IUCN Categories Research Articles

Aristolochia pulvinata, a new species of Aristolochiaceae from Yunnan, Southwest China

Aristolochia pulvinata Yi-Fan Wang & Zhi-Jian Yin, a new species of Aristolochia subgenus Siphisia (Aristolochiaceae) from Yunnan Province, southwest China, is described and illustrated. Aristolochia pulvinata is distinguished by its unique characters: an elevated and thickened pulvinate structure in the inferior calyx limbs of its perianth. Morphologically, it resembles A. ovatifolia, A. melanocephala, A. utriformis, and A. luudamcui due to the similar thickening on the calyx limb region, but it differs in terms of degree, surface texture, color, and angle, as well as leaf morphology. This species, discovered and known only from one region, is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN categories and criteria. This publication includes detailed morphological illustrations of A. pulvinata, with comparative photo plates and a table that highlights distinguishing features relative to similar species.

Effectiveness of protected areas in the Caucasus Mountains in preventing rangeland degradation.

As land use intensifies globally, it increasingly exerts pressure on protected areas. Despite open, nonforested landscapes comprising up to 40% of protected areas globally, assessments have predominately focused on forests, overlooking the major pressures on rangelands from livestock overgrazing and land conversion. Across the southern Caucasus, a biodiversity hotspot extending over 5 countries, we conducted a broadscale assessment of the extent to which protected areas mitigate land-use pressure on rangelands in them. Using satellite-based indicators of rangeland vegetation greenness from 1988 to 2019, we assessed the effectiveness of 52 protected areas. This period encompassed the collapse of the Soviet Union, economic crises, armed conflicts, and a major expansion of the protected area network. We applied matching statistics combined with fixed-effects panel regressions to quantify the effectiveness of protected areas in curbing degradation as indicated by green vegetation loss. Protected areas were, overall, largely ineffective. Green vegetation loss was higher inside than outside protected areas in most countries, except for Georgia and Turkey. Multiple-use protected areas (IUCN categories IV-VI) were even more ineffective in reducing vegetation loss than strictly protected areas (I & II), highlighting the need for better aligning conservation and development targets in these areas. Mapping >10,000 livestock corrals from satellite images showed that protected areas with a relatively high density of livestock corrals had markedly high green vegetation loss. Ineffectiveness appeared driven by livestock overgrazing. Our key finding was that protected areas did not curb rangeland degradation in the Caucasus. This situation is likely emblematic of many regions worldwide, which highlights the need to incorporate degradation and nonforest ecosystems into effectiveness assessments.

IUCN's Application of Cluster Analysis to Usage Classification Areas in Korean protected areas: Based on Gangwon Province

Background and objective: Protected areas in South Korea are currently designated by different ministries for similar purposes, causing overlapping management and conflicts of interest. Moreover, protected areas after designation have been lacking sufficient management. Thus, it is necessary to classify the types of protected areas in South Korea considering variables related to designation, management, and the natural environment, and to verify the applicability of IUCN categories.Methods: We selected variables that are easy to apply to spatial data, easy to interpret, and can solve problems within protected areas based on previous studies and literature review. The optimal number of clusters was derived by conducting hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis on 174 protected areas using the selected variables. The applicability of IUCN categories was verified based on the results.Results: Cluster centroids represent the characteristics of the variables in each cluster, which were applied to IUCN categories for classification. Based on this standard, we formed clusters of similar protected areas through cluster analysis and classified them according to IUCN categories. The clusters were compared with the protected areas classified by the existing IUCN categories and were further subdivided according to the characteristics of the use districts.Conclusion: This study classified protected areas located in Gangwon Province as well as overlapping protected areas using criteria such as the natural environment, activity restrictions, protected target and area as set in the research method, and derived the characteristics of each cluster. This study has significance in that it verified the protected areas classified as IUCN categories and suggested appropriate management measures for unclear overlapping protected areas.

Conservation biology of three threatened Limonium species endemic to Zakynthos Island (Ionian Islands, Greece)

