IUCN Red Data List Research Articles

Odonata diversity in the Egra and its adjoining blocks of Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal, India

The research was carried out over a three-year period, spanning from March 2020 to March 2023, with the aim of examining the status and diversity of Odonata fauna across a range of natural and anthropogenic habitats situated in Egra, Purba Medinipur District, located in the state of West Bengal. In total, 42 odonata species from 31 genera and seven families were identified throughout the study period from the study region. There were 28 (67%) species in the suborder Anisoptera, belonging to four distinct families. On the other hand, 14 (33%) species in the Suborder Zygoptera, divided into three different families. The four families of suborder Anisoptera were Aeshnidae (10%), Gomphidae (2%), Libellulidae (53%), and Macromiidae (2%). In the suborder Zygoptera, three families were identified, namely Coenagrionidae (24%), Lestidae (2%), and Platycnemididae (7%). %). According to the relative estimate of abundance, 38% of the species were classified as not rare (NR), 31% very common (VC), 14% common (C), 14% rare (R), and 3% as very rare (R). In addition, the IUCN red data list indicates that 41 species have been classified as Least Concern (LC), while a solitary species has been categorised as Data Deficient (DD). The identification of Odonata is a critical factor in determining the ecological well-being of an ecosystem.

Plant Species Composition and Conservation Values at Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden, Dilla, Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a diverse topography with higher plant species composition and estimated to the higher proportion of endemic plant species. Currently, several factors drive natural forest destruction in the country, extensive agricultural land expansion triggered by increasing human population is probably the dominant force. The Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden was established targeting to rescue threatened flora from extinction, contribute towards conservation, and research on biodiversity and sustainable education as well as ecotourism development. The study was aimed to generate basic scientific information by identifying and documenting the formerly available plant species in to the garden and provide information for farther plant collection planning and research. Systematic sampling method was used to collect the vegetation data from 52 plots of 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) quadrats. To collect data for herbaceous plants, five 1 m × 1 m subplots were laid in each of the main plot, where four were at the corners and one at the centre. Vegetation classification was performed using R-programme version 3.6.1 software packages. Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index was used to calculate species diversity, richness, and evenness. A total of 408 plant species, including trees (30%), shrubs (25%), herb (30%), grass (6%), and 9% of other species, were collected. The identified species belong to 287 genera and 105 families. Out of this, 27 species of plants are endemic to Ethiopia and 72 plant species were screened as a medicinal plant used for the treatment of human diseases. Based on IUCN Red Data List, among the endemic plant species nineteen species were least concern; two were near threatened; two were endangered while four were vulnerable. Three vegetation community types were identified from the hierarchical clustering analysis. The result designates that Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden has high plant species composition and diversity with a good distribution. The higher composition of this ecologically, economically, and socially important plant species at its early stage makes the garden a unique garden in the country and realize to be a centre for research, education, and tourist destination.

Molecular Identification of Silver-Barb (Barbonymus sp.) Based on COI and Cyt-b gene region from East Java

This study aims to determine the genetic character of cyprinid fish (Barbonymus sp.) using the mtDNA gene in the COI and Cyt-b gene regions. Samples were collected from the various areas in East Java Province, including Gresik, Mojokerto, Madiun, Malang, and Banyuwangi. The caudal peduncle of the cyprinid fish was used for molecular identification. Isolation and purification of its genomic DNA using the gSYNCTM DNA Extraction kit. We used a polymerase chain reaction machine for template DNA amplification with COI primers, including FishF1 and FishR1, while Cyt-b primers, including GluDG-L and CB2-H. The results showed that all cyprinid fish sequences were successfully amplified with the COI gene of 648 bp and the Cyt b gene of 408 bp. The results of the BLASTN analysis show that there are two species of cyprinid fish that have been found, namely Barbonymus gonionotus and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii, with percentage identities ranging from 99-100%. The species Barbonymus gonionotus was found in five regions (Gresik, Mojokerto, Madiun, Malang, and Banyuwangi), while Barbonymus schwanenfeldii was only found in Malang. The genetic distance value based on the COI gene ranged from 0.00000-0.10694, while the genetic distance value based on the Cyt-b gene ranged from 0.00000-1.15662. Conservation status based on IUCN Red List data, the species Barbonymus gonionotus and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii are included in the Least Concern (LC) category, and these species, according to CITES data, have not been evaluated or Not Evaluated.

