IUCN Conservation Status Research Articles

CERASTIUM MAHMUTKILINCII (CARYOPHYLLACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM TÜRKIYE

Cerastium (Caryophyllaceae) is a taxonomically difficult genus of over than 100 species. The flora of Türkiye include 30 species of Cerastium, of which 9 are endemics. A further species (Cerastium mahmutkilincii sp. nov.), belonging to sect. Cerastium subsect. Grandiflora, was proposed here based on a morphological investigation of herbarium specimens. The new species is only known from the Erbaa-Tokat region (North Anatolia) and it is similar to C. szowitsii and C. araraticum, but differs from both by the hairy filaments and sparsely glandular (eglandular hairy in both C. szowitsii and C. araraticum) and multicellular hairy stem indumentum (usually simple hairy in C. szowitsii and C. araraticum). It also differs from C. araraticum by a hairy claw at the base (glabrous in C. araraticum). Data about the ecology and phenology, as well as a identification key of the Turkish members of subsect. Grandiflora are also given; lacking sufficient data, the IUCN conservation status was assessed as DD (Data Deficient). As a result, with the new species in this article, the number of Cerastium species in Türkiye has increased to 31 and the number of endemic taxa to 10.

A new broom Gonocytisus graecus (Genisteae, Leguminosae/Fabaceae), from Greece

Gonocytisus graecus Şentürk & Yıldırım is a new species of broom described from Greece. This taxon resembles G. dirmilensis that is endemic to Türkiye, but differs in its larger flowers and fruit, orbicular-reniform seeds and defined fine reticulate seed surface, as well as smaller subprolate pollen. However this species shares dehiscent fruits with G. dirmilensis, in contrast to the indehiscent fruits of G. angulatus and G. pterocladus, the other two species in the genus. In this study, morphological characters are presented in detail. A distribution map, detailed illustration, images and IUCN conservation status assessment are provided.

Allium taiseba, a new species of Allium sect. Scorodon (Amaryllidaceae) from Van province (Turkey)

A new species, Allium taiseba (A. sect. Scorodon), is described from Hoşap (Xoşap)/Van province, Turkey. It is morphologically similar to A. bingoelense, but it differs in several morphological features including inner tunic's colour of bulb, spathe length, tepal colours and size, stamen colour and length, ovary shape, style colour and length, capsule and seeds size. A comprehensive description of the new species is provided, including detailed photographs, geographical distribution map, habitat and ecology, vernacular names and IUCN conservation status.

Anthropogenic disturbance has altered the habitat of two Azorean endemic coastal plants

BackgroundAnthropogenic threats are causing alteration of coastal areas worldwide. Most of the coastal biodiversity is endangered, taking a particular toll on island ecosystems, like the Azores. To better understand the biotic and abiotic factors constraining the distribution and conservation status of two endemic plants, Azorina vidalii (Campanulaceae) and Lotus azoricus (Fabaceae), we performed a global survey of coastal plant communities in the archipelago, also covering environmental descriptors, natural and anthropogenic threats. Moreover, we revised their IUCN conservation status and estimated the population fractions within protected areas.ResultsNon-indigenous plants were commonly found in plots with or without the target endemics, contributing to the absence of well-defined coastal plant communities. Nonetheless, indigenous taxa commonly occurred at the plots with L. azoricus. With a larger area of occurrence, A. vidalii ecological niche differed from that of L. azoricus, the latter being restricted to dry and rocky sea cliffs, mostly in Santa Maria Island. Besides the presence of invasive plants, signs of habitat destruction, trampling and grazing, and of natural threats, such as coastal erosion, were commonly observed.ConclusionsOccurrence data indicated an endangered status for both species, although this would change to critically endangered for L. azoricus when using smaller-sized occurrence cells. Both species are threatened since their habitat is restricted to a very narrow vegetation belt, strongly limited by sea influence and human pressure, and with the frequent presence of invasive plants. While focusing on two endemic plants, our study allowed a broader view of the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on Azorean coastal plant communities.

