Rare Species Research Articles

Triple Gram-negative bacterial endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection

PurposeTo describe a puzzling case of endophthalmitis caused by three unusual bacteria after intravitreal injection, its outcome, and underlying questions.FindingsA 70-year-old female patient was diagnosed with acute endophthalmitis following intravitreal aflibercept injection for age-related macular degeneration. A standard tap and inject procedure was performed. Microbiological analyses on the anterior chamber and vitreous samples yielded the presence of three non-fermenting Gram-negative rods: Pseudomonas stutzeri, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Ochrobactrum anthropi. The outcome was favorable after intravitreal injections of vancomycin and ceftazidime, with an almost complete recovery of the visual acuity to its baseline level. No potential source of infection was identified.ConclusionEndophthalmitis following intravitreal injection can be caused by a wide variety of bacteria, including some rare Gram-negative species. They can sometimes co-exist in a single patient, but their virulence may vary greatly. Due to the variable antibiotic susceptibility and frequent multiresistance associated with non-fermenting Gram-negative rods, a prompt microbiological approach is required. Favorable outcome can be achieved with standard management.

Importance of the Ramsar Site Labudovo Okno for Sustainable Tourism—Evidence from Vojvodina Province

The Ramsar Site Labudovo Okno (LO) is located in Vojvodina, on the left bank of the Danube. It covers an area of 3733 ha. This wet habitat is valuable for different ecosystems, among which the most important are those inhabited by rare bird species. The main natural resources are wetlands, created by the Danube in this shallow part of its flow. Thirty-seven sustainable tourism (ST) indicators were used to assess the current status and future prospects of tourist growth in the LO. For this study, a total of 625 respondents (255 tourists and 370 residents) were asked through a questionnaire to evaluate the current tourism and the impact on their satisfaction. Additionally, they showed that some resources are either misused or not used sufficiently, which has a detrimental effect on the LO. Part of the research was to determine how satisfied respondents were with ST. Although tourism in LO still has no important mass features, the respondents’ satisfaction with sustainable LO tourism is present to a significant extent. This is vital for ST and the creation of local tourism strategies, because the need for greater valorization of natural and social values, as well as the establishment of the roles of all subjects of tourism development, has been noticed. Certainly, nature-based, ecotourism, scientific research, and nautical and bird-watching tourism must be the primary forms of tourist movements in the LO.

Type of Material, Not Tree Hole Characteristics Shapes Uropodina Mites’ Species Composition in Excavated Tree Holes

Uropodina mites are organisms regularly found in the breeding sites of vertebrates. However, studies devoted to the nest dwellers of hole-nesting birds have been performed nearly exclusively in artificial places, i.e., nest boxes. Here, we describe an assemblage of mites from the Uropodina group living in excavated tree holes. We performed this study in western Poland, sampling material from 49 tree holes excavated by great spotted and black woodpeckers. We divided the material extracted from the tree holes into three categories: wood debris, remnants of bird nests, and remnants of insects. In total, we found 12 species from the Uropodina group. The two most numerous species, Leiodinychus orbicularis and Chiropturopoda nidiphila, constituted ca. 93% of the assemblage. Two other species, Apionoseius infirmus and Uroobovella obovata, were also relatively frequent. Among the assessed factors (woodpecker species, tree hole characteristics, and type of material), only the presence of insect remains, predominantly bat guano, affected species diversity and mite abundance the most. Our study is the first to describe an assemblage of Uropodina species in excavated tree holes and discover two extremely rare mite species, Ch. nidiphila and Nanteria banatica, related to the presence of bat guano in these cavities.

Defining Populations and Predicting Future Suitable Niche Space in the Geographically Disjunct, Narrowly Endemic Leafy Prairie-Clover (Dalea foliosa; Fabaceae).

Conservation actions for rare species are often based on estimates of population size and number, which are challenging to capture in natural systems. Instead, many definitions of populations rely on arbitrarily defined distances between occurrences, which is not necessarily biologically meaningful despite having utility from a conservation management perspective. Here, we introduce a case study using the narrowly endemic and highly geographically disjunct leafy prairie-clover (Dalea foliosa), for which we use nuclear microsatellite loci to assess the current delimitations of populations and management units across its entire known range. We model future potential suitable niche space for the species to assess how currently defined populations could fare under predicted changes in climate over the next 50 years. Our results indicate that genetic variation within the species is extremely limited, particularly so in the distal portions of its range (Illinois and Alabama). Within the core of its range (Tennessee), genetic structure is not consistent with populations as currently defined. Our models indicate that predicted suitable niche space may only marginally overlap with the geology associated with this species (limestone glades and dolomite prairies) by 2070. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the extent to which populations are ecologically adapted to local environments and what role this could play in future translocation efforts.

