Low Number Of Species Research Articles

Effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network for freshwater fish conservation in a Mediterranean region

Protected areas (PAs) are the cornerstones of global biodiversity conservation efforts, but to fulfil this role they must be effective at conserving both habitat and species. Among protected taxa, freshwater fish are exposed to multiple disturbances and are considered one of the most endangered. The Natura 2000 reserves network was established with the aim of preserving biodiversity across Europe, but few assessments have been made on its effectiveness on the conservation of freshwater fish species. We tested the hypothesis that fish community is exposed to less anthropogenic pressures within the Natura 2000 sites than outside, hosting a higher number of native species and maintain lower number of non-native species. We tested these hypotheses considering 3,777 sampling sites, found across the entire Italian territory. Results showed that PAs did not guarantee less anthropogenic impacts and higher fish species richness than outside PAs, suggesting that PAs are not a panacea for anthropogenic pressures and safeguarding fish diversity. Nevertheless, more caution should be applied to the management measures and the design of new PAs due to the limitations of the protection of a single stretch within a whole river ecosystem. Moreover, the impossibility to operate any management of invasive fish species on the broad scale of a whole river basin is likely the most limiting factor to fish biodiversity conservation in Italy. Finally, it is also necessary to extend the analysis to other basins and Natura 2000 sites in Europe.

Orthoptera (Insecta) fauna of the Kashkadarya region, Uzbekistan

Abstract. Nurjaniv AA, Medetof MZH, Kholmatov BR, Abdullahyev II, Tufliyev NKH, Nurjonov FA. 2023. Orthoptera (Insecta) fauna of the Kashkadarya region, Uzbekistan. Biodiversitas 24: 112-121. More than 30,000 different species of orthoptera insects, most of which are found in the tropics and subtropics, are known to exist in the world's fauna. The most extensive among the orthopteroids is the order Orthoptera, which includes more than 20,000 species of insects. Most are herbivores, while others are predators or have a mixed diet. Large size, jumping abilities, and open lifestyle make orthopteran characters accessible to many landscapes. Orthopterans play a significant role in the movement of the energy flow as an important link in biocenosis, connecting secondary consumers with producers. Many species of Orthopterans, especially grasshoppers, are dangerous pests of agriculture. Harm is especially noticeable from those locust species, which could make swarms. The research was carried out in various agro and natural landscapes to determine the species composition of orthopteran insects in the Kashkadarya region. A total of 1274 samples were collected from 11 coordinates in 10 different landscapes during the scientific trips. They comprised 657 females (51.4%), 403 males (31.6%), and 214 nymphs (16.7%). The distribution of 70 species belonging to 50 genera and 7 families of orthopteran insects is discussed in this research. Samples were taken from 6 coordinates in 6 types (cucurbits, orchards, alfalfa, mulberry, vineyards, and mung bean fields) of agro-landscapes and 6 coordinates in 4 natural (plains of the Karshi desert, hills, mountains, and saxaul forests) landscapes. The highest species diversity has been found in orchards, where 129 samples of 20 orthopteran species have been collected in the Guzar district of the Kashkadarya region. The Karshi desert was identified as the landscape with the lowest number of species, with 41 samples of 9 species collected. The average density of insects in the desert was 0.4 per square meter. Two species were found in all 12 coordinates of 10 different landscapes, and 11 were found only once in one coordinate.

The relationships between urbanization and bird functional traits across the streetscape

