Original Geographical Distribution Research Articles

Occupancy and detectability of a critically threatened lizard endemic from sandy coastal plains areas of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

AbstractLiolaemus lutzae is a small liolaemid lizard critically endangered and restricted to coastal restinga (salty sand dune habitats covered by herbaceous and shrubby vegetation by seaside) habitats of the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. This lizard has been predicted to be extinct by 2080. We studied some of the environmental factors that influence occupancy by the species and detectability by the observer, in addition to investigating which populations remain occupying the areas along its original geographical distribution. We sampled 25 different beach habitats of restinga areas in the state, by 100‐meter replicates of linear transects. The estimated probability of occupancy was 69% (0.69 ± 0.05), and the estimated detectability was 50% (0.50 ± 0.03). The detection model with the best fit contained only the air temperature variable. Occupancy was best described by four variables: number of disturbance sources on the transect, vegetation cover in a 50‐meter buffer, exposed sand cover substrate in a 20‐meter buffer, and built‐up area cover in a 50‐meter buffer. No observations of L. lutzae were made in eight of the 25 restinga areas sampled along the original distribution of the lizard. In seven of these areas, the species had its populations extirpated many years ago, based on the 2007/2008 monitoring data. Conversely, in one area where the species was frequently observed during field surveys and different ecological studies on the species made in last decade, it was not recorded in the present study, indicating a possible recent population extirpation. We recommend that conservation measures be urgently implemented to mitigate anthropogenic impacts on the areas of the remaining populations of this lizard throughout its range, especially preserving the structure and functions of the remaining vegetation of beach habitat along restinga areas.

Redefining the Evolutionary History of the Rock Dove, Columba livia, Using Whole Genome Sequences.

The domestic pigeon's exceptional phenotypic diversity was key in developing Darwin's Theory of Evolution and establishing the concept of artificial selection. However, unlike its domestic counterpart, its wild progenitor, the rock dove Columba livia has received considerably less attention. Therefore, questions regarding its domestication, evolution, taxonomy, and conservation status remain unresolved. We generated whole-genome sequencing data from 65 historical rock doves that represent all currently recognized subspecies and span the species' original geographic distribution. Our dataset includes 3 specimens from Darwin's collection, and the type specimens of 5 different taxa. We characterized their population structure, genomic diversity, and gene-flow patterns. Our results show the West African subspecies C. l. gymnocyclus is basal to rock doves and domestic pigeons, and suggests gene-flow between the rock dove's sister species C. rupestris, and the ancestor of rock doves after its split from West African populations. These genomes allowed us to propose a model for the evolution of the rock dove in light of the refugia theory. We propose that rock dove genetic diversity and introgression patterns derive from a history of allopatric cycles and dispersion waves during the Quaternary glacial and interglacial periods. To explore the rock dove domestication history, we combined our new dataset with available genomes from domestic pigeons. Our results point to at least 1 domestication event in the Levant that gave rise to all domestic breeds analysed in this study. Finally, we propose a species-level taxonomic arrangement to reflect the evolutionary history of the West African rock dove populations.

Qualitative Assessment of Batur Sheeps Kept by Smallholder Farmers in Banjarnegara, Indonesia

Batur sheep is one of Indonesian’s local sheep species with the original geographical distribution in the Batur District and surrounding areas. This study was conducted to determine the suitability of the Batur sheep that were kept by smallholder farmers. The study was conducted in Batur Village, Banjarnegara Regency, Indonesia in February 2020 by identifying the qualitative traits of Batur sheeps (64 males and 129 females) compared to other sheep breeds. Qualitative data were then transformed into dummy data and given scores in each category. Data were analyzed descriptively using Chi-square analysis and Independent Sample T-Test. The Chi-square analysis findings determined (P<0.05) the qualitative characteristics, which included the face profile, the face wool coat density, and the suitability score of the male and female of the Batur sheep breed. The total of 98.6% male and 74.4% female sheep had suitable qualitative characteristics to the Batur sheep breed with suitability scores of 91.72 and 81.90, respectively. In conclusion, the male and female Batur sheep on Batur Village, Banjarnegara Regency, Indonesia, was still suitable to Batur sheep breed based on the assessment of the body’s phenotypic assessment.
 Keywords: Body characteristics, Exterior traits, Local sheep, Phenotypic assessment, Suitability value

Emergence of the invasive Asian bush mosquito Aedes (Hulecoeteomyia) japonicus (Theobald, 1901) in the Czech Republic

