IUCN Threat Research Articles

Contribution to the knowledge of Portuguese serpentine flora: ecological characteristics, endemic plants, and implications for biodiversity conservation

Serpentine areas are scarce in the world, but contain a large number of endemic taxa. These areas have, in many cases, been little or not at all surveyed from a vegetation and biodiversity conservation point of view. The most important Portuguese serpentine outcrops are found in northeastern Portugal, particularly in the Bragança-Vinhais and Morais massifs. Here, we present a complete ecological-floristic check-list of serpentinophites that are found in these areas since this knowledge is essential for their evaluation, management and conservation. A total of 25 taxa, classified into three categories with different grades of serpentinophily, were included in the list: (1) obligate serpentinophytes (exclusively on serpentine), (2) endemic or widespread taxa that in Portugal occur exclusively in ultramafic outcrops, and (3) preferential serpentinophytes (most of the distribution range, at least 90% of populations, are found on serpentine). Genera common to other Iberian serpentine areas (Andalusian serpentine flora) are Odontarrhena, Arenaria, Armeria, Asplenium, Paragymnopteris, Saxifraga and Silene. The majority of the studied serpentinophytes (72%) occurred in endemic and highly specialized plant communities. About half of the studied serpentinophytes (48%) are assigned in some IUCN threat category. Consequently, it is necessary to implement conservation measures to guarantee the protection of these habitats. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2021.2013337 .

Impact of an IUCN national Red List of threatened flora on scientific attention

Red Lists are thought to attract attention to the conservation of threatened species. Determining the impact of these lists on the attention of scientists is a matter of consequence for biodiversity conservation. We evaluated trends in mentions of Brazilian angiosperm plants in the biodiversity conservation literature and tested the effect of the Red List of Brazilian Flora (RLBF) publication on these mentions. We collected mentions in the literature available in Google Scholar from the years 1990-2020, for 2449 Brazilian angiosperm species assessed in different IUCN categories. We used a Bayesian structural time-series method to test the effect of the RLBF publication on the number of mentions for the set of species in the IUCN categories, angiosperm families, and plants of commercial interest. The results showed a gap in mentions for many threatened and Data Deficient species in the scientific literature. We also found that the mentions were biased toward species of commercial interest and were unrelated to their threat status. Publication of the RLBF positively affected the number of mentions for IUCN threat categories and for more than half of the angiosperm families. These results were obtained after a few species of commercial interest were excluded from each treated group. This study suggests that the Red List assessments are essential to determine priorities for resource allocation to scientific activities. However, this effect was not sufficient to reduce the bias in scientific attention. Our findings support the need to stimulate more effective programs to fund research on threatened plant species.

Checklist of the vascular plants of the Cantabrian Mountains

We present the first standardized list of the vascular flora of the Cantabrian Mountains, a transitional zone between the Eurosiberian and Mediterranean biogeographic regions in northwestern Spain. The study area comprises 15000 km2 divided in UTM grid cells of 10 km x 10 km, for which we revised occurrence data reported in the Spanish Plant Information System (Anthos) and the online database of Iberian and Macaronesian Vegetation (SIVIM). We used a semi-automatic procedure to standardize taxonomic concepts into a single list of names, which was further updated by expert-based revision with the support of national and regional literature. In the current version, the checklist of the Cantabrian Mountains contains 2338 native species and subspecies, from which 56 are endemic to the study area. The nomenclature of the checklist follows Euro+Med in 97% of taxa, including annotations when other criteria has been used and for taxa with uncertain status. We also provide a list of 492 non-native taxa that were erroneously reported in the study area, a list of local apomictic taxa, a phylogenetic tree linked to The Plant List, a standardized calculation of Ellenberg Ecological Indicator Values for 80% of the flora, and information about life forms, IUCN threat categories and legal protection status. Our review demonstrates how the Cantabrian mountains represent a key floristic region in southern Europe and a relevant phytogeographical hub in south-western Europe. The checklist and all related information are freely accessible in a digital repository for further uses in basic and applied research