Onosma vanensis (Boraginaceae: Lithospermeae); A New Species from Van, Türkiye

A new species of Onosma (Boraginaceae: Lithospermeae) from the Van province of eastern Anatolia, Onosma vanensis Fırat & Binzet, is described and illustrated. It belongs to Haplotricha informal group which comprises the species with basal leaves covered by simple setae only. In general appearence, it’s close to O. lanceolata Boiss. & Hausskn. but it’s a different species with narrow stem leaves, larger bracts, shorter pedicels and calyx as well as longer corolla. The geographical distribution of O. vanensis and O. lanceolata are mapped and the identification key for those species is provided. Additionaly, diagnostic characters, detailed photographs and habitat descriptions provided along with a vernacular name and IUCN conservation status for O. vanensis.

Avifaunal species richness and composition at Masani barrage, district Rewari, Haryana

Masani barrage act as wintering spot for wide range of migratory as well as residential avian species. Their population estimation is to comprehend group dynamics, niche relationships, habitat preferences, and other behavioral features. An ornithological survey was conducted at Masani barrage, district Rewari, Haryana from April 2022 to March 2023 with the help of scan sampling and point count methodology. A total of 150 bird species belonging to 18 orders and 49 families were recorded, among which 94 species were resident; 47 species were winter migrant and 9 species were summer migrant of the observed feeding guilds, Carnivores were the highly dominated followed by Insectivores (41 species), Omnivores (36 species), Herbivores (9 species) and others. Species such as Ferruginous Pochard, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Asian woollyneck, Painted stork, Black-necked Stork, Rufous-vented Grass-babbler, Black-headed Ibis, Lesser Flamingo, Oriental Darter and Alexandrine parakeet fall under near-threatened (NT) category of IUCN Conservation status. Data collected from avifaunal species at the barrage can be utilized as a baseline for analyzing future perspectives and developing appropriate management plans for protection and long-term use.

Fish diversity, fishing gears and their catch in the upper Matamuhury river of southeastern Bangladesh

Finfish richness, their abundance, fishing gears and their catch in the upper Matamuhuri river were studied from January to December 2022 along the river course at hilly upstream of Bandarban Hill District. A total of 95 freshwater finfish species under 69 genera belonging to 36 families under 14 orders were recorded in this mountainous section of this river. Maximum number of species were recorded under the Family Cyprinidae (19 species) followed by Danionidae (11 species) and Bagridae (7 species). Amongst 95 finfish species 11 belonged to ‘endangered’ and 12 to ‘vulnerable’ category of threatened species and four were data deficient (e.g. Barilius barila, Balitora brucei, Eleotris lutea and Oryzias dancena) according to IUCN conservation status. Neolissochilus sp. and Golden Mahashol (Tor puttitora) are reported for the first time from the upstream of Matamuhuri River. A systematic list of recorded finfish with their English names, local names, abundance and conservation status is presented. Under eight categories, 16 types of fishing gears and their catch were documented of which two types of gears (Large push net - Haddi Jal and Bowl trap - Bati Trap) were new and not reported elsewhere earlier. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2024, 10(1): 15-28

Iris cangshanensis (Iridaceae), a new species from southwest China

A new species of Iris, Iris cangshanensis, was discovered in Cangshan Nature Reserve, Dali City, Yunnan Province, China. Morphologically, I. cangshanensis shares several key features with species in Iris subg. Crossiris, including prominent crests and stout rhizomes, but it is easily distinguished from other Iris species by its unique crest, dark purple spots on the falls, erect standards recurved to the style branches, and slightly fimbriate tips of the style branches. Phylogenetic analysis including 115 related species based on matk/trnk and trnL‐F sequences indicates that I. cangshanensis forms a distinct clade, and reveals a strong genetic connection between I. cangshanensis, the Iris tectorum complex and Iris latistyla. Overall, both morphological and phylogenetic evidence strongly support the classification of I. cangshanensis as a newly discovered species. A comprehensive description of this species is provided, including a detailed illustrations and photographs, geographical distribution, habitat and ecology, as well as its IUCN conservation status.

Iris pseudocaucasica subsp. iranica (Iridaceae), a new subspecies from Tabriz province (Iran) belonging to subgenus Scorpiris

Iris pseudocaucasica subsp. iranica, a new subspecies of subgenus Scorpiris, is described and illustrated from Tabriz Province, Iran. From the morphological point of view, subsp. iranica appears to be similar to subsp. pseudocaucasica and subsp. koyuncui, from which it differs in several morphological features including plant height, leaf size/number and flower colour/size. A comprehensive description of this subspecies is provided, including detailed photographs, geographical distribution, habitat and ecology, vernacular name and IUCN conservation status.

