Limestone Forest Research Articles

Non-linear Tree Height (h-d) Model Development and Forest Resource Productivity Assessment of Diguyo Limestone Forest within Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park

Forest resource monitoring of different forest types is of great importance in sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation. Monitoring the productivity of forest resources could be achieved by modeling the basic tree parameters necessary for forest growth and yield. This study was conducted to develop a height-diameter at breast height (h-d) model necessary for tree height (h) estimation since h measurement is difficult in the field, especially in dense forests, and to estimate the forest productivity of the Diguyo limestone forest within the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP). The diameter at breast height (d) and h of 124 trees were measured in seven 400-m2 plots as the basis for the model development. The h-d model was developed using different non-linear models such as the Chapman-Richards (CR), exponential (EX), Korf/Lundqvist (KL), modified logistic (ML), Schnute (SC), and Weibull (WE) models. The models were evaluated using the adjusted coefficient of determination (R2 adjusted), Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), percentage root mean squared error (PRMSE), and root mean squared percentage error (RMSPE). The performance of the species-specific allometric models and the generic models were compared for the biomass productivity of the limestone forest. Results showed that the CR h-d model performed best with MAE, RMSE, PRMSE, RMSPE, R2 adjusted, AIC, and BIC values of 1.47 m, 1.74 m, 19.31%, 28.71%, 0.79, 32.46, and 36.00, respectively. The highest average predicted tree biomass and carbon stock of the Diguyo limestone forest was 112.52 ± 97.65 t/ha and 50.64 ± 43.94 tC/ha, respectively, which is lower than other karst forests in Asia. The low forest resource productivity is due to the physical condition of the forest aggravated by natural and anthropogenic disturbances, thereby needing immediate attention to achieve forest sustainability.

Evaluation on floral visitors of Zingiber spectabile (Zingiberaceae) at Gua Ikan, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

Insects are the well-known pollinators of angiosperm plants. However, the discovery of specific insect pollinators of a specific plant is still lacking in many angiosperms. Family Zingiberaceae which is also known as a ginger family, is one of the least explored angiosperms in the aspect of plant-pollinator interaction. Hence, this study was conducted to understand the interaction between Zingiber spectabile and pollinators. The aims of the study are i) to determine the floral blooming period of Z. spectabile; ii) to identify floral visitor of Z. spectabile; iii) to identify the insect pollinators of Z. spectabile. The study was conducted in the limestone forest of Gua Ikan (Dabong, Kelantan) in September 2020. Direct observation method was used to achieve the above-mentioned objectives. Observation was performed from 0700 hours to 2000 hours. A floral visitor was counted as pollinator when the insect touches the sexual organs of the flower. This study reveals that flower of Z. spectabile have a lifespan of less than a day. Flower opening (anthesis) starts at 1000 hours while flower closure time starts at 2000 hours. An inflorescence of Z. spectabile produce one to three flowers per day. Insect order Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera are the common floral visitors of the Z. spectabile. However, among the floral visitors, order Diptera, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera were found to play the role of pollinator for Z. spectabile. This study reveals the fundamental information about pollinators of Z. spectabile. Further detailed study is recommended to reveal the effects of floral scent in attracting the pollinators as further evaluation of Zingiberaceae-pollinator interaction.

Diversity of Terrestrial Molluscs in Ngoc Son-Ngo Luong Nature Reserve, Hoa Binh Province (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

Ngoc Son-Ngo Luong Nature Reserve composes of a large variety of natural habitats, such as limestone forest, limestone karsts, caves and isolated limestone hills. Therefore, this area is expected to have a high species diversity, especially for the terrestrial molluscs. A total of 56 species was recorded, of which 12 were recorded in Hoa Binh Province for the first time. The data on terrestrial molluscs in this study could be considered as a scientific basis to carry on systematic research.

Interannual variation in food choice of white-headed langur inhabiting limestone forests in Fusui, southwest Guangxi, China.