Climate change pushes an economic insect to the brink of extinction: A case study for Cyamophila astragalicola in Iran

Climate change is one of the main drivers of biodiversity decline worldwide, through shifting or shrinking habitats of species. Predicting the distribution of suitable habitats for species under climate change is essential for conservation planning. Cyamophila astragalicola is a specialist psyllid dependent on a spiny shrub, endemic to Zagros Mountains of Iran. The current study represents a modeling approach for lesser-known small invertebrates to assess their threat status. Ecological niche modeling was used to assess current suitable habitats of C. astragalicola, to develop model-based predictions of its habitat suitability under different climatic scenarios, and to assess the extinction risk of the species based on IUCN Red List criteria. Results revealed a sharp decline in suitable habitats (97.26% and 99.8% for the years 2050 and 2070, respectively) under the scenario of RCP 8.5. Further, under the two RCP scenarios, C. astragalicola was classified as IUCN Threat 2. A shift toward higher altitudes with lower temperature and higher precipitation was predicted. Results of modeling are based on abiotic factors only. Human interactions are not modeled; hence, the status of the species may be even more dramatic than the models may reveal. Generally, the results of this study indicate the high sensitivity of C. astragalicola to global warming. The narrow distribution range of the species coupled with the low dispersal ability can increase the risk of extinction. Ecological, economic, and social risks associated with the extinction need to be further evaluated to formulate future management policies.

Taxonomic monograph of the tribe Nigelleae (Ranunculaceae): a group including ancient medicinal plants

The tribe Nigelleae Schröd. (Ranunculaceae) worldwide distribution has been studied taxonomically, based on morphological, palynological and seed morphological characters, as well as chromosome counts. Extensive field works have been carried out in Turkey, Greece, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Portugal and in Northern Cyprus. Moreover, the specimens of major herbaria in Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, Syria and Iran as well in Europe have been examined. This study represents the most comprehensive monograph of the tribe based on field work across its nearly entire distributional range, complemented by examination of over 980 specimens from 25 herbaria and our collections with nomenclatural contributions. Eighteen species are recognized under three genera, namely Garidella Tourn. ex L. (2 speices), Komaroffia Kuntze (2), and Nigella L. (14). Four new combinations have been proposed here as Komaroffia bucharica (Schipcz.) Dönmez, Nigella arvensis L. var. aristata (Sibthorp & Smith) Dönmez & Uğurlu, N. oxypetala Boiss. var. latisecta (P.H.Davis) Dönmez & Uğurlu and N. oxypetala var. lancifolia (Hub.-Mor.) Dönmez & Uğurlu. Status of three names have been changed. Lectotypes of Komaroffia integrifolia and K. bucharica have been selected and incorrect lectotypification for K. bucharica is discussed. Twenty new synonyms have been proposed here, most of which belong to the Nigella arvensis complex. Although there are various generic and infrageneric treatments of Komaroffia and Garidella, both of them have been recognized here as separate genera in the tribe Nigelleae as they were accepted by some previous authors. Keys for identifiying the genera, species and infraspecific taxa have been prepared. Chromosome numbers are given, based on our novel data and the pertinent literature. Additionally, descriptions, synonymies, water colour illustrations, distribution maps, taxonomic notes and lists of all specimens examined are provided for each taxon. Based on the literature, herbarium specimens and field observations, IUCN threat categories have been proposed for the taxa.

Conservation of Britain’s biodiversity: distribution and status of the Welsh endemic Hieracium apheles, Hepste hawkweed (Asteraceae)

The conservation status of Hieracium apheles P. D. Sell (Asteraceae), Hepste hawkweed has been assessed. A lectotype for the basionym H. septentrionale Arv.-Touv. var. simplex Ley has been designated. It is a rare endemic restricted to the Hepste Glen in the Brecon Beacons (v.c. 42), Wales. Only one population of five plants is known it is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ under IUCN (2001) threat criteria.