The urbanization process leads to changes in bird communities’ taxonomic and functional compositions. Highly urbanized areas generally exhibit a reduced number of bird species sharing few functional traits. However, most urban bird studies focused on vegetation patches in temperate cities. In this study, we investigate how urban environmental attributes – noise, height of buildings, and urban vegetation characteristics – modulate species occurrences and the distribution of functional traits across the streetscape of a tropical metropolis. We predicted diverse trait-environment relationships, but that highly urbanized contexts (e.g., noisy streets with tall buildings) would be mostly occupied b,y a lower number of species sharing generalist traits. We also predicted to observe streets with similar community composition (profiles) shaped by environmental conditions and interspecific interactions. We applied hierarchical modelling of species communities as a flexible framework for analysis of community data. We observed that, increased noise exposure and reduced green cover were negatively related with species richness due to their negative relationships with most species’ occurrences. On the other hand, larger number of trees and higher proportion of green cover presented mostly positive relationships with occurrences, and thus with species richness. Throughout our streetscape, community composition was highly heterogeneous and similar conditions led to similar profiles. For example, noisy streets may favor the presence of omnivorous and large-bodied species, while wooded streets may allow for the presence of smaller-bodied forest specialist species that exploit lower vegetation strata. Our results indicate that streetscapes may have the potential to harbor functionally and taxonomically diverse bird communities.

The diversity of mycorrhiza‐associated fungi and trees shapes subtropical mountain forest ecosystem functioning

AbstractAimMycorrhiza play key roles for ecosystem structure and functioning in forests. However, how different mycorrhizal types influence mountain forest biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships are largely unknown. We evaluate how the diversity of distinct mycorrhiza‐associated fungi and trees shapes forest carbon storage along elevational gradients.LocationGaoligong Mountains within Hengduan Mountains, Southwest China.TaxonSeed plants and mycorrhizal fungi.MethodsWe used the data from 31 subtropical forest plots along elevational gradients on two aspects (east and west) of the mountain. We quantified species richness of trees and symbiotic fungi and assigned both to their mycorrhizal type (arbuscular mycorrhiza [AM], ectomycorrhiza [EcM] and ericoid mycorrhiza [ErM]). We then examined the diversity effects of mycorrhiza‐associated fungi and trees on above‐ground carbon stored in trees and organic carbon stored in soils.ResultsSpecies richness was highest for AM trees (79.5%), followed by ErM trees (13.4%) and then EcM trees (7.1%). Species richness of AM‐associated trees and fungi decreased with increasing elevation, while ErM‐associated trees and fungi showed an opposite trend. EcM‐associated diversity followed a hump‐shaped relationship with elevation. Positive relationships between diversity and above‐ground carbon were detected in all three mycorrhizal associations, but despite low species number, canopy‐dominating EcM trees comprised 64.4% of the amount of above‐ground carbon. Furthermore, community‐weighted means of height exhibited positive correlations with forest above‐ground carbon, indicating that positive selection effects occur. Soil organic carbon was positively related to EcM‐associated fungi diversity, above‐ground carbon mass and soil nitrogen availability, with the latter having strongest direct effects.Main ConclusionsThe distributions of forest biodiversity and carbon storage can be modulated by distinct mycorrhizal fungi and trees. Moreover, future global changes (e.g. climate warming, intensifying nitrogen deposition) could alter the mycorrhizal‐mediated BEF relationships in mountain forests.

Is the variability of butterflyfish species domination driven by its habitat conditions?

The coral conditions contribute to the abundance and species composition of butterflyfish. This study investigates the relationship between its habitat conditions and dominance of butterflyfish in western Indonesia. Data were collected using UVC in 78 sites during 2015, 2016, and 2018 that are grouped into 2 groups. The results show group A has a lower number of species (2 - 6) but the density is high, instead, group B is 9-20 species but has a low density. Species dominant and their relations with benthic substrate were Chaetodon octofasciatus (7.2%) in group A, and group B Heniochus pleurotaenia and Chaetodon triangulum (21%). The differences in species domination might also be affected by habitat conditions, such as the period of the highest sea surface temperature. The group had different environmental conditions, which group A might be influenced by the Karimata strait and Indian Ocean west Sumatera in group B. Those 4 species have relation to SST include F. flavissimus.