Abstract Knowledge of the life history traits, reproductive biology and demography of rare species is fundamental for their conservation, yet plant population monitoring is uncommon. The restricted ranges of the Limonium species endemic to the Mediterranean area, combined with the vulnerability of their specialized littoral habitats, indicate the need for appropriate conservation measures. We evaluate the conservation status and estimate the future extinction risk of three Limonium species endemic to Zakynthos Island in the Ionian Islands, Greece (Limonium korakonisicum, Limonium phitosianum and Limonium zacynthium) using 5 years of monitoring data. We compile information on their geographical distribution, population dynamics, reproductive biology and genetic diversity. Population sizes and survival rates of seedlings exhibited marked annual fluctuations, although fecundity and relative reproductive success remained high throughout the monitoring period. We observed a dominance of mature individuals in all three species, indicating their increased tolerance to salinity. Three subpopulations each of L. phitosianum and L. zacynthium were genotyped using five microsatellite loci. The observed number of alleles and the low gene flow value potentially indicate reduced genetic diversity, inbreeding, and limited gene flow within and among subpopulations of both species. Based on the IUCN categories and criteria, we assess L. korakonisicum as Critically Endangered, L. phitosianum as Near Threatened and L. zacynthium as Endangered. Population viability analyses predict that, among the three species, L. zacynthium will face the highest risk of extinction within the next 50 years. Knowledge of the biology of these species provides data essential for identifying critical factors for their survival and for proposing targeted conservation measures.

Ophiorrhizaliuyanii (Rubiaceae), a new species from south-western China and northern Vietnam.

Ophiorrhizaliuyanii, a new species from south-western China and northern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterised by the glabrous surfaces on almost all plant parts, congested inflorescences and broad-ovate to ovate bracts 9-22 × 4-11 mm. It morphologically differs from the closest species, O.baviensis, mainly in most plant parts being glabrous, bracts broad-ovate to ovate, apex acute or sometimes obtuse, corollas inside with a ring of white hairs at the middle and anthers inserted near the middle in long-styled flowers. According to IUCN Categories and Criteria, O.liuyanii is assessed as Least Concern (LC).

A revision of Anadolua (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Tettigoniinae) based on morphological and bioacoustic characters: Newly confirmed data suggesting a new synonym and two new species.

In the present paper, a number of twelve populations of genus Anadolua have been studied by focusing on their morphological and bioacoustic characters. Both bioacoustics and morphological CDF analyses (especially in males) indicate the existence of two new species (A. bergeri sp. nov. and A. moli sp. nov.) and of a new synonym (A. burri syn. nov. synonymized with A. schwarzi). The description of the two new species and the redescription of A. schwarzi are provided with IUCN categories, suggestions and figures, which would comprehensively illustrate the species representing the Anatolian members of genus Anadolua. Two bioacoustic song types (schwarzi and bergeri) are found for Anadolua according to temporal and spectral parameters data of the male calling song. Also presented are the morphological and bioacoustic keys to species of Anadolua. The distribution modelling methods of the species have been carried out for Anadolua species. It has been concluded that the dramatic decrease occurring in potentially suitable habitats necessitates the development in the near future of some conservation action plans for all species of Anadolua.

Aristolochia sanheensis (Aristolochiaceae), a new species from Yunnan, Southwest China

Aristolochia sanheensis, a new species from Yunnan, Southwest China, is described and illustrated for the first time. It is similar to A. luudamcui from northern Vietnam in the morphology of the calyx shape and the color of the inner calyx tube and limb, but is clearly distinguished by the limb triangular in lateral view, the prickly outgrowths of the inner limb, and the upper part of limb separated to ca. 1/2–2/3. It is evaluated as Critically Endangered (CR) according to the IUCN categories and criteria.

Oreocharis scutifolia (Gesneriaceae), a Peltate-Leaved New Species From the Dry-Hot Valley of the Jinsha River Basin, Yunnan, China.

A peltate-leaved new species, Oreocharis scutifolia Z. Xie & H. H. Kong, endemic to the Dry-Hot Valley of the Jinsha River Basin, Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated here. It is similar to O. cordatula (Craib) Pellegr. and O. aurantiaca Baill. in floral characters but differs in its peltate leaf blades, which are unique in the genus (and only occur in one population of O. henryana Oliv., but its flowers are smaller, campanulate, and deep purple). Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on transcriptome data confirmed its systematic position to be sister group with O. henryana, O. cordatula, O. minor Pellegr., and O. aurantiaca Baill. (LPP = 1), and well apart from the remaining members of the genus. The new species O. scutifolia is assessed as "Critically Endangered" following the IUCN categories and criteria, due to its small and single population, thus making it face serious threats from human disturbance, invasive plants, shrinking habitat, and decreasing habitat quality.

WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING IN NORTH AND SOUTHEAST OF BRAZIL: 5 YEARS OF STUDY

Trafficking of wild animals has been identified as an exceptionally lucrative activity. Mammals, along with birds and reptiles, are among the most traded animals nationally and internationally. The aim of this paper was to characterize and quantify the species of birds, reptiles and mammals trafficked in the North and Southeast of Brazil. Overall, from 2015 to 2020, approximately 2775 animals were seized, accounting for 1853 specimens of birds, 803 reptiles and 119 mammals. Concerning the conservation status of the species, most belong to the Least Concern category, however, there are threatened species contemplating all the IUCN categories. Trafficking in exotic wildlife raises issues that still need attention and it may result in abandoned animals or invasion of species in balanced environments. In view of this, the profile of trafficked wildlife is necessary in Brazil and other countries, making it possible to combat trafficking as well as implement conservation measures.

New Additions to the Mammal List Documented in the Portuguese Red Data Book.

This study outlines the procedures used for collecting, processing, and categorizing data on 16 new mammal species for mainland Portugal, belonging to four taxonomic groups: Eulipotyphla (1), Chiroptera (4), Rodentia (2), and Cetacea (9). Data collection and processing encompassed field and lab work and bibliographic compilation. Data categorization involves, whenever possible, the assessment of the approximate number of mature individuals in populations, the extent of occurrence, and the area of occupancy. The approach employed led to the classification of eight out of the 16 species into an IUCN category: two non-volant small mammals and one bat species were designated as Vulnerable, requiring ongoing monitoring; one rodent and three cetaceans were assigned to Data Deficient due to insufficient available information; and a single bat species was classified as Least Concern due to the high abundance of local populations. For small mammals and bats, alterations to natural systems and climate change emerged as the most relevant threatening factors, while for cetaceans, human activities such as fishing, commercial shipping, and tourism were identified as the primary survival risks. It is recommended to maintain action programs that assist in defining strategic orientations for the implementation of conservation measures on a case-by-case basis.

Contribution to the flora of the islets of the Medulin Archipelago (Istria)

The flora of six islets of the Medulin Archipelago (Bodulaš, Ceja, Fenera, Fenoliga, Šekovac, Trumbaja) in southern Istria was explored in 2014 and 2021. Altogether, 214 taxa belonging to 50 families were recorded. As expected, the families most represented were Poaceae and Fabaceae, the most common chorotypes were the Mediterranean floral element followed by widespread plants and the South European floral element, while the most represented life-forms were therophytes, hemicryptophytes and geophytes. Altogether 15 taxa within IUCN categories were recorded; however, the flora of the area is generally not threatened. The finding of Anthemis tomentosa, Trifolium glomeratum, Coronopus didymus and Campanula rapunculus f. verruculosa was particularly interesting.

SEASONAL VARIATION AND ABUNDANCE, RESIDENTIAL AND IUCN STATUS OF AVIAN DIVERSITY IN FOREST COMMUNITY IN JASHPUR DISTRICT (C.G.)

Birds are one of the most important units in the food chain on this planet. They play significant role in the environment. They are good indicators for understanding climate changing in the ecosystems. Birds attract peoples due to their fascinating colors, courtship behavior, sound and their beauty. The present study was carried out in Forest Community in Jashpur District (C.G.) between January to December 2021 with the objectives to explore the bird diversity and seasonal variation along with the factors affecting bird diversity in the study area. Mackinnon’s Listing Method and Point Count Method were used for bird survey during winter and summer seasons. In the present study, attempt has been made to collect the relevant information regarding the avian fauna of around the study site Jashpur (C.G.). The periodic survey of the study area, showed great deal of avian biodiversity. During the study period, a total of 102 bird species during the two year periods belonging to 15 orders and 39 families were reported were recorded. Various bird species recorded during the whole period of study in “Forest area near Sarudih tea garden area (Site A), nearly village Gamharia (Site B) and near Neemgoan dam (Site-C) Jashpur (C.G.).” were given the IUCN status (Table 5.9) so that the conservational measures could be suggested/adopted accordingly. A comparison of the recorded avian species was made with the recent Red Data List published by IUCN. Accordingly, these bird species were categorized into two IUCN categories, namely, Least Concern (LC) and Endangered (EN). According to Red Data Book of IUCN 102, “Globally threatened” species were also recorded from the study area. Out of 100 globally threatened species, and only 2 species was in endangered category.