Food habits are important factors in the adaptation of wild nonhuman primates. White‐headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) are endemic to heavily fragmented limestone forests and adapt to unique living environments via flexible food selection strategies. In this study, we compared the dietary data for white‐headed langurs living in Chongzuo White‐headed Langur National Nature Reserve in 2013 and 2016 to evaluate interannual variations in diet. Our results indicated that young leaves were the main food source for langurs, accounting for 52.4% (SD 25.4%) and 65.2% (SD 22.4%) of their diet in 2013 and 2016, respectively. The pattern of plant part consumption was similar between the two years. The consumption of young leaves varied with the availability of young leaves, whereas the consumption of mature leaves was negatively correlated with young leaf availability. The consumption of plant species and diet diversity were higher in 2013 than in 2016. In both 2013 and 2016, although diet diversity varied with the consumption of mature leaves, it was negatively correlated with the consumption and availability of young leaves. Dietary interannual variation is likely to either be linked to phenological variations or indicate that white‐headed langurs have a flexible ecological adaptation coping with habitat fragmentation.

Botanical inventory and rarity of the fern Genus Pteris in the karst forests of Bantimurung - Bulusaraung National Park, Sulawesi – Indonesia

The ferns flora of Sulawesi is poorly documented. Pteris L. is a large fern genus inhabiting various habitats, mostly forests, which are distributed in tropical and subtropical countries. Floristic study on fern genus Pteris in the karst forests of Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park (BabulNP) was carried out to add our knowledge of the ferns flora of Sulawesi. This study aimed to inventory Pteris growing in the karst forest of BabelNP and determine the rarity of each species. Nine species were recorded, namely, Pteris biaurita L., P. ensiformis Burm.f., P. longipes D. Don, P. pellucida C. Presl, P. radicans Christ., P. quadriaurita Retz., P. spinescens C. Presl., P. tripartita Swartz, and P. vittata L.. P. pellucida and P. spinescens may be new records for Sulawesi. Summary of the most important characters for distinguishing species of Pteris in the park is provided. Five species, namely Pteris longipes, P. pellucida, P. quadriaurita, P. radicans, and P. spinescens are considered as rare species. This study contributes to the knowledge of Malesian biodiversity, especially for fern flora of Sulawesi growing on karst forest. This survey provides baseline data for one of the most dominant elements of the understory cover in the limestone forests of BabulNP.

Rediscovery of Andrea's keelback, Hebius andreae (Ziegler & Le, 2006): First country record for Laos and phylogenetic placement

For more than a decade, the keelback snake Hebius andreae was only known from the holotype from the limestone forest in the central Truong Son (the Annamite Mountain Range) of Quang Binh Province in Vietnam. As the adult male was formaldehyde-fixed, the description was based on morphological characters only. During recent herpetological surveys in the karst forest of central Laos, opposite to the type locality of H. andreae on the other side of the Annamite Range, the Andrea's keelback is rediscovered. Based on a juvenile male from Bualapha District, Khammouane Province, within Hin Nam No National Protected Area, we herein report the first country record of this species from Laos, provide an expanded morphological definition, and for the first time recover the phylogenetic relationship of H. andreae, based on the sequences of four genes, including one mitochondrial, cytochrome b, and three nuclear markers, Cmos, NT3, and Rag1. The phylogenetic placement of H. andreae reveals it to be a member of Hebius, in fact the most basal representative of the genus. The rediscovery of the beautiful but still poorly known and obviously rare species underlines the conservation importance of the Annamite Mountain Range as habitat and refugium for the regional unique biodiversity, which only occurs in this karst massif.

Locally abundant, endangered Mariana swiftlets impact the abundance, behavior, and body condition of an invasive predator.