Floristic survey of Karaginskii Island (southwest Bering Sea) revealed predictably high diversity of aquatic plants and unexpectedly overlooked terrestrial species

Given the high diversity of aquatic habitats with favorable microclimate, surprisingly low number of aquatic vascular species was reported from Karaginskii Island. Therefore, we conducted its extensive field inventory. Terrestrial and bog plant species were also registered on the island whenever possible to check for general completeness of floristic knowledge. We also performed preliminary survey of aquatic flora of adjacent mainland as a reference. We revealed 26 aquatic vascular taxa, new for the flora of Karaginskii Island among which 17 were new to the Karaginskii District. Ten of them were also found on the adjacent mainland; 6 taxa revealed only on the mainland were new for the Karaginskii District. We found 27 terrestrial and bog vascular species, new for the island flora (14 new for the Karaginskii District). The documented deficiency of data on northern Kamchatka (Koryakia) flora hampers informed protection of endangered species and prevents sound biogeographic zonation of Kamchatka.

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH TROPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE AVIFAUNA OF THE DAM LAKES IN THE MIDDLE AREA OF THE ARGEȘ VALLEY

Ecosystem services are becoming an integral part of science and biodiversity conservation strategies, however, our knowledge is limited to only a few services and in the study area they were not yet evaluated. Birds are ecologically diverse and more beloved and well-known than other vertebrate groups. Some bird species are useful in applications such as environmental quality and are used as early warnings of environmental change and climate change assessment. The economic relevance of birds is not widely quantified and appreciated, and the economic relevance to human society of the ecological roles of birds is neglected. Our research contributes to the improvement of knowledge about birds in the area, to the quantification of some services provided by birds through the trophic analysis of avifauna. This research is useful in understanding their importance to ecosystems and the people who benefit from them, as well as in developing conservation strategies for birds and their habitats. Of the 207 bird species identified in the study area, belonging to 17 orders and 49 families, species with a zoophagous - polyphagous trophic regime and insectivorous species predominate. Thus, representatives of seven food guilds were found, with the predominance of zoophagous - polyphagous and insectivorous species, and the food guilds with the lowest number of species were the piscivorous and vegetarian dietary guilds. The majority (34 - 51 %) of insectivorous species populate the habitats of forests and riparian forests and localities (building area), while among zoophagous – polyphagous (43) and omnivores (19) species dependent on wetlands; most of the insectivorous species are summer visitors (35). Most of the bird species studied also are important from an ecological and economic point of view, providing numerous ecosystem services and play a vital role in agriculture and forestry by managing pest and rodent populations. Thus, insectivorous species (55 species) have a special role in controlling pest insects, in reducing insect populations, and nocturnal birds of prey (with a zoophagous – polyphagous and carnivore - predator trophic regime) have a role in managing rodent populations harmful to agriculture. Some bird species, omnivorous or vegetarian, pollinate or disperse the seeds of plants, and others (Sturnus vulgaris) clean the bodies of other animals (sheep, goats etc.). Corvids and some larids have a certain role on garbage ramps. Birds in the study area also have a cultural role, they are emblematic of nature, they are loved, observed, monitored (birdwatching - recreational activity), fed and used as artistic inspiration and with traditional value in the study area. On the other hand, huge flocks of anseriformes, in the winter aspect, feed on arable land, but they cause damage to farmers, ecosystem disservices, and it is necessary to grant a subsidy per land surface for feeding goose species. By determining the contributions of birds (and biodiversity in general) to humans, their value can be better understood and appreciated at the level of strategies regarding the conservation of biodiversity with special benefits for people.

Assessment of Fish Diversity in the Ma'an Archipelago Special Protected Area Using Environmental DNA.

This study aimed to investigate the practical validity of the environmental DNA (eDNA) method for evaluating fish composition and diversity in different habitats. We evaluated the fish composition and diversity characteristics of seven different habitats in the Ma'an Archipelago Special Protected Area in April 2020. The results showed that a total of twenty-seven species of fishes belonging to six orders, eighteen families, and twenty-three genera of the Actinopterygii were detected in the marine waters of the Ma'an Archipelago Special Protected Area. The dominant species in each habitat were Larimichthys crocea, Paralichthys olivaceus, and Lateolabrax maculatus. The mussel culture area had the highest number of species, with 19 fish species, while the offshore bulk load shedding platform had the lowest number of species, with 12 fish species. The rest of the habitat was not significantly different. The results showed that the mussel culture area had the highest diversity index (average value of 2.352 ± 0.161), and the offshore bulk load shedding platform had the lowest diversity index (average value of 1.865 ± 0.127); the rest of the habitat diversity indices did not differ significantly. A comparison with historical surveys showed that the eDNA technique can detect species not collected by traditional methods such as gillnets and trawls. Our study demonstrates the role of eDNA technology in obtaining fish diversity in different habitats and provides a theoretical basis for the continuous monitoring and management of fish biodiversity in protected areas.

