Red List Categories Research Articles

Rohdea maoershanensis, a new species of Asparagaceae from Guangxi, South China

A new species, Rohdea maoershanensis, endemic to the Mao’er Mountain National Nature Reserve in northern Guangxi, is described herein. It is morphologically similar to R. chinensis, R. jinshanensis, and R. chlorantha, but it is easy to distinguish from the latter three because of leaves 9–13, linear, length of peduncle about 22 cm, length of bract about 3 mm, triangular lanceolate, filament base enlarged and connected to form a rough annular appendage, ovary is flattened spherical shape. Following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (Version 3.1) [C2(a)(ii)], the species is preliminarily classified as Endangered (EN).

Molecular evidence reveals fish-pathogenic Aphanomyces spp. (Oomycetes: Saprolegniales) on new host of the threatened seasonal cyprinodont fish Nothobranchius spp. (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes) in south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

The Aphanomyces species pose an important global threat and cause damage to aquaculture and agriculture by infecting aquatic animals and plants. Several subpopulations of the seasonal cyprinodont fish genus Nothobranchius with lesions suggestive of infection with Aphanomyces invadans, were observed in ephemeral wetland habitats of the upper Congo drainage in the south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Molecular analyses on samples collected in 2023 revealed evidence of fish-pathogenic oomycetes Aphanomyces invadans and A. laevis, for the first time in the host of fish genus Nothobranchius spp. All Nothobranchius fishes in the upper Congo drainage are subject to a high level of threat and belong to one of the threatened Red List categories, due to habitat degradation of seasonal wetlands. These fishes complete their seasonal life cycle in ephemeral natural habitats. The latter makes them highly vulnerable, as such wetland habitats are often degraded by the cumulative effect of multiple human stressors which include: the cultivation of wetlands for agriculture, the abstraction of water, the expansion of urban areas and the pollution load. Evidence of infection by oomycete pathogens documented in this study, represents a critical additional threat to the unique seasonal aquatic biodiversity of the region.

Database of European vascular plants red lists as a contribution to more coherent plant conservation

We introduce the database of European vascular plant red lists, a compilation of red list categories designated to taxa during in-country conservation assessments. Version 1.0 of the database is a standalone static dataset with open access in an end-user friendly format. Its aim is to fulfil the objectives of European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action 18201, ConservePlants. The database synthesizes data across 42 red lists from 41 countries, with participation of 39 out of a total of 44 European countries and two additional Mediterranean countries. The database contains 51,109 records representing 21,481 original taxonomic names with 37 different red list categories. During data harmonisation, 20,312 of the original taxonomic names were assigned to 17,873 unique accepted taxonomic names with scientific authorships across 184 families, 1650 genera and 15,593 species; and red list categories were standardised to 13 unique categories. We see this database as a source of information in diverse plant conservation activities and suitable for various stakeholders.

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

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

A New Species of Crepidium (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Malaxideae): From Assam, North East India

ABSTRACTA new species of the tribe Malaxideae (Orchidaceae), Crepidium assamicum, is described and illustrated here as new species from Assam, North East India. The new taxon is superficially similar to Crepidium purpureum but differs in its habitat, plant size, long floral bract, very densely flowered inflorescences, leaf number, larger petiole size, both winged throughout and flower color. This species is confined to grow in open grassland near river bank of Dibru‐Soikhowa, Dibrugarh district of Assam, in a huge population comprising 500–600 individuals. The threat status of this new species is provisionally assessed here as “Threatened” following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria version 16 (2024).

Genetic Attributes and Conservation of an Endangered Giant Water Bug Species, Diplonychus esakii Miyamoto and Lee, 1966 (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae).