Leucojum vernum in Intorsurii Mountains (South- Eastern Carpathians)

This study investigates the population structure and ecology of the species Leucojum vernum (spring snowflake) in Întorsurii Mountains, South-Eastern Carpathians, where was supposed to be extinct. The research objectives were: (1) to identify the species in Popii Valley, (2) to estimate its population size, (3) to map the species extent, (4) to delineate the species ecological niche, (5) to identify and describe the vegetation types where the species grows, (6) to identify the co-occurring species as indicators of suitable habitat for L. vernum, and (7) to assess the species conservation status in Popii Valley and in Romania. Identification and description of the species population relied on an intensive survey in the whole watershed of Popii Valley. A detailed vegetation map of the Popii Valley watershed was created. For the description of the species habitat, 27 sampling plots were used. The species ecological preferences were drawn by means of the indicator species analysis, climate and geological maps. Climate suitability was checked by projecting the analyzed population in the bioclimatic envelope of L. vernum in Romania, using principal components analysis (PCA) ordination and classes of aridity index. The assessment of the conservation status followed the principles and methodological standards for monitoring protected species at the European Union and global level. In the studied area L. vernum was found in four forest associations, on moist and nutrient-rich soils. The indicator species of the suitable/unsuitable habitats were identified with the help of the phi coefficient of association between species. The population size and species habitat are in favorable conditions, although signs of bulbs collection for gardening were observed. These findings were discussed in a national and global context. An updated map for species extent in Romania was provided in order to support the assessment of the global and national IUCN category.

Wetland butterfly thriving in abandoned jungle: Neptis rivularis in the Czech Republic.

With ongoing insect declines, species expanding in distribution and abundance deserve attention, as understanding their success may help design conservation strategies for less successful species. Common causes of these successes include warmer climates, novel resources, and exploiting land use change, including land abandonment. These factors affect the nymphalid butterfly Neptis rivularis, developing on Spiraea spp. shrubs and reaching the north-western limits of its trans-Palearctic distribution in Central Europe. We combined mark-recapture, behaviour analysis, and distribution modelling to study N. rivularis in wetlands of the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape (IUCN category V). The long-living adults (up to 4weeks) spent a considerable amount of time searching for partners, ovipositing and nectaring at Spiraea shrubs, alternating this with stays in tree crowns, where they located cool shelters, spent nights, and presumably fed on honeydew. They formed high-density populations (310 adults/ha), exploiting high host plant abundance. They adhered to floodplains and to conditions of relatively mild winters. The ongoing Spiraea encroachment of abandoned alluvial grasslands is, thus, a transient situation, ultimately followed by forest encroachment. Rewilding the habitats by introducing native ungulates presents an opportunity to restore the disturbance regime of the sites. The increased resource supply combined with a warming climate has opened up temperate Europe to colonization by N. rivularis.

Studies on the genus Atriplex (Chenopodiaceae) in Italy. IX. Atriplex mollis and note on its occurrence in continental Europe

The typification of the name Atriplex mollis, validly published by R. L. Desfontaines in Flora Atlantica, is discussed. A specimen deposited at G (barcode G00386803) is designated as the lectotype of the name. The distribution in Europe of the species is also discussed. It was indicated for Sardinia only (Italy, Southern Europe) in a single locality (San Paolo pond, Cagliari Province). No specimen that proves the occurrence of the species in Sardinia is in extant. Moreover, the overlapping of a map published in 1912 and the current satellite images, allowed to verify that the area in which A. mollis grew up, including wetlands at the beginning of the XX century, is currently almost totally covered by buildings and commercial/industrial sites. In other words, the habitat where the species occurred was destroyed. As a consequence, at the current state of knowledge, the species is here assessed as extinct (EX) at national level according to the IUCN categories.

A new combination for a neglected member of Linaria subsect. Versicolores (Plantaginaceae, Antirrhineae) endemic to the Algarve, Portugal

Linaria bimaculatacomb. et stat. nov., from the overlooked Central Algarve plant endemism centre, is here lectotypified and redescribed as a full species based on Linaria viscosa var. bimaculata, which was historically misidentified under allopatric L. spartea and L. viscosa. Traditional herbarium taxonomy and citizen science observations were combined to document the geographical range of the four species of Linaria subsect. Versicolores in the Algarve and amend an identification key for the Iberian clade of this subsection. Geographical patterns and morphological similarity suggest a sister relationship between L. bimaculata and L. algarviana, unveiling a new possible example of parallel speciation linked to a purple to yellow shift in corolla colour. Besides the yellow flowers, L. bimaculata differs from L. algarviana in the more elongate fertile stems and the invariably erect-patent corolla tube. It is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN Categories and Criteria.