Phenology of two scale insects, Coccus hesperidum and Icerya purchasi (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) on Citrus in Mostaganem, Algeria

In Mazagran, Mostaganem Province, Algeria, the seasonal variation in abundance of the scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) Coccus hesperidum LINNAEUS, 1758 (Coccidae) and Icerya purchasi MASKELL, 1879 (Monophlebidae) was studied in an orchard on two host plant species, orange ( Citrus sinensis) and lemon ( C. limon) between December 2018 and November 2019. Every ten days, samples of leaves were collected for monitoring insect numbers. In C. hesperidum on orange and lemon trees respectively, there were three or four population peaks annually (P<0.0001). In I. purchasi, there were three generations annually (P<0.0001). In both scale insect species their abundance was correlated with temperature (P<0.0001 for C. hesperidum, and P=0.010 for I. purchasi) but not with relative humidity levels. Lemon trees had the higher scale insect abundance on 50% of days sampled, for both C. hesperidum and I. purchasi (P<0.005), whereas orange had lower numbers of both scale species. C. hesperidum and I. purchasi occurred on all three sample plots; numbers of both species (particularly C. hesperidum) showed a positive relationship with wind speed (P<0.0001 and P=0.002, respectively), as strong winds probably picked up and carried crawlers into the sample plots situated downwind.

Responses of lakeshore herbaceous plant guilds to altered water level fluctuations in Yangtze floodplain lakes, China

River–lake disconnection has led to alterations in natural water level fluctuations (WLFs) in lakes along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River to various extents. To predict the effects of altered WLFs on lakeshore vegetation, lakeshore herbaceous plant guilds (LPGs) in six Yangtze floodplain lakes were classified in this study. The lakeshore herbaceous plant distribution pattern, main influencing factors, and responses of different LPGs to altered WLFs were analyzed. A total of 130 plant species were identified from the six lakes. With the increase in the amplitude of WLFs, the total species number in the six lakes showed a hump–shaped trend, whereas the lakeshore herbaceous plant coverage showed a positive correlation. The Qili Lake with the largest WLFs had the lowest species number and highest plant coverage. The species numbers, average biomass, and coverage of lakeshore herbaceous plants in all the six lakes were obviously higher in spring than in autumn. The lakeshore herbaceous plants in the six lakes were classified into eight guilds. Small differences in pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus were detected in the substrate among the eight LPGs, but obvious differences in soil moisture content and duration and depth of submergence were observed. The canonical correspondence analysis showed that the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of different LPGs in the six lakes in spring and autumn were the amplitude of WLFs and duration of submergence. The regression analyses showed that the biomass of perennial mesophyte with erect stem guild and perennial hygrophyte with well–developed rhizome guild responded sensitively to alterations in the amplitude of WLFs and duration of submergence, and the guilds could be considered as indicator groups at a regional scale. Morphological parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf thickness, and specific leaf area of the eight LPGs showed no significant linear relationships with the increase in WLFs. The use of these parameters in the evaluations of alterations in WLFs needs to be further analyzed.

