Ranking Of Species Research Articles

Urban affinity and its associated traits: A global analysis of bats.

Urbanization is a major contributor to the loss of biodiversity. Its rapid progress is mostly at the expense of natural ecosystems and the species inhabiting them. While some species can adjust quickly and thrive in cities, many others cannot. To support biodiversity conservation and guide management decisions in urban areas, it is important to find robust methods to estimate the urban affinity of species (i.e. their tendency to live in urban areas)and understand how it is associated with their traits. Since previous studies mainly relied on discrete classifications of species' urban affinity, often involving inconsistent assessments or variable parameters, their results were difficult to compare. To address this issue, we developed and evaluated a set of continuous indices that quantify species' urban affinity based on publicly available occurrence data. We investigated the extent to which a species' position along the urban affinity gradient depends on the chosen index and how this choice affects inferences about the relationship between urban affinity and a set of morphological, sensory and functional traits. While these indices are applicable to a wide range of taxonomic groups, we examined their performance using a global set of 356 bat species. As bats vary in sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbances, they provide an interesting case study. We found that different types of indices resulted in different rankings of species on the urban affinity spectrum, but this had little effect on the association of traits with urban affinity. Our results suggest that bat species predisposed to urban life are characterized by low echolocation call frequencies, relatively long call durations, small body size and flexibility in the selection of the roost type. We conclude that simple indices are appropriate and practical, and propose to apply them to more taxa to improve our understanding of how urbanization favours or filtersspecies with particular traits.

Tree growth at gap edges. Insights from long term research plots in mixed mountain forests

The structure and dynamics of Central Europe’s forests are increasingly characterized by canopy gaps which either result from disturbances or from planned silvicultural actions. It remains, however, unclear, whether the neighborhood to a gap has effects on tree growth which cannot be sufficiently covered by existing standard models so far. In order to test for such effects, we used data from a series of long term experiments in Southern German mixed mountain forests. In parallel, we developed a method for an automatized detection of canopy gaps and gap edge trees given such data. We found that the basal area growth of such trees amounted to about 15–30% more compared to what could be covered by a classic spatial competition index, with a plausible ranking of the main species. Our results suggest, in addition, that an exposition to a gap has a longer lasting effect on tree growth, even after the gap has closed again. With regard to such long-term effects, we found that tree size at the first exposition matters, with strong species-specific differentiation. We concluded that gap exposition effects on tree growth, given their order of magnitude, require being included in tree growth models which are used for planning purposes.

Multilevel atlas comparisons reveal divergent evolution of the primate brain

Whether the size of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in humans is disproportionate when compared to other species is a persistent debate in evolutionary neuroscience. This question has left the study of over/under-expansion in other structures relatively unexplored. We therefore sought to address this gap by adapting anatomical areas from the digital atlases of 18 mammalian species, to create a common interspecies classification. Our approach used data-driven analysis based on phylogenetic generalized least squares to evaluate anatomical expansion covering the whole brain. Our main finding suggests a divergence in primate evolution, orienting the stereotypical mammalian cerebral proportion toward a frontal and parietal lobe expansion in catarrhini (primate parvorder comprising old world monkeys, apes, and humans). Cerebral lobe volumes slopes plotted for catarrhini species were ranked as parietal∼frontal > temporal > occipital, contrasting with the ranking of other mammalian species (occipital > temporal > frontal∼parietal). Frontal and parietal slopes were statistically different in catarrhini when compared to other species through bootstrap analysis. Within the catarrhini's frontal lobe, the prefrontal cortex was the principal driver of frontal expansion. Across all species, expansion of the frontal lobe appeared to be systematically linked to the parietal lobe. Our findings suggest that the human frontal and parietal lobes are not disproportionately enlarged when compared to other catarrhini. Nevertheless, humans remain unique in carrying the most relatively enlarged frontal and parietal lobes in an infraorder exhibiting a disproportionate expansion of these areas.

Fish Species Sensitivity Ranking Depends on Pesticide Exposure Profiles.

