IUCN List Research Articles

Geographic distribution, habitat use and vocalizations of the leaf-litter frog Ischnocnema henselii (Anura: Brachycephalidae) in the subtropical Atlantic Forest

Data on geographic distribution and ecology are essential when defining the conservation status of a species. Herein, we present new information about the geographic distribution, habitat and advertisement call of Ischnocnema henselii, an endemic species of the southern Atlantic Forest. We conducted this study in forest fragments in the state of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, from January 2008 to November 2012. We recorded I. henselii in eight fragments over 100 ha in size, both inside and outside conservation units. We often observed less than 20 males in calling activity. The calling activity was daytime and nighttime, and more intense in the rain. We observed individuals perched on vegetation, on leaves or branches, on the leaf litter or under tree trunks. Duration of advertisement calls ranged from 14.71 ± 1.68 s (n = 11 calls) and interval between notes was 0.22 ± 0.13 s (n = 99 notes). We observed that the advertisement calls had a feature that we call "alternating modulation" in the amplitude of the notes. We suggest that further bioacoustic studies should analyze the relevance of this alternating modulation, to understand its role in communication. Although I. henselii is a habitat specialist, it is currently considered a common species, classified as Least Concern by Brazilian and IUCN lists. In the region studied, characterized by small and isolated remnants of the Atlantic Forest, I. henselii is not an abundant species and its spatial distribution is always associated with wet forest fragments. The increasing degradation of forest remnants in this region causes microclimatic and structural changes that may compromise the permanence of strictly forest and moisture-dependent species for reproduction, such as I. henselii.

Spiders as potential bioindicators of mountain grasslands health: the Argentine tarantula Grammostola vachoni (Araneae, Theraphosidae)

Context Bioindicators are used for conservation prioritisation by means of spatial comparisons of a site value, or monitoring of ecosystem recovery or response to management. Spiders are characterised by their selection of quality habitats and guild responses to environmental change. However, they have only occasionally been used as bioindicators. Grammostola vachoni is an endemic tarantula that only occurs in the grasslands of the mountainous system in central Argentina and it is included in the Red List of the IUCN as Vulnerable. Aims In this study, we performed a characterisation of the microhabitat of G. vachoni at sites with different disturbance regimes and we analysed the potential use of this species as a bioindicator of mountain grassland health. Methods We determined the microhabitat characteristics around their refuges by mean of the soil parameters, as well as the composition and structure of vegetation and amount of refuge available. Key results We found significant differences in the number of individuals and the percentage of occupation between sites. No significant differences were recorded in the soil characteristics and occupation of G. vachoni but we found that the composition of vegetation, and the heterogeneity and diversity of plants are influenced by different disturbance regimes, altering the distribution of spiders. Conclusions Our results are consistent with those of other studies where the spiders have proved to be good bioindicators of different disturbances and we propose for the first time a Theraphosidae species for evaluating the state or health of a natural grassland. Implications The information reported in this study is very important to provide data for a future re-categorisation of G. vachoni for the Red List of IUCN. Also, we add new component of ecosystems for to use as indicator, open up the possibility for new research for the same and other species of a grasslands of the mountainous system.

Science responses to IUCN Red Listing.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is often advocated as a tool to assist decision-making in conservation investment and research focus. It is frequently suggested that research efforts should prioritize species in higher threat categories and those that are Data Deficient (DD). We assessed the linkage between IUCN listing and research effort in DD and Critically Endangered (CR) species, two groups generally advocated as research priorities. The analysis of the change in the research output following species classification indicated a listing effect in DD species, while such effect was observed in only a minority of CR species groups. DD species, while chronically understudied, seem to be recognized as research priorities, while research effort for endangered species appears to be driven by various factors other than the IUCN listing. Optimized conservation research focus would require international science planning efforts, harmonized through international mechanisms and promoted by financial and other incentives.