The Baltic Sea under Anthropopressure—The Sea of Paradoxes

The Baltic Sea is a unique ecosystem that is especially sensitive to anthropogenic pressure. We analysed human pressure in this sea, which may be considered as paradoxes. One of these, is paradox of “marine” pollution. The Baltic Sea is almost totally surrounded by land and therefore sources of marine pollution are located mainly on the land. Another paradox is connected with shipping traffic intensity and maritime accidents. The Baltic Sea is characterised by the large shipping traffic, but the last decades’ data show only more than 100, usually insignificant and minor, accidents and incidents at the Baltic Sea every year. Although the Baltic Sea is characterised by a relatively low native species number compared to most marine systems, it is home to alien species. Moreover, despite the common opinion that a sea is a source of living marine resources, available riches in the Baltic Sea under anthropopressure are limited and the sea does not give expected benefits—it is the next paradox. The fact that the Baltic Sea is warming rapidly due to climate change and more suitable for bathing when the weather is favourable, massive algae growth often prevents it. Therefore, strong human impact on the Baltic Sea should be limited and sustainable use of this sea should be prioritised.

A taxonomic revision and a review of the biology of the North American seed-harvester ant genus Veromessor (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae).

This paper provides a taxonomic revision and a review of the biology for the 10 species of North American seed-harvester ants in the genus Veromessor. Two new synonomies are proposed: V. julianus subsp. clarior W.M. Wheeler and Creighton 1934 new synonym and V. julianus subsp. manni W.M. Wheeler and Creighton 1934 new synonym are synonomized under V. julianus (Pergande, 1894). One new species is described: V. pseudolariversi new species (worker, queen, male), as a result of splitting V. lariversi Smith into two species based on morphological and genetic differences. We also diagnose previously undescribed queens and males for the following species: V. andrei (male), V. chamberlini (queen, male), V. chicoensis (queen, male), V. julianus (queen, male), and V. stoddardi (queen, male). Information on biology of each species is summarized, along with distribution maps and keys to workers, queens, and males. We then discuss the biology for species of Veromessor, focusing on several morphological and ecological traits that display strong variation across the relatively low number of species (10) in the genus. Morphological traits include degree of psammophore development, propodeal spine length, eye size and structure, and worker polymorphism and worker body size, while ecological traits include colony size and foraging method, seasonality of mating flights, mating frequency, and queen size and colony founding strategy.

Small scale changes in spider diversity and composition between two close elevations in a Neotropical forest

ABSTRACT Tropical rainforests are one of the most diverse ecosystems worldwide, yet the mechanisms driving the spatial distribution of their biodiversity remain poorly understood. Here, we tested the effects of elevation, sampling method and their interaction on α and β diversities of spider assemblages between two close elevations in one tropical forest of French Guiana. Through a standardized protocol, both ground- and vegetation-dwelling (up to 2.5-m high) assemblages were sampled at medium and high elevations, during day and night using 3 complementary methods (beating, sweeping, and nocturnal hand collecting). Despite a lower total number of species at high elevation, we found no significant effect of elevation on mean species richness. However, elevation had a significant effect on species composition, notably with less web builders and more ground hunters at higher elevations. In addition, we found a significant effect of sampling methods on both estimated species richness and composition. These results suggest that even slight elevation shape spider assemblages of tropical forests, which probably contributes to the high turn-over and amazing gamma diversity of these ecosystems.

Collection, preservation, and identification of freshwater fish species in middle to north-east Bangladesh with special notes on phenotypic plasticity of few species

A checklist of 110 species of fishes belonging to 10 orders, 31 families and 78 genera was recorded with their scientific, common and Bangla or local names. These fish specimens were collected from the rivers, beels, haors, ponds and swamps of middle to North-east Bangladesh (Jamalpur, Netrokona, Kishorganj, Munshiganj and Bogra Districts). The order Cypriniformes (37%) was recorded higher followed by Perciformes (24%), Siluriformes (23%), Clupeiformes (6%). The global and national IUCN categories of these species are also provided. Based on local IUCN criteria, around 23% fish species belongs to threatened level and 5, 8 and 10% are denoted as critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN) and vulnerable (VU), respectively. Although collection and preservation is comparatively hassle-free, however, due to mingle nature of few fish species; it seems difficult to error free identification of the collected fishes by morphological traits alone. Two individuals from Sanondabari, Jamalpur (MHBSFMSTU Fish 92 and Ghaglajur Bazar, Netrokona (MHBSFMSTU Fish 84), morphologically very similar but they are completely two separated species i.e. Gagata cenia and G. youssoufi, respectively. Phenotypic plasticity is a barrier to name the fish species accurately, suggesting the presence of putative candidate species or existence of hidden diversity in the collected specimens of Sisoridae family. Due to anthropological effects, the biodiversity and fishing grounds are losing their qualities, resulting the low number of freshwater fish species in these sampling sites. The systematic, ecology, distribution, habitats of these fish fauna need to be studied exclusively and a well-planned conservation strategy need to implement as early as possible for protecting our valuable freshwater tasty fishes. Further, the output of the current study will also guide the government and non-government organization to come forward and take necessary measure for the betterment of the country, its economy, and fisheries resources.