Threat patterns and conservation status of endemic vascular flora in Argentina: a quantitative perspective

Global warming, coupled with habitat destruction and human activity, are accelerating the rates of species extinction worldwide. Species-extinction risk assessment, using the IUCN Red List categories, together with the study of the spatial patterns of biodiversity, are fundamental approaches to identify conservation priorities and targeting government decisions to mitigate impacts on biodiversity. Here, we analyzed threat levels of endemic species for the entire Argentinean vascular flora. Accordingly, we classified species following the IUCN threat categories and analyze threat levels on the different families, plant life-forms, and biogeographic regions of the country. We also analyzed spatial patterns of threat by means of macroecological modeling techniques, and explored the effectiveness of current protected areas in relation to the threatened endemics they actually included. The results showed that of the 1683 Argentinean endemic taxa, 800 species were here categorized under threat (VU, EN, or CR) (~47%). Families with the highest number of threatened species were also those with the highest number of endemics; herbs and climbing plants presented significantly higher threat levels, and among biogeographic provinces, the most affected in terms of threat proportion were the Altoandina, Yungas, and Paranaense. In addition, different hotspots of threatened endemism were detected, mainly associated with mountainous areas with high altitudinal heterogeneity; of these, only nearly half are included, at least partially, within a protected area. An up-to-date species list of Argentinean endemics, including their proposed conservation status, is also provided. This work seeks to contribute to the knowledge on geographical patterns of the Argentinean flora and its conservation, complementing the information published in the Flora of Argentina.

A national-scale dataset for threats impacting Australia's imperiled flora and fauna.

Australia is in the midst of an extinction crisis, having already lost 10% of terrestrial mammal fauna since European settlement and with hundreds of other species at high risk of extinction. The decline of the nation's biota is a result of an array of threatening processes; however, a comprehensive taxon‐specific understanding of threats and their relative impacts remains undocumented nationally. Using expert consultation, we compile the first complete, validated, and consistent taxon‐specific threat and impact dataset for all nationally listed threatened taxa in Australia. We confined our analysis to 1,795 terrestrial and aquatic taxa listed as threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered) under Australian Commonwealth law. We engaged taxonomic experts to generate taxon‐specific threat and threat impact information to consistently apply the IUCN Threat Classification Scheme and Threat Impact Scoring System, as well as eight broad‐level threats and 51 subcategory threats, for all 1,795 threatened terrestrial and aquatic threatened taxa. This compilation produced 4,877 unique taxon–threat–impact combinations with the most frequently listed threats being Habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation (n = 1,210 taxa), and Invasive species and disease (n = 966 taxa). Yet when only high‐impact threats or medium‐impact threats are considered, Invasive species and disease become the most prevalent threats. This dataset provides critical information for conservation action planning, national legislation and policy, and prioritizing investments in threatened species management and recovery.

Plant diversity of Hyrcanian relict forests: An annotated checklist, chorology and threat categories of endemic and near endemic vascular plant species

In this paper a critical annotated checklist of 256 endemic and near endemic species belonging to 152 genera and 50 families of flowering plants known from Hyrcanian relict forests is presented. Distribution maps of taxa, elevational range, number of known records, chorotypes, life forms, IUCN threat categories and habitat types are also provided. The chorotypes are categorized into eight main patterns: 1) the Omni-Hyrcanian pattern (OH), 2) West Hyrcanian pattern (WH), 3) Manjil-Rudbar pattern (MR), 4) Central Hyrcanian pattern (CH), 5) Central and East Hyrcanian pattern (CEH), 6) East Hyrcanian pattern (EH), 7) Alborz-Hyrcanian pattern (AH), and 8) Euxino-Hyrcanian pattern (XH). The richness and distribution maps were generated based on 5408 records gained from herbarium specimens and literature records. The life form spectra show that the majority of taxa (54.7%) belong to hemicryptophytes, followed by the tuberous, bulbous and parasitic geophytes with 45 species (17.6%) and phanerophytes with 28 taxa (10.9%). The conservation status of species according to IUCN criteria indicates that 30 taxa are Critically Endangered, 52 taxa Endangered, 30 taxa Vulnerable, 25 taxa Near Threatened and 81 taxa are of Least Concern. Our present data were not sufficient to evaluate 38 taxa that are categorized here as Data Deficient. The new combination of Leutea translucens (=Peucedanum translucens) is validated with inclusion of Peucedanum hyrcanicum as its synonym. The disjunct occurrence of the Caucasian species Gentianagrossheimii is reported from the eastern parts of the Hyrcanian forests in Iran for the first time. We conclude that (i) the Hyrcanian forests and associated habitats in the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains harbour tremendous floristic diversity of high conservation priority, and (ii) the Hyrcanian forest zone is an important and unique center of endemism within the Euro-Siberian region that should be considered a floristic province with a large number of relict species.