Dragonflies (Odonata) of the Nature Reserve Torozlín and water area Štrkáreň gravel-pit in the southwestern part of the Slovak Republic

Received: 2016-04-19 | Accepted: 2016-06-05 | Available online: 2017-09-30 http://dx.doi.org/10.15414/afz.2017.20.03.49-53 Over the period of the years 2014 and 2015 in the locality of nature reserve Torozlin and water area Strkareň gravel-pit being located at the village Komjatice, lying in the southwestern part of the Podunajska pahorkatina upland was evaluated the species of dragonflies. 179 individuals of dragonflies were collected during the monitoring period, of which 13 species were determined as belonging to eight families. On the locality of the Torozlin Nature Reserve, the dominant species were Ischnura elegans (37.50%), Platycnemis pennipes (28.85 %), Sympetrum vulgatum (10.58 %), Sympetrum sanguineum (5.76 %) and Platycnemis pennipes (54.67 % Ischnura elegans (37.33 %) and Libellula depressa (5.34 %). Based on the fact that the Torozlin site has a marshy character, the species composition was more varied. Protection and vulnerability were assessed by the Red List of IUCN, the European Red List of dragonflies and the Red List of dragonflies of the Slovak Republic. Evaluation of protection was carried out under the Decree of the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic No. 492/2006 Collection of Laws. For individual species found also their dominance was calculated. Keywords: dragonflies, locality, nature reserve, dominance, Slovakia References ASKEW, R.R. (1988) The dragonflies of Europe . Colchester: Harley Books. 291 p. DAVID, S. (2001) Red (ekosozological) list of dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) Slovakia. In BALAŽ, D., MARHOLD, K. and URBAN, P.(Ed.): Red list of plants and animals of Slovakia. Nature protection , 20 (Suppl.), pp. 96–99. DAVID, S. (2005) The research results of dragonflies (Odonata) in the Slovak Republic. In Ochrana prirody , vol. 24, pp. 168-187 (in Czech). DAVID, S. (2006) Dragonflies (Odonata) of selected water habitats. In HRESKO, J., PUCHEROVA, Z. and BALAŽ, I. (eds.): Landscape Nitra and its surroundings. The initial stage of research . Nitra: UKF. 182 p. (in Slovak). DAVID, S. (2013) Annotated Checklist of dragonflies (Odonata), Slovakia. In BRYJA, J., ŘEHAK, J. and ZUKA, J. (eds.): Zoological days Brno 2013. Abstracts from the conference . Brno: Mendelova univerzita. 242 p. DAVID, S. and ABELOVA, M. (2015) Dragonflies (Odonata) of the Protected Area Mlyňany Arboretum. Folia faunistica Slovaca , vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 135–139. DECREE OF THE MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT. 492/2006 Coll., Amending and supplementing Decree of the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic no. 24/2003 Coll., Implementing the Act. 543/2002 Coll. on nature and landscape protection. DIJKSTRA, K.D.B. and LEWINGTON, R. (2006) Field guide to the dragonflies of Britain and Europe including western Turkey and north-western Africa . London: British Wildlife Publishing , 320 p. DOLNÝ , A. et al.(2007) The dragonflies of the Czech Republic. Ecology, conservation and distribution . Vlasim: Ceský svaz ochranců přirody. 672 p. (in Czech). HANEL, L. and ZELENÝ, J. (2000) Dragonflies (Odonata), research and protection. In Metodika Ceskeho svazu ochranců přirody , no. 9. 240 p. (in Czech). HEIDEMANN, H. and SEIDENBUSCH, R. (1993) Die Libellenlar­ven Deutschlands und Frankreichs. Handbuch fur Exuviensammler . Keltern: Verlag Erna Bauer Keltern, 391 p. IUCN (2014) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Ver­sion 2014 . 3 . JANSKÝ, V. and DAVID, S. (2010) Dragonflies (Odonata) PR Sur. In Majzlan, O., Vidlicka, Ľ. Nature Reserves Sur. Institute of Zoology, 2010. 410 p. KALKMAN, V. J. et al. (eds.) (2010) European Red List of Dra­gonflies . Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. 28 p. KOHL, S. (1998) Odonata. Anisoptera – Exuvien (Grossli­bellen-Larvenhaute) Europas . Bestimmungsschlussel. Berlin: Kohl. 27 p. LAPIN, M. et al. (2002) . Climate zones . In MIKLOS, L. (ed.) Atlas of landscape of Slovakia . Bratislava: Ministerstvo životneho prostredia SR. 95 p. (in Slovak). LOSOS, B. et al. (1984) Animal Ecology . Praha: Statni pedagogicke nakladatelstvi. 300 p. (in Czech). LOSOS, B. (1992) Animal ecology: Exercises . Brno Masarykova univerzita. 229 p. (in Czech). THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE VILLAGE KOMJATICE 2015 – 2023 . Komjatice: Obecký urad. 86 p. (in Slovak). WALDHAUSER, M. and CERNÝ, M. (2014) Dragonflies Czech Republic. Guide for determining our species and their larvae . Vlasim: Ceský svaz ochranců přirody Vlasim. 184 p. (in Czech). WASSCHER, M. T. and BOS, F.G. (2000) The European dragon­flies: notes on the checklist and on species diversity. Odonatologica , vol. 29, pp. 31–43.

