Local Endemics Research Articles

Six new species of Aspidistra (Asparagaceae: Convallarioideae) from China and Vietnam

This paper continues to publish new discovered from successive investigation of the species diversity of the Aspidistra genus in recent years. Six new species of Aspidistra (Asparagaceae) are described and illustrated: four from China, Aspidistra dentosa, A. dissecta, A. dongxingensis (SW Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) and A. anlongensis (SW Guizhou Province), and two from northern Vietnam, A. longibracteata and A. backanensis. All described species are local endemics of southern China and northern Vietnam. Except for Aspidistra dongxingensis living in non-limestone areas, all other species are restricted to limestone regions. The morphology, ecology, phenology, distribution and photographs are provided for all novel taxa.

High prevalence and risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria among children in Nkwen village, Northwest Region, Cameroon

BackgroundIn endemic locations, asymptomatic malaria is a major contribution to the rise in clinical malaria. In order to achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission, control programmes should take into consideration carriers of asymptomatic malaria parasite. Hence, the purpose of this study was to look at the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in children in Nkwen village.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional and community-based design, conducted between June and December 2022, a total of 246 children were enrolled after obtaining informed and signed consent from parents and/ or guardians. To collect data, pre-tested, closed-ended, structured questionnaires were used, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information gathered. A digital thermometer with infrared forehead capability was used to take participants’ body temperature, providing precise measurements and respondents with temperature < 37.5 °C, and not presenting any symptoms or indicators of malaria were included in the study, ensuring the focus on asymptomatic cases. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture and screened for the presence of asymptomatic parasitaemia using blood smear microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data was entered into Microsoft Excel worksheet and analysed using SPSS version 23 software. Logistic regression models were carried out to explore the risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria at household and individual levels and statistically significant association was considered at a p-value < 0.05.ResultsA total of 246 healthy children were examined for asymptomatic malaria infection using microscopy and PCR. Of the examined children, 65.9% (162/246) were malaria positive by PCR while 59.3% (146/246) were malaria positive by microscopy. Considering both diagnostic methods, females had a greater prevalence of asymptomatic malaria than males. In logistic analysis, the risk of developing asymptomatic malaria was associated several factors: previous malaria episode (OR = 5.14; CI 2.94–9.01), family history of malaria (OR = 3.86; CI 2.21–6.74), homestead near swampy areas (OR = 3.56; CI 2.10–10.61), non-utilization of insecticide treated nets (OR = 4.36; CI 2.53–7.5), non-usage of indoor residual spray (IRS) (OR = 6.67; CI 3.75–11.86) and opened eaves (OR = 3.86; CI 2.21–6.74). No associations were established between asymptomatic malaria and the following factors: age group (p > 0.05), gender (p > 0.05) and type of wall construction (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe high rate of asymptomatic malaria in this study is a significant problem and may jeopardize the current malaria control effort. Personal and house-level risk factors were linked with asymptomatic malaria. Therefore, it should be considered when evaluating and restructuring more successful malaria elimination tactics to accomplish the intended goals of malaria control.

Panmixia and local endemism: a revision of the Eubranchus rupium species complex with a description of new species.

Species of the genus Eubranchus Forbes, 1838 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) are common faunistic elements of boreal benthic ecosystems, associated with hydroid communities. Recent studies have suggested that the widely distributed trans-Arctic E. rupium (Møller, 1842) constitutes a complex of at least three candidate species, but the detailed taxonomy of the complex remains unresolved. The purpose of the present paper is to conduct an integrative taxonomic study including molecular genetic methods (a phylogenetic analysis using COI , 16S rRNA and histone H3 with application of species delimitation methods) and morphological study (light and scanning electron microscopy) of E. rupium and closely related species. The specific aims of this study were to establish the species boundaries, morphological variability, and the phylogeographic structure within this group. The phylogeographic analysis included a TCS -based network analysis, an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), divergence time estimations, and ancestral area reconstructions. We demonstrate that specimens initially identified as E. rupium included three distinctive species: the nominal E. rupium with an amphiboreal range, the new species Eubranchus novik sp. nov. from the Sea of Japan, for which a taxonomic description is provided in this paper, and Eubranchus sp. from the northern Kuril Islands, which requires the collection and study of additional material for formal description. Our results confirm the amphiboreal distribution of E. rupium , as no geographic structure was found across Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic populations, and the results of the AMOVA analysis showed no differences between groups of samples from different geographic regions. The divergence of the 'Eubrancus rupium species complex' is estimated from the late Miocene or the Miocene-Pliocene boundary to the late Pliocene. It is hypothesised that the most probable ancestral region for the Eubranchus rupium species complex is the north-western Pacific, and the subsequent speciation likely occurred due to dispersal followed by allopatric speciation. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:228E0C46-0BF7-4DDD-9C00-67B50E298D65.