Conservation of Britain’s biodiversity: Hieracium angustatiforme, Small-leaved Hawkweed (Asteraceae)

The conservation status of Hieracium angustatiforme P.D. Sell & C. West (Asteraceae), Small-leaved Hawkweed, has been assessed. It is a rare endemic restricted to the Brecon Beacons, Wales. Only one population of c.330-430 plants is known in Craig Cerrig-gleisiad National Nature Reserve, and it has not been refound at three other sites. Hieracium angustatiforme is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ under IUCN (2001) threat criteria.

Current status of the rare British endemic Gentianella amarella subsp. occidentalis, Dune Gentian (Gentianaceae)

Gentianella amarella subsp. occidentalis, Dune Gentian, is a rare annual of dune slacks endemic to Western Britain. Its current status was compared to historic records. A maximum of 2250 plants were found in ten subpopulations in four sites in 2019-2020. It was not refound in three sites and 15 subpopulations. It is assessed as IUCN threat category ‘Endangered’. Its primary vegetation type is SD14d Salix repens - Campylium stellatum dune slack Festuca rubra subcommunity, within which it favours short, open structure on dry, low nutrient soils. Conservation requires managing and creating its niche in the dune slacks.

Conservation status of the rare endemic Centaurium tenuiflorum subsp. anglicum, English Centaury (Gentianaceae)

The status of the rare English endemic Centaurium tenuiflorum subsp. anglicum, English Centaury, has been assessed from field surveys in 2020 and compared against previous population counts. In Dorset, 16 populations with c.25,800 plants occurred and there was no evidence of overall decline. It was not refound in one site in the Isle of Wight. The IUCN threat status is ‘Least Concern’.

The rare Scottish endemic Hieracium fulvocaesium orange-flowered hawkweed (Asteraceae) is on the verge of extinction


 The rare Scottish endemic Hieracium fulvocaesium Pugsley, orange-flowered hawkweed, is on the verge of extinction. Historic records indicate it was only known from the east banks of the River Naver, Bettyhill, Sutherland. Three plants were rediscovered in 2017. It is IUCN threat status ‘Critically Endangered’ and it requires urgent conservation work to conserve it in the wild.

Conservation of Britain’s biodiversity: Distribution and status of the British endemic Hieracium subbritannicum, Limestone Hawkweed (Asteraceae)

Hieracium subbritannicum, Limestone Hawkweed, is a British endemic plant. Field surveys indicate at least 745 plants in six semi-upland sites in Wales, and it has gone from seven sites on Old Red Sandstone and in the Wye Valley in England. The IUCN threat status is ‘Vulnerable’.

Diversity and inventorization of angiospermic flora in Dibrugarh district, Assam, Northeast India

The floristic composition of the Dibrugarh District of Assam has remained unexplored and the present study on Angiosperms addresses this fact. A total of 462 species of flowering plants belonging to 334 genera under 106 families recorded as per the APG IV system of classification and 116 families were recorded according to Bentham and Hooker system. 39% of native species were included in superorder Superrosids, 29% from superorder Superasterids, 18% from superorder Monocots and 7% from superorder Magnoliids. The orders with the highest number of native species were Lamiales (35), Malpighiales (29), Rosales (26), Gentianales (23), Sapindales (18), Fagales (19), Alismatales (17), Poales (14), Zingiberales (13) and Laurales (11) which accounted for 60.8% of the species. A total of 129 non-native or invasive species were represented in 12 superorders. Habit analysis showed that herbs were represented by the highest proportion followed by trees, shrubs and climbers. Twenty species are listed under various IUCN threat categories and one species under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Traditional uses of some reported species were also documented. The present study was conducted to understand the diversity of local flora, which can be helpful in the conservation of natural vegetation and sustainable utilisation of resources in this region.