Population genetics and distribution data reveal conservation concerns to the sky island endemic Pithecopus megacephalus (Anura, Phyllomedusidae)

Pithecopus megacephalus is a reticulated monkey–frog species endemic to the highlands of the Espinhaco Mountain Range in southeastern Brazil, an important centre of endemism in South America. This species has a discontinuous distribution and is considered “data-deficient” by the IUCN Red List, raising concerns about its conservation. Understanding the historical dynamics and connectivity of P. megacephalus populations can provide guidelines for preservation of this species in the wild. To investigate the population dynamics of P. megacephalus, we obtained multilocus DNA data for 55 individuals from different locations along the species’ known distribution. Spatial population structure, genetic diversity and demographic parameters were evaluated using population genetic and phylogeographical tools. We also evaluated its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy to investigate extinction risk of this species. We found genetic structure along P. megacephalus’ spatial distribution in the South Espinhaco Mountain Range corresponding to three population groups: northern, central and southern. Our results could provide important data on geographic distribution and population dynamics for a Data Deficient species. Therefore, we suggest these population data, together with the species’ limited occurrence in sky island environments could be used for a more accurate classification of P. megacephalus in the IUCN list, and conservation strategies for the species should be planned accordingly.

Review and updated checklist of freshwater fishes of Iran: Taxonomy, distribution and conservation status

This checklist aims to reviews and summarize the results of the systematic and zoogeographical research on the Iranian inland ichthyofauna that has been carried out for more than 200 years. Since the work of J.J. Heckel (1846-1849), the number of valid species has increased significantly and the systematic status of many of the species has changed, and reorganization and updating of the published information has become essential. Here we take the opportunity to provide a new and updated checklist of freshwater fishes of Iran based on literature and taxon occurrence data obtained from natural history and new fish collections. This article lists 288 species in 107 genera, 28 families, 22 orders and 3 classes reported from different Iranian basins. However, presence of 23 reported species in Iranian waters needs confirmation by specimens. The most diverse order is Cypriniformes (171 species, 59.40%), followed by Gobiiformes (42 species, 14.60%), Cyprinodontiformes (17 species, 5.90%), and Clupeiformes (11 species, 3.82%). Eighty-eight endemic species (30.56%) in 7 families and 26 exotic species (9.03%) in 9 families are listed here. Among 288 reported species, 163 (56.6%) species are Not Evaluated (NE), 93 (32.3%) Least Concern (LC), 11 (3.8%) Vulnerable (VU), 8 (2.8%) Data Deficient (DD), 7 (2.4%) Critically Endangered (CR), 3 (1%) Near Threatened (NT), 1 (0.3%) is Endangered (EN) and 1 (0.3%) Extinct in the Wild (EW) of the red list of IUCN. The only reason for this high number of not listed and least concern species in the IUCN Red List is lack of information about the species at national and global levels. This shows the necessity of reconsideration of global categories and application of the IUCN Red List criteria at the national level. Considering the number of endemic fishes (88, 30.56%) in Iran, the first step should be preparing an endemic national assessment for inclusion on the IUCN Red List. Over the last ten years, some native and exotic fishes have been translocated or introduced into natural water bodies. Aquaculture, sport fishing, control of malaria, ornamental purposes, research activities, demonstration in national fairs and accidental introduction are the main reasons for these introductions. Here, we report presence of the Alligator gar, Atractosteus spatula , as an introduced predatory fish from Marivan Lake which seems to have been released from an aquarium. In this checklist, additional, problematic species are also listed, the English/common name of each species is provided, the etymology of each genus is given, the conservation status of each species is given and the bibliographic list of most of published literature on the systematics of inland fishes is mentioned. The provided information will be necessary for the development of competent and pragmatic management plans and effective conservation policies.

