Least Concern Research Articles

Conservation value of the Wadrékro village forest in the Department of Oumé, Central-Western Côte d'Ivoire

Village forest fragments play a crucial role in wildlife conservation. However, limited information is available on their mammalian diversity. To address this gap, this study was conducted in the Wadrékro Village forest, located in the Oumé department, to identify the mammalian fauna inhabiting the area. The survey involved cataloging mammal species through linear transects and reconnaissance walks (recce). Pedestrian surveys recorded 14 mammal species, grouped into 9 families and 3 orders: Artiodactyla, Rodentia, and Carnivora. These orders are representative of the major mammal groups found in better-preserved areas of the country. Specifically, Tragelaphus scriptus and Thryonomys swinderianus were the most frequently observed species. According to the IUCN Red List, all recorded mammal species are classified as Least Concern (LC), except for Hippopotamus amphibius, which is categorized as Vulnerable (VU). Rural forest patches can therefore contribute to wildlife conservation, particularly for mammalian species.

Ophiorrhiza liuyanii (Rubiaceae), a new species from south-western China and northern Vietnam

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

Ticanto Miscellany 1. Ticanto xylocarpa (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae), a new species from southern China

A new species, Ticanto xylocarpa K. W. Jiang & Shi J. Li is described and illustrated here. It is superficially similar to T. magnifoliolata in its leaf shape and ferruginous young branches and inflorescence axes. However, it is readily distinguished by the ligneous and wingless pods that are dehiscent when mature. Calculations of Area of Occupancy (AOO) and Extent of Occurrence (EOO) suggest that Ticanto xylocarpa meets the criteria for Least Concern (LC) in the IUCN Red List.

Past, present, and future potential distributions of the African multipurpose tree Detarium senegalense (Fabaceae)

Background and aims – Climate change induces increasing temperatures and drought, with possible profound shifts in species’ presence and distribution. Ecological niche models are widely used to assess plant species responses to climate change. However, such data are scarce for West Africa, particularly for vulnerable multipurpose species. This study focuses on modelling the ecological niche and the conservation status of the multipurpose tree Detarium senegalense to improve insights into its habitat suitability in West Africa under past, present, and future climatic conditions. This will provide an essential basis for setting up global management plans through efficient conservation and ecological restoration policies. Material and methods – The potential distribution of D. senegalense under past, current, and future climate scenarios were assessed using four algorithms including generalized additive models (GAM), generalized linear models (GLM), random forest (RF), and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt). We also assessed the shift direction of suitable habitats and the conservation status of the species based on IUCN criteria. Overall, 220 occurrences were combined with a set of five bioclimatic variables to run the models. Key results – Models performed well with good values of AUC (0.92) and TSS (0.73). Isothermality (41.10%) and Precipitation of Wettest Month (21.50%) contributed most to the distribution of the species. The distribution of D. senegalense was relatively constant from the past to the present but could decrease in the next decades. In the future, only 17.70% and 13.98% of the areas were predicted to be suitable under respectively ssp245 and ssp585. In protected areas, the suitable areas under ssp245 were estimated at 21.01% with a decrease of 2.50% and 14.60% with a decrease of 8.61% under ssp585 by 2050. The direction of the distribution shifted to the south-east under future climate scenarios. The conservation status assessment of the species is Least Concern (LC). Conclusion – This study improves our understanding of the past, present-day, and future distribution of the species and provides support to better manage the conservation of D. senegalense in West Africa.

A Study on the Availability of Finfish and Shellfish of Junput Mangrove, East Midnapore, West Bengal, India

