List Of Species Research Articles

Plant conservation in protected areas in Vietnam: an analysis from the Threatened Species Lists

In order to guide national conservation policies, lists of nationally threatened plant species are a useful tool. To facilitate the national biodiversity commitments, Vietnam published a conservation management guide. We evaluated the application of these guidelines, focusing on the conservation programs within protected areas across the country. We sent a survey to management offices of 32 protected areas to assess the extent to which the threatened plant species lists have been used in official conservation efforts. We found that the IUCN Red List, the Vietnam Red Data Book and the national decrees are the principal guidelines for conservation prioritization. Besides describing characteristics of conservation programs for threatened plant species, we discovered that the species selected for the programs did not always adhere to the guidelines but showed more or less a rule of thumb in selecting species from lists. We highlight that this is not necessarily a bad implementation if taking into account the shortage of finance and maximizing the number of protected species. Thus, to enhance the utility of the lists for the conservation of threatened plant species, we advise users to recognize that the lists are not always updated, and to employ them as a reasonable reference rather than as the sole guideline.

A review on the diversity and distribution of athecate dinoflagellates in South Atlantic and in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean: Research insights and gaps.

This review summarizes the state of knowledge on athecate dinoflagellates occurring within the South Atlantic Ocean and Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. We compiled data from 105 articles and selected 33 addressing any aspect of athecate dinoflagellate studies. Our aim is to discuss the patterns in athecate dinoflagellate distribution by building a thorough species list and an occurrence map based on species recorded in coastal and oceanic waters. We found 69 species totaling 141 occurrences in the entire South Atlantic Ocean basin. Contradicting global trends, most species distributed throughout this region are subtropical. We linked this trend to a higher local effort in dinoflagellate research instead of higher biodiversity, especially when compared to usual hotspots in biodiversity attributed to tropical oceans. The Subantarctic and Antarctic regions had a low number of occurrences, with 12 and 5, respectively. Except for the occurrence of Gyrodinium lachryma in the Antarctic Zone, all records are unique, poorly described and never recorded again for species such as Gymnodinium baccatum and Gymnodinium antarcticum. This demonstrates that the state of knowledge regarding athecate dinoflagellates in the South Atlantic and especially in the Antarctic region is still limited due to a lack of directed investigation.

Amphibian survey of Ko Pha-gnan in Surat Thani Province, Thailand.

Insular amphibian species are often overlooked, rendering them vulnerable to habitat encroachment and other anthropogenic threats. The aim of this study was to compile a comprehensive list of amphibian species on Ko Pha-ngan in Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Data were collected via transect surveys and drift line fence traps in three different habitat types from February 2021 to September 2023. Our efforts detected 12 unique amphibian species in each of the three habitat types. The highest number of detections was observed in the Ko Pha-ngan-Than Sadet National Park protected areas. The common tree frog (Polypedatesleucomystax) and the common Asian toad (Duttaphrynusmelanostictus) were the two most abundantly found species on the island, whereas the Koh Tao caecilian (Ichthyophiskohtaoensis) and the newly described false Doria's fanged frog (Limnonectespseudodoriae) where the least commonly found species. In addition, Microhylaheymonsi and Fejervaryalimnocharis tadpoles were observed developing in high-salinity water bodies. Many species have shown a high tolerance in human-dominated landscapes. This study sheds light on the need for additional monitoring to better understand the dynamics of endemic species in addition to the impact tourism-driven development and habitat destruction has on a species with an insularly finite habitat.

Five alien achatinid land snails (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata) first reported in greenhouses of Italian botanical gardens.

Plant trade and exchange for horticulture, recreation or research play a significant role in the dispersal of molluscs. Alien slugs and snails accidentally introduced into Europe have established rich communities in several countries, but although these introductions could have ecological and economic implications, mollusc xenodiversity in Italian botanical gardens, plant nurseries, and greenhouses has never been investigated. Facilities throughout the country were therefore visited between 2017 and 2023. Here the list of the achatinoidean species so far recorded from Italian greenhouses is provided, giving a short description of their diagnostic characters. The greenhouses of Trento and Padua host interesting assemblages of achatinoideans: the results of this study include the first reports of four achatinids, namely Allopeasclavulinum, Opeashannense, Paropeasachatinaceum and Subulinaoctona from Italy and the first record of Geostilbiaaperta from Europe. Reproductive anatomy of all species except Geostilbiaaperta is illustrated in detail, integrating anatomical knowledge of this group of tiny molluscs, some of which are known mainly from their shell characters. The systematics of all the species is discussed, highlighting topics for future research (e.g., status of Allopeasmauritianum, real identity of Helixhannense, anatomy of Opeashannense, species-level taxonomy of Subulina, systematic relationships and species-level taxonomy of Geostilbia).