In the regulatory environmental risk assessment of plant protection products, the exposure tested in standard toxicity tests assumes simple exposure dynamics, such as constant exposure at the first stage of testing. However, environmental exposure can be highly dynamic. A species response to exposure is governed by toxicokinetics (TK) and toxicodynamics (TD). Therefore, it can be expected that the sensitivity of a species to a substance is dependent on the interplay of TKTD processes with the dynamics of the exposure. We investigated whether exposure dynamics affects species sensitivity of five fish species and if their sensitivity rankings differ among exposure profiles. We analyzed individual survival under projected surface water exposure to benzovindiflupyr. For this purpose, we calibrated compound‐ and species‐specific reduced general unified threshold models of survival (GUTS‐RED) models from standard laboratory toxicity data with the assumptions of stochastic death and individual tolerance. Using the calibrated models, we generated species sensitivity distributions based on median lethal profile multiplication factors for three characteristic exposure profiles. The analysis was performed using different GUTS‐RED implementations: openGUTS (MATLAB® and Windows® versions) and the R package morse. The sensitivity rankings of the fish species changed as a function of exposure profile. For a multiple‐peak scenario, rainbow trout was the most sensitive species. For a single peak followed by a slow concentration decline the most sensitive species was the fathead minnow (GUTS‐RED‐stochastic death) or the common carp (GUTS‐RED‐individual tolerance). Our results suggest that a single most sensitive species cannot be defined for all situations, all exposure profiles, and both GUTS‐RED variants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1732–1741. © 2022 Syngenta. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Effect of dominant shade tree species on selected soil physicochemical properties and coffee production in Sayyo district, western Ethiopia

The current study aimed to assess the preference of farmers and their perception of shade tree species on coffee production and to evaluate selected soil physicochemical properties under the canopies of Acacia abyssinica and Albizia gummifera shade tree species and the influence of these trees on coffee production in comparison with unshaded fields. Two-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for this study. Four circular plots having 3, 5, and 7 m radius and 17 m were laid out to sample soil and coffee parameters. The top six ranked tree species preferred by farmers were, Acacia abyssinica Albizia gummifera, Croton macrostachyus, Cordia Africana, Millettia ferruginea, and Erythrina abyssinica. The soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, exchangeable potassium, and soil pH were higher underneath shade trees than in open areas. Soils tested under shade trees and in open areas were texturally similar, (sandy clay loam). This pattern of textural similarity indicated that they have been derived from the same parent material. There was greater coffee yield, coffee weight, and coffee shrub density under the tree canopy than in open fields. Generally, Coffee production parameters and coffee yield under the canopies of both shade tree species and selected soil physicochemical properties showed relatively higher than those of unshaded zones. Therefore, integrating Acacia abyssinica and Albizia gummifera shade trees in coffee production systems is very important in maintaining soil fertility and thereby increasing the yield of organic coffee.

Understanding patterns and pathways of exotic perennial grass invasion in South‐eastern Australian grassy communities

AbstractAimExotic perennial grasses (EPGs) are significant invaders of native grassy communities. We sought to determine how the profile of invading perennial grasses varies among different climatic regions and different grassy communities, to understand at which scale management is best undertaken. We investigated whether invader occurrence was related to specific plant traits.LocationNew South Wales, Australia.MethodField surveys of EPGs at 139 sites from nine grassy communities across four regions were assessed for variation in invasion profiles amongst regions and communities. We used a ranking of invasion risk based on plant characteristics to identify grasses likely to be more invasive and tested whether this ranking predicted the level of invasion in the survey.ResultsUsing multivariate analysis, we found that all communities were significantly invaded. These assemblages were distinct regionally, and for most plant communities. Five widespread invaders were established in all regions and communities. Invasion by pasture grasses (termed trade‐off species) was the most significant threat, coupled with capacity to develop long‐term seed banks and use allelopathy. Species with higher risk rankings were recorded in more sites, although a few grasses had much greater occurrences than their ranking predicted.ConclusionsGrassy communities across all regions were invaded by a suite of EPGs, some that have not been considered as problematic previously. Higher levels of invasion were associated with higher ranked species based on plant traits, indicating that our risk assessment is valuable as a management prioritization tool. Findings support community level management, although some species are important widespread invaders and could be managed at larger scales. Differences in species assemblages compared to nearby agricultural areas confirm different invasion pathways, with significant invasion from pasture grasses. Aided by the risk assessment tool, we propose that EPG management in native communities considers the climatic, community (including surrounding) and species level for prioritization.