Diplonychus esakii, a water bug from the family Belostomatidae, plays an important role in freshwater ecosystems as one of the top predators. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of D. esakii by analyzing 318 specimens across 27 sites in South Korea. We found that the populations of D. esakii possess 11 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.623. This represents a relatively low level of genetic diversity compared to other known belostomatids and endangered species. AMOVA and FST analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations, with most populations harboring only 1-2 haplotypes, suggesting restricted gene flow between populations and a low level of genetic diversity. This low genetic diversity and limited gene flow suggest a potential vulnerability to environmental changes and an increased risk of extinction, indicating that D. esakii should be designated as a protected species in South Korea as part of future conservation efforts. Based on the results of this study, Upo Wetland, which maintains relatively high levels of genetic diversity and Jeju Island, which, despite its lower genetic diversity compared to the mainland, does not share haplotypes with other regions, should be considered key conservation units for this species. This study highlights the importance of incorporating genetic information into conservation status assessments under the Red List Categories and Criteria and also emphasizes the need to evaluate this species on the Korean Red List. The data provided here will serve as essential baseline information and valuable resources for the development of effective conservation strategies.

POPULATION STUDY AND REASSESSMENT OF CONSERVATION STATUS OF AN ENDEMIC DIPTEROCARP, Hopea bilitonensis

Hopea bilitonensis is a rare, endemic Dipterocarp species in the Malesian Region. It has a disjunct distribution pattern, where main populations occur on the sandy soils of Bangka Belitung Islands of Indonesia and some on limestone forest in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. Current global status of this species based on the IUCN Red List is Critically Endangered (CR) A1c+2c, B1+2c (1998) whilst in Malaysia it is assessed as CR A4c, B1ab(iii) (2010). A reassessment of the conservation status of this species is needed to provide the most current population status and its extinction risk, especially in Indonesia using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria version 3.1. This study was conducted to survey and assess the current populations of this species in Belitung Island where most population occurred and subsequently to recommend its current conservation status. The species is in fact still common in the island, stretching along the main roads and surrounding forests. Using the purposive sampling method, we developed a total of 16 plots of 20x20m each in 10 different locations across the Belitung Island. A total of 730 individuals were found with stem diameter at breast height ranged from 2cm to more than 30cm. For global reassessment, based on the current distribution and herbarium records, the calculated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 108,128.642km2, whilst the area of occupancy (AOO) is 84 km2. However, the species clearly has a restricted distribution and is facing high threats due to frequent timber harvesting and continuing decline of the EOO and AOO. The species extinction risk was then assessed by using five quantitative criteria of the IUCN. Therefore, we propose H. bilitonensis category is considered to be Endangered (EN) based on A2c, B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) and C2a(i) criteria.

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

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

Fish Species Composition, Distribution, and Community Structure in the River Kankai, Eastern Nepal

It is essential to track how fishing pressure affects the exploited fish population in the River Kankai to ensure resource development and sustainability. The current state of affairs in the River Kankai, situated in the eastern Nepalese districts of Ilam and Jhapa, continues to raise serious concerns among the general public. The purpose of this study is to determine trends in the fish communities in the River Kankai across time and location and to examine how physicochemical factors affect fish dispersal and abundance at six sites that were chosen based on operability and accessibility. Monthly fish samples were collected between January 2023 and December 2023. We used cast nets in different sizes, monofilament gill nets, fish baits, and local fish traps to collect the fish. Fish abundance and distribution were largely determined by water parameters like turbidity, total hardness, total alkalinity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, water temperature, and nitrate-N, according to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) on canonical correspondence analysis. Altogether, 94 species in 12 orders, 28 families, and 60 genera were gathered, of which 6 species represented Nearly Threatened (NT) and 3 species were found to be Vulnerable (VU) as per the IUCN red list categories of threatened species. The current study aims to improve the community structure and ichthyofaunal diversity in the River Kankai.

The African Penguin Spheniscus demersus should be considered Critically Endangered