A New Endemic Locality of Dermacentor reticulatus in Central-Southern Poland and Its Potential Epidemiological Implications.

Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Ixodidae) is an important arthropod vector in medical and veterinary contexts. Its geographic range is divided into western and eastern populations separated by a "Dermacentor-free zone" in central Poland. Recent faunistic studies showed a new endemic locality of the species in Upper Silesia to the west of the Vistula River (central-southern Poland) and its co-occurrence with I. ricinus. The prevalence of five tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), e.g., B. burgdorferi s.l., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp., in the ticks was assessed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. The molecular studies revealed the presence of Rickettsia spp. in 23.8% of the D. reticulatus specimens. In turn, 94.1% of the I. ricinus adults were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l., 11.7 % with Babesia spp., and 5.8% with Rickettsia spp. Coinfections with two TBPs were noted in 17.6% of the I. ricinus. These findings highlight not only the risk of infestation by both tick species in an area previously considered Dermacentor-free, but also the high prevalence of TBPs in the study area. Increased focus on medical and veterinary services appears necessary to diagnose and prevent tick-borne diseases in this region.

Detection of Vibrio cholerae as a Potential Microbiological Hazard from Water Samples Used for Cleaning Purpose of Pani-puri Serving Plates in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract BACKGROUND: Cholera remains a significant public health concern, particularly in endemic regions like Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of Vibrio cholerae contamination in pani-puri plate wash water in Dhaka city, employing biochemical, microscopic, and antibiotic resistance analyses. METHODS: A total of 20 pani-puri plate wash water samples were collected from various locations in Dhaka between August 2023 and October 2023. The samples were analyzed at the Department of Microbiology, Stamford University Bangladesh. RESULTS: V. cholerae was found to be highly prevalent, especially in crowded urban areas. Biochemical tests confirmed the identity of the isolates as V. cholerae. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed concerning resistance patterns, with 100% resistance to commonly used drugs such as meropenem and ampicillin. In addition, resistance to cefixime, nalidixic acid, and chloramphenicol was observed, emphasizing the need for alternative treatment options. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the significance of ongoing monitoring of V. cholerae populations for virulence factors and changes in antibiotic resistance to inform public health interventions and cholera control measures. The study underscores the importance of strict hygienic standards in the preparation of street food, particularly in endemic locations such as Dhaka, Bangladesh, to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. Continuous surveillance for drug resistance and microbiological contamination is crucial for effective cholera treatment and prevention.

Exploring Paleogene Tibet's warm temperate environments through target enrichment and phylogenetic niche modelling of Himalayan spiny frogs (Paini, Dicroglossidae).

The Cenozoic topographic development of the Himalaya-Tibet orogen (HTO) substantially affected the paleoenvironment and biodiversity patterns of High Asia. However, concepts on the evolution and paleoenvironmental history of the HTO differ massively in timing, elevational increase and sequence of surface uplift of the different elements of the orogen. Using target enrichment of a large set of transcriptome-derived markers, ancestral range estimation and paleoclimatic niche modelling, we assess a recently proposed concept of a warm temperate paleo-Tibet in Asian spiny frogs of the tribe Paini and reconstruct their historical biogeography. That concept was previously developed in invertebrates. Because of their early evolutionary origin, low dispersal capacity, high degree of local endemism, and strict dependence on temperature and humidity, the cladogenesis of spiny frogs may echo the evolution of the HTO paleoenvironment. We show that diversification of main lineages occurred during the early to Mid-Miocene, while the evolution of alpine taxa started during the late Miocene/early Pliocene. Our distribution and niche modelling results indicate range shifts and niche stability that may explain the modern disjunct distributions of spiny frogs. They probably maintained their (sub)tropical or (warm)temperate preferences and moved out of the ancestral paleo-Tibetan area into the Himalaya as the climate shifted, as opposed to adapting insitu. Based on ancestral range estimation, we assume the existence of low-elevation, climatically suitable corridors across paleo-Tibet during the Miocene along the Kunlun, Qiangtang and/or Gangdese Shan. Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and processes of faunal evolution in the HTO.