Diamond in the rough: a new species of fossorial diamond frog (Rhombophryne) from Ranomafana National Park, southeastern Madagascar

We describe a new species from the cophyline microhylid genus Rhombophryne, a group of fossorial and terrestrial frogs endemic to Madagascar. Found during herpetofaunal surveys of moist montane forest in the remote north of Ranomafana National Park, Rhombophryne nilevina sp. n. exemplifies two difficulties that hinder taxonomic progress in Malagasy cophyline frogs: micro-endemicity and highly secretive habits. Known from only two adult male specimens, this new species is nonetheless easily distinguishable from all other known Rhombophryne using morphological data, and osteological data collected here via X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography, or “micro-CT”. This species is now the largest known Rhombophryne, and the only one known from Ranomafana National Park, which will make it the southern-most member of the genus pending a forthcoming taxonomic revision involving Plethodontohyla and Rhombophryne. Pairwise distances of the mitochondrial 16s rRNA marker show a minimum genetic distance of 4.9% from other nominal Rhombophryne. We also describe recordings of an advertisement call, emitted from a burrow by the holotype. Rhombophryne nilevina sp. n. is not known to be found syntopically with other Rhombophryne, nor to be present elsewhere in Ranomafana National Park, but it probably does co-occur with a few ecologically similar Plethodontohyla species. Although the type locality is within a protected area, we suggest an IUCN listing of Data Deficient for R. nilevina sp. n., as its area of occupancy is largely undetermined within the park.

Effectiveness of “Тhe IUCN red list of threatened species” application on a regional scale: current state of the “Red Data books” of Russia

Nowadays at least 140 Red Data books or lists are used in Russia. They reflect threatened species of various subdivisions of Russia in addition to all-Russian Red Data book. None of them uses criteria for the species assessment of the modern version of the IUCN list. Non-threatened species had not been included in the Russian red books. Most of species listed in the all-Russian Red Data book (77 %) has not yet been assessed for the IUCN red list. These particularities indicate on the necessity of gap-analysis in the planning of the following work on the IUCN red list keeping. It should focus first of all on revealing of the most urgent objectives, but not on the simple increase of species assessments. Now more than a half of species of “Тhe IUCN red list of threatened species” are not threatened ones, that is why its title does not reflect its contents.

Highly invasive alien plant Reynoutria japonica Houtt. represents a novel source for pharmaceutical industry - evidence from phenolic profile and biological activity

Reynoutria japonica is on the IUCN list of the Worlds?100 worst invasive species, but it is also, especially its rhizome, an integral part of traditional chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to determine the amount of selected phenolic compounds in rhizome, stems, leaves and inflorescence methanol extracts of this plant, their antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity. The chemical profile of the examined extracts was obtained by a high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro assays on DPPH, OH and NO radicals were used to estimate antioxidant potential and Ellman?s method was applied for the determination of anticholinesterase activity. Leaves and rhizome extracts were found to be rich in rosmarinic and chlorogenic acid, and selected flavonoids. Resveratrol was exclusively present in rhizome and stems extracts. All the investigated extracts expressed certain antioxidant activity, where leaves extract was the most active. However, rhizome extract was the strongest inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. These findings indicate that there is a possibility of R. japonica exploitation for the isolation of biologically active phenolic compounds used in pharmaceutical and food industry.

Floristic diversity and vegetation structure of Al-Dissah area northwestern Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted on wadi Al-Dissah; a part of Jabal Qaraqir and its surrounding area in the Northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Jabal Qaraqir in Saudi Arabia is the first site to be assessed for the Important Plant Area (IPA) programme in the Arabian Peninsula. This paper has the objective of determining the floristic composition, species diversity and the vegetation structure of the plant communities, including a breakdown of its different life forms and chorology of the recorded species. A total of 63 species belonging to 61 genera and 31 families were recorded. One family; Adiantaceae belongs to Pteridophyta, while the other 30 families are angiospermae. About 35% of the recorded species in the study area are belonging to four families: Asteraceae and Poaceae had the highest contribution (each had 9.5% of the total species followed by Boraginaceae and Fabaceae (7.9% each). The data also reflect the high taxonomic diversity in the study area. The life form spectrum of the recorded species showed the prevalence of theorphytes (49.2%) followed by chamaephytes (17.5%), phanerphytes (14.3%), geophytes (9.5%), while the least frequent life form class was hemicryptophytes (7.9%). The chorological analysis of the recorded species in the study area showed the predominance of biregional taxa (50.8%) over the other phytogeographical elements followed by the monoregional (25.4%). The present study findings showed that most species belonged to Saharo-Arabian – Sudanian (15.9%) followed by Sudanian elements (11.1%). Only one endemic species is recorded in the study area; Dolichorhynchus arabicus I.C.Hedge & KitTan (syn Douepea arabica). It is a rare threatened endemic plant species in Saudi Arabia. It was locally in Wadi Qaraqir. Other rare species were Ficus palmata which is a small tree with edible fruits, belonging to family Moraceae, and Parietaria umbricola which is an annual species belonging to family Urticaceae. Plant species of Al-Dissah area were checked with international IUCN list. Eight of the recorded species in the study area are globally threatened and incorporated into the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 3.1: Cyperus laevigatus, Mentha longifolia, Nerium oleander, Phragmites australis, Tamarix nilotica, Typha domingensis, Chrozophora tinctoria, Adiantum capillus-veneris. All of them are included in the least concern category. Five plant communities were recognized in the study area. The highest plant diversity was reported in plant communities which occupy the wet wadi bed where the perennial stream flows together with the nearby areas between palm trees; Phragmites australis and Mentha longifolia communities. As floristic analyses are the prerequisites for conservation of plant species, therefore, it is critical to examine the current status of floristic and species diversity to provide appropriate guidelines for developing effective system of conservation and management. Information from this study may provide a valuable reference for appropriate conservation and management of the study area.