Plant biodiversity and people’s behavior on environmental conservation in Pabelan Islamic Boarding School, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Nazar IA, Sutarno, Mudofir, Sunarto. 2024. Plant biodiversity and people’s behavior on environmental conservation in Pabelan Islamic Boarding School, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 232-239. Pabelan Islamic Boarding School is a modern educational institution committed to religious-based environmental education. The landscape of this Islamic boarding school is designed to contribute to the preservation of the surrounding environment. This study aims to determine plant diversity and behavioral patterns in environmental conservation in Pabelan Islamic Boarding School, Magelang District, Central Java, Indonesia. Vegetation analysis was conducted by inventory of tree species planted in the area of the school. Analysis of the behavior patterns was carried out using observation, interviews with the clerics (kiai), teacher (ustaz) and staff, and questionnaires to students. The result of vegetation analysis showed that Pabelan Islamic boarding school has a moderate level of flora diversity with a Shannon-Wiener index (H’: 2.597). This is because the management of the school has a unique way of maintaining flora biodiversity by requiring every new student to bring unique or rare plant seeds from their hometown. The Kiai and teacher at the school have progressive thoughts about the human's relationship with God and nature. Human is God's representative who is obliged to maintain the environment and natural elements including biodiversity. The students generally have adequate awareness and concern for the environment and sustainability which is largely influenced by the figure of the Kiai. The findings of this study imply that Islamic boarding school (pesantren) can play essential role in practicing and raising awareness of sustainable environmental management and biodiversity conservation.

Interrelationships among litter chemistry, plant species diversity, and litter decomposition in tropical stream environments: a review

Factors that may accelerate decomposition are important for ecosystem functioning since plant litter decomposition is essential for carbon and nutrient cycling, but it is a generally slow process, which can take weeks up to years. In this context, studies have demonstrated that the chemical characteristics of litter mixtures can accelerate decomposition through several mechanisms. Tropical riparian forests are known for their high diversity of tree species, which leads to a wide array of litter types in tropical streams, each with distinct chemical properties. This underscores the key role of litter chemistry in significantly influencing the litter breakdown rate within of these streams. Here, we explore the interplay among litter chemistry, plant species diversity, and litter decomposition in tropical streams. We highlight the importance of litter physical and chemical characteristics for decomposition, as well as of the preservation of the natural floristic composition of tropical riparian forests. In this sense, more attention must be paid to the influence that the environment and phylogeny may have on the phytochemical characteristics of riparian forest plant species in different tropic biomes, and how the insertion of different exotic species interferes with the decomposition process. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for additional research into the consequences of the loss of rare plant species with unique functional characteristics to decomposition in tropical ecosystems.

First-Time Finds: Eight Rare Mushroom Species in Kurdistan's Wilderness

First-Time Finds: Eight Rare Mushroom Species in Kurdistan's Wilderness

The genome assembly of Island Oak (Quercus tomentella), a relictual island tree species.

Island oak (Quercus tomentella) is a rare relictual island tree species that exists only on six islands off the coast of California and Mexico, but was once widespread throughout mainland California. Currently, this species is endangered by threats such as non-native plants, grazing animals, and human removal. Efforts for conservation and restoration of island oak currently underway could benefit from information about its range-wide genetic structure and evolutionary history. Here we present a high-quality genome assembly for Q. tomentella, assembled using PacBio HiFi and Omni-C sequencing, developed as part of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP). The resulting assembly has a length of 781 Mb, with a contig N50 of 22.0 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 63.4 Mb. This genome assembly will provide a resource for genomics-informed conservation of this rare oak species. Additionally, this reference genome will be the first one available for a species in Quercus section Protobalanus, a unique oak clade present only in western North America.