Missing species listing reveals undiagnosed extinction among reptiles, tropical, and island vertebrates

Missing species listing reveals undiagnosed extinction among reptiles, tropical, and island vertebrates

Thnomedicinal and conservation evaluation of the traditional medicinal plant species employed by the Van Gujjar Tribe in the Dehradun Shivalik Hills, Uttarakhand, India Authors

Background: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative and conservation ethnomedicinal evaluation of the Van Gujjar Tribe inhabited in the Delhi-Dehradun Highway Shivalik hills Belt (DHSB). The study area is situated adjacent to biodiversity hotspot Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand, which is an important part of Himalayan systems. The area is ecologically sensitive, increasing anthropogenic disturbance and overexploitation of medicinal herbs is also major concern. So, along with conventional ethnobotanical studies, conservation analysis of the area is important. Methods: This ethnomedicinal study comprised extensive field surveys and repetitive interviews of 120 informants of the Van Gujjar tribe with different social and educational backgrounds. Procured data were analyzed using three different quantitative indices, i.e. the relative frequency of citations (RFC), informant consensus factor (ICF), and the fidelity level (FL%). Collected plant samples were identified by relevant flora literature and online plant databases. Identified species conservation status was derived from The IUCN online database. Results: A total of 71 medicinal plant species from 67 genera and 41 families were documented from the study area. The most frequently used species, Zingiber officinale Azadirachta indica A. Juss, and Ageratum conyzoides L. were employed for multiple health issues, mainly for digestive and respiratory disorders. The highest RFC values are Z. officinale (RFC = 1.0), A. indica A. Juss. (0.99) and A. conyzoides L. (0.92. FL% of these species were 96%, 90% and 83 % viz. The highest ICF value is 0.98, which shares dental & gum problems, digestive disorders and wounds categories. The IUCN status of 71 reported medicinal plant species indicated 28.1 % plant species were least concerned, 4.2 % critically endangered (Chlorophytum borivilianum,Commiphora wightii, Nardostachys jatamansi ), 1.4 % near threatened and 1.4 % endangered, 2.8 % Data Deficient, while 61.9 % species status remained unknown as currently not available in IUCN Red data list. Highly utilized species IUCN status however under ‘least concerned’ category. Conclusions: The study aids medicinal plant species data with current conservation status in the Delhi-Dehradun Highway Shivalik hills Belt. Medicinal plant species such as Chlorophytum borivilianum, Commiphora wightii, and Nardostachys jatamansi are critically endangered and others could be prone due to overexploitation. The present data could help to fill the previous conservation and quantitative ethnobotanical studies gaps in the study area. Keywords: Medicinal flora, Rajaji National Park, Himalaya, IUCN status, Critically Endangered Species, Traditional Knowledge,

Defining plant ecological specialists and generalists: Building a framework for identification and classification.

Specialization is a widespread but highly ambiguous and context-dependent ecological concept. This quality makes comparisons across related studies difficult and makes associated terms such as "specialist" and "generalist" scientifically obscure. Here, we present a metric-based framework to quantify specialization in 141 Quercus species using functional traits, biogeography, and species interactions. Rankings of specialization based on five metrics were used to answer questions about how specialization is used colloquially (i.e., individual species assessment by experts) and influenced by phylogenetics (Ancestral Character State Reconstruction, Automatic Shift Detection), biogeography (patterns of clustering by region and with climate), and species threat level (IUCN Red List). Metric-based ranking can be representative of specialization in a consistent and practical manner, correlating with IUCN Red List data, and the mean scores of individual expert assessments. Specialization is shown to be highly correlated with precipitation seasonality and only moderately influenced by evolutionary history. Data-deficient species were more likely to be highly specialized, and higher specialization was positively correlated with greater IUCN threat level. Frameworks for characterizing specialization and generalization can be done using metric ranking and can turn concepts that are often unclear into a definitive system. Metric-based rankings of specialization can also be used to reveal interesting insights about a clade's evolutionary history and geographic distribution when paired with the related phylogenetic and geographic data. Metric-based rankings can be applied to other systems and be a valuable tool for identifying species at risk and in need of conservation.