The African Penguin Spheniscus demersus has been considered a threatened species since 1984 and, aside from a short period around 2000, its population has been in constant decline since at least the 1950s. By combining counts of the numbers of breeding pairs made at 26 colonies in South Africa and Namibia between 1979 and 2023 with Bayesian state–space models we reassess the species’ conservation status. The breeding population has declined by 77.8% (95% credible intervals: 71.8–84.6%) over the last 30 years (3 generations), from ∼44 300 breeding pairs in 1993 to ∼9 900 pairs in 2023. This falls just below the threshold for a global IUCN Red List status of Critically Endangered (CR) under criterion A2. However, the decline in Namibia exceeds that threshold at the national level (30-year decline = 82.4%, 78.2–86.2%) following the loss of ∼3 600 breeding pairs there in the last 5 years. In South Africa, the Western Cape population is now declining at <1.5% per annum, but the annual rate of decline in the Eastern Cape has worsened substantially, reaching 13% over the last 10 years. Overall, the global population has more than halved in the last decade and has fallen below 10 000 pairs for the first time. Moreover, “moving window reductions” over 3 generations using observed and projected population trajectories (up to the year 2033) indicate that the decline of the African Penguin population will exceed the 80% CR threshold (under criterion A4ab) with a high probability by 2028. Accordingly, we propose that the African Penguin should be transferred to the IUCN Red List category Critically Endangered.

Conservation status of sharks and rays caught in Indonesian Fisheries Management Area 712

Abstract. Lelono TD, Bintoro G, Setyanto A, Setyahadi D, Sutjipto DO, Adhihapsari W, Aliviyanti D, Isdianto A. 2024. Conservation status of sharks and rays caught in Indonesian Fisheries Management Area 712. Biodiversitas 25: 2603-2614. Elasmobranchs, including sharks and rays, are some of the most vulnerable marine fish and are particularly at risk from fishing pressure. Sharks and rays landing data that listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) appendices and/or assessed as in The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List threatened categories were collected from July to October 2023 at two sites in Indonesian Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 712, East Java, Indonesia, namely Pelabuhan Perikanan Nusantara (PPN) Brondong at Lamongan District and Pelabuhan Perikanan Pantai (PPP) Muncar at Banyuwangi. Stingray species designated as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), or Vulnerable (VU) were recorded at both landing sites. More IUCN Red List threatened ray species were recorded at Brondong than at Muncar. Based on Brondong's international trade status, ray species landed at Brondong are at higher risk of extinction than those landed at PPP Muncar. Six shark species are currently listed in CITES Appendix II: A pelagicus, A. superciliosus, S. lewini, S. zygaena, C. falciformis, and I. oxyrinchus. At PPP Muncar, two of these species were traded. Sharks landing at Muncar included species in IUCN Red List categories, while those landing at Brondong were in four categories. Two CITES categories regulate the capture of sharks landed at PPP Muncar and PPN Brondong. At both sites, numerous species with conservation statuses of CR, EN, VU, and NT are still caught. In conclusion, exploitation and insufficient control threaten the shark and ray populations in PPP Muncar and PPN Brondong. To save these species, conservation efforts should prioritize trade monitoring, habitat protection, and stricter laws.

Tragia grandistipularis (Euphorbiaceae), a new species from Malawi

SummaryWe describe and illustrate Tragia grandistipularis (Euphorbiaceae), a new species from the Southern Region of Malawi, which is easily distinguished by its large stipules. We amend the key to the genus in Flora Zambesiaca to accommodate the new species. The new species is only known from a single population in a threatened habitat. Based on its limited known distribution and the threats to this habitat, we provisionally assess it as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B2ab(i,ii,iii,v) following the IUCN Red List categories and guidelines. We recommend further surveys to better understand the ecology and distribution of this new species.

Diversity pattern of ichthyofaunal assemblage in South-central coastal region of Bangladesh

The south-central coastal waters of Bangladesh are recognized as one of the foremost aquatic biodiversity hotspots despite severe anthropogenic and environmental hazards to natural fishery resources. Therefore, this study was undertaken to examine the current status of fish faunal diversity and evaluate the condition and conservation status of fish in the rivers spanning the south-central coastal region of Bangladesh. During the research period, spanning from July 2021 to February 2022, a total of 105 fish faunal species belonging to 84 genera, 50 families, and 14 orders were documented. The order Perciformes (27.62%) was found to be the most diverse fish group, followed by Cypriniformes and Scombriformes (12.38%), Siluriformes and Clupeiformes (11.43%), Synbranchiformes and Pleuronectiformes (3.81%). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classification, 52 species recorded from the studied areas were determined to be of Least Concern, while 11 species were Vulnerable, 14 species were classified as Endangered, and 7 species are recognized as Critically Endangered. In order to assess the species diversity, richness, and evenness of the fish assemblage in the sampling areas, four diversity indices, viz. the Shannon-Wiener index (H), Simpson’s dominance index (D), Simpson’s index of diversity (1-D), and Margalef’s index (d), were applied. Their overall values were 3.39–3.59, 0.05–0.07, 0.95–0.94, and 7.67–8.75, respectively. All of the species were more or less evenly distributed throughout the three sites, with Kalapara having the most even distribution. Several anthropogenic and natural attributes that contribute to decline in fish diversity were recorded using a survey questionnaire which revealed that management and conservation measures should be taken with utmost urgency.

