Nature Red List Research Articles

Analyzing the Distribution Patterns of Endemic Quercus vulcanica (Boiss. et Heldr. ex) Kotschy in Türkiye Under Climate Change Using Ensemble Modeling

Quercus vulcanica (Boiss. et Heldr. ex) Kotschy (Kasnak oak), one of the 18 Quercus species naturally distributed in Anatolia, is an endemic species with a restricted distribution range. In accordance with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species classification, Quercus vulcanica is designated as a species of low risk (LC: Least Concern). However, it is predicted that the habitat of Quercus vulcanica will narrow and that the species will become endangered as a result of potential climate change scenarios in the future. The aim of this study was to estimate the temporal and spatial distribution of Quercus vulcanica in Anatolia during the LGM, as well as to examine the impact of present and future climate changes on the species. In this context, principal component analysis was applied to 19 bioclimatic variables of the Community Climate System Model Version 4 (CCSM4) climate model, with nine variables identified for use in modeling. Habitat suitability was estimated using the Biodiversity Modeling (BIOMOD) ensemble modeling method, which combines the results of nine different algorithms through the R package ‘biomod2’, applying both committee averaging and weighted average approaches. To evaluate the performance of the models, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC), True Skill Statistics (TSS), KAPPA and Boyce Index were calculated. The contributions of the environmental variables were determined on a per-algorithm-model basis. The results of the analyses show that the bioclimatic variables that contribute the most to the distribution of the species are Bio8. The modeling results show that Quercus vulcanica is capable of occupying suitable habitat areas across the majority of Anatolia during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). It is anticipated that future projections will indicate a notable reduction in the extent of suitable habitat for the species, with the remaining areas confined to the vicinity of the Ilgaz Mountains, Köroğlu Mountains and Bolkar Mountains. Given the increasing destruction that Quercus vulcanica, an endemic plant, will be adversely affected by as a result of human impacts and climate change, it is of the highest importance to develop adaptation strategies with a view to protecting the species’ habitat and the sustainability of the species.

Study of the efficacy of five growing media for nursery production of an endangered species, Afzelia africana Smith ex Pers in Côte d'Ivoire

Afzelia africana Smith ex Pers is an endangered plant species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The low level of natural regeneration of this species requires it to be reproduced in a controlled environment in order to reconstitute its population by providing good quality seedlings. As the growing medium is an important factor in the quality of the seedlings, the influence of the substrates soil + wood chip compost, soil + poultry droppings, soil + rice straw compost, soil + cocoa pod husk compost and soil on the germination and growth of Afzelia africana in the nursery was evaluated through a completely randomised design. The soil + wood chips compost performed best, with a high germination rate (76.7%). It enabled the production of taller seedlings (15.6 cm; p = 0.004), with larger collar diameters (4.4 mm; p = 0.001), higher total dry matter (2.25 g.plant-1; p = 0.005) and higher root dry matter (2.25 g.plant-1; p = 0.005). The mixture of three parts soil + one part poultry droppings was toxic for the seedlings, resulting in 60.6% mortality. The use of growing media containing a mixture of soil and wood chips compost is effective for the production of vigorous seedlings. This compost can be recommended for nursery production of Afzelia africana.

Distribution and Abundance of Wildlife Roadkills in Jengka, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Malaysia's growing transportation network has increased human impact on wildlife habitats, causing a rise in roadkill cases. This study aims to assess the distribution and abundance of roadkill in Jengka, Pahang. Surveys along selected roads for ten days in March 2022 recorded 72 incidents (0.36 roadkill km-1). The water monitor (Varanus salvator) was the most frequently recorded species with 12 incidents, while the least frequently recorded species, each with 1 incident, included the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) and the house rat (Rattus rattus). Species of particular concern based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Categories included the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) (Endangered), clouded monitor lizard (Varanus nebulosus) (Near Threatened), and Malayan flat-shelled turtle (Notochelys platynota) (Vulnerable). Main Federal Roads, particularly Jalan Bukit Tajau - Bandar Pusat Jengka (FT62) and Jalan Utama Jengka Utara/Selatan (FT83), had notable roadkill rates of 0.73 and 0.35 per kilometer, respectively. Jalan FELDA 25 (FT1553), linking Bandar Tun Abdul Razak to Jerantut and Kuala Krau, recorded the highest rate at 0.78 roadkill per kilometer, highlighting the need for attention. Proposed actions include wildlife crossings, wildlife warning reflectors and wildlife warning signs in hotspots, and table drains alongside roads. It is also essential to educate drivers on the importance of reducing speed, especially in wildlife crossing zones, to minimize incidents. These findings stress the importance of proactive measures in reducing roadkill and safeguarding wildlife in Jengka, urging collaborative efforts to enhance road safety for both humans and animals.