The fish species diversity is the most important indicator of health of aquatic environment. A good piscina ecosystem diversity illustrates the equable environment. The present study deals with the variety of fishes in the Junput mangrove area (Biramput to Haripur), East Midnapore district. The Junput mangrove area is located at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal (Latitude- 21°94'04.5"N Longitude- 87°26'59.5"E), West Bengal. The field study was taken for a season of two years and data are collected monthly basis were made from May 2022 to April 2024. The study results of the actual inquiry express the occurrence of 93 species (51 finfishes and 42 shellfishes). 51 finfishes belonging to 44 genera, 34 different family and 18 orders and 42 shellfishes belonging to 26 different genera, 15 different family and 03 orders. Among the rerecorded finfish species, 2 species were Vulnerable (VU), 01 species were Near Threatened (NT), 35 species were Least Concern (LC) while 06 species were Not Evaluated (NE), 07 species were Data Deficient (DD) with 44 genus, 18 orders and 34 families. In the case of recorded shellfish species, 33 species were Not Evaluated (NE), 06 species were Least Concern (LC) and 03 species were Data Deficient (DD) with 26 genus, 03 orders and 15 families. The number of species richness in the order Decapoda were dominated by 39 species followed by Perciformes with 08 species; Clupeiformes with 07 species; Tetradontiformes with 05 species; both Gobiformes and Anguilliformes with 04 species; both Acanthuriformes and Carangiformes with 03 species; Siluriformes, Spariformes, Pleuronectiformes, Mugilliformes, Scombriformes, Aulopiformes and Xiphosurida with 02 species; Myliobactiformes, Cypriniformes, Carcharniformes, Elopiformes, Beloniformes and Stomatopoda with 01 species. Out of 93 finfish and shellfish, 50 were carnivores, 39 were omnivores, and 02 were each herbivores and detritivores.

Spatial Pattern Analysis and Conservation Assessment of Apiaceae in Mongolia.

The family Apiaceae, distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, is the largest family of angiosperms. However, little is known about the conservation status, diversity, and distribution of Apiaceae species in Mongolia. This study had two main aims: (1) to assess the national status of Apiaceae species under IUCN Red List Criterion B; (2) to evaluate the species diversity and richness of Apiaceae across Mongolia. We utilized ConR packages to assess the national Red List status of all known Mongolian Apiaceae species by analyzing their most comprehensive occurrence records. The results indicated that 27 species were classified as threatened, including 4 Critically Endangered (CR), 9 Endangered (EN), and 14 Vulnerable (VU) species. Meanwhile, 39 species were assessed as non-threatened, with 2 Near Threatened (NT) species and 37 species of Least Concern (LC). Furthermore, detailed distribution maps for 66 Apiaceae species in Mongolia were presented. We assessed the species diversity and Shannon and Simpson diversity indices of Apiaceae by analyzing all occurrence records using the iNext package. Overall, the Hill diversity estimates indicate that the sampling conducted in Mongolia adequately captured species occurrences. For species pattern analysis, we examined the species richness, weighted endemism, and the corrected weighted endemism index using Biodiverse v.4.1 software. Mongolia was portioned into 715 grid cells based on 0.5° × 0.5° grid sizes (equivalent to approximately 50 × 50 km2). There was a total of 3062 unique occurrences of all Apiaceae species across Mongolia. In the species richness analysis, we identified 10 grids that exhibited high species richness (18-29 species) and 36 grids with 11-17 species. For genus richness, we observed seven grids that exhibited a high genus richness of 16-22 genera. Furthermore, we analyzed species richness with a specific focus on threatened species, encompassing CR, EN, and VU species throughout Mongolia. A total of 92 grids contained at least one threatened species. There were six grids that had two to five threatened species, which were adequately covered by protected areas in western Mongolia. Overall, our results on species richness and conservation status will serve as important foundational research for future conservation and land management efforts in Mongolia.

Possible horizontal gene transfer: Virectaria stellata (Sabiceeae-Rubiaceae), a new sandstone cliff species from the Republic of Guinea with stellate hairs recorded for the first time in the Rubiaceae

Virectaria (Sabiceeae-Cinchonoideae-Rubiaceae), is a morphologically isolated genus of tropical African herbs or subshrubs, occurring from Senegal to Tanzania. Virectaria stellata, a new species from Guinea, is published. It is a perennial herb, with stems becoming creeping and rooting, to 60 cm long. Virectaria stellata has stellate hairs, recorded here for the first time in the family Rubiaceae. We hypothesize that the stellate hairs of this species result not from mutation but from horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from an Acanthaceae, most likely Barleria, due to their common and perhaps uniquely shared microstructure. We briefly review literature on the control of the transition from simple to stellate hairs and on HGT in plants. Virectaria stellata is found in Forécariah and Kindia Prefectures in the Republic of Guinea. A Virectaria specimen without stellate hairs but otherwise similar to V. stellata was collected in Guinea, about 90 km to the North of the northernmost V. stellata collection. This specimen may represent a possible progenitor of V. stellata. The identification of this specimen requires further study. Virectaria stellata occurs in fissures in vertical sandstone rock at altitudes of 450 to 910 m, in sun or half-shade. An overview of sandstone endemic plant species in the vicinity of the new Virectaria is provided. No threats have been observed, therefore, Virectaria stellata is provisionally assessed here as Least Concern (LC).