Invasive predators are known to have negative consumptive and non-consumptive effects on native species, but few examples show how the abundance of native prey may influence an established invasive predator. We compared invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis; BTS) found in caves occupied by endangered Mariana swiftlets (Aerodramus bartschi) to snakes found in nearby forests and caves without birds to quantify how the abundance of native avian prey impacts BTS abundance and behavior on Guam. From 2011 to 2017 we removed 151 BTS in caves occupied by swiftlets and never observed BTS in caves without birds. Notable locations included snakes foraging near swiftlets and in holes that allowed cave access and escape from capture. Of 43 BTS with gut contents, 27 (63%) contained swiftlets. BTS in swiftlet-occupied caves had greater fat mass compared to forests, indicating access to swiftlets may increase body condition and promote reproduction. Number of ovarian follicles was significantly greater in female snakes from swiftlet-occupied caves compared to those from ravine, but not limestone forests; evidence of male BTS being more capable of reproduction was limited (i.e., fewer non-discernible but not significantly larger testes in snakes from caves). Assuming other limiting factors are considered, altering the functional response of predators through the modification of caves or interdiction lures to exclude or hinder the largest BTS could bolster swiftlet populations by increasing nesting refugia in currently-occupied caves and facilitate recolonization of historical caves.

Conserving ecological functions of frog communities in Borneo requires diverse forest landscapes

Recent studies suggest that differences in species composition across habitat types lead to increased multifunctionality on the regional scale. However, data about species turnover—and especially complementarity in the functional composition—across neighbouring habitat types from natural communities are rare. We studied frog communities in lowland rainforest in Malaysian Borneo and compared the species composition and functional-trait composition of different habitat types (alluvial forest, limestone forest, kerangas). Forest types differed strongly in their species composition and, to a lesser extent, in their functional-trait composition. We also compared functional-trait combinations of frogs directly across the forest types and identified six clusters of functionally similar species: three were found in all forest types, the others were absent from at least one forest type. The complementarity in species and functional-trait composition between the forest resulted in high regional gamma diversity, and most of this regional functional diversity was unique to individual forest types. Moreover, the strict separation in species composition suggests that even functionally similar frog species from different forest types cannot easily replace each other in case of local extinctions. The maintenance of ecological functions fulfilled by frogs on the landscape scale therefore requires the conservation of all forest-specific frog communities.

Restoration of Degraded Natural Limestone Forests in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserves, Vietnam

Vietnam experienced significant forest cover change during the last half of the twentieth century, and restoration of natural forests have increased since the 1990s. This study developed comparisons of human-intervened and naturally restored forests in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam in order to gain a better understanding of restoration options for the dual objectives of biodiversity conservation and forest cover. The overstory trees (species composition, growth, and diameter distribution) and natural regeneration (species richness, density, and height distribution) were measured and compared in twelve plots established in natural (NPS) and artificial restoration (RPS) models for post-selective-logged forest, and natural (NPC) and artificial restoration (RPC) models for post-clear-cut forest. Results indicated that the overstory trees and natural regeneration of RPS and RPC was higher than that of NPS and NPC. We concluded that the forest restoration models had shown successes, although extensive silvicultural techniques should be applied for a more stabilized development, especially in the RPC.

Species Composition and Ecological Distribution of the Subfamily Cicindelinae Latreille, 1801 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Based on Voucher Specimens in Sarawak

The subfamily Cicindelinae which belongs to the family Carabidae are commonly known as tiger beetles. Despite the recent studies conducted on this taxon, current ecological knowledge on tiger beetles is limited. Thus, this study aimed to provide a current checklist of tiger beetles as well as their species distribution, abundances and habitat preferences in Sarawak based on voucher specimens from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Insect Reference Collection (UIRC). A total of 76 specimens of tiger beetles were examined in which comprising of seven genera from eight species. The genus Neocollyris was represented with two species, namely Neocollyris (s. str.) ermaginata and Neocollyris (Stenocollyris) sarawakensis macrodera, while the other genera were represented by only one species, respectively. The most abundant species with 64 individuals (84.21%) were represented by Cosmodela aurulenta, followed by Abroscelis tenuipes araneipes and Therates labiatus with three individuals (3.95%) and N. ermaginata with two individuals (2.63%). In this study, there were eight ecological habitats being identified, namely heath forest, limestone forest, littoral forest, mixed dipterocarp forest, oil palm plantation, peat swamp forest, riverine forest and urban area. The data indicates that C. aurulenta being recorded at seven ecological habitats suggesting this species to have a wide distribution capability while species such as A. tenuipes araneipes, Callytron doriai, Cicindela sp., Myriochila (s. str.) specularis brevipennis, N. ermaginata and N. s. macrodera suggesting these species to have a very narrow habitat specialisation. The results of this preliminary study provide evidence on the need to conduct further studies on the ecological aspects of tiger beetles in Sarawak.
 