BackgroundAedes japonicus is a mosquito species native to North-East Asia that was first found established outside its original geographic distribution range in 1998 and has since spread massively through North America and Europe. In the Czech Republic, the species was not reported before 2021.MethodsAedes invasive mosquitoes (AIM) are routinely surveyed in the Czech Republic by ovitrapping at potential entry ports. This surveillance is supported by appeals to the population to report uncommon mosquitoes. The submission of an Ae. japonicus specimen by a citizen in 2021 was followed by local search for aquatic mosquito stages in the submitter’s garden and short-term adult monitoring with encephalitis virus surveillance (EVS) traps in its surroundings. Collected Ae. japonicus specimens were subjected to nad4 haplotype and microsatellite analyses.ResultsAedes japonicus was detected for the first time in the Czech Republic in 2021. Aquatic stages and adults were collected in Prachatice, close to the Czech-German border, and eggs in Mikulov, on the Czech-Austrian border. Morphological identification was confirmed by molecular taxonomy. Genetic analysis of specimens and comparison of genetic data with those of other European populations, particularly from Germany, showed the Prachatice specimens to be most closely related to a German population. The Mikulov specimens were more distantly related to those, with no close relatives identifiable.ConclusionsAedes japonicus is already widely distributed in Germany and Austria, two countries neighbouring the Czech Republic, and continues to spread rapidly in Central Europe. It must therefore be assumed that the species is already present at more than the two described localities in the Czech Republic and will further spread in this country. These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive AIM surveillance in the Czech Republic.Graphical

Rediscovery and historical records of the Strange-tailed Tyrant Alectrurus risora (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Brazil

The Strange-tailed Tyrant Alectrurus risora is a flycatcher found in the grasslands and marshes of central South America. It is globally “vulnerable” due to habitat loss, mainly for pasture, cropland, and tree plantations, and has experienced a contraction of its original geographical distribution. Here, we present the two first Brazilian records since 1974 and provide a compilation of historical records for the country. We recorded the species in the municipalities of Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul state, in 2012, and Foz do Iguacu, Parana state, in 2020. We found four historical records from 1821 to 1974 in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Rio de Janeiro, and Rio Grande do Sul. The regions where the recent records were made have been highly transformed by the conversion of natural areas into croplands, leaving little suitable habitat for grassland-dependent species.

Functional-trait ecology of the plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau ecosystem.

Understanding a species' functional traits allows for a directed and productive perspective on the role a species plays in nature, and thus its relative importance to conservation planning. The functional-trait ecology of the plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae is examined to better understand the resilience and sustainability of the high alpine grasslands of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The key functional traits of plateau pikas are their abundance and behavior of digging extensive burrow systems. Plateau pikas have been poisoned over a significant part of their original geographic distribution across the QTP, allowing comparison of ecological communities with and without pikas. Nearly all mammalian and avian carnivores, most of which are obligate predators on pikas, have been lost in regions where pikas have been poisoned. Most endemic birds on the QTP nest in pika burrows; when pikas are poisoned, burrows collapse, and these birds are greatly reduced in number. Due to the biopedturbation resulting from their burrows, regional plant species richness is higher in areas with pikas than without. The presence of pika burrows allows higher rates of infiltration during heavy monsoon rains compared to poisoned areas, possibly mitigating runoff and the potential for serious downslope erosion and flooding. Thus, the functional traits of plateau pikas enhance native biodiversity and other important ecosystem functions; these traits are irreplaceable. As plateau pikas are not natural colonizers, active re-introduction programs are needed to restore pikas to areas from which they have been poisoned to restore the important functional ecological traits of pikas.

Wood used in ancient timber architecture in Shanxi Province, China

We examined fifty main structural components from fifteen historical wood buildings located in the northern, central, southern and south-eastern regions of Shanxi Province, China and dating from the Tang to the Qing Dynasty. Eleven timber-tree genera were identified: Cupressus, Larix, Malus, Picea, Pinus subg. Diploxylon, Populus, Quercus, Sophora, Sorbus, Ulmus and Zizyphus. Furthermore, wood specimens of Larix and Pinus subg. Diploxylon were determined to species level, viz. Larix gmelinii var. principis-rupprechtii and Pinus tabuliformis, according to their original geographical distribution in this region. Natural distribution of the wood species was apparently the leading criterion for timber selection since most identified genera are native to the areas surrounding the buildings investigated.