Toward the first Red List of Latvian lichens according to the IUCN criteria

Lichens are well-known bioindicators and exhibit high sensitivity to environmental changes due to their unique biological characteristics. Despite their ecological significance, lichens are often overlooked in conservation policies both at the European Union (EU) and global levels. The situation is better at the level of national Red Lists that can provide candidate species for regional or global Red Lists, thereby helping to prioritize conservation efforts. To fill a gap at the national level, this article presents the comprehensive data of the Red List of Latvian lichens. For the first time, IUCN threat categories and criteria were applied to assess 85 lichenized and one lichenicolous fungus during 2022–2023. Of these species, 3 were classified as Least Concern (LC), 2 as Data Deficient (DD), 11 as Near Threatened (NT), and 68 were ascribed the threatened categories: 14 to Vulnerable (VU), 27 to Endangered (EN), 27 to Critically Endangered (CR). The majority of Latvian lichens categorized as threatened or near threatened inhabit woodlands, particularly old-growth forests, which face the primary threat of intensive forest management. This article emphasizes the importance of continued evaluation efforts, while also addressing challenges associated with data scarcity and limited lichenological research capacity in Latvia.

Taxonomic Study on the Six Species of Genus Magnolia

Magnolia, a genus comprising approximately 225 species of trees and shrubs in the family Magnoliaceae. Magnolia plants can be evergreen or deciduous and bear alternate smooth-margined leaves. In this paper six species of magnolia were studied based on morphological observations of taxonomically relevant traits. Among these, four species—Magnolia alba, Magnolia champaca, Magnolia grandiflora, and Magnolia liliifera—are previously documented, while two species, Magnolia figo, a 3–4 m tall shrub with a sweet banana scent, and Magnolia coco, are newly recorded additions to the flora of Bangladesh. This study focused on the leaf descriptions viz. average breadth and length, average size, fresh weight, and dry weight of leaves of the six species with their brief taxonomic description, morphology features, and identifiable pictures. In terms of relative average leaf size (RALS), Magnolia alba has the largest, while Magnolia figo has the smallest. M. champaca exhibits the highest water content, and M. coco has the highest dry matter percentage at approximately 47.03%. The conservation status of these species was evaluated, with four classified as Least Concern (LC) and two as Data Deficient (DD). The addition of Magnolia coco and Magnolia figo brings the total number of Magnolia species in Bangladesh to fourteen. Overall, this study on Magnolia will help future research projects, conservation efforts, and management activities by enhancing the understanding of the various uses of these species. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(2): 158-165, 2024

Redescription and a significant range extension of Rhacophorus napoensis Li, Liu, Yu & Sun, 2022 (Amphibia, Anura, Rhacophorinae) with the first record from Vietnam

The Napo Treefrog Rhacophorus napoensis was described based on five male specimens from Napo County, Baise City, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China. Herein, we report on new findings and a range extension of this species based on an examination of preserved specimens collected from Bac Giang and Nghe An provinces, Vietnam. Futhermore, molecular analyses of specimens Rhacophorus spp. previously identified as R. rhodopus that were reported in Bac Giang, Nghe An as well as Thanh Hoa, and Ha Tinh provinces based on mitochondrial DNA supported the morphological findings. The Vietnam specimens have a pairwise divergence of less than 2% from those of the type series of Rhacophorus napoensis (based on the 16s rRNA mtDNA gene). Based on the new information, we confirm the presence of R. napoensis in Vietnam and update the diagnostic characters of this species and distribution. We suggest the species should be considered as of Least Concern (LC) following the IUCN’s Red List categories. Further studies reassessing the populations of the Rhacophorus bipunctatus complex are required.