 Keywords: Cicindelinae, ecological distribution, Sarawak, tiger beetles, voucher specimens

Structural Characteristics of Natural Limestone Forests in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserves, Vietnam

An ecological understanding of natural forests after anthropogenic intervention is important for sustainable forest management. This study analyzed the overstory characteristics (species composition, growth, and diameter distribution) and regeneration (species richness, density, and height distribution) in natural limestone forests in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam. Data were collected in nine study plots established in selective-logged (SLF), clear-cut (CCF), and unlogged (UF) forests. Results indicated that the overstory characteristics of SLF and CCF were lower than that of UF (species richness was 33 in UF, 20 in SLF, and 16 in CCF; DBH was 20.6 ±13.7 cm in UF, 16.9 ±9.7 cm in SLF, and 10.5 ±3.8 cm in CCF; Basal area was 38.2 m2 ha-1 in UF, 24.0 m2 ha-1 in SLF, and 11.4 m2 ha-1 in CCF). For regeneration, species richness also varied from UF (25) to SLF (13) and CCF (5), while seedling density reversely increased. We concluded that a 20-year restoration was insufficient for artificially disturbed forests to recover their ecological functions, regardless of logging intensities and techniques applied.

Foraging Behaviour of Three Sympatric Babblers (Family: Timaliidae)

We investigated the foraging ecology of three species of babblers in Kampung Gumbang, Kampung Padang Pan and Dered Krian National Park, Bau. Vegetation in Kampung Gumbang include tall trees, shrubs and patches of kerangas. Dered Kerian National Park consists of mixed dipterocarp forest and limestone forest, which is surrounded by orchards and few villages. In Kampung Padang Pan, the vegetation is a mixed fruit orchard and secondary forest. Foraging data were obtained to compare foraging behaviour in three species. From 133 observations, suspended dead leaves was the most frequently used substrate by the three species. Stachyris maculate showed the most general foraging behavior, and it adopted probing strategy. Cyanoderma erythropterum and Mixnornis gularis obtained food items by gleaning. These three babblers utilize different foraging strategies and substrates, irrespective of their resemblances in other characteristics. C. erythropterum and S. maculate forage mainly among dead and curled, twisted leaves in understory vegetation at significantly different heights. M. gularis forages on dead and living leaves and this species can be found abundantly in disturbed forest and plantation or farm habitats. All the three areas were observed never lacked falling leaves and structural complexity required as foraging substrates by those three babbler species. All three babblers occupy different foraging niches, and therefore interspecific competitions among themselves are minimized.

HERPETOFAUNA PADA HABITAT HUTAN BATU GAMPING DI MANOKWARI, PAPUA BARAT; SPESIES, KERAGAMAN, KEKAYAAN DAN POPULASI

The research was conducted in the Maruni limestone forest habitat. The observation plots were carried out at an altitude of 35 masl to> 212 masl. Observations were made 2 times every day (day and night). The method of calculating diversity is done using the Shannon-Wieners Index and the species population is calculated using the Alikodra formula. 11 species were found that belong to the Varanidae, Boidae, Gekkonidae, Ranidae, and Hylidae families. The diversity of wildlife in the Maruni limestone location follows the altitude of the habitat. Reptiles do not differ according to height. The most common types are in the class of lizards, monitor lizards, and frogs. The types of herpetofauna that can be found are carnivores and are not protected. This type of monitor lizard can be found in abundance in low areas to an altitude of> 200 meters above sea level. Meanwhile, monitor lizards can be found in wet forests and near water sources. Similar to lizards, frogs inhabit wet or watery areas. The diversity of wildlife species in limestone habitats in each class of Reptiles is 18%. The population of herpetofauna species found varied between 25-1200 individuals.