Threatened and extinct island endemic birds of the world: Distribution, threats and functional diversity

AbstractAimThe world's islands support disproportionate levels of endemic avian biodiversity despite suffering numerous extinctions. While intensive recent research has focused on island bird conservation or extinction, few global syntheses have considered these factors together from the perspective of morphological trait diversity. Here, we provide a global summary of the status and ecology of extant and extinct island birds, the threats they face and the implications of species loss for island functional diversity.LocationGlobal.TaxonBirds.MethodsWe provide a review of the literature on threatened and extinct island birds, with a particular focus on global studies that have incorporated functional diversity. Alongside this, we analyse IUCN Red List data in relation to distribution, threats and taxonomy. Using null models and functional hypervolumes, in combination with morphological trait data, we assess the functional diversity represented by threatened and extinct island endemic birds.Results and main conclusionsWe find that almost half of all island endemic birds extant in 1500 CE are currently either extinct or threatened with extinction, with the majority of threatened extant species having declining population trends. We also found evidence of 66 island endemic subspecies extinctions. The primary threats to extant island endemic birds currently are agriculture, biological resource use, and invasive species. While there is overlap between the hotspots of threatened and extinct island endemics birds, there are some notable differences, including the Philippines and Indonesia, which support a substantial number of threatened species but have no recorded post‐1500 CE bird extinctions. Traits associated with threatened island endemic birds are large body mass, flightlessness, aquatic predator, omnivorous and vertivorous trophic niches, marine habitat affinity, and, paradoxically, higher dispersal ability. Critically, we find that threatened endemics (i) occupy distinct areas of beak morphospace, and (ii) represent substantial unique areas of the overall functional space of island endemics. We caution that the loss of threatened species may have severe effects on the ecological functions birds provide on islands.

Undescribed species have higher extinction risk than known species

AbstractNewly discovered species are often threatened with extinction but in many cases have received limited conservation effort. To guide future conservation, it is important to determine the extinction risk of newly described species. Here, we test how time since formal description of a species is linked to its threat status to obtain a better insight into the possible threat status of newly described species and as yet undescribed species. We compiled IUCN Red List data for 53,808 species from five vertebrate groups described since 1758. Extinction risk for more recently described species has increased significantly over time; the proportion of threatened species among newly described species has increased from 11.9% for species described between 1758 and 1767 to 30.0% for those described between 2011 and 2020. Based on projections from our analysis, this could further increase to 47.1% by 2050. The pattern is consistent across vertebrate taxonomic groups and biomes. Current species extinction rates estimated from data of all known species are therefore highly likely to be underestimated. Intensive fieldwork to boost discovery of new species and immediate conservation action for newly described species, especially in tropical areas, is urgently required.

Diversity, distribution, and conservation status of Betta fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) in Aceh waters, Indonesia

The Betta broodfish supply in Indonesia majorly comes from wild populations and fetches a higher price compared to hatchery cross-breeds, especially Betta rubra. This condition exerts pressure on the wild populations. Therefore, this study aims to examine the diversity, distribution, and conservation status of Betta fish species list in the study area. A total of 422 Betta fishes were collected from January 2019 to January 2021 from 19 of 59 sampling locations surveyed, consisting of four species, namely, Betta imbellis (TL: 14.09–31.98 mm; BW: 0.03–0.39 g), B. splendens (TL: 21.09–40.14 mm; BW: 0.05–0.70 g), B. rubra (TL: 11.35 to 47.80 mm; BW: 0.02–0.90 g), and B. dennisyongi (TL: 20.09–47.81 mm; BW: 0.07–0.91 g). There are four Betta species occurred in Aceh waters, namely B. dennisyongi, B. rubra, B. splendens, and B. imbellis. The results showed that B. dennisyongi was found at 8 sampling locations and had higher local distribution (13.56% LD) followed by B. rubra (8.47% LD), B. splendens (6.78% LD) and B. imbellis which had the lowest distribution and was only found in two locations (3.39% LD). Furthermore, field measurements (in situ) of water quality in the wild habitat showed temperature ranging from 23.7 to 31.9°C while pH ranged from 5.24 to 8.51. Based on the IUCN Redlist data, B. rubra is categorized as being critically endangered.