Reviewing Observations for the Idaho Amphibian and Reptile iNaturalist Project For Improved Data Quality

Data on the occurrence and distribution of amphibians and reptiles are needed to identify and address conservation problems for these species. Observations from crowd-sourced/citizen science projects are an important source of data for conservation and management. Crowdsourced data such as iNaturalist observations have several strengths, including large amounts of recent data over a broad area, low cost, accurate spatial coordinates, photo vouchers or sound recordings that allow identification confirmation, and public education and engagement. The goal of this project is to increase and improve available data for amphibians and reptiles in Idaho, USA. The Idaho Amphibian and Reptile iNaturalist Project was initiated in June of 2016 by the Idaho State University (ISU) Herpetology Laboratory using iNaturalist, an application from the California Academy of Sciences, which allows people to contribute observations of organisms using their mobile devices. The current number of observations in the project (as of 8 July 2022) is 5,546 from 40 species by 1,296 observers. Observations are added to the project either directly by observers or by project curators using the Find Suitable Observations function on the iNaturalist project website. Project curators (from the ISU Herpetology Laboratory, Idaho Museum of Natural History, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game) review suitable observations, (i.e., observations with digital photographs or audio recordings, geographic coordinates, dates and times) and confirm or correct species identifications. Because of the relatively low number of amphibian and reptile species occurring in Idaho and the relative ease of taking adequate photographs, we have been able to confirm or correct the identifications of over 93% of the contributed observations. The rate of misidentifications for “Research Grade” observations (i.e., observations with a date, coordinates, and a picture or sound recording, and with at least 2 out of 3 additional users agreeing on the identity of a specimen) is less than 2%. We mark confirmed or corrected observations as curator reviewed and then the Idaho Department of Fish and Game adds them to the State Species Diversity Database, which is part of NatureServe. These data are primarily used to help determine species status and trends for the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) which is used to establish priorities for management actions. Analyzing unstructured, crowdsourced data presents several challenges, including the lack of a sampling design, uneven coverage across space and time, and absence of negative data, which makes it hard to quantify observation effort. Our analytical approach includes temporal and spatial aggregation of the observations to reduce sampling bias, using records of similar species to indicate observation effort, and mapping occupancy to reveal spatial patterns.

Biodiversity and Spatiotemporal Distribution of Spontaneous Vegetation in Tangdao Bay National Wetland Park, Qingdao City, China.

Spontaneous vegetation plays an important role in protecting urban biodiversity and the maintenance of urban ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the species diversity, life-form composition, origin, flowering season, and spatiotemporal distribution of spontaneous vegetation in the exhibition and education area of Tangdao Bay National Wetland Park using the quadrat survey method. There were 65 spontaneous association types and 210 spontaneous plant species, belonging to 151 genera and 44 families. The associations and species of spontaneous plants in roadside habitats were found to be the highest. In addition, many species were found in woodland and lakeside habitats, whereas the lowest number of species were found in coastal habitats. The life-form composition included 76 annual and 94 perennial herb species. These plants were of various origins. There were 160 native, 9 domestically introduced, 2 introduced alien, and 39 invasive alien plant species, which predominantly came from the Americas. A single peak was observed from March to November for the spontaneous plant species that were in their growing season, including those of different life forms and from various sources. The same was true for spontaneous plants in their flowering season. During their growing season, the number of spontaneous plant species was highest during September and, during their flowering season, the number of species was highest in July. From April to September, the Shannon–Wiener diversity index for spontaneous vegetation in the roadside habitat was the highest, followed by those for the woodland and lakeside habitats, and that of the coastline habitat was the lowest. The monthly average Shannon–Wiener diversity index for spontaneous plant associations in the four habitats also varied, with a single peak. The diversity of spontaneous plants and alien invasive plants in Tangdao Bay National Wetland Park is high. The wise use and protection of spontaneous flowering plants with long ornamental seasons can effectively reduce the maintenance costs, resource consumption, and energy requirements of the park. Spontaneous plants should also be managed to reduce the harm from alien invasive plants in the park, and alien invasive plants should be removed from the park during their flowering seasons.