New orchids in the flora of Vietnam VIII (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae, tribes Malaxideae, Neottieae and Podochileae)

The paper presents new data on the orchid diversity of Vietnam obtained mainly in the course of the fieldwork in 2020–2023, as well as from the investigation of the collections stored at the Herbaria of Russia and Vietnam. It includes descriptions of four species (Appendicula spicata, Dendrobium khanhii, D. vietii, Listera anthropophora) and one variety (Eria dacrydium var. cornuta) new to science, as well as reports of 18 species new to the flora of Vietnam (Bulbophyllum conchiferum, B. gibbosum, B. lasiochilum, B. malleolabrum, B. medusae, B. mucronatum, B. reclusum, B. siamense, B. sutepense, Dendrobium deltatum, D. densiflorum, D. lampongense, D. polyanthum, Oberonia maxima, Phreatia sulcata, Podochilus lucescens, Sunipia grandiflora and S. rimannii). In addition, a new name, Dendrobium nobile var. luteoalbum, and a new nomenclatural combination, Eria chienii, are proposed, and lectotypes for the names Bulbophyllum mucronatum, B. sutepense, Dendrobium deltatum and D. nobile var. luteoalbum are designated. For each of the studied species, relevant synonyms, studied specimens, ecology, phenology, distribution, conservation status assessment according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, brief taxonomic notes, and illustrations are provided. For the newly described taxa, morphological descriptions and notes on etymology are included.

Micropropagation and cryopreservation of the rare endemic Colchicum figlalii germplasm

BACKGROUND: The natural population of Colchicum figlalii (Varol) Parolly &amp; Eren grows in a narrow area of serpentine rock clearings at an altitude of 1900-2100 m in Southwestern Anatolia (Sandras Mountain, Mugla, Turkey). The species is regarded as endangered according to the IUCN Red List Categories. OBJECTIVE: To develop an optimum procedure for in vitro propagation and cryopreservation of germplasm of this rare endemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 281 bulbs were used as in vitro culture starting material and after surface sterilization, clean material was obtained from 157 of them. Woody Plant Medium (WPM), Olive Medium (OM), and Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) were used for in vitro culture establishment. RESULTS: The maximum regeneration rate (˜67.3%) was obtained after four weeks of incubation on OM. The calli were successfully induced by using OM supplemented with 10.7 μM NAA from leaves of in vitro grown C. figlalii bulbs. A PVS2-vitrification procedure was used for cryopreservation of C. figlalii callus tissue. After cryo-storage, the best result for regeneration (66.7%) was obtained from calli treated with PVS2 for 75 min before plunging into liquid nitrogen. All rooted seedlings derived from cryopreserved calli were successfully acclimatized to greenhouse conditions. CONCLUSION: This study is an effective reference for future long-term conservation of similar species that are difficult to cryopreserve.

Eksplorasi dan uji aktivitas antimikroba jamur endofit dari daun mangga kasturi (Mangifera casturi Kosterm.) terhadap Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Candida albicans ATCC 10231 dan Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923

The kasturi mango (Mangifera casturi Kosterm.) is categorized as an endangered plant in situ or Extinct in the Wild according to the IUCN Red List Categories, This also puts under threat the existence of endophytic fungi in these plants. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and assay the antimicrobial activity of endophytic fungi from mango leaves toward Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The fungi were screened for antimicrobial activity using the agar diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring the inhibition zone produced by endophytes against the pathogenic microbes. A total of 23 isolates belonging to 4 genera and 1 group of fungi were successfully isolated. Fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus with a total of 13 isolates were dominant compared to Penicillium, Cladosporium, Syncephalastrum, and the Mycelia sterilia group. All isolates were able to inhibit the growth of S. aureus with the inhibition zone ranging from 13-23 mm, which is higher than Ampicillin 10 µg/ml. The endophytic fungi obtained were more effective at inhibiting the growth of S. aureus than E. coli, but lacked the ability to inhibit C. albicans.