A Cybertaxonomic Revision of the "Crocidura pergrisea" Species Complex with a Special Focus on Endemic Rocky Shrews: Crocidura armenica and Crocidura arispa (Soricidae).

The extraction of museum DNA from a unique collection of samples of the "Crocidura pergrisea" species complex, which comprises local endemics of Central and West Asia, allowed us to determine their inter- and intragroup relationships. The first step of this study was the re-evaluation of heavily damaged type specimens of C. armenica via a microcomputed-tomography-based cybertaxonomic approach (CTtax), which enabled a precise description of the species' morphology; three-dimensional models of the cybertypes were made available through the MorphoBank Repository. We developed the "AProMaDesU" pipeline on the basis of five requirements for micro-CT-based cyber-datasets in relation to mammalian collections. Our second step was a combination of several meticulous approaches to morphological investigation against a background of a cytb-based phylogeny, which helped us to make a taxonomic decision about the status of species of the "pergrisea" group, e.g., C. arispa, C. armenica, and C. serezkyensis, when the morphological results were partly incongruent with the molecular phylogeny. Nevertheless, under two assumptions, our findings preserved a separate species-level status of C. serezkyensis and C. arispa. In addition, we restored the species-level status of C. armenica. This taxonomic decision is based on our morphospace analysis, which revealed unique craniomandibular shape transformations within the rocky shrews that helped them with the transition to a new area of morphospace/trophic niches and consequently separated them from the other analyzed Crocidura groups.

Plant diversity on the edge: floristics, phytogeography, fire responses, and plant conservation of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in the context of OCBIL theory

Context There have been few long-term studies of the flora, phenology, and ecology of specific reserves in the species-rich flora of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Aims This project, extending over five decades, aimed to develop an authoritative flora list and acquire data on phenology, threatened species, endemism, old and young landscapes, phytogeography, old lineages, and fire responses at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods The study used botanical collection on repeat surveys, herbarium studies, granite outcrop surveys and comparative phytogeographic analyses from maps on the Western Australian Herbarium’s Florabase. Key results Floristic survey recovered 853 taxa, 26% of those known in the Albany local government area. Possibly as many as 950–1000 taxa will be found in the future. The herbarium collections are the second largest of any conservation reserve in the Albany area. Flowering was most evident in spring and least in autumn. Three declared rare species and 20 conservation priority species were identified, as were short-range endemics, old clades, and natural hybrids. Conclusions The flora is dominated by species predominantly from wetter forest regions. Consequently, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is correctly placed within the Bibbulmun Botanical Province. Several hypotheses of OCBIL theory (which addresses old, climatically-buffered, infertile landscapes) were supported, with increased local endemism, ancient clades, and reduced rates of natural hybridisation identified for the granite inselberg OCBIL Maardjitup Gurlin/Mt Gardner. Implications Long term studies are invaluable for plant inventory. Continuing the minimal use of prescribed burning is advocated from plant data, in support of approaches to help conserve threatened animals.

Status and trends in the international wildlife trade in Chameleons with a focus on Tanzania.