Wildlife Ecotourism in Protected Areas of the Lower Negro River, Brazilian Amazon: characterization, challenges, and potentials

In the last few decades, tourist interactions involving wildlife, one of the activities that distinguishes ecotourism, have attracted many fans in various regions of the world. This article maps, characterizes, and presents the challenges and potentials of wildlife ecotourism in protected areas of the Lower Negro River, in the Brazilian Amazon. Through data collection in the field, seven enterprises were visited and tourist interactions with twelve different species of wildlife were recorded. The activities that visitors engage in vary according to the species they are interacting with, but include watching the animals, offering food, physical contact (petting or holding the animals), and getting into the water with them. The recorded species include the Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), the Woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha), and the Bald uakari (Cacajao calvus), which are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Despite the negative impacts of these activities, they help create income for the host communities, increase the public use of protected areas, and raise awareness among visitors regarding the conservation of species and their habitats.

Redescription of the terrestrial isopod Armadillo mayeti Simon, 1885 and its comparison with Armadillo officinalis Duméril, 1816 from Tunisian populations

ABSTRACT The genus Armadillo is represented by 26 species, three of which are recorded from Tunisia: the Mediterranean A. officinalis Duméril, 1816, and the endemic A. mayeti Simon, 1885 and A. pseudomayeti Mattern, 1999. In this paper, the endemic species A. mayeti is redescribed, its morphological diagnostic characters are illustrated, and its stridulation apparatus structure and biochemical composition are highlighted for the first time using optical and scanning electronic microscopy. The stridulation apparatus, visible dorsally on propodus of pereopods 4 and 5, is structured in a row of chain scales. Regarding its chemical composition, the scale contains numerous elements with a high carbon content (C = 58.71%) followed by calcium (Ca = 19.63%), oxygen (O = 13.98), aluminium (Al = 4.81), copper (Cu = 1.02), iron (Fe = 0.63), potassium (K = 0.43), and silicon (Si = 0.20). Its distribution is extended and its status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is reported. Armadillo mayeti is then compared with the widespread Mediterranean A. officinalis for diagnostic purposes on the bases of morphological features and the stridulation apparatus structure focusing on the chemical composition. The taxonomic status of A. pseudomayeti is discussed.

Spatial Pattern Analysis and Conservation Assessment of Apiaceae in Mongolia.

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

Understanding Rhododendron intraspecific compatibility in botanic garden collections for species conservation

Context Controlled pollination is an important technique for maintaining intraspecific diversity in integrated plant conservation practices, particularly in genera such as Rhododendron, where open pollination usually produces hybrids with unknown paternal lineages. Aims This study investigated the capacity for viable seed set from self- and intraspecific cross-pollination for Rhododendron taxa in different categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, to guide conservation management of threatened species in botanic garden collections. Methods The following five taxa of subsection Maddenia were studied: R. dalhousiae var. dalhousiae (Least Concern), R. dalhousiae var. rhabdotum (Vulnerable), R. lindleyi (Least Concern), R. nuttallii (Near Threatened), and R. excellens (Vulnerable). Controlled pollination was performed on selected garden accessions, and seed germination was tested at an alternating temperature regime of 15/25°C, 8 h photoperiod, and ~6 μmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). Key results Intraspecific compatibilities varied among different taxa and between self- and outcross treatments. X-ray images for Rhododendron seeds showed low capacity to predict seed germination. Neither X-ray scan nor fungicide (Ridomil) treatment showed any adverse impact on seed germination, which has positive implications for seed-banking and subsequent raising of Rhododendron seedlings. Conclusions Controlled intraspecific pollination can be used to maintain diversity of ex situ accessions for selected Rhododendron species. However, the zero or low compatibility demonstrated in some species, such as R. excellens, suggests that these species may require a different approach. Implications Intraspecific pollination should be evaluated for each Rhododendron species before a propagation program is initiated in ex situ conservation.