Report on Death of Dwarf Sperm Whale, Kogia sima (Order: Cetacea: Family: Kogiidae) in Vedalai Shore of Mandapam, Gulf of Mannar

Aims: Present study aims to highlight an accidental death of a male Dwarf Sperm Whale scientifically known as Kogia sima which found to be as Least Concern (LC) as per IUCN Red List data. Kogia sima represents important higher trophics of marine ecosystem which faced the several threats and conservation need in Gulf of Mannar, India. 
 Study Design: The study undertaken during extensive coral reef monitoring survey was carried out in Gulf of Mannar under the CRAM Project of National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR). The present report emphasize the Morphometric observation of the dead Kogia sima and try to find out possible cause of death by examining in situ investigation.
 Place and Duration of Study: The field study was taken in Vedalai Sea shore (N09°15.626’, E79°04.977’) under the Mandapam Union of Ramnathapuram District of Tamil Nadu. The male whale specimen was found on 5th May, 2019 lying dead on the sandy seashore.
 Methodology: Animal was photographed and morphological attributes were measured to identify the specimen. Several injuries have been highlighted in the paper which helps in investigating the cause of death.
 Results: The Dwarf Sperm Whale was infant and has mild damage on the mouth parts including scuff off skin from the body and severe blood clotting at major part of the right side near to pectoral fin. Death of this infant is not clear but it is assumed that the male infant has lost from his parents and came to the inshore area of Mandapam where it gets stuck with running boat or boulder rocks as this immature whale limits its diving capabilities. The necessary morphological characters and measures have been listed in Table 1.
 Conclusion: This unfortunate death clearly indicated that acute information on ecological behavior of Dwarf Sperm Whale is still under data collection stage in India and that previous conservation efforts in country must be reviewed in terms of role of local authorities, live stranded cetaceans and hunting or incidental killing which in future can build a road map for effective action plans to save this marine mammal.

Subtropical Broad-Leaved Urban Forests as the Foremost Dynamic and Complex Habitats for a Wide Range of Bird Species

Broad-leaved subtropical forests are the most productive, diversified, and complex ecosystems on the planet. Unfortunately, they are currently under severe threat from anthropogenic activities, such as. deforestation, housing settlements, and agricultural expansion. In response to these severe effects, the present study was conducted to explore the current conservation status and population structure of a wide range of bird species inhabiting different subtropical broad-leaved urban forests of Pakistan. In total, 2879 individuals comprising 53 species and 28 families were detected between December 2017 and November 2018 as revealed through the distance sampling line transect method. The habitat selection among bird species varied according to vegetation structure and composition, food resources, adjoining habitats, and human settlements. According to IUCN Red List data, one species was deemed vulnerable out of 53 bird species, while the remaining 52 species were ranked as ofleast concern. The findings of the density analysis revealed that bird density varied between six subtropical broad-leaved forests. Palamar (3.954 ± 0.221 birds/ha) and Kityari (3.138 ± 0.162 birds/ha) were densely populated, whereas Kamal Khan (1.102 ± 0.178 birds/ha) was of the least concern. Likewise, the diversity analysis showed that Kamal Khan was a more diverse habitat (Shannon–Wiener Index; H’ = 3.581 ± 0.021). Shahabad was richer (Margalef Richness Index; R1 = 8.007 ± 0.053) and Dob Ghar was evenly distributed (Pielou J Evenness Index; E = 0.940 ± 0.005) compared to other urban habitats studied. Eight foraging guilds were identified among the bird species. Insectivores were the most abundant bird species utilizing the urban dwelling habitats. carnivores/piscivores/insectivores utilized Dob Ghar forest, while more frugivores utilized Kamal Khan and Dob Ghar. Based on the data, it was concluded that subtropical broad-leaved urban forests are dynamic, complex, and of vital significance for a diverse range of bird species.