<p><strong>Validation of the name <em>Mitreola crystallina</em> (Loganiaceae), a new species endemic to southwestern China</strong></p>

Mitreola crystallina was proposed in 2006, but not valid. Here, we validate the name by giving a complete description, diagnosis, and illustration as a new species of Loganiaceae. Morphologically, it is most similar to M. pedicellata, but can be distinguished by its stems erect (vs. creeping), corolla lobes blue (vs. white), and stamens inserted at or near base of the corolla tube (vs. middle to nearly mouth of corolla tube). It is endemic to the shady cliffs of limestone forests of Malipo County, southwest China. The conservation status was assessed as data deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. And a key to species of Mitreola in China is provided.

Seasonal variation in the gut microbiota of rhesus macaques inhabiting limestone forests of southwest Guangxi, China.

Data on the gut microbiota of animals can provide new insights into dietary ecology of hosts, consequently assisting in understanding their adaptation strategy and evolutionary potential. We studied the gut microbiota composition and function of the wild rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) using 16S rRNA sequencing method. Our results revealed that the gut microbiota of the wild rhesus macaques was dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Spirochaetes. Diversity and richness of gut microbiota were higher during the dry season than the rainy season. Specifically, higher proportions of Firmicutes, Tenericutes, Cyanobacteria, and unclassified bacteria at the phylum level and more Coprococcus at the genus level were detected in the dry season. Predictive functional analysis showed that pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism and drug resistance (antimicrobial and antineoplastic) were richer in the dry season. These seasonal differences in microbiota could be due to their heavier dependence on leaf-based diet in the dry season. Additionally, macaques in limestone forests had a higher percentage of Spirochaetes, probably suggesting that the proportion of fruits in dietary composition also play an important role in the gut microbiota. We concluded that diet was strongly linked to the diversity, composition, and function of the gut microbiota in the wild groups of rhesus macaques living in the limestone forest, highlighting the importance of diet in the gut microbiota of macaques and the need to conduct further study on the adaptation strategy in response of environmental changes in the ground of gut microbiota.

A checklist and conservation status of vascular plants in the Limestone forest of Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines

Abstract. Batuyong MAR, Calaramo MA, Alejandro GJD. 2020. A checklist and conservation status of vascular plants in the Limestone forest of Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines. Biodiversitas 21: 3969-3981. The Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve (MINWFR) is among the remaining intact limestone formations and a critical protected area in Northwestern Luzon. There have been few published floristic studies despite its undeniable rich biological importance. Therefore, this paper primarily aims to provide a preliminary checklist of vascular plants in MINWFR and their conservation status. Consequent field visits and surveys were made from April 2019 to March 2020. Results revealed a total of 173 species distributed in 140 genera belonging to 59 families. The most represented families are Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Orchidaceae, and Malvaceae. This forest supports 49% or 28.65 % local endemics, five of which are narrow endemics, namely Cyanometra warburgii, Pyrostria triflora, Syzygium ilocanum, Thrixspermum nicolasiorum, and Antirhea microphylla. The latter, however, extends up to Ilocos Sur. Based on IUCN criteria and DENR records, a total of 18 species are threatened, one species is recorded as critically endangered, five endangered, nine vulnerable, three other threatened, two near threatened, 55 as least concern, and the rest are not evaluated. Other noteworthy species present in the area are the two dominant endangered species, Podocarpus costalis, and Podocarpus polystachyus. An interesting spinescent Rubiaceae species were recorded and currently under examination to establish its identity. This checklist serves as a basis to effectively manage this vulnerable area surrounded by human-induced disturbances and threats.