Identification of a novel recombinant polerovirus and other emergent viruses and tombusvirus-like associated RNA species associated with carrot motley dwarf disease in the United States.

Carrot motley dwarf (CMD) is a viral disease complex caused by co-infection of the polerovirus carrot red leaf virus with the umbraviruses carrot mottle virus or carrot mottle mimic virus, and/or a tombusvirus like associated RNA (tlaRNA), which depend on co-infection with a helper polerovirus to gain aphid transmissibility. In 2020 and 2021 carrot samples from Washington, United States (U.S.), and parsley and cilantro samples from California, U.S., exhibiting typical symptoms of CMD were submitted for diagnosis. Initial RT-PCR diagnostic assays identified the typical CMD viruses in the carrot samples, however only the umbraviruses and tlaRNAs were detected in the parsley and cilantro samples; as such, these samples were retested with another RT-PCR assay for generic polerovirus detection. Unexpectedly, the poleroviruses Torilis crimson leaf virus (TorCLV) and fennel motley virus were identified. Subsequent RNA sequencing analysis was conducted to confirm these results and look for other emergent viruses. In addition to confirming the diagnostic results, the recently described polerovirus Foeniculum vulgare polerovirus, the umbraviruses Pastinaca umbravirus 1 and wild carrot mottle virus, and the tlaRNA Arracacha latent virus E associated RNA were identified, making this the first report of these viruses and tlaRNA in the U.S. Using phylogenetic and pairwise identity comparisons and RDP4 recombination analyses, we also identified a putative novel polerovirus, for which we propose the name parsley polerovirus, that appears to be a recombinant between carrot polerovirus 1, sharing 92% amino acid (aa) identity with the RNA dependent RNA polymerase in the 5' gene block, and TorCLV, sharing >98% aa identity with the capsid protein in the 3 gene block. This work adds to the growing list of polerovirus species exhibiting recombination between the 5' and 3' gene blocks, and highlights the unique, variable, and dynamic associations that can occur in polerovirus, umbravirus, and tlaRNA disease complexes.

A harness trial for radio-tracking threatened birds inhabiting dense vegetation

The 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires resulted in the conservation status listing and uplisting of many species because of the significant loss of species’ habitat, while also highlighting the lack of basic empirical data available for many of our threatened taxa. The Kangaroo Island Western Whipbird Psophodes nigrogularis lashmari and Western Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata halmaturina were two such taxa uplisted to Endangered. Both species are extremely cryptic, making monitoring their post-fire recovery particularly difficult. We trialled a small rubber-band backpack harness designed specifically to attach radio-transmitters to ground-foraging species inhabiting dense vegetation to assess its usefulness in future studies. The harness design was very quick and easy to attach in the field, with retention times of c. 14–22 days achieved. The rubber band’s natural ‘weak link’ makes it a useful and simple harness technique in studies where entanglement is a potential issue and short-term deployment is desirable.

Fishes of the upper rio Paraná basin: diversity, biogeography and conservation

Abstract The upper rio Paraná basin drains the most developed and environmentally degraded region in South America: the Brazilian southeast. While it is one of the most well-known Neotropical fish assemblages, it is also one of the most threatened by anthropic activity. Urbanization, deforestation, dam construction, invasive species, and water pollution not only reduce the living area of species but also alter our perception of the basin and its biotic elements. Such changes are so profound and pervasive that raise uncertainties about the native or non-native status of several species. This paper aims to offer a detailed picture of the native diversity and historical biogeography of the fishes in the upper rio Paraná basin, which we hope will offer a solid foundation for future conservation policies. We update the list of native species, analyze geographical distributions, and identify biogeographical patterns, emphasizing areas requiring recognition as distinct biotas for conservation efforts. Over the past 15 years, more than 100 additional species have been described or recorded, expanding the total to 341 native species belonging to six orders and 30 families, making it the richest river basin in Brazil outside the Amazonian region. Unlike most neotropical basins where Characidae dominates, loricariids make up nearly one-fourth of the total fish diversity in the region. Species and clades concentrate in the central basin, while endemics are confined to peripheral areas due to the complex biogeographical history shared with neighboring basins. Eighteen distinct biogeographical regions are identified, discussing their composition, histories, and conservation implications. The upper rio Paraná basin has 10% of its fish fauna ranked as endangered and present 128 non-native species, including three hybrids. This places it as the major drainage with the largest number of endangered taxa in the neotropics and at the same time the one with the most numerous non-native elements. Existing protected areas are deemed ineffective in preserving diverse assemblages and fail to safeguard the majority of threatened and narrowly-endemic species.