Diversity and abundance of avifauna in forest research centre, Mulugu, Telangana, India

A study was conducted to document the avian diversity of the Forest Research Centre (FRC) and Forest College and Research institute (FCRI) Mulugu, Telangana, India from January 2020 to December 2020. Birds were surveyed at two different timings of the day i.e. early morning from 7am to 10 am and at evening from 3pm to 6 pm using line transect and point count method. A total of 77 species belonging to 15 orders and 42 families were recorded in which the maximum abundance of the species was recorded in the order Passeriformes. The analysis of dietary preference showed the dominance of the insectivorous community (52 %) followed by Frugivores (13%). The data on residential status revealed that all the 77 species observed, are resident in India with local migratory nature. The recorded species, Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) is listed under the near threatened (NT) category in the IUCN red data list. The work highlighted the importance of green cover around urban ecosystems as a preferred habitat for avian populations. FRC supports good bird diversity and protection and management of areas in and around them will help with conservation of the species.

Correlates of extinction risk in Australian squamate reptiles

AbstractAimIdentification of particular traits that predispose species to elevated extinction risk is an important component of proactive conservation. We capitalise on a recent strategic extinction risk assessment of all Australian squamate reptiles to identify intrinsic life history traits and extrinsic threats that correlate with extinction risk. We further assess whether extinction risk correlates differ between species impacted by different threatening processes (habitat loss vs. invasive species).LocationAustralia.TaxonSquamate reptiles.MethodsWe used the IUCN Red List data for Australian squamates, and publicly available datasets for 14 intrinsic and extrinsic traits. We used phylogenetically controlled Bayesian inference to test hypotheses regarding relationships between extinction risk and species traits, environment, and threat measures.ResultsWe found that intrinsic characteristics (habitat specialisation, small range size and large body size), as well as extrinsic factors (high human footprint, accessibility from human population centres, cold temperatures and high rainfall), predispose a species to extinction. Similar predictors were important in threat‐specific analyses, although relationships were generally more uncertain.ConclusionsOur results largely accord with those of global and regional studies of extinction risk in reptiles and of terrestrial vertebrates more broadly. Our findings illustrate that there is no single pathway to extinction among Australian squamates.

Linking biodiversity with the forest patch size of village common forests in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

This study evaluated the relationship of biodiversity with the patch size of village common forests (VCF) by analyzing floral biodiversity based on data from 25 selected VCFs in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Bangladesh. The study took 225 quadratic plots by taking nine 10 m × 10 m plots from each VCF—three from each of base, mid, and top hill slopes. The coefficient of similarity (CS) among VCFs and forest community features including species richness, basal area, and popular diversity indices were calculated. Generalized linear model (GLM) assessed the bearings of patch size, slope, and elevation on stand parameters. In all, the study recorded the occurrence of 165 plant species from 52 families. Euphorbiaceae was the dominant family with 18 species. Seven least concerned and four threatened species as per the IUCN red data list of Bangladesh were found in VCFs. Vitex peduncularis had the highest importance value index (IVI) score followed by Lannea coromandelica and Ficus hispida. The mean CS of the VCFs was 0.54. The VCFs were rich in biodiversity, as indicated by observed species richness (644 species/ha), stem density (7111 plants/ha), basal area (65.56 m2/ha). Scores in biodiversity indices, viz. Shannon–Wiener diversity index (2.59), Simpson index (0.90), and evenness index (0.61), also concluded rich but heterogeneous biodiversity among VCFs comparable to other natural forests in the country. The GLM revealed the absence of significant (p ≤ 0.05) bearings of patch size, elevation, or slope on community parameters. The insensitivity of forest community parameters to patch size and elevation indicated the value of conserving VCFs irrespective of sizes and locations.