Chameleons (family Chamaeleonidae) are a distinctive group of reptiles, mainly found in Africa, which have high local endemism and face significant threats from the international wildlife trade. We review the scale and structure of international chameleon trade, with a focus on collection in and exports from Tanzania; a hotspot of chameleon diversity. Analysis used data from the CITES Trade Database 2000-2019, combined with assessment of online trade, and on-the-ground surveys in Tanzania in 2019. Between 2000 and 2019, 1,128,776 live chameleons from 108 species were reported as exported globally, with 193,093 of these (from 32 species) exported by Tanzania. Both global and Tanzanian chameleon exports declined across the study period, driven by decreased trade in generalist genera. Whilst the proportion of captive-bred individuals increased across time for the generalist taxa, the majority of range-restricted taxa in trade remained largely wild-sourced. For Tanzanian exports, 41% of chameleons were from one of the 23 endemic species, and 10 of the 12 Tanzanian endemic species in trade are categorised as threatened with extinction by IUCN. In terms of online trade, of the 42 Tanzanian species assessed, there was evidence of online sale for 83.3% species, and 69% were actively for sale with prices listed. Prices were on average highest for Trioceros species, followed by Kinyongia, Rieppeleon, Rhampholeon, and Chameleo. Field work in Tanzania provided evidence that the historic harvest of endemic chameleon species has been higher than the quantities of these species reported as exported by Tanzania in their annual trade reports to CITES. However, we found no field evidence for trade in 2020 and 2021, in line with Tanzanian regulations that applied a blanket ban on all exports of live wild animals. Literature evidence, however, suggests that illegal trade continued to Europe from seizures of Tanzanian chameleon species in Austria in 2021.

An Ensemble Framework for Projecting the Impact of Lymphatic Filariasis Interventions Across Sub-Saharan Africa at a Fine Spatial Scale.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Although mass treatments have led to huge reductions in LF prevalence, some countries or regions may find it difficult to achieve elimination by 2030 owing to various factors, including local differences in transmission. Subnational projections of intervention impact are a useful tool in understanding these dynamics, but correctly characterizing their uncertainty is challenging. We developed a computationally feasible framework for providing subnational projections for LF across 44 sub-Saharan African countries using ensemble models, guided by historical control data, to allow assessment of the role of subnational heterogeneities in global goal achievement. Projected scenarios include ongoing annual treatment from 2018 to 2030, enhanced coverage, and biannual treatment. Our projections suggest that progress is likely to continue well. However, highly endemic locations currently deploying strategies with the lower World Health Organization recommended coverage (65%) and frequency (annual) are expected to have slow decreases in prevalence. Increasing intervention frequency or coverage can accelerate progress by up to 5 or 6 years, respectively. While projections based on baseline data have limitations, our methodological advancements provide assessments of potential bottlenecks for the global goals for LF arising from subnational heterogeneities. In particular, areas with high baseline prevalence may face challenges in achieving the 2030 goals, extending the "tail" of interventions. Enhancing intervention frequency and/or coverage will accelerate progress. Our approach facilitates preimplementation assessments of the impact of local interventions and is applicable to other regions and neglected tropical diseases.

New threats for a protected plant: the need to review and update recovery plans of endangered species.

Helianthemum polygonoides is a perennial halophyte identified in 1987 in the Saltmarsh of Cordovilla (Albacete, SE Spain). In 2004 its distribution area was approximately 16 hectares, and its population was estimated at around 185000 adult individuals. Thus, this species is considered a local endemism due to its restricted distribution area, being catalogued as a "Critically Endangered" (CR). The main goal of this study is to review the current situation of the endemism, updating its distribution area and current threats and, consequently, establishing up-to-date conservation guidelines. A marked increment in the H. polygonoides population have been found (381909 individuals were estimated in 2022 census). We located new populations of H. polygonides, increasing its core distribution area and revealing the consolidation of proposed protection measures. In this context, our results have confirmed the direct relationship between the population size and the protection measures. According to the threat’s assessment, we have observed that most of the threats and impacts have been reduced (e.g., grazing) or stopped (e.g., accumulation of debris). However, we have found new threats (e.g., rabbit proliferation, wild boar damages, and fires), emphasising the need to review and update the Recovery Plan of H. polygonoides. In fact, we want to be pointed out that the mentioned threats are in constant change. We suggest the inclusion of new guidelines to control the new-found threats and provide eight new conservation guidelines to improve the conservation status of the current populations of H. polygonoides.