THE ALIEN FLORA OF THE NATIONAL NATURE PARK «VYZHNYTSKYI»

List of the alien vascular plant species of the National Nature Park «Vyzhnytskyi» are specified. For the beginning of 2024, it counts 125 species, 101 genera and 38 families. Over last 18 years, this list enriched by 49 alien species. The analysis by taxonomy, life forms, temporal elements, and origin are carried out. Habitat preferences and peculiarities of naturalization are established. Within all alien species, kenophytes of North American origin prevail; within archaeophytes Mediterranean species prevail. According to the degree of naturalization, 90.0% of archaeophytes and 84.1% of kenophytes belong to the group of epoecophytes, confined to anthropogenic habitats. So, natural biotopes of the NPP are resistant to the process of adventitization, alien plants spread mostly in synanthropic habitats, which area is insignificant (2,65 ha). According to the «National Habitat Catalogue of Ukraine» (2018), 103 alien species are occurred in 18 habitats oh the 4th level, 4 habitats are synanthropic. In study area, alien plant species are listed for 7 habitat types from Natura 2000 and 7 habitats from Resolution 4 of the Bern Convention. The most invasiables is a habitat 6510 Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) with 16 alien species, but these species (except of Lupinus polyphyllus and Narcissus poëticus), occur as a single individuals and do not cause changes in a community structure. For the habitat 6430 Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels, 5 alien vascular species are listed, for the habitat 3230 Alpine rivers and their ligneous vegetation with Myricaria germanica – 4 species, for the habitat 3270 Rivers with muddy banks with Chenopodion rubri p.p. and Bidention p.p. vegetation– 2, in forest habitats 91E0, 9110 and 9130 – 1 species each in the herbal layer. Among 125 alien species, 26 belong to the group of high-active invasive plants in Ukraine, 2 of them impact plant cover on stude area significantly: Quercus rubra and Lupinus polyphyllus. Key words: alien plants, National Nature Park «Vyzhnytskyi», Chernivtsi region.

Cladocera (Crustacea; Branchiopoda) from the Brazilian Cerrado – the richness and species composition for Goiás state

Goiás state, situated in the Cerrado biome harbors several water bodies belonging to the Paraná, São Francisco, and Tocantins-Araguaia hydrographic regions. However, there are several gaps in the knowledge about the diversity and geographic distribution of aquatic invertebrates in the state, including microcrustaceans of the Superorder Cladocera. Thus, this study aims to elaborate an updated list of cladoceran species occurring in Goiás, using data from 37 literature sources and original samples from different ecosystems and localities. The history and type of publications were evaluated. The number of studies between 1988 and 2022 and the type of publications and species richness were listed. The literature data indicated that most studies reporting or describing species for Goiás were found in papers published in indexed journals (75%). Tocantins-Araguaia was the hydrographic region with the highest number of studies (20). The number of observed species was strongly related to the number of studies (r2 = 0.59; p < 0.0001). When observing literature data and findings from sampling, 92 species were recorded with five news reports: Scapholeberis freyi, Grimaldina freyi, Parvalona parva, Chydorus brevilabris, and Picripleuroxus quasidenticulatus. The number and composition of species in Goiás state should be considered relevant. However, the observed richness is lower than expected (114 spp), suggesting the need for increased sampling effort. The focus of this sampling should preferably occur in areas lacking information.