Astragalus miksensis Fırat (Fabaceae), a new species in section Hymenostegis from Van province, Türkiye

Astragalus miksensis Fırat (sect. Hymenostegis Bunge), a new species is described from Bahçesaray (Miks)/Van province, Türkiye. The new species is morphologically similar to Astragalus zohrabi Bunge, from which it differs in several morphological features including stipules, leaves, peduncle, indumentum, inflorescence shape, flower, ovary, fruit and seed characters. A comprehensive description of Astragalus miksensis is provided, including detailed photographs, distribution map, habitat and ecology, vernacular names and IUCN conservation status.

Diversity, Dominance, and Conservation Status of Bird Species Traded in Bird Shops Around of Jambi City

Maintaining bird diversity is essential for preserving biodiversity. The popularity of bird keeping as a hobby is due to their attractive colours and sounds, as well as their economic value. However, the breeding and trading of various bird species has led to the development of bird races and competitions. This study aims to determine the diversity, dominance, and conservation status of songbird species that are traded and competed in Jambi City. The study is a descriptive field research that showcases our expertise in the field. In August 2023, the study confidently employed structured observations and interviews through a questionnaire. The analysis confidently used the variety index, evenness index, and dominance index. The research confidently identified ten species, two of which are protected: The Cucak hijau Chloropsis sonneratii (Chloropseidae) and the Serindit melayu Loriculus galgulus (Psittacidae). The bird species have been classified into three categories based on their IUCN conservation status: endangered (10%) Chloropsis sonneratii, vulnerable (20%) Alophoixus tephrogenys and Zosterops melanurus, and least concern (70%) Copsychus saularis, Kittacincla malabarica, Leptocoma brasiliana, Zosterops simplex, Loriculus galgulus, Agapornis sp., and Serinus canaries

REDISCOVERY OF <i>CAMELLIA TONKINENSIS</i> (PIT.) COHEN-STUART (THEACEAE) ON MT. BA VI, HANOI, VIETNAM

Camellia specimens were collected from Mt. Ba Vi, Ba Vi National Park, during field surveys in 2022 (flowers) and 2023 (fruit). On the basis of morphological analyses, we determined that the morphology of these specimens matched that of Camellia tonkinensis. The characteristics of the specimens included papery-textured, elliptic or broad elliptic leaves with acuminate to narrowly acuminate apices, obtuse to rounded bases, petioles with channeled adaxial surfaces, tomentose gynoecia, 3(–4)-coccate capsules, and 1(–2) seeds per locule. A comparison of the morphological characteristics of the 2022 and 2023 collections (DL 220901, Dl 230201) was made with the type specimen (B. Balansa 3860, 1887) and the 2014 collections from Ngoc Son-Ngo Luong Nature Reserve (N. Q. Hieu et al. CPC616, CPC673, CPC712, CPC776). The characteristics and photographs of the rediscovered species from Mt. Ba Vi are presented herein. From the latest field surveys, the IUCN conservation status of Camellia tonkinensis was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

Checklist of the genus Ridsdalea (Rubiaceae, Gardenieae) in Vietnam with description of the new species R.backanensis.

The paper provides an identification key and an annotated list of all six species of the genus Ridsdalea J.T.Pereira & K.M.Wong (Rubiaceae, Gardenieae) recorded in the flora of Vietnam, along with data on their valid names, synonyms, types, and distribution. A new species, R.backanensis, discovered in the limestone area of Bac Kan Province (northern Vietnam), is described and illustrated. Detailed data on its characters, ecology, distribution, phenology, preliminary IUCN conservation status, and taxonomical notes are given. The newly discovered species is potentially interesting for cultivation as an ornamental tree that may be effectively used in garden and urban green architecture.