Evaluating key evidence and formulating regulatory alternatives regarding the UK's Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill

AbstractPublic policy addressing biodiversity loss is most likely to be effective when it is informed by appropriate evidence and considers potential unintended consequences. We evaluate key evidence relating to the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill that was discussed in the UK Parliament between 2022 and 2024. We characterize the UK's role in international hunting trophy trade by analyzing CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) trade data for 2000–2021 and 2015–2021. For CITES‐listed species imported to/exported from the UK as hunting trophies in these periods we use data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species to determine whether hunting designated as “trophy hunting” is (i) likely a major threat contributing to species being of elevated conservation concern, (ii) likely or possibly causing localized declines, or (iii) not a threat. We then use the Red List to determine whether such hunting provides, or potentially provides, benefits for species and/or people. Finally, we evaluate the UK Government's impact assessment of the bill. In 2000–2021 an estimated 3494 hunting trophies from 73 CITES‐listed species and subspecies were exported to the UK involving an estimated 2549 whole organism equivalents (WOEs), that is, individual animals. Imports involved 158.86 ± 66.53 (mean ± SD) trophies/year (115.83 ± 32.27 WOEs/year). In 2015–2021, 79% of imports were from countries where populations of the hunted species are stable, increasing, or abundant. Legal hunting for trophies is not a major threat to any of the species or subspecies imported to the UK, but likely or possibly represents a local threat to some populations of eight species. This hunting does, or could potentially, benefit 20 species and subspecies, and people. Among other concerns, the impact assessment failed to adequately consider the costs and benefits to local communities in countries where such hunting occurs. Informed by these analyses we discuss alternative regulatory options.

Metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiota of hooded cranes (Grus monacha) on the Izumi plain in Japan.

Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology have dramatically improved our understanding of the gut microbiota of various animal species. However, research on the gut microbiota of birds lags behind that of many other vertebrates, and information about the gut microbiota of wild birds such as migratory waterfowl is particularly lacking. Because the ecology of migratory waterfowl (e.g., lifestyle, diet, physiological characteristics) differs from that of other birds, the gut microbiota of migratory waterfowl likely also differs, but much is still unknown. The hooded crane (Grus monacha) is an important representative migratory waterbird species and is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List of Threatened Species. In this study, we analyzed the bacterial and viral microbiota in the gut of hooded cranes by using deep sequencing data from fecal samples of hooded cranes that winter on the Izumi plain in Japan, and found that Cetobacterium, Clupeiformes, and Pbunavirus were clearly present in the fecal samples of hooded cranes. These findings advance our understanding of the ecology of hooded cranes.

Effects of trade and poaching pressure on extinction risk for cacti in the Atacama Desert.

In this era of a global biodiversity crisis, vascular plants are facing unprecedented extinction rates. We conducted an assessment of the extinction risk of 32 species and 7 subspecies of Copiapoa, a genus endemic to Chile's fog-dependent coastal Atacama Desert. We applied the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and Criteria enhanced by expert insights and knowledge. Our primary aim was to analyze the impact of trade and poaching on their extinction risk. We employed machine learning models, including multinomial logistic regression (MLR), decision tree (DT), and random forest (RF), to analyze the relationships between conservation status and various factors. These factors encompassed trade and poaching activities, landscape condition, human footprint, monthly cloud frequency, and biological traits such as evolutionary distinctiveness and maximum diameter. Seven taxa had an area of occupancy (AOO) of <10km2, 10 additional taxa had an AOO of <20km2, and 16 taxa had an AOO of ≤100km2. This reassessment exposed a critical level of extinction risk for the genus; 92% of the taxa were classified as threatened, 41% as critically endangered, 41% as endangered, and 10% as vulnerable. MLR, DT, and RF exhibited accuracies of 0.784, 0.730, and 0.598, respectively, and identified trade and poaching pressure and landscape condition as the primary drivers of extinction risk. Our assessment of Copiapoa showed trade, poaching, habitat degradation, and their synergic impacts as the main drivers of the genus' extinction risk. Our results highlight the urgent need for nations to develop and enforce strategies to monitor and control trade and poaching pressure because these factors are crucial for the long-term persistence of desert plants.