Do phylogenetic community metrics reveal the South African quartz fields as terrestrial-habitat islands?

The quartz fields of the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) are arid and island-like special habitats, hosting ~142 habitat-specialized plant species, of which 81 % are local endemics, characterized by a rapid turnover of species between and among sites. We use several phylogenetic community metrics: (1) to examine species diversity and phylogenetic structure within and among quartz fields; (2) to investigate whether quartz field specialists are evolutionarily drawn from local species pools, whereas the alternative hypothesis posits that there is no significant evolutionary connection between quartz field specialists and the local species pools; and (3) to determine whether there is an association between certain traits and the presence of species in quartz fields. We sampled and developed dated phylogenies for six species-rich angiosperm families (Aizoaceae, Asteraceae, Crassulaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae and Santalaceae) represented in the quartz field floras of southern Africa. Specifically, we focused on the flora of three quartz field regions in South Africa (Knersvlakte, Little Karoo and Overberg) and their surrounding species pools to address our research questions by scoring traits associated with harsh environments. We found that the Overberg and Little Karoo had the highest level of species overlap for families Aizoaceae and Fabaceae, whereas the Knersvlakte and the Overberg had the highest species overlap for families Asteraceae, Crassulaceae and Santalaceae. Although our phylogenetic community structure and trait analyses showed no clear patterns, relatively low pairwise phylogenetic distances between specialists and their local species pools for Aizoaceae suggest that quartz species could be drawn evolutionarily from their surrounding areas. We also found that families Aizoaceae and Crassulaceae in Knersvlakte and Little Karoo were phylogenetically even. Despite their proximity to one another within the GCFR, the studied areas differ in their species pools and the phylogenetic structure of their specialists. Our work provides further justification for increased conservation focus on these unique habitats under future scenarios of global change.

Community engagement and antimalarial drugs medication as the first line of defense in the fight against antimalarial drug resistance in some endemic localities in Cameroon

ObjectivesMalaria burden is primarily owing to resistance of parasites and vectors to frontline drugs and insecticides, respectively. Increasing awareness of factors contributing to parasite resistance to antimalarials within communities is crucial. This study assessed how community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) influence factors contributing to antimalarial resistance across four malaria ecological zones in Cameroon. MethodsTo accomplish this, structured questionnaires were administered to 980 volunteers from four geographical locations in English or French (the official languages of Cameroon). The data were organized and tested for normality. Spearman rank correlation was used to examine the connection between KAP and malaria. ResultsThe mean KAP scores were 5.69 ± 1.47, 5.91 ± 1.25, and 5.66 ± 1.84, respectively, on a nine-point scale. Antimalarials commonly used were artemisinin-based combination therapies (37.96%), chloroquine (4.29%), quinine (22.24%), paracetamol (12.96%), and native drugs (19.80%). Up to 49.49% of the participants practiced self-medication, whereas 76.43% bought medications from licensed pharmacies, 10.61% bought from roadside vendors, and 23.57% relied on traditional/herbal medicines. We observed significant and medium positive linear correlations at P <0.01 between knowledge-attitude (r = 0.528), knowledge-practice (r = 0.400), and attitude-practice (r = 0.496). ConclusionsDespite the general fair level of awareness of proper management and use of antimalarial drugs in the communities, the high level of self-medication and gross neglect of certain risk factors that may promote the emergence and spread of drug-resistant parasites is concerning.

Vegetation types and habitats with participation of plant species – local endemics to the marble part of Northern Pirin Mts., Bulgaria