Bird species contested at songbird competition in Jabodetabek Region, Indonesia

Songbird contests have been widely held in various regions lately, indicating the high interest of community towards this type of contest. The objectives of this study were to identify bird species contested in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabodetabek) region, classify them based on their conservation status, and collect other information related to bird conservation efforts. Of 20 bird contests that took place during the research period (March-May 2018) it was revealed that there were 15 species of birds (12 local species, 3 foreign species) that were contested. The species that was always contested in every event was Lovebird, while other frequently contested species (>50%) were Greater Green Leafbird, White-rumped Shama, Oriental Magpie-robin, and Canary. There was one protected species, i.e., Greater Green Leafbird that was contested. Based on the IUCN threat status, one vulnerable species was contested, i.e., Greater Green Leafbird. Near threatened species contested were Chestnut-capped Thrush and Lovebird. Based on CITES category, one species listed in Appendix II was found, i.e., Hwamei, which is a foreign species. Efforts made by the organizers of bird contests in bird conservation were to hold a class of rings (markers), to ensure that the contested birds originate from captive breeding.

Assessment of the Potential Risk of Rock-Climbing for Cliff Plant Species and Natural Protected Areas of Spain

In recent years, the popularity of rock-climbing has grown tremendously, setting an increasing pressure on cliff habitats. Climbing may be particularly harmful in the Mediterranean biome due to its appropriate environmental conditions for climbing. A few studies have identified the effect of climbing on plant diversity at a small-scale (namely locally or even just in specific climbing areas). However, no studies exist assessing the potential risk of rock-climbing on a broad-scale (e.g., regional or national). The study aims to identify the priority locations and priority cliff plant species in Spain to focus future study efforts. Spain was selected because it is a plant biodiversity hotspot, with a great diversity of endemic and endangered species, and one of the most popular destinations for climbers. We used a geographic information system-based approach to model the spatial concurrence among Spanish climbing areas (and climbing intensity), natural protected areas (NPAs), and distribution of threatened cliff plants (and their IUCN threat category). We found that 53.5% of climbing areas in Spain are located within a NPA, most of them falling into NPAs of medium protection level. We mapped 151 threatened cliff plants, identifying four medium priority Mediterranean locations and eight priority species in which future research efforts should be focused. High-priority study locations are absent in Spain according to our spatial modeling. For the first time on a national scale, this study identifies areas in which climbing represents a potential threat for cliff habitats and threatened plants. These findings contribute to designing field studies on the effects of rock-climbing on Mediterranean cliffs, laying the groundwork for a sustainable, yet challenging, balance between the protection of these unique habitats and rock-climbing.

Cross-scale monitoring of habitat suitability changes using satellite time series and ecological niche models

One of the biggest challenges to deal with the global crisis of biodiversity loss is the lack of efficient and viable monitoring systems across scales. Unlike traditional in situ biodiversity monitoring, a usually costly and time-consuming enterprise, satellite remote sensing (SRS) data offer a technically feasible and sustainable in time solution. Here, we devise a cost-effective and upgradeable spatiotemporal framework for monitoring the species-specific habitat availability changes across scales by trend analysis of habitat suitability index (HSI) derived from ecological niche models (ENMs; Maxent) and using time series of SRS data (MODIS). The SRS-ENM framework was applied for a large suite of native species (911), from major taxonomic groups (flora (vascular plants), amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals), and listed in the IUCN Red List at regional (Iberian Peninsula) and continental (Europe) scales. The HSI-trend analyses predict cumulative reductions in habitat suitability for Threatened and Non-Threatened species across scales for the period 2002–2016. Specifically, 19% and 66% of the total grid cells for both species' groups showed negative trends at both regional and continental scales, respectively. Results were similar when considering all IUCN threat categories. All taxa groups showed a decrease in habitat suitability, but amphibians and reptiles groups hosted the largest number of negative HSI-trends grid cells. Considering all groups together, 12% and 34% of both study areas have strong reductions in habitat quality. We conclude that our framework detects increases and decreases in species' habitat suitability regardless of the spatial scale, extent, and pixel size. Species' range predictions across space and time based on SRS time series represent a promising Earth observation tool to support traditional risk assessment protocols and anticipate the decision-making process, while serving as a cross-scale biodiversity monitoring system.