Role of Rare Species on Phytoplankton Size–Abundance Relationships and Size Structure across Different Biogeographical Areas

Phytoplankton guilds are commonly characterised by dominance effects, while the main contribution to biological diversity is given by rare species. Here, we analysed the influence of rare species on taxonomic and functional diversity, which is described by taxa richness and composition, cell size, and size–abundance relationships in phytoplankton guilds. We explore these relationships at global and regional scales by analysing phytoplankton guilds from five biogeographical regions: the Northern Atlantic Ocean (Scotland), the South-Western Atlantic Ocean (Brazil), the South-Western Pacific Ocean (Australia), the Indo-Pacific Ocean (Maldives), and the Mediterranean Sea (Greece and Turkey). We have comparatively analysed the phytoplankton taxonomic diversity of the whole dataset and with the datasets obtained by progressively subtracting taxa occurring in the last 1%, 5%, 10%, and 25% of both numerical abundance and overall biomass. Globally, 306 taxa were identified across five ecoregions with only 27 taxa accounting for 75% of overall numerical abundance and biomass; almost 50% of taxa were lost on every step. The removal of 1% of most rare taxa significantly affected the phytoplankton size–abundance relationships and body-size structure, strongly impacting on small taxa. The progressive removal of additional rare taxa did not further affect phytoplankton size–abundance relationships and size structure.

New findings of some rare species in the vascular flora of Biosphere Reserve “Lower Prut” (Republic of Moldova)

The article provides data on the results of monitoring rare and endangered vascular plants in the Biosphere Reserve “Lower Prut”, in the southwestern part of the Republic of Moldova. The new information on the presence of five rare species (Schoenoplectiella supina (L.) Lye, Cyperus odoratus subsp. transcaucasicus (Kük.) Kükkonen, Valerianella pumila (L.) DC., Valerianella turgida (Steven) Betcke and Veronica scutellata L.), bioecological, distributional, sozological and some populational features are presented. Schoenoplectiella supina is listed and collected for the southwestern region for the first time.

Fewer bowl traps and more hand netting can increase effective number of bee species and reduce excessive captures.

Reports increasingly point to substantial declines in wild bee abundance and diversity, yet there is uncertainty about how best to measure these attributes in wild bee populations. Two commonly used methods are passive trapping with bee bowls or active netting of bees on flowers, but each of these has drawbacks. Comparing the outcomes of the two methods is complicated by their uncomparable units of effort. The abundance distribution of bee species is also typically highly skewed, making it difficult to accurately assess diversity when rarer species are unlikely to be caught. The effective number of species, or Hill numbers, provides a way forward by basing the response metric on the number of equally abundant species. Our goal is to compare the effective number of bee species captured between hand netting and bowl trapping in wheatgrass prairie in South Dakota and tallgrass prairie in Minnesota, USA. Species overlap between the two methods ranged from ~40% to ~60%. Emphasis placed on rare species was important, so that 95% confidence limits overlapped between the two methods for species richness but netting exceeded trapping for Shannon's and Simpson's diversities. Netting always captured more bee species with fewer bee individuals than trapping. In most cases, the number of bees captured in bowl traps indicated substantial over-sampling, with little increase in bee species detected. Correlations between bee and floral abundance, richness, and diversity differed between netted and trapped samples. We conclude that netting and trapping together produce a more complete account of species richness, but shifting sampling emphasis from trapping to netting will result in fewer bees, but more bee species captured. Due to the different relationships between bee and floral diversities that depended on sampling method, it is unwise to compare habitat associations determined by netting with those determined by trapping.

Novel mating behaviours in male tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) expand our understanding of reptile courtship

AbstractObservations of reptile courting and mating behaviour are relatively scant in the literature. Here, using the largest sample of observed courting attempts and matings in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) ever published, we describe novel behaviours in this rare species: mirrored head bobbing between courting pairs, purring vocalizations by displaying males, and several potential instances of anejaculation in otherwise normal matings. These results highlight the complexity of reptile mating displays and have implications for how we manage this vulnerable species.

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

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

Cliff-edge forests: Xerothermic hotspots of local biodiversity and models for future climate change.