Conservation status, threats, and information needs of small mammals in Alaska

AbstractSmall mammals are under‐represented in conservation research relative to other mammals. We assessed the conservation status of 36 small mammal species in Alaska, USA using the Alaska Species Ranking System (ASRS). We also surveyed taxonomic experts to identify threats, conservation actions, and research priorities for five small mammal species of high conservation priority. The ASRS evaluates species' population status, biological vulnerability, and information needs. According to this ranking system, 86% (n = 31) of species were of moderately high conservation priority. Species of highest priority included three species endemic to Alaska and four bats (Order Chiroptera). Most species (n = 24) had low biological vulnerabilities, but high information needs. Taxonomic experts identified direct and indirect climate change effects as important threats for three of the five species assessed. They listed population monitoring, habitat modeling, genetic diversity, and response to climate change as high priorities for future research. Agencies can use the ASRS with expert elicitation to set priorities for research and monitoring. For example, we highlight the need to monitor population trends, which were unknown or uncertain for all species. Finally, we underscore the importance of accounting for data deficiencies to avoid conflating sparse information with low conservation priority.

Regeneration Status and Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge for Cloud Forest Ecosystem Restoration in Ecuador

The importance of forests for biodiversity conservation has been well recognized by the global community; as a result, conservation efforts have increased over the past two decades. In Ecuador, the lack of integrated information for defining and assessing the status of local ecosystems is a major challenge for designing conservation and restoration plans. Thus, the objectives of this study were (1) to examine the regeneration status of cloud forest remnants, some of which had experienced past human disturbance events, (2) to explore a local rural community’s traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) relevant for restoration and (3) to investigate the integration between TEK and ecological science-based approaches. A survey of regeneration status was conducted in four remnants of cloud forests (n = 16) in Cosanga, Napo Province, in the Andes of northeastern Ecuador. The species of young trees (0.5–5 m height) were identified over 0.16 ha. In-depth interviews of individuals from local communities (n = 48) were conducted to identify socio-ecologically important native species. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.001) in species richness and the stem density of seedlings and saplings in gaps. The stem density of Chusquea sp., a bamboo species, explained 63% of the variation in species richness and 48% of the variation in the abundance of seedlings and saplings between plots. Informants cited 32 socio-ecologically important species, of which 26 species were cited as sources of food and habitats for wildlife. The ranking of species based on a relative importance index and a cultural value index—taking into account both the spread of knowledge among local informants and the multiplicity of uses—revealed that Hyeromina duquei, Citharexylum montanum, Eugenia crassimarginata and Sapium contortum were traditionally the most valuable species for both humans and wildlife. Informants also recommended 27 species for future planting, of which 19 species were amongst the rarest species in the regeneration survey. In conclusion, the results demonstrate a synergy between TEK and ecological science-based approaches (regeneration survey) to natural ecosystem research. Thus, traditional ecological knowledge can provide insights into ecosystem–plant–animal interaction, and to identify native species useful for both humans and wildlife for forest restoration projects to reconnect isolated cloud forest fragments.

Assessment of diversity indices and rank abundance curve for herbaceous community of Junaghad district of Saurashtra

This Research was aimed at studying diversity indices and plotting a Rank Abundance Curve for herbaceous plant community at Kapuriyavadi area located in Junagadh District of Saurashtra region. The study was conducted from July to September 2021-22. Five quadrats of 1mx1m size were randomly laid down in the study area in such a way that they include maximum vegetation cover. Total number of individuals of each plant species, Rank abundance curve and Simpsons and Shannon-Wiener indices were calculated. A total of 33 plant species were identified and listed.Brachiariasp.Cyanodondactylon and Phyllanthus nirurirecorded more number of individual of species than the other species in the area, Brachiaria sp. being maximum (63 individuals) followed by C. dactylon (58) and P. niruri(47 individuals).Simpson’s and Shannon diversiy indices were then calculated for the plant community under investigation. The values were found to be 0.082 and 2.861 for Simpson’s and Shannon-Weiner respectively. To overcome shortcomings of these indices, Rank Abundance Curve to display relative species abundance was plotted for the community. The species richness was found to be maximum for Brachiaria sp. whereas the lowest were recorded for Xanthium strumarium, Calotropis procera, Sesamum sp., Trichodesma indicum, Boeerhaviaerecta and Cardiospermum halicacabum. Brachiarasps. was investigated to be the highest ranking species that have much higher abundance as compared to other species in the area. Xanthium strumarium, Calotropis procera, Sesamum sp., Trichodesma indicum, Boeerhaviaerectaand Cardiospermum halicacabumwere found to be lower raking spp. with much lower abundances. A steep gradient of the curve obtained for Rank Abundance indicated low evenness in the community since the high ranking species have much higher abundances than the low ranking species. Descriptive statistics followed by statistical test was applied to understand the variation in biodiversity indices within all quadrates.