Linear enamel hypoplasia in large-bodied mammals of Pleistocene northern Vietnam, with a special focus on Pongo

The Coc Muoi fauna provides a good example of the type of tropical mammalian communities that existed in northern Vietnam during the late Middle Pleistocene. The first results of the analysis of hypoplasia indicated that rhinoceroses and wild cattle were exposed to multiple physiological and psychological stress events specific to age [Bacon et al., 2018. A rhinocerotid-dominated megafauna at the MIS 6-5 transition: The late Middle Pleistocene Coc Muoi assemblage, Lang Son province, Vietnam. Quat. Sci. Rev. 186, 123–141].In this paper, we aim to supplement the study of hypoplasia in the orangutans (Pongo) from Coc Muoi and, more widely, from different Pleistocene faunas. To address this issue, we conducted a macroscopic analysis of linear enamel hypoplasia [LEH] on Pongo from three collections: Coc Muoi (148–117 ka), Duoi U'Oi (70–60 ka), and Tham Khuyen (>475 ka).Such comparative analysis based on isolated teeth is constrained by numerous biases including: the small datasets; the differential representation of tooth types; the difficulty in distinguishing first from second molars; the small number of individuals [MNI]; the differential representation of males versus females. The data analysis has been divided into two parts: (1) an analysis of the frequency and expression of LEH on incisors, premolars, and molars (three sites), and (2) an analysis of the frequency and expression of LEH on a set of canines (Tham Khuyen). We used a reference sample composed of 17 adult and 10 immature Pongo individuals to determine the age range of fossil Pongo individuals, at the time of the defects.Results show that hypoplasia was a common phenomenon in Pleistocene Pongo: two individuals at Coc Muoi; 2 out of 3 individuals at Duoi U’Oi; and 4 out of 6 individuals at Tham Khuyen. They experienced multiple stresses between ~2 and 5 years of age, a period of great vulnerability for immature individuals. The occurrence of accentuated lines of hypoplasia on canine crowns of Tham Khuyen suggests a greater intensity of the stressor, in a time range consistent with the long dietary and behavioral transition of the weaning. In terms of paleoecology, Pleistocene orangutans from the Asian mainland could survive in different environmental conditions than those they occupy today. Various sources (archaeozoology, geological context, and ecology of wild populations), suggest that they might have been larger apes than extant orangutans, living in limestone forests on hills and tower karsts.

Holocene development and human use of mangroves and limestone forest at an ancient hong lagoon in the Tràng An karst, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

How past environments and communities responded to episodes of coastal inundation can inform preparations for future resilience to predicted rises in sea level. Southeast Asia’s extensive coastlines and expanding coastal populations mean vast natural and human capital is at risk from future sea level rise. Regional mangroves provide many ecosystem services that can help mitigate such risks, but deforestation has left them threatened and compromised. The present study examines the Holocene development and human use of mangrove forest in northern Vietnam, where existing palaeo-records derive from sedimentary archives in tidal flat, estuarine and deltaic settings. Here, we expand that coverage by describing conditions at an enclosed doline within the Tràng An limestone karst in Ninh Binh province that would have been sheltered from deltaic and marine processes. We present a multi-proxy assessment incorporating pollen analysis of the 8125-year-old discontinuous sediment core obtained from the doline floor, combined with inferences from erosional tidal notches in the enclosing limestone, and analyses of phytolith, vertebrate and mollusc assemblages from an adjacent archaeological cave site with deposits of comparable age. The results provide a detailed example of how enclosed coastal environments and communities responded to Middle Holocene marine inundation. High percentages of pollen from mangroves (17–57%) suggest their colonisation of the doline from ∼8100 cal. BP and persistence until ∼250 cal. BP, well after the intertidal zone regressed seaward beyond the massif. Archaeological assemblages dating to ∼5500 cal. BP and containing palm and woody eudicot phytoliths and sponge spicules, neurocrania of the fish genus Pomadasys (‘grunts’, ‘grunters’ or ‘javelins’) and brackish-water molluscs Sermyla riqueti and Neripteron violaceum support the persistence of mangrove environments through the Middle Holocene high-stand, a period of hiatus within the core, and indicate human foraging and fishing activities took place in mangrove and lagoonal habitats alongside hunting in the surrounding limestone forest. Subsequent structural opening of this latter forest formation from ∼1075 cal. BP (875 CE), evident in the pollen record, coincides with the Medieval Climate Anomaly and with the adjacent development of the ancient capital at Hoa Lu. We propose that given the long-term persistence of mangrove habitats and associated resources documented in this study, regional initiatives aimed at rehabilitating mangroves (with the positive consequences that this holds for biodiversity and socio-economic conditions) may wish to consider selective restorative measures within Tràng An and similar sheltered sub-coastal karst settings.