Phylogeny and species diversity of the genus Helvella with emphasis on eighteen new species from China-SUPP

Supplementary files:<br />Fig. S1. Phylogeny of Chinese Helvella species of Acetabulum clade inferred from the Dataset II (ITS) using the maximum likelihood (ML) analysis. Numbers representing likelihood bootstrap support values (MLBS ≥ 70 %, left) and significant Bayesian posterior probability (BPP ≥ 0.95, right) are indicated above the nodes. New species are printed in bold.<br />Fig. S2. Phylogeny of Chinese Helvella species of Crispa clade inferred from the Dataset III (ITS) using the maximum likelihood (ML) analysis. Numbers representing likelihood bootstrap support values (MLBS ≥ 70 %, left) and significant Bayesian posterior probability (BPP ≥ 0.95, right) are indicated above the nodes. New species are printed in bold.<br />Fig. S3. Phylogeny of Chinese Helvella species of Elastica clade inferred from the Dataset IV (ITS) using the maximum likelihood (ML) analysis. Numbers representing likelihood bootstrap support values (MLBS ≥ 70 %, left) and significant Bayesian posterior probability (BPP ≥ 0.95, right) are indicated above the nodes. New species are printed in bold.<br />Fig. S4. Phylogeny of Chinese Helvella species of Lacunosa clade inferred from the Dataset V (ITS) using the maximum likelihood (ML) analysis. Numbers representing likelihood bootstrap support values (MLBS ≥ 70 %, left) and significant Bayesian posterior probability (BPP ≥ 0.95, right) are indicated above the nodes. New species are printed in bold.Table S1. Specimens used in the five combined loci (ITS/nrLSU/tef1-α/rpb2/hsp) phylogenetic analysis and their GenBank accession numbers. Newly generated sequences are in bold.<br />Table S2. Specimens used in the two combined loci (ITS/nrLSU) phylogenetic analysis and their GenBank accession numbers. Newly generated sequences are in bold.<br />Table S3. Specimens used in Acetabulum clade ITS phylogenetic analysis and their GenBank accession numbers. Newly generated sequences are in bold.<br />Table S4. Specimens used in Crispa clade ITS phylogenetic analysis and their GenBank accession numbers. Newly generated sequences are in bold.<br />Table S5. Specimens used in Elastica clade ITS phylogenetic analysis and their GenBank accession numbers. Newly generated sequences are in bold.<br />Table S6. Specimens used in Lacunosa clade ITS phylogenetic analysis and their GenBank accession numbers. Newly generated sequences are in bold.<br />Table S7. The list of Helvella species confirmed in China.

AN OVERVIEW OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANT SPECIES COMMONLY USED AS TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN BANGLADESH

Medicinal herbs have been utilized since the Vedic period. Approximately 75% of people in rural areas of Bangladesh utilize traditional medicines in some capacity. Bangladesh is the home to over 10,000 different varieties of medicinal plants. The use of herbal and ayurvedic medicines predates humankind. There is substantial evidence of the historical relationship between man and his hunt for pharmaceuticals in nature, including written records, surviving monuments, and even the first plant medicines. The use of plants as a source of research in the search for active compounds for medicine has been proven to have a significant scientific output. An analysis of the scientific literature indexed in various databases concerning medicinal plants clearly shows that in the last 20 years, progress has been rapid, with a peak in the last century. Although there is a vast list of beneficial plant species for humans, this review article attempted to concentrate on describing the traditional medical applications of a few chosen plant species in Bangladesh.

Adventive component of Kuzbass flora

The article presents data about of the adventive component of the flora of the Kemerovo region, which differs from other subjects of the Asian part of Russia with the highest population density and is a region of intensive development. It is noted that the beginning of the introduction of alien species into the territory of the region through human activity can be considered by the XVII century. A group of archaeophytes is indicated for this period. For the territory of the Kemerovo region, the boundary between archaeophytes and neophytes can serve as the XVIII century. The most significant anthropogenic influence on the vegetation cover of Kuzbass began in the 20th century. It was established that the alien component of the flora of vascular plants is 338 species of 224 genera, 80 families. The largest foreign species and genera of the family are noted: Asteraceae, Poaceae Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, Lamiaceae, Boraginaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Chenopodiaceae. For each floristic area, the number of alien species is indicated, as well as the “original” alien species, noted so far only in this area. It is proposed to supplement the list of invasive species of Kuzbass with 15 species. It has been established that among the alien species of Kuzbass xenophytes, therophytes, one-two-year-old summer-green grassy rod-rooted monocarpics predominate. Geographical analysis of the adventitious flora showed that the enrichment of the Kuzbass flora with alien species was multidirectional.