Ethnobotanical indigenous knowledge of Tehsil Charhoi, District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Background: Wild plants are used a lot by the local people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K), Pakistan, for different purposes in daily life. It has been published by various researchers that AJ&K, Pakistan is enriched with wild medicinal flora on the basis of surveys conducted in various parts but some areas are still unexplored. Methods: The present study was conducted from March 2019 to April 2020 and 60 native informants were interviewed from different sites of Tehsil Charhoi. Ethnomedicinal data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: In ethno-botanical survey total 100 species of plant were documented that belonging to 52 families and 90 genera. Moraceae was the dominant family in the study area that included 7 species (13.46%). In present ethno-botanical survey total 16 plant parts were utilized for preparation of traditional remedies against for various ailments. The most used plant parts were leaves (28%), followed by roots (18%), fruits (12%), bark, seeds and whole plants (8% each), stems (4%), flowers, wood and latex (3% each), and resin, rhizomes, pods, tubers, gum and aerial parts (1% each). We evidenced a total 18 kinds of preparations curing various diseases with paste (59%) being the most common. The Use Value (UV) index ranged from 0.2 to 0.96. Highest UV was reported for Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. (0.96) whereas lowest UV was reported for Rhamnus triquetra (Wall) Brandis. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) values ranged 0.03 to 0.55. The highest RFC value was obtained for Ficus benghalensis L. (0.55) while Gloriosa superba L. (0.03) had the lowest value. The Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values ranged 0.21 to 0.68. Diseases were classified into 17 different categories. The high ICF value recorded for jaundice and hepatitis whereas low ICF value for cardiac problems. The highest Fidelity Level (FL) value of Viola canescens Wall (97.1%) was helpful for colds, flu, coughs, constipation, and jaundice. In present study out of 100 medicinal plant species 30 plant species were also utilized for other than medicinal purposes like vegetable, fruit, fodder, fuel, furniture, making agriculture tools, house thatching, walking sticks and handicrafts. In direct matrix ranking of multipurpose species (DMRMS) Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. ranked first according to information provided by 10 informants. Conclusion: It has been concluded that Tehsil Charhoi, District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir are rich sources of wild plants used to treat various ailments. There is need to build awareness among local people about the value of medicinal plants and the publication of ethno-botanical information forms the basis for the development of innovative drugs. Keywords: Charhoi, Indigenous, Ethnobotany, Wild, Kotli

Anthropogenic climate change increases vulnerability of Magnolia species more in Asia than in the Americas

Quantifying anthropogenic climate change vulnerability is essential for estimating the risk of species extinction and developing conservation strategies. The Magnolia genus is widespread in the Americas and Asia, with nearly half of species currently threatened. Here, we used climate-niche factor analysis to study the vulnerability of Magnolia species to future climate change. We found that the vulnerability of Magnolia species to future climate change is negatively related to range size. We further identified that narrow-ranged Magnolia species distributed in Asia are more vulnerable than those distributed in the Americas, with protected area coverage also lower in Asia than the Americas. Moreover, the conservation status ranking of Magnolia species classified by the IUCN Red List will likely be changed under climate change, as some Near Threatened and Least Concern species were estimated to be more vulnerable to climate change than species currently classified as Endangered. Our results highlight that conservation assessments, policies and actions need to consider spatial vulnerabilities of species to climate change.

The ranked species occupancy curves reflect the dominant process of species sorting: Evidence from forest/scrub communities