An invasive ant distribution database to support biosecurity risk analysis in the Pacific

Invasive species are one of the most serious threats to biodiversity. Up-to-date and accurate information on the distribution of invasive species is an important biosecurity risk analysis tool. Several databases are available to determine the distributions of invasive and native species. However, keeping this information current is a real challenge. Ants are among the most widespread invasive species. Five species of ants are listed in the IUCN list of damaging invasive species, and many other species are also invasive in the Pacific. We sought to determine and update the distribution information for the 18 most problematic invasive ant species in the Pacific to assist Small Island Developing States with risk analysis. We compared the information on six public databases, conducted a literature review, and contacted experts on invasive ants in the Pacific region to resolve conflicting information. While most public records were accurate we found some new records had not yet been incorporated in the public databases, and some information was inaccurate. The maintenance of public databases faces an enormous challenge in balancing completeness (~15 000 ant species in this case) with accuracy (the impossibility of constantly surveying) and utility.

Reproductive biology and breeding system of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde: a vulnerable medicinal plant.

Ashoka (Saraca asoca) is a perennial, evergreen tree valued for its ornamental flowers and medicinal values. This species is classified as ‘vulnerable’ under IUCN list due to its dwindling population because of destructive harvesting from natural habitats. Therefore, conservation and multiplication of this species is need of the hour to utilize its astonishing medicinal uses eternally. Conservation approaches of any plant species require in-depth study of its reproductive biology, which is lacking in this species. The present study is the first detailed report on reproductive biology of S. asoca. This tree bears fragrant flowers in paniculate corymbose inflorescence from December end to May, with peak flowering during February–March. The fruits attain its maturity during last week of May–July. Seeds were dispersed from the pod to the tree premises upon complete maturity. The time of anthesis in this species is noticed in the early morning from 3.00 to 5.30 am, which coincided with anther dehiscence, stigma receptivity and insect activity. The length of the stamen and pistil points towards the pollination compatibility in both male and female parts. Pollen viability was maximum within 2 h of anthesis, which decreased thereafter and no pollens were viable after 6 h. The stigma was receptive at the time of anthesis and continued for 24 h. The tree produces bright colour attractive flowers, which changed from yellow/light orange to scarlet/red from the inception of buds to wilting. The bright color of the flowers attracted floral visitors/pollinators thereby facilitated the pollination in this species. The observations of the floral biology and breeding system indicated the cross pollination behaviour, which limited the production of selfed seeds and would help to maintain the sustainable levels of heterozygosity among the various populations. Considerable amount of seeds produced in this species indicated that the species is capable of sustaining its progenies in the natural populations. Polyembryony to an extent of 5% was also recorded in this species.