Ethnobotany and diversity of Citrus spp. (Rutaceae) as a source of “Kem-kem” traditional medicine used among the Karo sub-ethnic in North Sumatra, Indonesia

The Karo sub-ethnic is one of five Batak sub-ethnicities in the Karo Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. They are famous for their local knowledge about the traditional use of medicinal plants to treat various diseases. The “Kem-kem” traditional medicine is one of the traditional healing practices that involve using plants passed down through generations from their ancestors. One of the plant genus group in the Rutaceae family utilized in the traditional “Kem-kem” healing practice is a citrus known as “Rimo”. This study aims to document the local knowledge about the diversity of Citrus spp. as Kem-kem's herbal medicinal plant. This study was conducted from April to July 2023 in the Kabanjahe and Berastagi districts, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. Data was collected using interviews with traditional healers, herbal medicine vendors, and direct observations at traditional markets, involving a total of 8 Citrus spp. The Karo uses “Rimo” with different local names as sources of traditional medicinal ingredients in practicing “Kem-kem”. There are 15 local names comprising eight species of Citrus. Four are hybrids, i.e., Citrus x aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle, Citrus × aurantium L, Citrus × junos Siebold ex Yu.Tanaka, and Citrus × taitensis Risso. Two of the remaining species are recognized in infraspecific rank, one variety (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Hoola van Nooten) Swingle) and one form (Citrus × aurantium f. deliciosa (Ten.) M.Hiroe). They were used as material sources for Kem-kem traditional medicine to treat at least nine health problems. There are two species with six local names included in the Least Concern (LC) category, namely C. medica (Rimo Gawang, Rimo Hantuantu, Rimo Kayu), C. medica var. sarcodactylis (Rimo Kuku Harimau), and C. medica (Rimo Telur Buaya), C. maxima (Burm.) Merr. (Rimo Malem). Nine local names are included in the Not Evaluated (NE) category, namely C. × junos (Rimo Kejaren), C. × taitensis (Rimo Jungga), C. × aurantium f. deliciosa (Rimo Keling), C. × aurantium (Rimo Kersik), Citrus hystrix DC. (Rimo Mukur), C. × taitensis (Rimo Puraga), C. × aurantium (Rimo Kalele), Citrus swinglei Burkill ex Harms (Rimo Pagar), and C. x aurantiifolia (Rimo Bunga). Rimo Kejaren (C. × junos) is a species that has the most benefits.

Species diversity and conservation status of ornamental fish traded in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Abstract. Usman Z, Hariyadi DR, Serihollo LGG. 2024. Species diversity and conservation status of ornamental fish traded in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1116-1126. The high demand for ornamental fish native to Indonesia has the potential to be used as a source of foreign exchange income. In addition to increasing the national income, the ornamental fish trade must also be considered to preserve the population of the fish species being sold. The study aimed to determine ornamental fish diversity and conservation status in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara. This research was conducted in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, from August to September 2023. The research was conducted using survey (non-experiment) and observation methods. The survey method was carried out using a form to conduct interviews with sellers in 11 ornamental fish shops. At the same time, the observation method was used to identify the types of fish being traded. The study's results recorded 18 families, 39 genera, and 46 fish species (Include 1 species is hybrid fish). The highest species diversity came from the Cichlidae family with 9 species (1 species (Amphilophus citrinellus x Cichlasoma trimaculatum) is hybrid fish), followed by Cyprinidae with 7 species, whereas each species of the Characidae and Poecilidae families were 5 species. Conservation status shows 4 status groupings, namely Least Concern (LC), Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN), and Not Evaluated (NE). Based on these groupings, there were 32 species in the Least Concern (LC) category, 3 species in the Endangered (EN) category, 2 species in the Vulnerable (VU) category, and 8 species in the Not Evaluated (NE) and 1 unclassified category. There is only 1 species that is included in the Appendix I category, namely Scleropages formosus, and other species are Not evaluated. This is the first study conducted in Kupang City to reveal the types of ornamental fish species sold and their conservation status. The study will be useful information to the government, researchers, and other stakeholders on the potential extinction risk of each type of fish being traded.

Endemic amphibians of the Cerrado and Caatinga: species richness, geographic range and conservation