Assessing the legal, illegal, and gray ornamental trade of the critically endangered helmeted hornbill.

Monitoring wildlife trade dynamics is an important initial step for conservation action and demand reduction campaigns to reduce illegal wildlife trade. Studies often rely on one data source to assess a species' trade, such as seizures or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) trade data. Each database provides useful information but is often incomplete. Combining information from multiple sources helps provide a more complete understanding of trade. A recent rapid increase in demand for helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) casques (a brightly colored, solid keratinous rostrum) led to its uplisting to critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List in 2015. However, there is little current information on what factors influence trade trends and what current levels of demand are. We combined data from CITES, seizure records, and previously underused, yet abundant, art and antique auction data to examine the global trade in helmeted hornbill casque products (HHPs). Three decades of auction data revealed that 1027 individual HHPs had been auctioned since 1992; total auction sales were over US$3 million from 1992 to 2021. The number of HHPs auctioned was greatest from 2011 to 2014, just after the global art boom (2009-2011), followed by a decline in volume and price. The auction data also revealed 2 possible markets for HHPs: true antique and speculative, defined by era, price, and trade patterns. Trends in illegal trade matched those of the auction market, but legal trade remained consistently low. Combining data sources from legal, illegal, and gray markets provided an overview of the dynamics of illegal trade in an endangered species. This approach can be applied to other wildlife markets to provide a more complete understanding of trade and demand at the market level to inform future demand reduction campaigns.

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

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

Synergies and complementarities between ecosystem accounting and the Red List of Ecosystems.

Safeguarding biodiversity and human well-being depends on sustaining ecosystems. Two global standards for quantifying ecosystem change, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) and the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting Ecosystem Accounting (EA), underpin headline indicators for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We analyse similarities and differences between the standards to understand their complementary roles in environmental policy and decision-making. The standards share key concepts, definitions of ecosystems and spatial data needs, meaning that similar data can be used in both. Their complementarities stem from their differing purposes and thus how data are analysed and interpreted. Although both record changes in ecosystem extent and condition, the RLE analyses the magnitude of change in terms of risk of ecosystem collapse and biodiversity loss, whereas EA links ecosystem change with the ecosystem's contributions to people and the economy. We recommend that the RLE and EA should not be treated as unrelated nor undertaken in isolation. Developing them in concert can exploit their complementarities while ensuring consistency in foundational data, in particular ecosystem classifications, maps and condition variables. Finding pathways for co-investment in foundational data, and for knowledge-sharing between people and organizations who undertake RLE assessments and accounting, will improve both processes and outcomes for biodiversity, ecosystems and people.

Incorporating citizen science into IUCN Red List assessments.

Many citizen scientists are highly motivated to help address the current extinction crisis. Their work is making valuable contributions to protecting species by raising awareness, identifying species occurrences, assessing population trends, and informing direct management actions, such as captive breeding. However, clear guidance is lacking about how to use existing citizen science data sets and how to design effective citizen science programs that directly inform extinction risk assessments and resulting conservation actions based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria. This may be because of a mismatch between what citizen science can deliver to address extinction risk and the reality of what is needed to inform threatened species listing based on IUCN criteria. To overcome this problem, we examined each IUCN Red List criterion (A-E) relative to the five major types of citizen science outputs relevant to IUCN assessments (occurrence data, presence-absence observations, structured surveys, physical samples, and narratives) to recommend which outputs are most suited to use when applying the IUCN extinction risk assessment process. We explored real-world examples of citizen science projects on amphibians and fungi that have delivered valuable data and knowledge for IUCN assessments. We found that although occurrence data are routinely used in the assessment process, simply adding more observations of occurrence from citizen science information may not be as valuable as inclusion of more nuanced data types, such as presence-absence data or information on threats from structured surveys. We then explored the characteristics of citizen science projects that have already delivered valuable data to support assessments. These projects were led by recognized experts who champion and validate citizen science data, thereby giving greater confidence in its accuracy. We urge increased recognition of the value of citizen science data within the assessment process.