Gold in the mountains: Striking new species of Papuascincus (Sphenomorphini: Scincidae) from New Guinea

Abstract Skinks are the most diverse component of the reptile fauna in the mountains of New Guinea and many seemingly specialised high-elevation species remain undescribed. Here we describe two spectacular new gold-patterned skinks in the montane-specialist genus Papuascincus. Both species can be diagnosed from all congeners by their distinctive colouration, in addition to aspects of scalation and body size. One new species is mainly recorded from lower montane forest in karst habitats spanning more than five hundred kilometres along the southern edge of New Guinea’s Central Cordillera and is likely to warrant an IUCN conservation status of Least Concern. The second new species has thus far only been recorded from cloud forest on the summit of Mt. Menawa in the North Coastal Ranges and we suggest it should be considered Data Deficient. However, if further survey work confirms a restricted distribution with little scope for upslope elevational retreat under future warming climates it will likely qualify for Endangered or Critically Endangered status.

Andrographis theniensis (Acanthaceae), a new species from the southern Western Ghats of India

Andrographis theniensis Karupp. and Bharath (Acanthaceae), a new species from the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary of the southern Western Ghats, is described and illustrated here. A detailed description, illustration, color photographs, a table of comparisons to allied species, an identification key and IUCN conservation status are provided here for easy recognition of the new species.

Allium serpenticola (A. sect. Codonoprasum, Amaryllidaceae), a new species from Türkiye

Allium serpenticola Eker, a new species in sect. Codonoprasum, is described and illustrated from Adana, Türkiye. It is similar to Allium stamineum Boissier, but different in many morphological characters, especially including colors of perigone, pedicels and anthers, length of spathe valves and their ratio to umbel, length of filaments and their ratio to perigone, anther size, constant style length, number of leaves, proportion of sheats surrounding scape, outer tunic colour and seed ornamentation. A comprehensive description of this species is provided, including detailed illustrations and photographs, geographical distribution, habitat and ecology, and IUCN conservation status. Micromorphological characteristics of A. serpenticola and A. stamineum seeds are also examined and compared using stereomicroscope and SEM analyses.

Ophiorrhiza ravifolia (Rubiaceae), a new endemic species discovered in Naga‐Kabasalan Protected Landscape (NKPL), Zamboanga Peninsula, southwestern Philippines

Continued extensive field exploration in Zamboanga Peninsula (Philippines) revealed a new endemic Ophiorrhiza species, which is herein described from Naga‐Kabasalan Protected Landscape (NKPL) of Zamboanga Sibugay. The species is unique among Philippine Ophiorrhiza by having leaf lamina with gray to silver gray abaxial surface. The new species is morphologically similar to O. pubescens and O. erythropilosa by having hairy overall morphology, but it is easily distinguished by having a creeping to decumbent habit and inconspicuous, membranous bracts. A detailed description, color photographs, phenology, geographical distribution, habitat and IUCN conservation status are provided in this paper.

IUCN Conservation Status and Global Population Trends of Avifauna in Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh

IUCN Conservation Status and Global Population Trends of Avifauna in Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh

Astragalus nordizensis (Fabacaea), a new species from Van province (Türkiye) belonging to section Hymenostegis

Astragalus nordizensis Fırat (sect. Hymenostegis Bunge), is described as a new species from Gürpınar district of Van province, Türkiye. From the morphological point of view, the new species appears to be most similar to Astragalus zohrabi Bunge and A. rubrostriatus Bunge, but it differs in several morphological characters including peduncle indumentum, inflorescence shape, leaf and flower, fruit and seed morphology, etc. A comprehensive description of this new species is provided, including detailed photographs, geographical distribution map, habitat and ecology, vernacular name and IUCN conservation status.

<i>CAMELLIA HOABINHENSIS</i> (THEACEAE: SECT. <i>CHRYSANTHA</i>), A NEW YELLOW-FLOWERED SPECIES FROM NORTHERN VIETNAM

A new species, Camellia hoabinhensis (section Chrysantha, Theaceae), is described and illustrated based on specimens collected from a lowland forest on limestone hills in Hoa Binh Province, northern Vietnam. The species is characterized by its small habit to 4.5 m tall, large flowers 9.0–9.5 cm in diameter with 18–19 light yellow petals, and hairy filaments, ovaries, and styles. A comparison of the new species with similar species, C. euphlebia, C. impressinervis, C. phanii, and C. velutina, is provided. The IUCN conservation status of the proposed species is Data Deficient (DD).