Strategy to Fulfill the Requirements for Concession and Release of New Animal Breed or Strain

Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 5 of 1994 on Ratification of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 117/Permentan/SR.120/10/2014 regarding the concession and release of animal breed or strain in Indonesia should be followed up. This paper aims to improve the understanding of concession and release of animal breed or strain. Requirements of breed or strain concession has to declare (a) Its origin; (b) Original geographic distribution where the breed or strain formed; (c) Characteristics; (d) Genetic information; (e) The animal number and structure of their population; and (f) Animal picture. Requirements for the release of breed or strain should have (1) The method to obtain animal breed or strain; (2) Characteristics; (3) Genetic information; (4) New invention, unique, uniform and stable (NUUS); (5) The current number of animal; (6) Animal picture; (7) A guarantee certificate of quality standard; and (8) At the time of receipt of the request release, breed or strain has never been traded/distributed in Indonesia or already traded less than five years. Therefore, the government operational policy is necessary to regulate the preservation and improvement of animal genetic resources either breed or strain beneficial for future generations.

14,000-year-old seeds indicate the Levantine origin of the lost progenitor of faba bean.

The understanding of crop domestication is dependent on tracking the original geographical distribution of wild relatives. The faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is economically important in many countries around the world; nevertheless, its origin has been debated because its ancestor could not be securely identified. Recent investigations in the site of el-Wad (Mount Carmel, Israel), provide the first and, so far, only remains of the lost ancestor of faba bean. X-ray CT scan analysis of the faba beans provides the first set of measurements of the biometry of this species before its domestication. The presence of wild specimens in Mount Carmel, 14,000 years ago, supports that the wild variety grew nearby in the Lower Galilee where the first domestication was documented for Neolithic farmers 10,200 years ago.

Possible co-existence of two species of genus Meleagris at Monte Albán, Oaxaca

This paper presents results from the analysis of 69 bones of the genus Meleagris collected from households and public areas near the Main Plaza of the archaeological site of Monte Albán, Oaxaca, Mexico. Different sizes were observed using a one-dimensional comparative analysis. These differently sized elements were identified as the Meleagris gallopavo and Meleagris ocellata species, suggesting that both species were present at this Zapotec site between the Late Preclassic and Classic periods.The results confirm that in the Preclassic period human activity expanded the original geographic distribution of the genus Meleagris farther south (M. gallopavo) and north (M. ocellata) in Mesoamerica.

DNA barcodes reveal the presence of the introduced freshwater leech Helobdella europaea in Spain

We report the finding of the freshwater leech Helobdella europaea in Spain for the first time. Three leech specimens were found attached to the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis. Helobdella europaea is not a blood feeder and, like all members of the genus, feeds on the hemolymph of aquatic invertebrates including snails and worms. Despite the fact that the original geographical distribution or source population of this species is unknown, the close relationship between H. europaea and leeches of the “triserialis” series (sensu Sawyer, 1986) suggests a New World origin. Given its ability to invade and persist in new environments, this leech has been described as a new species by local taxonomists resulting in some nomenclatural problems. The presence of this introduced organism in Spain may represent serious obstacles to the current efforts to preserve endemic fauna and the potential negative impacts of this species in European environments should be investigated.

Rapid Divergent Evolution of Male Genitalia Among Populations of Drosophila buzzatii

Fil: Soto, Ignacio Maria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecologia, Genetica y Evolucion de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecologia, Genetica y Evolucion de Buenos Aires; Argentina

About a fashion-related Estonian-Swedish loanword krunn

The word krunn in the meaning of a certain hairdo first occurs in lexicographic sources as late as 1960. It had no etymology proposed until now. A source for this word is proposed – the Estonian-Swedish krún‘a crown; a cockscomb’. Although the short vowel and long consonant in the end is not strictly regular development, the etymology is confirmed with the original geographical distribution of the word in Estonian subdialects and parallel developments in other stems with a similarly affective meaning.

Uscana espinae(Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in Central Mexico: New Hosts, Host Plants, Distribution Records, and Characterization

ABSTRACT In the framework of a biological control program with hymenopteran parasitoids to reduce the population densities of the bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say), and the Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman), that attack bean seeds in storage facilities in central Mexico, the parasitoid, Uscana espinae Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), was collected. This program developed new records on the distribution, hosts, and host-plants associated with U. espinae. No evidence was found of cryptic species among 6 U. espinae populations from central Mexico by use of morphological characters, mitochondrial gene analysis (cytochrome oxidase I), and intra- and inter-population reproductive crosses. The original geographic distribution of U. espinae in Chile and Uruguay has been expanded to include the states of Morelos, Puebla, and Veracruz in Mexico.