Botanical survey in thirteen montane forests of Bawean Island Nature Reserve, East Java Indonesia: Flora diversity, conservation status, and bioprospecting

Trimanto, Hapsari L. 2016. Botanical survey in thirteen montane forests of Bawean Island Nature Reserve, East JavaIndonesia: Conservation status, bioprospecting and potential tourism. Biodiversitas 17: 832-846. Bawean Island which located between Borneo and Java islands possessed unique and distinctive abiotic and biotic resources. Botanical survey has been conducted in Bawean Island Nature Reserve. This paper reported the results of inventory study of plant bioresources in 13 montane forests of Bawean Island, discussed their conservation status, bioprospecting on some wild plant species and potential development subjected to some conservation areas. Inventory results in montane forests showed that it was registered about 432 plant species under 286 genera and 103families; comprised of 14 growth habits in which tree plants were the most dominant with about 237 species. Conservation status evaluation showed that there are at least 33 species of plants included in IUCN list comprised of 30 species categorized as least concern and 3 species considered at higher risk of extinction i.e. Podocarpus rumphii (Near Threatened); Pterocarpus indicus and Memecylon myrtilloides (Vulnerable). Bioprospecting results showed that 10 tuberous plants prospected as food sources; 19 woody plants prospected as timber sources, and 28 plants prospected as ornamental plants. There are at least 7 invasive alien plant species identifiedincluding Ageratum conyzoides, Chromolaena odorata, Eupatorium inulifolium, Lantana camara, Imperata cylindrica, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis and Themeda arguens. If well managed, the development of Bawean Island as nature-based and eco-tourism may contribute both to biodiversity conservation and alleviating prosperity of the local residents.

Landscape genetics reveals inbreeding and genetic bottlenecks in the extremely rare short-globose cacti Mammillaria pectinifera (Cactaceae) as a result of habitat fragmentation

Mammillaria pectinifera is an endemic, short-globose cactus species, included in the IUCN list as a threatened species with only 18 remaining populations in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley in central Mexico. We evaluated the population genetic diversity and structure, connectivity, recent bottlenecks and population size, using nuclear microsatellites. M. pectinifera showed high genetic diversity but some evidence of heterozygote deficiency (FIS), recent bottlenecks in some populations and reductions in population size. Also, we found low population genetic differentiation and high values of connectivity for M. pectinifera, as the result of historical events of gene flow through pollen and seed dispersal. M. pectinifera occurs in sites with some degree of disturbance leading to the isolation of its populations and decreasing the levels of gene flow among them. Excessive deforestation also changes the original vegetation damaging the natural habitats. This species will become extinct if it is not properly preserved. Furthermore, this species has some ecological features that make them more vulnerable to disturbance such as a very low growth rates and long life cycles. We suggest in situ conservation to prevent the decrease of population sizes and loss of genetic diversity in the natural protected areas such as the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. In addition, a long-term ex situ conservation program is need to construct seed banks, and optimize seed germination and plant establishment protocols that restore disturbed habitats. Furthermore, creating a supply of living plants for trade is critical to avoid further extraction of plants from nature.