Large-scale genome sequencing of giant pandas improves the understanding of population structure and future conservation initiatives

The extinction risk of the giant panda has been demoted from "endangered" to "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, but its habitat is more fragmented than ever before, resulting in 33 isolated giant panda populations according to the fourth national survey released by the Chinese government. Further comprehensive investigations of the genetic background and in-depth assessments of the conservation status of wild populations are still necessary and urgently needed. Here, we sequenced the genomes of 612 giant pandas with an average depth of ~26× and generated a high-resolution map of genomic variation with more than 20 million variants covering wild individuals from six mountain ranges and captive representatives in China. We identified distinct genetic clusters within the Minshan population by performing a fine-grained genetic structure. The estimation of inbreeding and genetic load associated with historical population dynamics suggested that future conservation efforts should pay special attention to the Qinling and Liangshan populations. Releasing captive individuals with a genetic background similar to the recipient population appears to be an advantageous genetic rescue strategy for recovering the wild giant panda populations, as this approach introduces fewer deleterious mutations into the wild population than mating with differentiated lineages. These findings emphasize the superiority of large-scale population genomics to provide precise guidelines for future conservation of the giant panda.

Global assessment of aquatic Isoëtes species ecology

Abstract Isoëtes are iconic but understudied wetland plants, despite having suffered severe losses globally mainly because of alterations in their habitats. We therefore provide the first global ecological assessment of aquatic Isoëtes to identify their environmental requirements and to evaluate if taxonomically related species differ in their ecology. The assessment resulted in an extensive new database on aquatic Isoëtes, ecological niche analyses, and descriptive species accounts. We compiled a global database that includes all known environmental data collected from 1935 to 2023 regarding aquatic Isoëtes. We then evaluated the environmental drivers of 16 species using 2,179 global records. Additionally, we used hypervolume analysis to quantify the ecological niches of the two species with the greatest number of records, finding significant differences and evidence that Isoëtes echinospora occupies a wider ecological niche than Isoëtes lacustris. Fifty‐nine species (30% of the c. 200 Isoëtes species known today) were categorised as aquatic and were mainly reported in the Americas and northern Europe. About 38% of the aquatic species are threatened with extinction or are endemic to a small region, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List in 2023. Many species were determined to be sensitive to certain water physical and chemical factors, generally preferring oligotrophic conditions such as low total phosphorus, moderate total nitrogen, moderate to low pH, and low conductivity. This analysis includes ecological data in the assessment of rare/threatened aquatic plants globally. This new database and the ecological analyses completed defined the ecological requirements of several species and identified knowledge gaps, which can aid management actions and future research. This paper highlights ecological significance and environmental sensitivities of aquatic Isoëtes. The current level of knowledge is inadequate for a large proportion of known taxa. We affirm the extreme need to support global, collaborative initiatives on which to build future conservation strategies.

Standardized Sperm Cryofreezing Technique for Caspian Sea Sturgeons (Huso huso, Acipenser persicus, Acipenser stellatus, Acipenser nudiventris)

Sturgeons, considered `living fossils,` face extinction due to various factors, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. The present study describes a uniform sperm cryopreservation method for the endangered Caspian Sea sturgeon species, which are beluga (Huso huso), Persian (Acipenser persicus), stellate (Acipenser stellatus), and ship (Acipenser nudiventris) sturgeons for both artificial reproduction and ex-situ conservation attempts. For this aim, sperm samples were diluted 1:1 in extender composed of 118 mM Tris buffer (pH=8) and 23.4 mM sucrose-based extender containing 15% DMSO and equilibrated for one hour at 4°C. Then, sperm samples were placed into 0.50-ml straws and multi-stage cooling was applied to freeze with the help of a programmable freezer with an accuracy of ±0.1C/min, and finally stored in liquid nitrogen (-196C) tank. Thawing was performed at 40°C water baths for 25 s. The results indicated that storage for two years resulted in a 24.7% fertilization rate for the stellate sturgeon, while the Persian sturgeon had a remarkable rate of 58.2% after five years storage.