AbstractQuestionsAbiotic filtering, competitive interactions and niche pre‐emption effects, as important drivers of the species sorting in plant communities, were hypothesised to be responsible for the amount of concavity and shoulder distinction in ranked species occupancy curves (RSOCs). In connection with the intermediate productivity hypothesis, we proposed an adjustment and extension of the RSOC models concerning the ecological mechanisms underlying their shaping. We aimed at estimating the effects of the variation in resource availability and functional species composition on the RSOCs of 30 woody vegetation syntaxa.LocationLow plains to the subalpine belt (southeastern Carpathians) throughout Romania.MethodsThe fraction of vascular plant species with either low (< 3) or large (>7) Ellenberg ecological indicator values were used as proxies for abiotic variables. Both the standardised effect size of homotoneity (SES‐h, estimated by contrasting empirical vs null RSOCs) and the regression parameters of the fitted RSOCs were used, after adjusting them for differences in sampling scale, as shape descriptors.ResultsThe empirical RSOCs were all fitted best by the power exponential function. With increasing fraction of ruderal species and canopy openness, the slopes of RSOC's heads became gentler (larger power parameter). Higher levels of soil fertility towards lower elevations translated in reduced concavity of the RSOCs (larger exponential parameter). Larger/smaller SES‐h were associated with richer/poorer habitat‐specific species pools that were ascribed to low‐elevation, open‐canopy vegetation (oak‐dominated forests, shiblyak woodlands, secondary scrubs) and, respectively, (sub)montane, closed‐canopy, mixed beech or spruce forests and sub‐alpine scrubs.ConclusionsDense species packing and even niche partitioning in communities developed in moderately productive sites are associated with shoulder‐free, long‐tailed, slightly concave RSOCs. Conversely, strong filtering in stressful environments and/or low light availability under closed, woody canopies are related to steep, short‐tailed, exponential‐like RSOCs. The availability of resources and the equitability of niche partitioning, underlying the process of species sorting during plant community assembly, play a major role in shaping the RSOCs.

Core and occasional species: A new way forward.

Various methods have been used to divide communities into core species and occasional or satellite species. Some methods are somewhat arbitrary, and there is evidence that many communities are more multimodal than bimodal. They also tend to rely on having multiple years of data.A completely novel method is presented that not only has no requirement for long‐term datasets but can divide communities into multiple groups. It is based on probability a species is present, calculated using Simpson's index and the sequential removal of species from the data.The sequential Simpson's index method was applied to species data from a grassland insect community. It was also applied to eleven other datasets that had been divided into core and occasional species in previously published studies.The new method was found not only to be consistent with previous core–occasional assessments but also able to identify multimodality in species abundance distributions.Although ideally used with a measure of persistence (frequency of occurrence) to rank species, community structure is consistently described even with only species abundance data.The method can be applied to short or long‐term datasets and can help identify multimodality and provide valuable insight into how communities change in time or space.

Quantifying the potential impact of alien plants of Iran using the Generic Impact Scoring System (GISS) and Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT)

Assessing the impacts of alien plant species is scientifically important and critical for supporting invasion-related policies. Generic Impact Scoring System (GISS) and Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) are standardized schemes to evaluate, compare, and eventually predict the magnitudes of the variety of impacts invasive species can have. Here, we apply these two systems to classify alien plants of Iran according to the magnitude of their environmental and socioeconomic impacts. A review of published literature and online resources was undertaken to collate information on the reported environmental and socioeconomics impacts of 27 alien plants in Iran. The resulting data ranked species by their total sum of impact scores and by their highest scores. According to total impact scores from GISS Eichhornia crassipes, Ailanthus altissima, Imperata cylindrica, Amsinckia menziesii, and Paulownia sp. had the highest impacts. About 60% of alien plants assessed had higher environmental impacts than socioeconomic impacts, 18% had higher scores for socioeconomic impacts, and 22% scored the same in both categories. According to EICAT, Ulex europaeus, Ambrosia psilostachya, E. crassipes, A. altissima, and A. menziesii were the five species with major impacts; other 16 species (59%) were classified as with moderate impacts, five with minor and two of minimal concern. Seven species had similar rankings by both GISS and EICAT. The deficit of scientific literature to quantify impacts on complex ecosystem services in Iran or emphasis on the reversibility of impacts in the EICAT protocol could explain differences in ranking of species by the two schemes. GISS and EICAT could be used to link impact magnitudes and type (environmental or socioeconomic) to biological traits to understand and forecast species with different types of impact.

Composition of weed communities in seasonally flooded rice environments in East Africa is determined by altitude

