, including research, with the aim of minimizing threats and ensuring the taxon’s survival. Status is assessed using the criteria of the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Fecal Glucocorticoid Measurements and Their Relation to Rearing, Behavior, and Environmental Factors in the Population of Pileated Gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) Held in European Zoos

Pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) are rated as endangered according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The captive population suffers from poor breeding success and is threatened to become overaged. Although several factors are likely to contribute to the poor breeding success, one in particular may be chronic stress associated with prolonged periods of high glucocorticoid (GC) output. We investigated fecal GC levels of pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) and their relationship to specific life-history variables and environmental factors. After validation of an enzyme immunoassay for the measurement of 5-reduced 3α,11β-dihydroxy cortisol metabolites to assess GC output reliably in pileated gibbons, we collected fecal samples over several days from all 36 European adult pileated gibbons located in 11 institutions and compared GC levels to intrinsic individual parameters, husbandry, behavior, and breeding history. Age, sex, and origin (wild vs. captive born) had no effect on GC levels. However, unnaturally reared gibbons had higher GC levels and showed more behavioral abnormalities than parent-reared individuals. Further, nonreproducing gibbons living in a pair without infants had higher GC concentrations than gibbons living in a family, bachelor group, or as singletons. With respect to environmental factors, a large size of the inside enclosure and the existence of visual protection from visitors was associated with lower fecal GC output. The data indicate that rearing and housing conditions appear to correlate to GC levels in pileated gibbons housed under captive conditions. It is hoped this knowledge will support the future management of the species in captivity and thus lead to a more successful breeding of this endangered primate.