The Cerrado and the Caatinga have few formally protected areas and encompass a high diversity of amphibians, which is still relatively unknown. In this study we present the list of amphibian species endemic to the Cerrado or Caatinga and their geographic range, highlighting current conservation status. We obtained the species list from the compilation of scientific publications (up to July 2022). We obtained the occurrence records from the databases SpeciesLink, GBIF, Portal da Biodiversidade and literature. We classified the species in the categories of threat according to the Brazilian list of threatened species and the global list of threatened species. We compiled 2,659 occurrences of amphibians, 1,335 from the SpeciesLink platform, 414 from GBIF, 371 from the Biodiversity Portal and 539 obtained from the literature. We recorded 100 endemic species, 82 from the Cerrado and 18 from the Caatinga. The Cerrado has three species Vulnerable (VU) (Boana buriti, Bokermannohyla napolii and Scinax pinimus), one Critically Endangered (CR) (Proceratophrys moratoi), 14 species Data Deficient (DD), 46 in the Least Concern (LC) category and 18 Not Evaluated (NE). The Caatinga has three species CR (Adelophryne maranguapensis, Proceratophrys ararype, Rhinella casconi), three DD, five LC and seven NE. Threatened, DD and NE species have few records within the protected areas of Cerrado and Caatinga. We consider that the Cerrado and Caatinga present a rich diversity of endemic amphibians, which have a geographic range relatively reduced, especially the threatened ones, DD and NE. Distribution and taxonomy data are essential, because the lack can hinder the assessment of conservation status, since threatened species, DD, NE, including LC, may be undervalued and at risk. Keywords: amphibia, distribution, endemism, species list, species protection

The biodiversity and conservation assessment of Bamui beel in Bangladesh: Current status and threats

A year-long research was conducted with a novel purpose for categorizing and documenting the existing fish diversity and abundance of Bamui beel in Jamalpur district located in Northeast part of Bangladesh, within a time frame from July 2022 to June 2023. A total of 46 fish species were identified that belonged to 18 taxonomical families and 8 orders. The most abundant family was Cyprinidae (25%). Among 46 species, 37% were commonly available (CA) and 11% were abundantly available (AA) in terms of biodiversity status. According to the global conservational status, around 74% were reported as least concerned (LC) whereas 4% were nearly threatened (NT). On the other hand, in consonance with the conservational status of Bangladesh 52% were least concerned (LC) and 11% were endangered (EN). Pielou’s evenness score in Bamui beel was the highest (0.247) in pre-monsoon and the lowest (0.213) in monsoon. Shannon-Weaver diversity index was ranged from 1.992 to 2.114, whereas Simpson’s dominance index value was a maximum of 0.883 in pre-monsoon and a minimum of 0.852 in monsoon. The yearly fish production of the beel was 7.023 metric tons during experimental year. Besides this, small indigenous species (SIS) of fish dominated with 63.34% of the beel's species makeup. Nevertheless, the abundance and diversity of fish species are diminishing daily in this beel. For preserving the fish diversity of Bamui beel calls for the implementation of effective fishery management practices, vigilant monitoring to prevent overfishing, and a strong emphasis on raising awareness among fishermen.

A botanical expedition in Eastern Alborz (Iran): rare plant species and assessing their conservation status

This study is a part of an ongoing floristic study in Eastern Alborz mountain range (Iran). The flora and vegetation of this area are less known compared to those of Central Alborz. The study area indicates the regionally significant connection between the Kopet Dagh-Khorassan and Central Alborz. A total of 41 rare-threatened taxa belonging to 26 genera and 15 families are presented. According to the IUCN criteria, our checklist identifies 3 taxa classified as Critically Endangered (CR), 19 taxa as Endangered (EN), 4 taxa as Vulnerable (VU), 4 taxa as Near Threatened (NT), 3 taxa as Least Concern (LC), and 8 taxa as Data Deficient (DD). Among them, 28 are hemicryptophytes, followed by chamaephytes (7 species), geophytes (4 species), and therophytes (2 species). During 10 years of field investigations on the semi-arid areas of Eastern Alborz, some rare-threatened endemic species have been rediscovered in the region. Geographic distribution maps of all rare species together with the accompanying species and their conservation status were drawn up. It is noteworthy that some rare species are known only from their locus classicus and no new specimens have been collected during the last 30 to 80 years. A total of 10 taxa were reported for the first time from Eastern Alborz, primarily exhibiting a disjunct distribution pattern occurring in the high elevations of Zagros, Alborz and/or other mountain ranges in SW Asia.

Begonia abhak (section Petermannia, Begoniaceae) a new species from Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

A new Begonia species, Begonia abhak, from section Petermannia is described and illustrated. Growing on shady, moist, rocky slopes alongside a small creek of Bujon, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. The new species resembles Begonia panayensis in having glabrous stems, membranous, shiny leaves, oblong to oblanceolate lamina, acuminate apex and green ovary with pink wings but is distinct in having short stems, broadly ovate stipules, acute leaf base, serrated margins, and the slashed or jagged to almost entire margins of the capsule wings. Based on IUCN criteria, B. abhak is hereby proposed as Least Concern (LC).