应用碳氮稳定同位素技术研究江豚(Neophocaena asiaeorientalisssp.sunameri)食性

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 应用碳氮稳定同位素技术研究江豚(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. sunameri)食性 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201407071390 作者: 作者单位: 中国海洋大学海洋生物多样性与进化研究所,辽宁省海洋水产科学研究院,辽宁省海洋水产科学研究院,辽宁省海洋水产科学研究院,辽宁省海洋水产科学研究院,中国海洋大学海洋生物多样性与进化研究所 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 辽宁省海洋与渔业科研项目(201417);海洋公益性行业科研专项经费项目(201105011) Using stable isotope technique to study feeding habits of the finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. sunameri) Author: Affiliation: Institute of Evolution DdDd Marine Biodiversity;Ocean University of China,,,,Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute,Institute of Evolution DdDd Marine Biodiversity;Ocean University of China Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:稳定同位素技术已广泛地用于分析生态系统中食物网的食物来源和营养级关系,但在海洋哺乳动物食性方面应用较少。通过分析2012年4-6月在辽东湾沿岸海域搁浅而死亡的江豚样本和同时期(6月)取自辽东湾海域主要渔获物的碳氮稳定同位素比值,研究了江豚(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. sunameri)及其可能摄食饵料的碳氮稳定同位素组成。结果表明:江豚δ13C值为(-18.4±0.3)‰,δ15N值为(13.8±0.4)‰。28种可能生物饵料的δ13C值的范围为-19.5‰--17.0‰,δ15N值的范围为11.4‰-14.0‰。江豚的营养级为4.5,高于传统胃含物分析法的研究结果。28种测试生物的营养级位于3.8-4.6之间。江豚的食物来源主要以鱼类为主,对食物种类的喜食顺序为中上层鱼类>中下层鱼类 > 底层鱼类 > 头足类 > 虾类 > 蟹类,其平均贡献率分别为43.9%、18.2%、13.1%、10.0%、8.8%、6.0%。江豚碳氮稳定同位素比值与体长无明显的线性关系,碳营养源较为稳定,氮营养源复杂多变。 Abstract:Stable isotope technique has been widely applied for identification of animal food sources and reconstruction of food chains and food webs in marine ecosystems, but it has been sparingly used in the research on feeding habits of marine mammals. Compared to the traditional stomach content analysis, which is lengthy, requires a large number of samples, and can only reflect the present state of the sampled organism, the stable isotope technique can reveal its extended biological activity, accurately measure biological source of nutrition, and truthfully identify the biological relationship among populations and the energy flow of the entire ecosystem. Various studies have applied the stable isotope method to investigate feeding in marine mammals such as pinnipeds, polar bears, and others. At present, research of finless porpoise has focused on morphology, behavior, age identification, population dynamics, etc. The previous diet studies mainly use the traditional methods to examine stomach content, whereas feeding studies of the finless porpoise in Liaodong Bay using stable isotopes have not been reported yet. Finless porpoise (genus Neophocaena) is a coastal, small-teethed cetacean inhabiting estuaries and rivers. It is broadly distributed in China, from the northern to the southern coastal areas and into the Yangtze River. The finless porpoise, which is listed as vulnerable in the IUCN list, includes Neophocaena phocaenoides and Neophocaena asiaeorientalis, with two subspecies (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. asiaeorientalis and Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. sunameri) within the latter species. In the present study, we evaluated carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in samples obtained from finless porpoises that were stranded and died on the coast of the Liaodong Bay and from those obtained from main fishing catches from the same area from April to June in 2012. We also evaluated the isotope ratio in the potential prey organisms. The mean values of δ13C and δ15N in samples of finless porpoise were (-18.4 ± 0.3)‰ and (13.8 ± 0.4)‰, respectively, whereas δ13C and δ15N in samples of 28 kinds of potential prey organisms ranged from -19.5‰ to -17.0‰ and from 11.4‰ to 14.0‰, respectively. The trophic level of finless porpoise was 4.5, which was higher than that obtained by traditional stomach content analysis. The trophic level of the 28 types of potential forages ranged from 3.8 to 4.6. Fish was the main prey of the finless porpoise; the contribution rate of prey organisms, from the biggest to the smallest, was as follows: pelagic fishes > mesodemersal fishes > demersal fishes > cephalopoda > shrimps > crabs, with the average contribution rate of 43.9%, 18.2%, 13.1%, 10.0%, 8.8%, and 6.0%, respectively. There was no significant linear correlation between the ratio of δ13C and δ15N and the body length of finless porpoise; the carbon sources were stable and the nitrogen sources were complex. Overall, the application of stable isotope technique to study feeding habits in finless porpoise can improve our understanding of the biology of this species, and provide some essential information for its conservation. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Morphological Diversity and Nomenclature of <i>Swertia chirayita</i> (Gentianaceae)—Recovery of Endangered Medicinal Plant Population in North Eastern Himalaya

Swertia chirayita is a highly endangered and very well known medicinal plant enlisted in the IUCN list of endangered plants in the world. The plant is currently having a very low population in eastern Himalayan region due to its very low germinability in its own natural habitat. The plant population was found to have a range of diversity in morphological observations and some of the morphovariants were found to be very low among the variant populations which created a concern due to its diminishing range of genetic base in this region. A basic group of 5 morphovariants and 24 sub variants were identified and separately maintained. It is a pluriannual plant and reproductive or flowering stage was observed after completion of two years of vegetative stage from the time of seed germination. A range of morphovariant diversity was observed in the populations of Neora Valley and Lava region of eastern Himalaya in our investigation. Diversity was critically observed in some of the parameters of different morphovariants in the population. Conservation practices were generally done by not making groups or sub groups of this endangered plant while we proposed the way of conservation by making groups for proper conservation of this vulnerable plant.