Biological traits of seabirds predict extinction risk and vulnerability to anthropogenic threats

ABSTRACTAimSeabirds are heavily threatened by anthropogenic activities, and their conservation status is deteriorating rapidly. Nonetheless, these pressures are unlikely to impact all species uniformly. It remains an open question whether seabirds with similar ecological roles are responding similarly to human pressures. Our aims were as follows: (a) to test whether threatened versus non‐threatened seabirds are separated in trait space; (b) to quantify the similarity of species' roles (redundancy) per IUCN Red List Category; and (c) to identify traits that render species vulnerable to anthropogenic threats.LocationGlobal.Time periodContemporary.Major taxa studiedSeabirds.MethodsWe compile and impute eight traits that relate to species' vulnerabilities and ecosystem functioning across 341 seabird species. Using these traits, we build a mixed‐data principal component analysis of species' trait space. We quantify trait redundancy using the unique trait combinations (UTCs) approach. Finally, we undertake a similarity of percentages analysis to identify which traits explain the greatest difference between threat groups.ResultsWe find that seabirds segregate in trait space based on IUCN threat status, indicating that anthropogenic impacts are selectively removing large, long‐lived, pelagic surface feeders with narrow habitat breadths. We also find that threatened species have higher trait redundancy, whereas non‐threatened species have relatively limited redundancy. Finally, we find that species with narrow habitat breadths, fast reproductive speeds and varied diets are more likely to be threatened by habitat‐modifying processes (e.g., pollution and natural system modifications), whereas pelagic specialists with slow reproductive speeds and varied diets are vulnerable to threats that directly impact survival and fecundity (e.g., invasive species and biological resource use) and climate change. Species with no threats are non‐pelagic specialists with invertebrate diets and fast reproductive speeds.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that both threatened and non‐threatened species contribute unique ecological strategies. Consequently, conserving both threat groups, but importantly with contrasting approaches, might avoid potential changes in ecosystem functioning and stability.

Akdağ’ın (Dursunbey/Balıkesir) Endemik Taksonları Üzerine Bir Çalışma

Bu çalışmada; Akdağ (Dursunbey/Balıkesir)’da yayılış gösteren endemik ve nadir taksonlar tespit edilmiş ve IUCN tehdit kategorileri ortaya konmuştur. Çalışmada ayrıca bölgede taksonlar üzerindeki baskı faktörleri de belirlenmiştir. Güncel olarak alanda 42 tane endemik, 2 tane de nadir takson bulunmaktadır. Alandaki endemizm oranı %9.50’dir. Güncel IUCN tehdit kategorilerine göre alanda; CR (Çok tehlikede) 1, EN (Tehlikede) 2, VU (Zarar görebilir) 7, NT (Tehdit altına girebilir) 5 ve LC (En az endişe verici) kategorilerinde 26 takson bulunmaktadır. Ayrıca, alanda DD (Veri yetersiz) kategorisinde 1 taksonun varlığı belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada bazı taksonların yeni IUCN’e göre statüleri de güncellenmiştir. Ayrıca 44 taksonun global düzeyde LC kategorisinde tehdit altında olduğu belirtilmiştir. Araştırma alanında endemik taksonlar açısından ciddi bir tehdit olmamakla birlikte, yangın ve hayvancılık faaliyetleri kısmen de olsa bazı taksonlar için tehdit oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmada bu tehditler için çeşitli öneriler sunulmuştur.