Taxonomic updates of <i>Cheilanthes</i> Sw. (Pteridaceae) in Peru, with a conservation assessment for four endemics

In its most recent concept, the genus Cheilanthes encompasses three clades distributed across South America, Africa, and Australasia. Previous studies in Peru recorded 23 species; however, advancements in molecular systematic have led to the segregation of eight of them into at least three genera. In this study, 15 species are recognized in the Peruvian flora based on the examination of 459 herbarium and field specimens, and the evaluation of morphological characters using 131 specimens. The affinities among the lineages proposed in this study are consistent with recent phylogenetic hypotheses, wherein Cheilanthes species in Peru are members of two clades, the South American and the Australasian-South American, with taxonomically important characters being the shape of rhizomatous scales and types of frond indumentum (scales, microscales, scuamules, and hairs). We found that the genus Cheilanthes is present in 20 departments of Peru, with most species having wide distribution in the central-southern Andean regions, four species having endemic status. Meanwhile, C. cantangensis, C. lonchophylla, and C. obducta are poorly represented in the northern region. The first two species are considered endemic and categorized as Endangered (EN), while the other two are classified as Least Concern (LC). Additionally, a taxonomic key is provided.

Ophiorrhizareflexa (Rubiaceae), a new species from a karst region in Guangxi, China.

Ophiorrhizareflexa, a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated in this study. It is morphologically similar to O.alatiflora due to the branched inflorescence, distylous flowers and the tubular-funnelform corolla with five longitudinal wings. The new species can be distinguished from O.alatiflora by its erect inflorescence, its smaller and equal-sized calyx lobes 0.5-0.7 mm long, its corolla tubes winged to the middle and the wings straight and its strongly reflexed corolla lobes at anthesis. Ophiorrhizareflexa is assessed as least concern (LC) according to IUCN Categories and Criteria.

Tree Diversity and Its Ecological Importance Value in Silvopastoral Systems: A Study along Elevational Gradients in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, Ecuadorian Amazon

This study analyzes tree diversity and its ecological importance value in silvopastoral systems in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve (SBR), Ecuador, along an altitudinal gradient of 400–2000 masl. Twenty-six plots distributed into low (400–700 masl), medium (701–1600 masl) and high (1601–2000 masl) zones were used. The Shannon index and the importance value index (IVI), based on abundance, dominance and relative frequency, were estimated. The results highlight that in pastures with dispersed trees, the richness of trees decreases with increasing altitude in the elevational gradient; they also show a higher tree density at lower altitudes in contrast to the Andean–Amazonian primary forests. The lower and middle zones showed higher diversity, linked to regeneration and the presence of nearby forests. Species of high commercial value, such as Cedrela odorata and Jacaranda copaia, were common, reflecting knowledge of the local timber market. In the lower and middle zones, the 10 most important species accounted for more than 70% of the trees, with up to 96% in the upper zone. A total of 51 taxa (including 42 species and nine taxa at the rank of genus) were identified, which were mostly native; 64.7% are classified by the IUCN as least-concern (LC) species, 31.4% as not evaluated (NE) species and 3.9% as vulnerable (VU) species, specifically highlighting Cedrela odorata and Cedrela montana. The study concludes with policy recommendations related to the importance of trees in silvopastoral systems for the conservation of species and the livelihoods of local communities, highlighting the need for responsible management of Amazonian pasturelands.

Petalidium etendekaense (Acanthaceae), a new species from Namibia, with notes on the taxonomic identity of P. glutinosum

Petalidium etendekaense, previously mistaken for P. glutinosum and P. variabile, is now described as a new species. The name P. pilosibracteolatum is considered synonymous with the older P. glutinosum, the latter of which is also lectotypified. The newly described species is currently only known from the vicinity of Bergsig and slightly further west towards the Skeleton Coast National Park in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia. It typically grows on hillsides and along ephemeral riverbeds, primarily in soils derived from Etendeka Group basalt. Diagnostic characters for P. etendekaense include its tomentose-strigulose indumentum, the inflorescence main axis and secondary branches that invariably become spiny with age, and a corolla with an ovate front lobe that is longer than it is wide. Additionally, all lobes of the corolla exhibit similar colours, ranging from dark burgundy to carmine to pink towards the apices. A comparison of some morphological features is provided to differentiate Petalidium etendekaense from P. glutinosum and P. variabile. Based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, we conducted a conservation assessment, resulting in the new species being classified as of Least Concern (LC).