Insects on urban plants: contrasting the flower head feeding assemblages on native and exotic hosts

Exotic plant species very often comprise a large proportion of urban floras. Because herbivorous insects depend on the presence of suitable host plants to maintain their populations, it is imperative to elucidate the relative importance of native and exotic hosts to understand the response of herbivorous guilds to urbanization. By using a plant-herbivore system composed of Asteraceae hosts and flower-head endophagous insects, we investigated whether the diversity and composition of herbivorous insects differs between native and exotic host-plant species in an urban environment. Although we found only seven exotic Asteraceae among the 30 species recorded, the overall abundance of exotics was considerably greater than that of native host plants. Overall, the exotic host species supported a small subset of the herbivore assemblage found on the native ones. The number of herbivore species per host species was significantly higher among the native plants, but we did not find a difference in herbivore abundance. Moreover, the higher taxonomic composition of herbivores on exotic Asteraceae was reduced, being composed of only three genera and two families from a total of 16 genera and six families of herbivores. These results provide support for the idea that plants outside of their original geographic distribution have lower loads of enemies than phylogenetically related native species. Our findings indicate that native host plants in urban areas play a critical role in supporting the native herbivorous insect fauna.

Sensorineural hearing loss with BrainStem Auditory Evoked Responses changes in homozygote and heterozygote sickle cell patients in Guadeloupe (France)

This prospective study involved 79 homozygote and heterozygote sickle cell anaemia patients (16 to 50 years old) and a control group of 40 people.All patients underwent ENT, audiological and brainstem auditory evoked responses (BSER) examinations in order to evaluate the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), to identify the changes at the level of the cochlear nerve and the central pathways, and to determine the most vulnerable group, in order to intervene with early prevention and rehabilitation for this condition.A hearing loss of greater than 20 dB at two or more frequencies was found in 36 (45.57 per cent) sickle cell patients (19 (47.22 per cent) HbSC patients and 17 (43.59 per cent) HbSS patients) and three (7.5 per cent) members of the control group. Homozygote and heterozygote patients, as well as both sexes, were equally affected. Bilateral hearing loss occurred in 19 (52.78 per cent) patients, unilateral right-sided hearing loss in five (13.89 per cent) patients and unilateral left-sided hearing loss in 12 (33.33 per cent) patients. Brainstem auditory evoked potential demonstrated a prolonged I-V (III-V) interpeak latency in 13 (25.35 per cent) sickle cell patients (11 men (eight with HbSS) and two women). The hearing loss in HbSS patients was neural in nature and of earlier onset; the hearing loss in HbSC patients was usually cochlear in nature and of later onset. Despite high medical standards and 100 per cent social security cover, the high incidence of SNHL in our sickle cell affected patients (the majority with the Benin haplotype) was probably due to their specific haematological profile and to the original geographical distribution of the disease in the tropics. Our results highlight the necessity for early and regular hearing assessment of sickle cell patients, including BSER examination, especially in male patients with SNHL.