Study on the microbiome and resistome of wild and captive Guizhou golden monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi) in China

The knowledge of gut microbial information helps evaluate the nutrition and health of the host and can be used as an important tool for improving wildlife conservation and management. Guizhou golden monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi) is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN 2023) Red List. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the difference of gut microbiome and resistome among three different groups of Guizhou golden monkeys using a metagenome approach, thus providing valuable insights and tools for management of captive golden monkeys. Fecal samples of Guizhou golden monkeys were collected from three places including Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in Guizhou (n =3, Wild), Panxi wildlife rescue center in Guizhou (n=3, CapGZ), and Beijing Zoo (n=3, CapBJ). Fecal DNA was extracted and libraries were prepared and then were sequenced on Illumina PE150 platform with 2 × 150 bp paired reads. The results showed that wild Guizhou golden monkeys had lower abundance of Firmicutes, Uroviricota, Spirochaetes, Fibrobacterota, Campylobacterota, and Candidatus Melainabacteria and higher abundance Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria than the two groups of captive monkeys. PCoA analysis showed that fecal samples from three groups could be distinctly separated. Wild monkeys had significantly higher abundance of genes associated with metabolic function, including carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins. Among the top 20 ARGs analyzed, more ARGs were detected in the wild monkeys than the rest two groups. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of microbiomes and resistome in wild and captive Guizhou golden monkeys. The data is important for improving the health, management, and conservation of Guizhou golden monkeys based on the deviations in gut microbiome. It also establishes the scientific foundation for future comparative studies on the gut microbiome and resistome of Guizhou golden monkeys and other closely related Rhinopithecus species.

First Data on Anthropogenic Microparticles in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Juvenile Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrna lewini) in the Gulf of California

Scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) are critically endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, likely due to anthropogenic activities such as intense fishing and pollution. Nowadays, plastic debris contamination is a subject of concern due to its extensive presence in the sea and the digestive tracts of many fish species. The possible effects of plastic debris as a vector of other pollutants are still unknown. We analyzed the digestive tract of 58 hammerhead sharks to investigate the correlation between plastic and other anthropogenic microparticle contamination and their feeding habits in the eastern region of the Gulf of California, revealing a debris contamination occurrence of 79.3%. Out of these, 91.4% corresponded to fibers, and the remaining 8.6% to fragments. The main component of the debris was cellulose (64.4%). According to their diet, these organisms exhibit benthopelagic habits, feeding both in the water column and on the seabed. These results indicate a high level of contamination of anthropogenic cellulosic microfibers in the area. Although cellulosic microfibers are recognized as a biomaterial, they can be harmful to marine species, posing an additional threat to this iconic shark. This changed according to the year, indicating that the anthropogenic microparticle ingestion is related to the discharges of human activities and their seasonality rather than to a selection process by the sharks.

Habitat characteristics and threats of little-known endemic dragonfly, Neurothemis feralis (Burmeister, 1839) (Odonata: Libellulidae) in East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Susanto MAD, Gama ZP, Leksono AS. 2024. Habitat characteristics and threats of little-known endemic dragonfly, Neurothemis feralis (Burmeister, 1839) (Odonata: Libellulidae) in East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2907-2920. Neurothemis feralis is a dragonfly with limited distribution and is found only in the lowlands of Java, Sumatra, Krakatau, and Bangka. Its habitats that traverse anthropogenic area face various threats from human activities. Despite the imminent of its depopulation, many essential information regarding the biology of N. feralis remain scarce, deem it with data deficient conservation status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This study aims to study habitat characteristics of N. feralis for future conservation purposes. This study was conducted in Surabaya, Sidoarjo, and Gresik, East Java Province, with a five-month study period of July-November 2023. The results showed that N. feralis prefers locations with 36-64% air humidity, 29.2-35.8°C air temperature, and 16970-36400 lux light intensity. Air humidity positively correlated with the abundance of N. feralis, while high temperatures and light intensity tend to have negative impact. The coverage of vegetation with 20-100 cm height was found as another habitat component that positively affects its abundance, while the loss of this coverage understandably negate the dragonfly abundance. Vegetation provides habitat for N. feralis, as well as its prey, competitors and even predators. Despite N. feralis population can still be observed from urban areas with up to 82.40% residential allotment (within 500 m radius of the study site), the disappearance of its population is likely if believably impending if anthropogenic activities (e.g., land conversion and vegetation burning) continue to occur.