Silver lining around the cloud: Young ones leaving the tradition of turtle exploitation in buffer zone of Chitwan National Park

Freshwater turtles and tortoise are one of the oldest yet most threatened groups among the vertebrates. Exploitation from their natural habitats for consumption as food and medicine, pet and trade are some of the threats experienced by turtles. Protected areas are supposed to provide some degree of protection to these groups, however, the conservation status and role of buffer zone, a protected area of level VI category according to IUCN Category of Protected Areas is poorly known. Thus, the study was conducted with the aim of fulfilling the void in knowledge about the conservation status of turtles in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park. Prior to the field, standard questionnaire related to the distribution, exploitation and conservation of turtles were prepared which was employed in household survey conducted in 99 households. The data thus collected were managed in Microsoft Excel and was analyzed by using descriptive statistics followed by inferential statistics. Data analysis was done using R software. In the study area, elongated tortoise was the most common species that were reported by respondents to observe, while tricariante hill turtle was commonly used turtle. Consumption as meat was the most dominant cause of exploitation and exploitation was significantly associated with family collecting turtle, perception about population trend of turtle and knowledge on threatened status of turtles. Furthermore, exploitation tendency was correlated with age and involvement of family member in turtle exploitation.

Using bioacoustics tools to clarify species relationships: vocalization of Cycloramphus lithomimeticus (Anura Cycloramphidae), with a phylogenetic comparative analysis of genus based on call

In anurans communities, vocalizations play a fundamental role in social interactions, being the most important behavioral modality of communication. Therefore, the description of acoustic signals is indispensable for understanding aspects of their evolutionary history. The Cycloramphus genus consists of 30 species allocated into five groups, of which only 19 have the vocalization described. Cycloramphus lithomimeticus is a small-sized frog belonging to the C. granulosus group. This poorly known species is associated with rock surfaces near waterfalls in Atlantic montane forests, restricted to the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Currently, it’s classified as Near Threatened species category of IUCN and many aspects of its natural history remain unknown. Herein, we describe the advertisement call of C. lithomimeticus extending its known geographical distribution and providing additional data on the natural history of the species. We recorded and analyzed 44 calls from 10 males of C. lithomimeticus. The advertisement call of C. lithomimeticus consists of a single pulsed note with 0.3–0.8 sec of duration, emitted sporadically, with an interval between calls of 27.5–226.3 sec, composed by 7–17 pulses emitted at a rate of 18–26/sec, with a peak frequency of 2062.5–3000 Hz. After defining the correspondence between structures for systematic purposes, we made a comparative analysis determined by establishing homology connections with other species of the genus. According to our dominant frequency evolutionary reconstruction, an evolutionary increase in frequency mainly occurred in the C. lithomimeticus species lineage from an ancestral dominant frequency of 1500 Hz of the clade with C. eleutherodactylus species group, C. granulosus species group, and C. fuliginosus species group. This study contributes to our knowledge about the biology of C. lithomimeticus, and our results provide basic data for further acoustic, taxonomic and ecological studies in the genus Cycloramphus.

Asclepiadaceae of Maharashtra

Family Asclepiadaceae is represented by 250 genera and ca 3000 species mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is represented by 43 genera and ca 243 species in India, of which, 31 genera, 82 species, 2 subspecies and 7 varieties are known from the State of Maharashtra. The family is well known for endemism, most elaborate complicated flower of all the dicots and contrivances for pollination. Most of the members of the family are restricted in distribution and many of them fall under some IUCN categories of rare plants. Many of the species are not available for taxonomic studies due to rarity of plant materials. Similarly fleshy nature of flowers makes it difficult to study floral structure in dried herbarium specimens. During last decade, deliberate attempts were made to collect asclepiads of Maharashtra and study their characters in fresh and prickled liquid preserved materials. During 10 years intensive survey of asclepiads of Maharashtra, about 63 species of the total 82 species reported for the State have been collected, documented, photographed, studied and reported in the present paper. The genus Ceropegia alone accounts for 24 species and 2 varieties for the state. Photographs of asclepiad flowers are found to be of paramount value in easy identifications than their descriptions. The paper gives an account of Asclepiads of Maharashtra, their distribution and present field status.

Campylotropis xinfeniae (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae), a new species from Yunnan, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence.

Campylotropis xinfeniae, a new species from the dry-hot valley of the Jinsha River in the Yunnan province, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. wilsonii and C. brevifolia in having glabrescent old branches, absent stipels, 3-foliolate leaves, and adaxially puberulent leaflets, while it differs from the latter two in having often paniculate inflorescences, obviously white standard, not incurved sickle keel, larger narrowly oblique legumes, and longer legume beak. The complete chloroplast genome of this new species is 149,073 bp in length and exhibits a typical quadripartite structure. Phylogenetic analyses based on the complete chloroplast genome also supported C. xinfeniae as a new species located at the basal distinct clade of the genus Campylotropis, clearly separated from the remaining members of the genus and its allied genera. A conservation assessment of data deficient (DD) is recommended for the new species without extensive exploring of similar habitats according to the IUCN Categories and Criteria.