Cliffs are remarkable environments that enable the existence of microclimates. These small, isolated sites, decoupled from the regional macroclimate, play a significant role in maintaining species biodiversity, particularly in topographically homogeneous landscapes. Our study investigated the microclimate of south-exposed forests situated at the edge of sandstone cliffs in the western part of the North Alpine Foreland Basin in Switzerland and its role in local forest community composition. Using direct measurements from data loggers, as well as vegetation analyses, it was possible to quantify the microclimate of the cliff-edge forests and compare it with that of the surrounding forests. Our results highlighted the significant xerothermic and more variable nature of the cliff-edge forest microclimate, with a mean soil temperature up to 3.72°C warmer in the summer, higher annual (+28%) and daily (+250%) amplitudes of soil temperature, which frequently expose vegetation to extreme temperatures, and an 83% higher soil drying rate. These differences have a distinct influence on forest communities: cliff-edge forests are significantly different from surrounding forests. The site particularities of cliff edges support the presence of locally rare species and forest types, particularly of Scots pine. Cliff edges must therefore be considered microrefugia with a high conservation value for both xerothermic species and flora adapted to more continental climates. Moreover, the microclimate of cliff-edge forests could resemble the future climate in many ways. We argue that these small areas, which are already experiencing the future climate, can be seen as natural laboratories to better answer the following question: what will our forests look like in a few decades with accelerated climate change?

New morphological data for two rare species of sand-dwelling marine dinoflagellates, Amphidiniella sedentaria and Pachena cf. leibnizii

Abstract Benthic dinoflagellates have been the subject of extensive taxonomic research in recent decades. Studies of morphologies of already known species of benthic dinoflagellates from various geographical populations remain relevant, as these allow elucidation of some details that were overlooked in the original species descriptions or assessment of their morphological variability. In the present study, two rare species of dinoflagellates, Amphidiniella sedentaria and Pachena cf. leibnizii, have been studied, for the first time, from coastal sands of the northwestern Sea of Japan. In the cells of A. sedentaria from the Sea of Japan, we have found two anterior intercalar plates instead of one. Therefore, the original formula has been changed to APC 4′ 2a 7″ 5c 4s 6‴ 2⁗. As a result of the examination of P. cf. leibnizii from the Sea of Japan, we have counted seven precingular plates and six cingular plates, instead of six and five, respectively, indicated in the original description. The plate formula of the cells of P. cf. leibnizii from the Sea of Japan is APC 4′ 3a 7″ 6c 5s 5‴ 2⁗. It is currently difficult to judge whether these differences are morphological variations. Therefore, we have identified these cells as P. cf. leibnizii.

Diving into archival data: The hidden decline of the giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) in Queensland, Australia

AbstractThe giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) is the largest reef fish in the Indo‐Pacific (~2.5 m TL, >400 kg), and it is highly susceptible to overfishing. Despite regional protections and documented population declines, the species is listed by IUCN as Data Deficient due to minimal long‐term population data and a paucity of life history information. This study used historical fishing records derived from newspaper articles, fishing magazines, grey literature and naturalists' descriptions to collate life history information and reconstruct giant grouper population trends from 1854 to 1958 in Queensland, Australia. Historical recreational catch trends of four biologically distinct grouper size classes demonstrated that over 92 years, fishing disproportionately affected two size classes: immature (fish below reproductive size) and mature individuals. Changes in the probability of capturing a grouper within a recreational fishery were examined as a proxy of relative abundance. The probability of catching a giant grouper within a popular recreational fishery significantly declined from 81% in 1860 to 2% in 1958. Further analysis based on a non‐probabilistic method of giant grouper sighting records showed fluctuations in the giant grouper population trajectory, from a steady decline during the early 20th century to an increase during WWII (1939–1945) followed by a reduction in the last half of the 20th century. This study highlights the importance of archival sources to uncover population trends of rare species by combining quantitative assessments and biological inferences to determine the timing and occurrence of population declines and recoveries and inform how vulnerable fish species respond to the cumulative effects of fishing over time.

Demography and threats to population growth of Cirsium pitcheri, a threatened dune plant, in Wisconsin.