A preliminary study of Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) nesting in Kambunong Cape, West Sulawesi

Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) is an endemic species inhabiting Sulawesi island and is listed as Endangered under IUCN Red Data List. However, number of adult individuals of the species found in the wild was predicted to be decreasing. Most data available for the species are scattered and or not reported. Therefore, more published research is needed as regard to population size, distribution, and trends of maleo. One site identified as habitat of maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) was located in the coastal area of Kambunong Cape, West Sulawesi Province. This study attempts to examine the nesting site, population trends of the species and to identify nthropogenic and non-anthropogenic threats towards the population in the area. Index point of abundance (IPA) combined with line transect techniques were applied to estimate population of the species. Seven line transects were deployed and combined with 30 circular plots distributed across the lines covering 100 ha of the coastal area in Kambunong Cape. Meanwhile, types of threats posed to the population were explored by using semi-structure interviews to the locals. The results have shown that the total of relative abundance estimated for the species in the area was 5.091 individuals/ha for 30 observation plots or 16.97 (=17) individuals found in 100 ha. There was only one site utilized by the species located in a poor environment. Decreasing trends of the population was mostly due to habitat modification and fragmentation combined with illegal egg hunting/collection as well as high intensity of human activities nearby their home range.

How to Work on a Non-endangered Species and Contribute to Cetacean Conservation: An Example by the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program

The world’s most endangered small cetaceans are found in countries many miles from Sarasota Bay and its common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Information on the ecology and threats to many of these endangered cetaceans is often far more limited than that on bottlenose dolphins, with the IUCN Red Data List describing many species as “data deficient.” In many developing nations where these rare species occur, resources for research and monitoring are scant, and logistical challenges further limit research into marine mammal health and population status and their threats. The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) has tackled this problem by using the bottlenose dolphin as a model for cetacean species in other parts of the world and using its resources to assist scientists working with more endangered species of cetacean. The celebration of 50 years of study by the SDRP exemplifies how using long-term data on known individuals can advance the fields of cetacean behavior, ecology, life history, physiology, toxicology, and medicine, all providing information for informing certain conservation actions. The Sarasota team has used their work to inform conservation policy both home and abroad.

Transcriptome characterization and generation of marker resource for Himalayan vulnerable species, Ulmus wallichiana.

Ulmus wallichiana is a traditional medicinal plant listed as a vulnerable in the IUCN red list data. Genomic and transcriptomic resources for this species are lacking, hindering its genetic exploration. Further, no polymorphic marker resource is available for this species, thus limiting the elucidation of its underlying genetic diversity, which is a pre-requisite for its conservation. This study was therefore aimed to generate a functionally annotated transcriptomic resource and screen it for SSR regions. We used paired-end Illumina based RNAseq technology and trinity based de novo assembly approach to generate full length transcripts, which were screened for SSR regions and functionally annotated. Around 6.6 million raw reads were de novo assembled transcripts, which were clustered into 146,083 unigenes. 19,909 transcripts were provided with 3986 unique KEGG ids, 70,519 transcripts with 6621 unique Pfam domains, and 45,125 transcripts with 7302 unique INTERPRO domains. 1456 transcripts were identified as transcriptions factors (TFs). Further, 8868 unique GO terms were obtained for the unigenes. The transcripts mapped to 23,056 known pre-determined orthology clusters in the eggNOG database. A total of 16,570 SSRs were identified from the unigenes. Out of the 90 SSRs selected for characterization on 20 genotypes, 28 were polymorphic. Mean effective alleles (Ne) of 2.53, mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.77, and average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.57 were found. This study may facilitate the genetic exploration of this species. The polymorphic SSRs would prove useful to explore its genetic diversity patterns, required for its conservation.