Etat de nos connaissances sur l’écologie du Rat musqué

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethica zibethica Linn.) is a rodent adapted for semi-aquatic life. Its original geographical distribution ranges over North-America, but due to fur-breeding, it has settled in the Northern parts of Europe and Asia. Still water areas such as lakes, ponds, marshes are the preferred habitats, but the muskrat may also be found in running waters (streams, rivers, creeks, etc.). Its normal dwelling-places are bank-burrows and shallow-water houses. The muskrat feeds principally on aquatic plants, but, at times it may consume terrestrial plants or supplement its diet with animal food. A clear territorial behavior allows one to define a territory occupied by a single family group : in defending this territory, the muskrat sometimes engages in vicious intraspecific strife, specially during spring and autumn. Many authors believe that the species in monogamous. Its reproductive season extends from March/April to September in temperate and cold regions, but usually continues throughout the year in warmer areas. The œstrous cycle takes on average 6.1 days. The reproductive cycle including the pregnancy period and a postpartum oestrus, occupies 27 to 33 days. Depending upon living conditions, a female gives birth 1 to 4 times a year ; each time 6 young are produced on average. This number varies according to the age of the female, season, social stress and is believed to follow a 10-year cycle. Two month old young establish themselves in auxiliary quarters within the limits of the parental territory : at four months, the young start leaving their parental territory. The last litter stays with the parents during its first winter. In general, males slightly outnumber females ; the adult male/female ratio is at a maximum during spring and at a minimum in autumn. Males predominate in young age groups : the survival rate of very young females seems to be less than that of males of the same age. The extent and frequency of movements have led to such generalisations as the «migratory muskrat». In fact, the significance and importance of movements have yet to be thoroughly studied. Spring and autumn are seasons of increased activity in muskrats. The constitution of breeding pairs or the search for adequate breeding territories could explain the spring movements, while a partial explanation of the summer and autumn season movements could be the growing up of young to become a part of the active population. Erratic individual movements occur throughout the year. The principal predators of the muskrat are : mink, otter, owls and occasionally fox, wolf and raptorial birds. The main competitors are the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) the water vole (Arvicola sp.) and bank-dwelling rodents. These are generally quickly eliminated by muskrats ; it seems that they desert the territory of muskrats. Examination of the effects of abiotic factors such as soil type, stability of water-levels and climatic factors (particularly rainfall) illustrates the adaptability of muskrats to extreme living conditions. There is an astonishing diversity in individual responses to various environmental changes ; this is seen in the fidelity of some muskrats to completely dry quarters, even in the proximity of more suitable habitats, or in the conversion to an erratic way of life of muskrats living in apparently favourable habitats. At the population level, these «external» factors seem to be responsible for local trangressions of «optimal density limits», resulting in destruction or overcrowding of local populations. Overcrowding results in starvation and disease, which in turn reduce population density. Under normal conditions, predation and the auto-regulation of such intrinsic population growth characteristics as reproduction, territoriality and movement tend to maintain a muskrat population within an «optimum» density range.

L'extension geographique de la bilharziose a Schistosoma intercalatum en Afrique tropicale

The specificity of S. intercalatum as a cause of intestinal schistosomiasis, and the separate identity of this infection, were established by Fisher in 1934. The original geographical distribution was in Equatorial Africa (Congo, Gabon), and the classical intermediate snail host is Bulinus (Physopsis) africanus. Since 1966 there has been a spread of this infection from the original foci in the Congo and Gabon as far as Cameroun, where, between 1966 and 1969, 9 foci have been discovered. These are, in South Cameroun (3° to 6° N.) the foci of Eséka, Edea, Mbalmayo, Yaoundé, Obala and Bokito; in West Cameroun the focus of Penja (50 km. northwest of Douala); in North Cameroun the foci of Garoua (Benoué) and Maroua (Diamare). The number of cases discovered in Cameroun is now 700. Details are given of the numbers of cases found during 1966-68 in various areas of the region, the rates of infection ranging from 5.71 in Obala to 24.3% in Yaoundé Severe infections are common, particularly in young people, presumably as a result of massive infections. Treatment with niridazole is fairly satisfactory, though relapses have been observed in the absence of opportunity for reinfection. A new intermediate host, Bulinus (Pyrgophysa) forskali, has now been recognized in Cameroun and Gabon; this snail is present in practically the whole of tropical Africa. The importation of S. intercalatum into Cameroun runs parallel with the movements of infected labourers and nomadic peoples from Gabon or the Congo. Such movements are favourable to the spread of parasitic diseases. Extension within Cameroun, from the south northwards, follows the traditional nomad route from south Cameroun to the Tchad basin, across the Adamoua massif. African nomadism and the exchange of African labourers, which have followed the great increase in the facilities of transport, as well as the very wide geographical distribution of Pyrgophysa forskali and Physopsis africanus in equatorial and tropical Africa, suggest that this infection may continue to spread on a large scale. The sanitary services of the République Centrafricaine and Tchad have not discovered evidence of foci introduced from outside, but have shown that introduction is possible. We suggest that in Nigeria, the Sudan, Tanzania and Angola the situation should be studied.

Planktonic foraminiferal datum planes in the Pacific and Trinidad Tertiary

Abstract In the circum-Pacific region 29 homotaxial datum planes have been chosen from the ranges of the Tertiary planktonic Foraminifera. Correlation of the datum planes is mainly dependent on the original geographic distribution of the species, the preservation of the fossils, and the accuracy of published information.