Moving environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies from benchtop to the field using passive sampling and PDQeX extraction

AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has shown great promise as an effective, non‐invasive monitoring method for marine biomes. However, long filtration times and the need for state‐of‐the‐art laboratories are restricting sample replication and in situ species detections. Methodological innovations, such as passive filtration and self‐contained DNA extraction protocols, have the potential to alleviate these issues. We explored the implementation of passive sampling and a self‐contained DNA extraction protocol by comparing fish diversity obtained from active filtration (1 L; 0.45 μm cellulose nitrate [CN] filters) to five passive substrates, including 0.45 μm CN filters, 5 μm nylon filters, 0.45 μm positively charged nylon filters, artificial sponges, and fishing net. Fish diversity was then compared between the PDQeX Nucleic Acid Extractor and the conventional Qiagen DNeasy Blood & Tissue protocol. Experiments were conducted in both a controlled mesocosm and in situ at the Portobello Marine Laboratory, New Zealand. No significant differences in fish diversity were observed among active filtration and more porous passive materials (artificial sponges and fishing net) for both the mesocosm and harbor waters. For the in situ comparison, all passive filter membranes detected a significantly lower number of fish species, resulting from partial sample drop‐out. While no significant differences in fish eDNA signal diversity were observed between either DNA extraction methods in the mesocosm, the PDQeX system was less effective at detecting fish for the in situ comparison. Our results demonstrate that a passive sampling approach using porous substrates can be effectively implemented to capture eDNA from seawater, eliminating vacuum filtration processing. The large variation in efficiency observed among the five substrate types, however, warrants further optimization of the passive sampling approach for routine eDNA applications. The PDQeX system can extract high‐abundance DNA in a mesocosm with further optimization to detect low‐abundance eDNA from the marine environment.

Zooplankton and benthic fauna composition of Isaka-bundu mangrove swamp, Niger delta, Nigeria: A polluted tidal mangrove tropical creek

The study was aimed at examining the impact of untreated discharges from artisanal refineries (illegal bunkering), loading and other related activities on the composition, abundance, distribution, and diversity of zooplankton and macrobenthic fauna from four creek channels of the Isaka-Bundu waterfront in Rivers State, a polluted tidal mangrove wetland. Zooplankton and benthic fauna samples were collected monthly from each of the sampling stations for six months (July to December 2021 using standard sampling methods. Margalef (D), Shannon Wienner (H), and Evenness indices were tools used to determine the species richness and diversity respectively using the SPSS statistical package. This study shows that illegal refining activities and other discharges from industrial and human wastes had an unfavourable impact on the zooplankton and macro-benthic fauna community in Isaka-Bundu waterfronts. The effects are reflected in the spatial variations in the composition with more agitation, especially in station 2 in zooplankton and station 3 in macrobenthic fauna, which has a lower number of species and abundance. The majority of indicator species is a validation of this study, the community structure is an insight into the adverse effects of individual and cumulative activities. More impact was observed on the benthos and benthic fauna and this could be due to their exceptional features and location in the aquatic environment. While therefore, this is an indication that creeks are polluted and regular monitoring should be carried out to report the special degradation level of this creek.