Distribution of Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and its Conservation Threats in Bardia National Park, Nepal


 
 
 Blue bull is Asia’s largest antelope, a species of least concern in IUCN Red data list of 2020. In Nepal, it is vulnerable and is often considered as a problem animal for its crop raiding habit. Although, its population is restricted in India and Nepal, there are insufficient studies conducted on the distribution and threats of the species at local level. This study aimed to assess the distribution of blue bull and its conservation threats in Bardia National Park and its buffer zone. Field survey was carried out to identify the potential area with the information provided by park staff and buffer zone people and by the transect method in the selected habitat to determine the distribution of blue bull population. Additionally, six focus group discussions (1 in each of thefive sites and 1 with park staff) and a half-day workshop (involving 25 participants representing each site and park office) were organized to assess the existing threats to the species. Data were analyzed descriptively using MS Excel, while the distribution map was prepared using Arc GIS. Also, 8 major identified threats were ranked using relative threat ranking procedure and classified into four severity classes. We found that the population of blue bull was dispersed from core area of Bardia National Park towards the buffer zone area. Open grazing, invasive species, predation by tiger and flash flood were the major threats to the blue bull as perceived by the local people. Habitat management activities including control of grazing, removal of invasive plant species, plantation of palatable grass species, increase in other prey species of tiger and control of flood in blue bull’s habitats are recommended to protect the species and thus sustain their threatened population.
 
 

Evaluation of low‐cost consumer‐grade UAVs for conducting comprehensive high‐frequency population censuses of hippopotamus populations

AbstractThe hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibious (hereafter referred to as hippo) is classified as vulnerable according to the IUCN Red data list. They play a significant role in aquatic systems as allochthonous nutrient providers, and as facilitators and competitors in grasslands. Traditional census methodologies for hippo are difficult and costly to repeat. Previous research has been conducted on the use of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) to conduct hippo population estimates; however, findings either needed justification through additional field testing or used high‐cost UASs that may be unaffordable for management authorities in developing countries in Africa. Therefore, using a low‐cost, consumer‐grade, DJI Phantom 3 Advanced multi‐rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), 47 surveys were conducted of the hippo population at Ndumo Game Reserve (NGR), South Africa, between August 2016 and July 2017. In addition, comparisons were drawn between the results of and the logistical requirements and costs of the respective helicopter and UAV surveys conducted on the same day of the same hippo population. The use of a consumer‐grade UAV permitted frequent, accurate, and comparatively low‐cost surveys to identify temporal changes in the number of hippos present in NGR and at different locations within NGR. Hippos are a data deficient species, particularly in remote developing countries. UAVs surveys of hippo will allow accurate, highly repeatable, and comparatively low‐cost data collection for management of hippos and the ecosystems within which they occur.

Evolutionary Traits that Enable Scleractinian Corals to Survive Mass Extinction Events

Scleractinian “stony” corals are major habitat engineers, whose skeletons form the framework for the highly diverse, yet increasingly threatened, coral reef ecosystem. Fossil coral skeletons also present a rich record that enables paleontological analysis of coral origins, tracing them back to the Triassic (~241 Myr). While numerous invertebrate lineages were eradicated at the last major mass extinction boundary, the Cretaceous-Tertiary/K-T (66 Myr), a number of Scleractinian corals survived. We review this history and assess traits correlated with K-T mass extinction survival. Disaster-related “survival” traits that emerged from our analysis are: (1) deep water residing (>100 m); (2) cosmopolitan distributions, (3) non-symbiotic, (4) solitary or small colonies and (5) bleaching-resistant. We then compared these traits to the traits of modern Scleractinian corals, using to IUCN Red List data, and report that corals with these same survival traits have relatively stable populations, while those lacking them are presently decreasing in abundance and diversity. This shows corals exhibiting a similar dynamic survival response as seen at the last major extinction, the K-T. While these results could be seen as promising, that some corals may survive the Anthropocene extinction, they also highlight how our relatively-fragile Primate order does not possess analogous “survival” characteristics, nor have a record of mass extinction survival as some corals are capable.