Weeds are major biotic constraints to rice production worldwide. Compared to other sub-regions, weed communities of rice are not well described for East Africa and there is limited information on environmental factors affecting the distribution of species. This study aimed to address these knowledge gaps. Seasonally flooded rice production fields of 31 sites in Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, across three altitude classes (Low: <200 m; Medium 200–1,000 m; High: >1,000 m), were surveyed for weed species using quadrats. Data analyses involved multivariate approaches, non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests and logistic regressions, followed by calculation of ranked species abundance and Shannon Wiener Index diversity analyses. A total of 286 weed species, belonging to 59 families, were recorded with 42 species not previously reported as lowland rice weed in the sub-region. Twenty-four species were identified as abundant across altitudes. Weed species diversity was higher at medium altitudes compared to high and low altitudes. Significant patterns of floristic distinction between altitudinal classes were observed, with 80% of dissimilarity. The high altitude was dominated by Echinochloa colona, Leptochloa squarrosa and Sphaeranthus suaveolens, the medium altitude was dominated by Crassula granvikii, Pycreus lanceolatus and Ageratum conyzoides while the low altitude was dominated by E. colona, Cyperus difformis and Cyperus esculentus. The weed species composition of seasonally flooded rice fields in East Africa is diverse. Identification of a limited group of (24) commonly abundant weed species as well as the articulation of altitude-specific weed species groups will facilitate the development of better tailored weed control programmes.

A participatory method for prioritizing invasive species: Ranking threats to Minnesota's terrestrial ecosystems

Terrestrial invasive species threaten the integrity of diverse and highly-valued ecosystems. The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) was established by the state of Minnesota to fund research projects aimed at minimizing harms posed by the most threatening terrestrial invasive species to the state's prairies, wetlands, forests, and agriculture. MITPPC used the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify and prioritize diverse invasive species threats. We describe how MITPPC tailored AHP to establish its research priorities and highlight major outcomes and challenges with our approach. We found that subject matter experts considered factors associated with the severity of impact from invasion, rather than the potential for invasion, to be the greatest contributors in identifying the most threatening species. Specifically, out of the 17 total criteria identified by the experts to rank species, negative environmental impact was the most influential threat criterion. Currently, narrowleaf cattail, mountain pine beetle, and the causative agent of Dutch elm disease are top threats to Minnesota terrestrial ecosystems. AHP does not handle data-poor situations well; however, it allows for easy incorporation of new information over time for a species without undoing the original framework. The MITPPC prioritization has encouraged interdisciplinary, cross-project synergy among its research projects. Such outcomes, coupled with the transparent and evidence-based decision structure, strengthen the credibility of MITPPC activities with many stakeholders.

Threatened endemic water beetles from Morocco

Biodiversity loss is exceptionally greater in freshwater ecosystems. To preserve such biodiversity it is crucial to know what species and habitats require greater conservation efforts. In this study, we identify the most threatened endemic sensu lato water beetles found in Morocco (i.e., Moroccan, Maghrebian and Ibero-Maghrebian endemics) using six equivalent criteria (general distribution, Moroccan distribution, species rarity, species persistence, habitat rarity and habitat loss) to rank species according to their vulnerability. From the 90 endemic species studied, only Graptodytes bremondi Guignot 1934, Esolus bicuspidatus Alluaud 1922, Enochrus blazquezae Arribas & Millan, 2013 and Elmis atlantis Alluad, 1922 were considered extremely vulnerable following our own methodology, whereas thirty six were cataloged as highly vulnerable. The protection of such species mainly requires the conservation of their habitats, particularly rivers in low lands, saline streams, peat bogs, “Sebkhas” and marshes. Most of these Moroccan habitats are very rare and/or human impacted. Nowadays, no Moroccan species of aquatic Coleoptera has legal protection, being the only conservation measure available for these species the extent to which they occur in protected areas. As a result, all these forty species should be included in the future Red List of Threatened Species for Morocco, whereas the four most threatened are proposed to be incorporated in the IUCN Red List as “Endangered B2ab (iii)”. We present the first comprehensive analysis of all endemic aquatic beetles in Morocco applying a specific methodology. Four of the ninety endemic species studied showed an extremely high vulnerability: Graptodytes bremondi Guignot 1934, Esolus bicuspidatus Alluaud 1922, Enochrus blazquezae Arribas & Millan, 2013 and Elmis atlantis Alluad, 1922. We propose all of them for inclusion in the IUCN red list as "Endangered B2ab (iii)".