This study was carried out in the carbonate (marble) part of North Pirin Mts. Its upper parts are declared protected area of National Park category according to the Bulgarian Protected Areas Act. It is also a NATURA 2000 protected zone under the Habitats Directive, and a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main reason for the conservation of this territory is the exceptional concentration of rare, relict and endemic plant species, its specific flora, vegetation and fauna. Subject of the study are the plant communities and habitats, with participation of 8 local endemic plant taxa, such as Cyanus achtarovii, Oxytropis kozhuharovii, O. urumovii, Odontarrhena orbelica, Alyssum pirinicum, Veronica kellereri, Brassica nivalis subsp. jordanoffii and Arabis ferdinandi-coburgii. The plant communities were studied according to the classical Braun-Blanquet’s approach by sampling the phytocoenoses, where the local endemics participate. The major syntaxa to which these communities belong, were determined. The plant communities with the participation of local endemics were also referred to lower units according to EUNIS habitats classification. The study found that most of the studied endemic species occur in various vegetation types and exhibit relatively wide ecological flexibility, despite inhabiting restricted area. The main reason for this is the comparative uniformity of the high mountain marble relief. This study also highlights the high conservation value of the vegetation cover and habitat diversity of the carbonate alpine and subalpine vegetation belts of Northern Pirin Mts., as a habitat for numerous endemic and relict plant species.

Three new shrews (Soricidae:Crocidura) from West Sumatra, Indonesia: elevational and morphological divergence in syntopic sister taxa

AbstractWe describe 3 new species of shrews (Eulipotyphla, Soricidae, Crocidura) from West Sumatra, Indonesia. Two of these taxa were found above 1,800 m on Mt. Singgalang. The third taxon was found above 1,660 m on Mt. Talamau, 65 km northwest of Mt. Singgalang. We also resurrect Crocidura aequicauda based on 2 specimens from Mts. Tujuh and Kerinci, which lie near the border between West Sumatra and Jambi provinces. Several methodological approaches support our findings: linear cranial morphometrics, landmark-based 2D geometric morphometrics, and molecular phylogenetics using both mtDNA and 6 nuclear exons. A multilocus species-tree analysis places the 3 new species and C. aequicauda in a clade with the Javan endemics C. monticola and C. umbra. Although the 2 taxa from Mt. Singgalang are recovered as sister species, 1 is nearly twice the size of the other, and they are divergent in several other morphological characters, such as tail length, cranium size, and pelage color and texture. Recently diverged yet morphologically disparate sister taxa living syntopically in an isolated habitat “island,” like the montane forests of Mt. Singgalang, is unusual in mammals but documented in other Crocidura on neighboring Java and Borneo; these 2 new taxa represent the first known case of this phenomenon on Sumatra. Our results bring the number of Sumatran Crocidura to 10, 9 of which are endemic to the island. All 3 of the new species appear to be endemic to a single mountain and were not detected in similar surveys of nearby mountains. If this local endemism pattern is common, it would indicate that Sumatra’s mammal diversity may be severely underestimated, largely due to the paucity of small-mammal surveys and museum specimens.

Species composition, relative abundance, and habitat association of birds in Dodola dry evergreen afro-montane forest and sub-afro-alpine scrubland vegetation, southeast Ethiopia.

Birds' functional groups are useful for maintaining fundamental ecological processes, ecosystem services, and economic benefits. Negative consequences of loss of functional groups are substantial. Birds are usually found at a high trophic level in food webs and are relatively sensitive to environmental change. The first surveillance bird study was carried out southeast of Ethiopia adjacent to Bale Mountain National Park aimed at investigating the composition, relative abundance, and distribution of Aves. Using regular systematic point transact sampling, the density and species composition were analyzed through the mark recapture distance sampling engine assisted by R statistical software. This study recorded a total of seventy-eight bird species over two distinct seasons. Among these, fifteen species were exclusive to Erica habitats, twenty-six were found in natural forest habitats, and three were specific to plantation forest habitats. The study also discovered three endemic species. Based on the 2018 IUCN Red List categories, six of the species are globally threatened, three are near threatened, and the remaining sixty-nine are classified as least concern. The relative abundance of birds did not significantly differ across habitats and seasons, but variations were observed among blocks. Bird density was found to fluctuate across the three habitats and two seasons; however, these habitat differences were not influenced by seasonal changes. The findings of this study reveal that the differences in composition and relative abundance are not merely seasonal changes in the forest and Erica habitats. Instead, these habitats create microclimates that cater to specific bird species. However, this localized endemism also presents challenges. The concentration of endemic species and potential resource constraints could pose a threat to these habitat-specialist birds.