Multi-year and multi-site demographic data for rare plants allow researchers to observe threats and project population growth rates and thus long-term persistence of the species, generating knowledge, which allows for effective conservation planning. Demographic studies across more than a decade are extremely rare but allow for the effects of threats to be observed and assessed within the context of interannual environmental variation. We collected demographic data on the Threatened plant Cirsium pitcheri in two sites from 2011-2022. These sites were chosen because one exhibited the presence of non-native seed predators while the other did not, and we hypothesized that we would see declines and potentially extinction of the population threatened by predation. Over the course of our study, we observed additional threats, such as human trampling and high lake levels, which led to significant erosion, sand burial, and storm damage to plants. We find high interannual variation in vital rates and population growth rates for both populations, which mask the overall effects of predation. We observed dramatic declines in plant survivorship and population growth rates in both sites in the years with high lake levels. We conclude that high lake levels, which are expected to become more frequent with climate change, pose a significant threat to all near-shore populations of C. pitcheri.

Achievements in the creation of the “Vegetation of Moldova” exhibition over 50 years

A review is made of the work carried out over the course of 50 years in creating the „Vegetation of Moldova” Exhibition at the National Botanical Garden „Alexandru Ciubotaru”. From the initial plantings in 1972 until the year 2023, design, planting, and mobilization of the gene pool have been undertaken. Currently, the Moldavian present Vegetation Exhibition includes 12 micro-exhibitions of forest vegetation, 2 micro-exhibitions of meadow vegetation, 1 micro-exhibition of steppe vegetation, and 1 microexhibition of aquatic and marsh vegetation. In 2020, the exhibition area was settled, parcel divisions were elaborated, boundary markers were installed, and borders were delineated. The article presents the results of inventorying trees, tree seedlings, shrubs, and herbs for each micro-exhibition and sub-plot. Flora of the „Vegetation of Moldova” Exhibition at the National Botanical Garden „Alexandru Ciubotaru” includes 560 species of vascular plants, of which 258 species grow in 12 forest micro-exhibitions, 152 species grow in the micro-exhibition with steppe vegetation and 150 species of plants grow in meadows vegetation. For each sub-plot within the forest micro-exhibitions, data is provided on the number of specimens for each tree species, the composition of the shrub layer, and the herb layer. 61 species of rare plants are preserved ex situ, in the „Vegetation of Moldova” Exhibition in the Botanical Garden „Alexandru Ciubotaru”, of which 32 species are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova.

Analysis of the phenomenon of keeping endangered animals as a trend

Indonesia is a country with diverse fauna. However, many animals are experiencing an extinction crisis, one of the causes is the exploitation of these rare animals, one of which is for free keeping. Wild animals have natural instincts that evolved with their evolution and help them survive in their natural habitat. When wild animals are kept in different environments, such as captivity or shelters, they often lose or change some aspects of their original instincts. The protection of rare and endangered wildlife species is of international concern, as biodiversity conservation is essential for survival. Unfortunately, the enforcement of these protected wildlife regulations is not strict enough and there are still many violations, so it is important for the Indonesian government and its citizens to work together to ensure effective implementation of wildlife protection regulations. This research method uses a qualitative approach with data collection from literature studies and uses interpretation analysis techniques. The importance of wildlife conservation in Indonesia cannot be ignored. It is important for Indonesians to follow applicable regulations and participate in protected wildlife conservation efforts to maintain the country's biodiversity. This study illustrates the factors that lead to the keeping of wild and endangered animals and the role of the government in this regard and answers how the phenomenon has become a trend in high society.

First report of the rare tintinnid genus Stelidiella Kofoid and Campbell 1929 in the Indian Ocean

Abstract This study provides detailed information on the morphometry and distribution of some rare tintinnids species found in the Indian Ocean. The morphological features (scabbard-shaped with a fenestrated collar) reported here resemble those of the genus Stelidiella. Here, lorica morphology (fenestra arrangement and oral margin (OM) pattern) was the sole criteria for Stelidiella species identification. The dimensions and morphology (presence of two layers of fenestrae rings with smooth OMs) resemble the original description of Stelidiella fenestrata, a warm-water species. We found both small (260 μm long) and large S. fenestrata (309 μm long) with smaller and larger bowls in the former and latter, respectively. In the Indian Ocean, S. fenestrata was more abundant (i) between 12oN and 18oS (particularly, central Indian Ocean) similar to that reported in the Pacific Ocean; (ii) in the mesopelagic zone (100–1000 m) than the epipelagic zone (0–100 m) and (iii) in the winter season of December 2021–January 2022 than in spring inter-monsoon of March–May 2021. The S. fenestrata, despite being in low abundance (2–26 individuals 10 m−3), is widespread in the region, and their role in the ecosystem merits further investigation.