Inventory and Assemblage Classification of the Freshwater Mussels (Mollusca: Unionidae) of the Strawberry River, Arkansas, USA, with Implications for Conservation Planning

Spatial hierarchical approaches to classify freshwater systems can add to our understanding of biogeographical patterns and can be used for biodiversity conservation planning. The Strawberry River is located primarily in the Ozark Highlands Central Plateau of north central Arkansas, USA, with a small downstream portion in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain and has been designated an Extraordinary Resource Water, an Ecologically Sensitive Water Body, and a Natural Scenic Waterway. The goals of this study were to document Strawberry River, Arkansas freshwater mussels to aid in conservation planning. Our first objective was to inventory freshwater mussel species in the Strawberry River. Our second objective was to use this stream-wide dataset to classify the freshwater mussel assemblages. We used unpublished survey data of 59 sites distributed from the headwaters to the mouth to inventory species occurrence and abundance, classified mussel assemblages using non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (NMS), and conducted indicator species analysis on resulting assemblages. We observed 39 taxa across the 59 survey sites including two S1, five S2, 16 S3, 11 S4, four S5, and one state non-ranked conservation rank species. Furthermore, our assemblage NMS revealed two distinct freshwater mussel assemblages roughly organized by an upstream (Sites 1–31) to downstream (Sites 32–59) gradient. There were five upstream indicator species and 13 downstream indicator species. This study provides a case study on using existing datasets with NMS and indicator species analyses to classify mussel assemblages and adds to our understanding of freshwater mussel fauna classification at smaller spatial scales. Both NMS and indicator species outcomes can aid in conservation planning for freshwater mussels.

Види-символи, дні та роки тварин у природознавчих заходах та діяльності музеїв

The paper presents an analytical review of focal animal species as those that are important in sharing natural history knowledge and in the development of environmental initiatives. A detailed analysis of the history and experience of using such animals in the practice of education and museology in the world and in Ukraine is presented. Among the most famous areas of the topic are as follows: 1) attention to wild animals versus attention to domestic ones, 2) formation of a pool of zoo-mascots for different activities and increase the ranking of such species or groups of species, 3) development of zoosymbolism in all forms of activities related to nature (scientific societies, publications, schools-seminars, natural history museums), 4) formation and development of the idea of years of animals (mammal of the year, bird of the year, insect of the year), and 5) formation, share, and development of ideas of special days (bat night, lark day, etc.). The analysis of world and Ukrainian experience showed that the most effective forms of dissemination of knowledge are as follows: 1) production of various small printed products (stickers, calendars, envelopes, stamps, prints), 2) production of more complex forged or minted products (badges, coins, medals), 3) use of paraphernalia on various consumer goods (caps, T-shirts, mugs, balloons, fountain pens, notebooks), 4) holding special promotions, quizzes, contests or quests on thematic days (European Bat Night, International Bird Day, Whale Protection Day), and 5) production and participation in the production of special media products or initiation of social networks (social advertising, documentaries, round tables on the radio and flash mobs on social networks). All these forms of activity can be developed within the "background" work of natural history museums, among them the simplest and least expensive are the days and years of certain animal species that can be performed within the existing exhibitions, complementing such events with interactive forms of work with visitors (competitions, excursions, lectures, presentations of thematic paraphernalia). All this is aimed at sharing knowledge and increasing social attention to the issues of biological diversity, sustainable nature and sustainable community development.

Serviceable tree volume: An alternative tool to assess ecosystem services provided by ornamental trees in urban forests

Ornamental trees bearing outstanding flowers bring notable ecosystem services to cities. Existing research often treated ornamental trees as a sub-category of urban trees. To investigate the contributions of ornamental trees, this study aimed to: (1) assess their provision of ecosystem services; and (2) examine their ecological composition and diversity. Comprehensive tree survey in 93 public housing estates in Hong Kong identified 12,516 ornamental trees. To characterise the ability to provide ecosystem services, an index termed serviceable tree volume was devised. This innovative quantity aided the evaluation of ornamental trees by visual amenities, olfactory trait and ecological benefits while considering the compromise due to structural defects. The comprehensive tree survey showed a significant tendency of planting exotics for ornamental purposes. Most ornamentals could potentially deliver high-quality ecosystem services which were unfortunately restrained by prevailing very poor health conditions particularly attributed to structural defects on major branches. By relative importance value, several species dominated the ornamental tree inventory, namely Bauhinia ‘Blakeana’, Delonix regia and Bombax ceiba. By incorporating serviceable tree volume in calculating relative importance value, the importance ranking of ornamental species was re-ordered. Using tree stem as the unit of analysis, Shannon-Wiener Diversity, Reciprocal Simpson and Pielou’s Evenness of the ornamental tree stock stood at 3.08, 14.73 and 0.74 respectively, and they were reduced when the three indices incorporated serviceable tree volume. Diverse native ornamentals could be planted extensively in the urban forest in tandem with the preservation of important exotic species.