Редкие и исчезающие виды растений: популяционный аспект в изучении и охране

The article provides an overview of areas of population research on rare and endangered plant species. It is noted that recommendations for implementing the strategy for protecting biodiversity can only be implemented through a comprehensive study of rare and endangered species. To select objects of protection and compile a list of Red Book species (regional strategy), study biology, ecology, assess the state of populations and select methods for their protection (species strategy), many approaches are used, among which the most common are: ecological-phytocenotic, population-ontogenetic and demographic , vital, phenetic, complex. These approaches involve conducting a geobotanical description of phytocenoses with rare species, determining demographic indicators (density, abundance, ratio of age groups) and determining the size of populations, as well as intravital measurement of the morphometric characteristics of vegetative and reproductive above-ground organs. Based on syntaxonomic analysis of geobotanical descriptions, the phytocenotic areas of the species are determined. Based on geobotanical descriptions using environmental scales, connections between species and environmental factors and anthropogenic regime are established, as well as ecological tolerance and valence of species. The result of the implementation of the ecological-phytocenotic approach when studying rare species is the identification of limiting factors of a natural and anthropogenic nature. To analyze the state of populations based on demographic indicators, population indices are widely used: recovery index, aging index, population optimum index, cenopopulation consistency in the “delta-omega” system, which distinguishes 6 demographic types. The state of populations is also assessed by the ratio of plant life groups. To select effective measures to protect species and populations, it is proposed to use the strategic potential of plants, assessed by natural changes in the integrity of the morphological structure of plants along an environmental gradient towards increasing stress. The article provides examples of the implementation of the listed approaches and methods into the practice of protecting rare species on the territory of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Bashkortostan.

Updated distribution and morphological variation of the genus Pseudanos in the Río de la Plata basin (Characiformes: Anostomidae).

Pseudanos is a fish genus with cis-Andean distribution in South America. Pseudanos trimaculatus is originally known from the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Three decades ago, a few specimens collected in the Río de la Plata basin were identified as P. trimaculatus, what remained to be confirmed and understood. The aim of this contribution is to analyze these specimens. Consequently, the morphological variation of P. trimaculatus is discussed and updated. Morphometric and meristic data were taken from the specimens and compared with those of the type and non-type specimens of the species. Multivariate analyses of the size-corrected measurements were used to explore the morphological variation. Size-corrected PCA revealed that the specimens collected in the Río de la Plata basin nested with the remaining specimens, being slightly closer to those from the Guaporé, Napo and Uatumã rivers. Measurements such as caudal peduncle depth, body depth, and body width affected more heavily the first components. Cluster analysis did not show well-defined groups based on the hydrogeographic basins. The studied specimens from the Río de la Plata basin are herein confirmed as conspecific with P. trimaculatus. The species is added to the list of fish species shared between the Amazon and Río de la Plata basins.

Materials for the moss flora of the Tomskaya Pisanitsa Museum-Reserve

The article provides a preliminary list of mossy species of the territory of the Tomskaya Pisanitsa Museum-Reserve. 36 species were found, including 4 liverworts and 32 leaf-stemmed mosses. The distribution of species by substrate types and growth forms is indicated.

Diversity of siphonophores in Colombia (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa): updated checklist

An updated list of Colombian siphonophore species was compiled from records in published and unpublished theses and final technical reports of Invemar projects. The most recent inventory published for South American marine waters contains some of the records, but leaves out others that are included in this document. There are records of 63 species of siphonophores in Colombianmarine waters, 45 in the Caribbean Sea and 46 in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from the families Abylidae (9 species), Diphyidae (30 species), Hippopodiidae (5 species), Prayidae (4 species), Rhizophysidae (3 species), Physaliidae (1 species), Agalmatidae (9 species), Apolemiidae(1 species) and Physophoridae (1 species).

Sustainable use of economically valuable and conservation of rare plant species in Almaty region

The paper contains the results of the initial cadastral survey and integrated assessment of the components of the flora (plant resources, higher plants and algae) of the Almaty region (2021–2023), which occupies a leading position among the economically developed regions of the country. The reserves of raw materials of 18 plant species demanded by the domestic pharmaceutical industry discovered on the territory of 13 administrative districts are of practical value. Eleven species of medicinal plants can be recommended for industrial harvesting. It is important to note that conservation efforts are required to protect 118 rare species of higher vascular plants and three species of lower plants, such as algae – indicating the vegetation’s current condition in the region. For the first time, the region’s list of rare flora species includes 13 species that have been categorized into IV categories based on the criteria and categories of the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The results obtained will serve as a scientific basis for regular monitoring and forecasting of effective environmental activities that ensure the sustainable use and conservation of plant resources in the region.