Species diversity and distribution of large centipedes (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha) from the biosphere reserve of the western Nghe An Province, Vietnam

A total of 12 scolopendromorph species from five genera and three families were recorded in three different habitats (wooden forest, mixed timber-bamboo forest, and bamboo forest) and at three elevation ranges (>1,000 m, 700–1,000 m, and <700 m) from the biosphere reserve of the western Nghe An Province. Eleven species were recorded for the first time in the area. Scolopendridae is the most diverse family with nine species. The number of species was highest at elevation <700 m (9 species), and lowest at 700–1,000 m (4). By habitat distribution, the bamboo forest had the lowest number of species (3).

A Simple CO2 Generating System Incorporated with CDC Light Trap for Sampling Mosquito Vectors

Simple SummaryThis study successfully developed a CO2 generating system that can be incorporated with a CDC light trap for the overnight collection of mosquitoes. We produced CO2 continuously by dripping an aqueous solution of 12% w/w hydrochloric acid (HCl) (30 drops or 1.6 mL/min) controlled by an intravenous drip infusion set onto limestone powder (800 g) that produced an average of 55 mL CO2/min (equivalent to the CO2 exhalation from two chickens). The efficiency of this trap set for capturing mosquitoes was evaluated in the field compared with the light trap alone and the light trap baited with 1 kg dry ice. The results revealed that the trap with the acid and limestone significantly increased the number and species composition of mosquitoes collected compared with the light trap alone. It could collect all important vector species of Aedes, Armigeres, Coquilletidia, Culex and Mansonia as collected by the trap with dry ice, although the numbers were fewer. Our CO2 producing system is reliable, simple and inexpensive, and could be an alternative method when dry ice is unavailable.Traps for capturing mosquitoes and other blood-feeding arthropods are often baited with carbon dioxide (CO2) as an attractant. Dry ice is popularly used as a CO2 source due to its high efficiency and ease of use. However, dry ice can be difficult to obtain in many rural and remote areas. The objective of this study was to develop a simple and inexpensive method that could continuously generate CO2 overnight (about 10 h) while being used with CDC light traps for sampling adult mosquitoes. In principle, CO2 was produced from the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) (12% w/w) and limestone powder (mainly composed of calcium carbonate, CaCO3). In laboratory experiments, an average of 256 mL of CO2 was produced from 1 g of limestone. For continuous production of CO2, an intravenous drip infusion set, as commonly used in hospitals, was modified for dripping the acid solution (1 L in a normal saline bag) onto limestone powder (800 g in a 1.5 L bottle) at a flow rate of 30 drops/min (about 1.6 mL/min). With this procedure, an average of 55 mL of CO2 per min was obtained (approximately equivalent to the CO2 exhaled by two chickens). The performance of this CO2 generating system incorporated with CDC light traps for sampling mosquitoes was evaluated in three rural villages of Sanpatong District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Three trap sets were used, i.e., Set I, light trap alone; Set II, light trap with dry ice (1 kg); and Set III, light trap with limestone and acid. In each village, mosquitoes were collected at three fixed sites, each with one of the three trap sets. They were rotated daily for three rounds (9 nights per village and 27 nights in total). A total of 1620 mosquitoes (97.7% being females) consisting of Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, Coquilletidia, Culex and Mansonia were captured across three different sampling sets from all villages. The predominant species collected were Culex vishnui (n = 760, 46.91%), Cx. bitaeniorhynchus (n = 504, 31.11%) and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (n = 157, 9.69%). Light traps alone (Set I) collected very low numbers of mosquitoes (n = 12) and species (6 spp.), whereas light traps with dry ice (Set II) collected the highest numbers of mosquitoes (n = 1341) and species (14 spp.). Although the light trap with limestone and acid (Set III) collected fewer mosquitoes (n = 267) and species (9 spp.) than the trap set with dry ice (Set II), it collected all common vector species in the study areas as collected by Set II. The presence of an acid solution had no bias in the collection of mosquitoes with different physiological ages as determined by the parous rate. The present study demonstrated that this CO2 generating system is reliable, simple and inexpensive, and could be an alternative to dry ice. The system can be modified to increase the amount of CO2 generated for higher efficacy of mosquito collection. This CO2 production method can be applied to collect other blood-sucking arthropods as well.