Resistance of sugarcane hybrids to internode borer Chilo sacchariphagus indicus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

ABSTRACT A four-year field study (2013–2016) was conducted to screen Indian sugarcane hybrids together with two susceptible checks against internode borer Chilo sacchariphagus indicus (Kapur) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in endemic locations of Tamil Nadu State, India. Each year, borer incidence on cane basis and intensity on internode basis were assessed at harvest to eliminate susceptible entries. Of the total 535 hybrids screened, only Co 293 emerged as resistant at the end of fourth year trial which was confirmed in tests under controlled conditions with artificial infestation. A modified relative resistance ratio computed using incidence and intensity also confirmed its resistance to the borer. In laboratory oviposition choice tests with excised leaves of the resistant Co 293 and susceptible hybrids Co 86032 and Co 1060, percent of leaf bits oviposited, egg masses laid, and egg numbers deposited were significantly lowest in Co 293. Also, an oviposition preference index computed for both egg mass number and egg number was significantly lowest for Co 293 which suggested antixenosis. Larval survival was significantly lowest in Co 293 with 5 to 10-fold higher neonate mortality than in the two susceptible hybrids. Prolonged larval development period and lower fecundity were observed when the borer was reared on Co 293 which indicated antibiosis. A relative suitability ratio developed from larval and pupal durations also indicated lower suitability of Co 293. Among the plant morphological characters examined, leaf length and cane thickness positively influenced borer incidence; loose sheath-clasp was associated with higher borer incidence. Among 12 shoot phenolics quantified, eight were present in higher quantities in Co 293 suggesting their role in antibiosis. Co 293 identified as resistant hybrid in the present study has the potential to be used as a parent in breeding programs for C. sacchariphagus indicus resistance.

Охрана и использование генофонда флоры бассейна реки Аргун

Introduction. The Russian Federation has adopted a Strategy for the conservation of rare and endangered species of animals, plants and fungi for the period until 2030 (Order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated February 17, 2014 No. 212), developed in accordance with the principles and norms of international law, the Fundamentals of State Policy in the field of environmental development of the Russian Federation for the period until 2030 and other regulatory legal acts. The goal of the Strategy is to ensure on a long-term basis the conservation and restoration of rare and endangered species of animals, plants and fungi in the interests of sustainable development of the Russian Federation. Purpose of the study: to analyze the species of flora of the Argun River basin and develop recommendations for expanding the list of plants to be protected. Materials and methods of research. Rare and protected species and floristic complexes with different habitats within the Argun River basin were selected as the object of study. The material for the study was obtained during expeditionary trips for observations and herbarium collections in the period 2018-2022. in various parts of this territory. Results and its discussion. As a result of our research in the Argun River basin, we identified 132 species (or 8.5% of the total flora) that are subject to protection. Almost half are species of categories I and II, i.e. local endemics and subendemics, constituting 47.0% of all protected taxa. This is the most important part of the gene pool, of which species of the first category require special attention - local endemics - carriers of a unique gene pool that are subject to priority protection. Conclusion. The presence of narrowly local endemics in the flora also emphasizes its originality. It is advisable to include the entire Itum-Kalinsky floristic region in the territory of the Sovetsky biological reserve. Thus, many “Red Book” species, most of which are found only in this area, will be taken under real protection. These are Astracantha denudata, Berberis vulgaris, Сeltis glabrata, Cerasus incana, Cladochaeta candidissima Clenmatis integrifolia, Colutea orientalis, Cotynus coggygria, Crambe grandiflora, Dianthus daghestanicus, Ephedra procera, Fumana procumbens, Galanthus caucasicus, Gentiana grossheimii, Hippophae rhamnoides, Iris pumila, Gladiolus tenuis , Juniperus oblonga, Mandenovia komarovii, Medicago daghestanica, Notholaena maranthae, Omphalodes rupestris, Scabiosa rotata, Stipa caucasica, S. pennata, S. pulcherrima, Xanthobrychys majorovii. Resume. The article provides information about protected and recommended plant species in the Argun River basin. It has been established that almost half of the species include species of categories I and II, i.e. local endemics and subendemics, constituting 47.0% of all protected taxa. It has been determined that for all species it is necessary to comply with the requirements of maintaining the Red Book. It was revealed that for the first time for the Argun River basin, an inventory of the flora was carried out and its comprehensive analysis was carried out. Plant species in need of protection have been identified and prospects for the economic use of flora have been determined. Phytosozological data can be used in maintaining the regional Red Book and as a project for amending it. Information of a utilitarian nature can be used in the economic sphere of the population, and the scientific component can be used in the educational process of regional universities as disciplines with botanical content.