Non-detriment findings for international trade in wild orchids from developing countries; A case study for Broughtonia sanguinea in Jamaica

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) requires that trade in species, including orchids, listed on Appendix II be authorised only if the level of export is not detrimental to their survival in natural environments. This paper describes how existing guidelines for a “non-detriment finding” (NDF) were adapted to provide a protocol for Jamaican orchids using the endemic Broughtonia sanguinea as a case study. The NDF format encompasses taxonomic and ecological information, statutory and conservation status, management practices, and trade data. As well as passing legislation to meet CITES requirements and conduct trade in all listed species, the government of Jamaica has approved a policy towards orchid conservation. The strategies in the policy cover conservation of species and their habitats, sustainable use of orchids, promotion of research and training, and public education. Although much is known of the morphology of Broughtonia sanguinea, an epiphytic orchid typically found in dry limestone forests, and insights into its distribution can be gleaned from sources such as herbarium records and incidental floral studies, a systematic survey has been conducted at only one of its known habitats. This highlights a fundamental issue in making NDFs, which is especially problematic in developing countries: lack of resources to adequately monitor populations of endangered and threatened species and particularly those traded on a relatively small scale. The available data on population density along with ongoing threats to its habitat indicate that the precautionary principle should be followed by progressively reducing the export quota for wild-sourced Broughtonia sanguinea. It is further recommended that artificial propagation of orchids be actively encouraged, and the export of all wild-sourced orchid species be phased out.

Nutrient contents predict the bamboo-leaf-based diet of Assamese macaques living in limestone forests of southwest Guangxi, China.

Determining the nutrient factors influencing food choice provides important insight into the feeding strategy of animals, which is crucial for understanding their behavioral response to environmental changes. A bamboo‐leaf‐based diet is rare among mammals. Animals’ food choice and nutritional goals have been explained by several frameworks; however, the influence of nutrients on food choice in bamboo‐leaf‐based macaques is not yet available. Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) inhabiting limestone forests are characterized by such a bamboo‐leaf‐based diet, predominantly consuming young leaves of Bonia saxatilis, a shrubby, karst‐endemic bamboo. We studied the feeding behavior of one group of Assamese macaques using instantaneous scan sampling in limestone forests of the Guangxi Nonggang National Nature Reserve in southwest Guangxi, China. We compared the nutrient content of staple food and nonfood items and examine the role of key nutrients in the food selection of macaques. Our results showed that young leaves of bamboo B. saxatilis contained more water, crude protein, phosphorus, and less tannin than nonfood items. Furthermore, staple foods contained a higher content of water and less content of calcium than nonfood items. More specifically, quantities of water, crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus in food items were critical factors affecting feeding time on a specific plant item. Our results suggest that young bamboo leaves could meet macaques’ required protein and water intake, while enabling them to maintain their mineral balance, consequently facilitating to maintain the primates’ bamboo‐leaf‐diet in the limestone forest. Our findings confirm the effects of nutrient contents in food choice of Assamese macaques, highlighting the importance of the nutrient contents in maintaining their bamboo‐based diet and the need to increase the knowledge on their nutritional strategy adapted to the bamboo‐dominated diet inhabiting the unique limestone habitat.