The possibility of comparing the flora of Siberian cities

The article examines the possibility of comparing checklists of flora of cities based on a number of characteristics: the year of the settlement’s foundation, the area and population at the time of collecting materials, the timing of research, the method of collecting materials, the revealed complexity of the ecotopological structure of the city and the number of species. The factor determining the possibility of comparing lists of flora species of cities is the approach to its study, since the method determines the researcher’s attitude to the object. Under the influence of the formed attitude to the object of research, the interpretation of factors significant for plants takes place.

Вклад Михаила Дмитриевича Рузского в изучение фауны птиц Волжско-Камского края

Mikhail Dmitrievich Ruzsky is one of the last encyclopedic scientists of the 20th century, known for his works on zoology, ichthyology and ornithology, hydrobiology, and entomology. Professor Mikhail Dmitrievich Ruzsky (1864-1948) is one of the country outstanding biologists and founders of the national science of ants, the first researcher of the myrmecofauna of Russia and neighboring countries. He made a significant contribution to the development of not only individual sciences, but also the formation of university education in Russia. The Kazan period of his biography is significant for his life and career. Mikhail Dmitrievich began his bird watching in Kazan and its surroundings while still being a very young researcher. His formation as a scientist began in Kazan Imperial University. Ruzsky had his first publications on birds in 1889, although he began conducting ornithological observations from the first years of university. The significant coverage of the territory allowed him not only to obtain new data on the distribution of birds in these areas, but also compare the lists of species and changes in their composition. His interest in studying fauna was influenced by the works of his predecessors - famous local historians and scientists of Russia - Pallas, Eversman, Bogdanov, and others. Ruzky gave the first list of birds of the Kazan province. In 1893, he presented his master’s thesis, Materials for the Study of Birds of the Kazan Province, whose results were published in the Proceedings of the Society of Naturalists of Kazan University. Ruzsky was the curator and collector of the Zoological Museum of Kazan University; within just one decade (from 1887 to 1896), he delivered 439 specimens of birds to the museum. His works made it possible to compile the first list of the avifauna of Kazan. He noted 56 species of birds directly inhabiting the city, and about 50 species found in the vicinity. A comparison of Ruzsky’s regional avi-faunistic lists with the data from recent years made it possible to present the dynamics and main changes that occurred in the composition of the bird fauna of the Volga-Kama Region over two hundred years. He was one of the organizers of the Kazan City Museum (now the National Museum of the Republic of T atarstan), chairman of its Council (1912), and having received the title of honorary member of the museum staff, he became director of the Natural History Department (1908-1913). Mikhail Dmitrievich was directly involved in the formation of the third Zoological Museum in Kazan located in the Veterinary Institute (now the Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine), where he also worked for some time. The studies conducted on the avifauna of the Volga-Kama Region laid the foundation for subsequent large-scale work on both zoogeography, species distribution, and species ecology. In 1913, Mikhail Dmitrievich Ruzsky was elected professor of the Department of Zoology in Kiev and Tomsk Universities. He faced the choice and gave his preference to Tomsk devoting next 35 years of his life to working for the benefit of science in Tomsk University. The article contains 2 Figures, 13 References. The Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Protecting Britain’s wildlife laws: the need for vigilance, a saga for our times

This paper describes how numerous conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs) became aware of significant changes being made to the eligibility criteria of species currently (and in the future) afforded protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) through the seventh Quinquennial Review (QQR7). The changes mean that an animal or plant species will be protected only when it is in imminent danger of extinction as defined by the highest categories in the IUCN red listing process, or those identified as European Protected Species, rather than being recommended for inclusion by experts either due to persecution, population decline or other threats. These changes, and the way they became known, stimulated a collaborative effort by NGOs to have the new eligibility criteria for the listing of species re-examined. This case also alarmed the conservation community over the way the U.K. government could use its new powers to review environmental legislation, following withdrawal from the European Union.