The vegetation of Holocene coastal dunes of the Cape south coast, South Africa.

The vegetation of calcareous coastal dunes of Holocene age along the south coast of South Africa's Cape Floristic Region is poorly described. This vegetation comprises a mosaic of communities associated with two biomes, Fynbos and Subtropical Thicket. Previously, expert knowledge rather than quantitative floristic analysis has been used to identify and delimit vegetation units. In many areas, mapped units conflate vegetation on Holocene sand with that on unconsolidated sediments of late Pleistocene age, despite pronounced species turnover across this edaphic boundary. Despite dominance by Cape lineages and fynbos vegetation, dune vegetation in the eastern part of the region has been included in the Subtropical Thicket Biome rather than the Fynbos Biome. The high levels of local plant endemism associated with this dune vegetation and the small and fragmented configuration of these habitats, makes it an urgent conservation priority especially when placed in the context of rising sea levels, increasing development pressures and numerous other threats. Here we provide a quantitative analysis of 253 plots of the 620 km2 of Holocene dune vegetation of the study area using phytosociological and multivariate methods. We identified six fynbos and two thicket communities based on the occurrences of 500 species. Following a long tradition in Cape vegetation typology, we used the Strandveld (beach vegetation) concept as our first-order vegetation entity and identified six units based on the fynbos floras. These were, from east to west, Southeastern Strandveld, St Francis Strandveld, Goukamma Strandveld, Southwestern Strandveld and Grootbos Strandveld. Each unit was differentiated by a suite of differential species, most being Holocene dune endemics. The two thicket communities-Mesic and Xeric Dune Thicket-showed limited variation across the study area and were subsumed into the Strandveld units. We discussed our findings in terms of vegetation-sediment relationships, emphasizing the need for a greater geographical coverage of sediment ages to facilitate a better understanding of deposition history on vegetation composition. We also discussed the role of soil moisture and fire regime on structuring the relative abundance of fynbos and thicket across the Holocene dune landscape. Finally, we address the conservation implications of our study, arguing that all remaining Holocene dune habitat should be afforded the highest conservation priority in regional land-use planning processes.

Vascular plants of the Médanos de Samalayuca natural protected area, Chihuahua, Mexico

Background: Inland sand dunes are expanding and increasing mobility. Knowledge on the plants growing on them is keystone for their management. One of the largest inland dune systems in Mexico is the Médanos de Samalayuca area.&#x0D; Questions: How many and which species of vascular plants are in Samalayuca? Which is the distribution pattern of that flora? Are there endemisms? Are there species of conservation concern?&#x0D; Studied species: Vascular plants.&#x0D; Study site and dates: Médanos de Samalayuca protected area, northern Chihuahua, Mexico; 2017-2022.&#x0D; Methods: A database was generated based on literature, electronic sources, herbarium specimens, photographing, and collection and identification of materials. Distribution, endemism level and conservation status were recorded.&#x0D; Results: The updated checklist of vascular plants for Samalayuca includes 400 species of 246 genera and 65 families. Most species grow in Mixed desert scrub and in Sand dune vegetation. Almost a half are restricted to the Megamexico 1 region, followed by the North American element. One species is Threatened according to the Mexican Official Norm NOM-059, while two are Vulnerable and one is Almost threatened according to the IUCN. Ribes fontinale appears to be extinct.&#x0D; Conclusions: Considering the arid, extreme climate and the low stability of the psammophilous vegetation, the flora of Samalayuca is richer than expected. The area is home to regional and local endemics. The data and information generated here is baseline for further management programs and action planning to protect these fragile ecosystems and the adjacent communities.