Logging Activity Adversely Impacts Primate Diversity and Density in the Kwabre Rainforest of Ghana

Knowledge on the impacts of logging activity on inhabitant primate species in Kwabre Rainforest, Ghana, is vital for the development of a comprehensive conservation and management plan. With this background, primate density and diversity were recorded along line transects in logged and unlogged areas (strata) to assess the impact of logging activity on these parameters. Six distinct primate species were confirmed including Roloway monkey (Cercopithecus roloway, listed as endangered in the IUCN List of Threatened Species), white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunulatus, vulnerable), and Geoffroy’s black-and-white colobus (Colobus vellerosus, vulnerable). There was a significant difference (Mann-WhitneyUtest:U=36.0,p<0.01) in primate encounter rates between the logged and unlogged strata with higher species diversity in unlogged stratum (H=2.91) compared to the logged stratum (H=1.44). Regression analysis indicated a significant effect (r2=0.945,p<0.01) of logging on primate encounter rates. Our results suggest that logging activity can alter composition of primate communities. One option to forestall further forest degradation and its adverse effects on primates would be to grant the Kwabre Rainforest protected area status under Ghanaian law and manage it under an integrated conservation plan that includes neighbouring Ankasa Conservation Area in Ghana and Tanoé Forest in Cote d’Ivoire.

Using ecological theory to develop recovery criteria for an endangered butterfly

Using ecological theory to develop recovery criteria for an endangered butterfly

State of knowledge and conservation of endangered and critically endangered lagomorphs worldwide

Introduction: Lagomorphs (rabbits, hares, and pikas) are widely distributed in every continent of the world, except Antarctica. They include 91 species: 31 rabbits of the genera Brachylagus , Bunolagus , Caprolagus , Nesolagus , Pentalagus , Poelagus , Prolagus , Pronolagus , Romerolagus, and Sylvilagus ; 32 hares of the genus Lepus and 28 pikas of the genus Ochotona . According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN 2014), the list of threatened species of lagomorphs includes one extinct, three critically endangered, ten endangered, five near threatened, five vulnerable, 61 of least concern, and six with deficient data. Although a rich diversity of lagomorphs and endemic species exists, some of the wild populations have been declining at an accelerated rate, product of human activities and climate change. In order to evaluate specific conservation actions for species at risk in the near future, the aim of this study is to determine the state of knowledge of endangered and critically endangered species and conservation proposals based on recent studies. This work should serve as a starting point for proposing management and habitat conservation plans for these species and filling the information gaps to address them as soon as possible. Methods: We performed an analysis of the recent trends in the state of knowledge of worldwide endangered and critically endangered lagomorphs, based on the compilation of the recent bibliographic citations in the IUCN list of endangered species (2014), the Lagomorphs Specialist Group of the IUCN web page, and on published studies focusing on these species. Each study was divided into various topics to know those that need to be addressed. We show detailed information for species that are at risk of extinction in the near future (critically endangered and endangered categories), describing the threats to their populations and existing conservation proposals. Results: A total of 13 endangered and critically endangered species of lagomorphs have been the subject of study with a total of 78 contributions, of which the most frequently represented (25) refer to phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy, and evolution, followed by conservation (18), and ecology (14); the least represented are studies of reproduction and morphology with only one each. The critically endangered and endangered species have restricted distributions and in general, their threat factors are introduction of exotic species; habitat loss due to development of human settlements and productive activities; induced fires for the growth of new grass shoots for livestock; poaching; and the presence of predators and feral dogs. Discussion and Conclusions: Worldwide human activities have affected the survival of species of lagomorphs, especially those with restricted distributions. Less than 55 % (7 species) of the total number of species of endangered and critically endangered lagomorphs has been subject of specific study in recent works (2011 to date); moreover, in some cases only one publication was found. Although recent efforts have generated knowledge about the state of conservation and threat factors of some species of endemic lagomorphs, more detailed and long-term studies are needed to propose management and conservation of their habitats in collaboration with society and different academic and institutional sectors. Key words: Conservation, endemism, hares, lagomorphs, pikas, rabbits, risk category.

Diversity of flora and the vegetation at high belt, over 1600 m alt. of the Hoang Lien national park, Lao Cai province

The first result in this paper was list of natural vegetation types of study area according to UNESCO (1973) with 12 types in 3 classes. The second result was list and the diversity of flora at hight belt over 1600m alt. of the Hoanglien national park. 1553 species belonging to 709 genera, 189 families and 4 divisions of vascular plants were record. There are 5 new records for the flora of Vietnam (one monotype families, one monotype genus and 3 species). Magnoliophyta was most diversity phyllum; 10 richest families and 10 richest genera were listed. The third result was about the plant biogeographical elements, specially with 20.99% of species edemic for Vietnam’s flora and 4.46% of local endemic species. The lats result was plant resources, including 656 useful species (42.42%) and 58 species listed in The Red Data Book of Vietnam (1996), The Red List of IUCN (2006), CITES and The Vietnam Government Decree 32-CP (2006).