A new endemic species and species richness distribution of the genus &lt;em&gt;Pinguicula&lt;/em&gt; (Lentibulariaceae) in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico

Background: The genus Pinguicula harbors 110 species, of which 53 are distributed in Mexico. The formation of the Mexican mountains has favored the Pinguicula diversification. Pinguicula specimens collected in the State of México, along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) do not correspond with any known species. Questions: Do the collected specimens belong to a new species? What is its conservation status? How many Pinguicula species are there along the TMVB and how do they differentiate? How is the Pinguicula species richness distributed? Studied species: Pinguicula. Study site and dates: TMVB, 2005-2023. Methods: Based on herbarium specimens and recently collected material, a morphological analysis and description were made. Conservation status was assessed following IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Herbarium specimens and digital records of Pinguicula from the TMVB were examined to generate a list and key. We analyzed the richness distribution of Pinguicula by states, vegetation types, elevation ranges, and grid cells. Results: Pinguicula tlahuica is proposed as a new species. It is distinguished by the linear-spatulate summer leaves. The new species falls into the Endangered (EN) category. Along the TMVB, 16 species of Pinguicula are distributed. The State of México, Hidalgo and Michoacán, and the pine-oak forest were the richest. Pinguicula appeared between 759-3,427 m asl. The grid cell analyses revealed different areas with high richness. Conclusions: Along the TMVB, the Pinguicula species richness centered on the Eastern and Western sectors. Pinguicula crassifolia, P. michoacana, P. tlahuica, and P. zamudioana are endemic to the TMVB.

Site Level Geospatial Analysis for Intensity Index of Gold and Copper Mining: Impact on Biodiversity and the Potential for Blockchain Integration

Large-scale and small-scale metal mining operations may not have been considered in the past as big threats to the observed local to global biodiversity pressure, but their zones of influences may adversely change species habitats, directly, indirectly, at local and regional scales. In this study, the intensity index on biodiversity is generated from mining gold and copper in Itogon and Tuba areas in the Philippines. These two areas are located in Northern Luzon with high base metal concentration in porphyry veins deposits with a host of biodiversity due to the distinct biogeographic, altitudinal gradient and climate. The endemic and threatened flora Nepenthes Bellii K. Kondo, Shorea polysperma, Pterocarpus indicus Willd and Lilium philippinense Baker within three mining sites indicated as X, Y, Z are used as species under threat and with multiple variable summation of their geospatial pattern of occurrences and by using by Python Programing Language to compute the Mining Factors (MF) from the Mines Annual Production and Percentage Grades, thereafter, the MF is multiply by the Biodiversity Factor (BDF) which is define as the product of the mines Area Factors (AF) and Protected Area Factor, and the values obtained are divided by Fibonacci Extinction Factor; which is the species Area of Occupancy(AOO) divided by the Extent of Occurrence(EOO) raised to the power of the corresponding Fibonacci Number. The final output is multiplied by the Potential Ecological Risk Indexes from the Heavy metals released from the mines. FEF is generated from QGIS geospatial analysis and the IUCN biodiversity Red List Category that finally yields the MintBio index. MintBio index values generated are subjected to linear regression analysis using Microsoft Excel data analysis tool to test the statistical significance. The MintBio indexes obtained are independent of mining scales or MF but depend heavily on the FEF and AF suggesting that MintBio as a model could serve as an attribution and intensity index to quantifying mining pressure on the ecosystem and species diversity that are often ignore using only biodiversity proxies such as trees cover and protected area. The value of the MintBio obtained in this study ranges from 686.756 of mine Z to 33,614,780.60 of mine Y indicating vast differences that were captured due to the higher threat of mine Y to the endemic and threatened species within 5km from the mine center. The inclusion of conservation factors to the index would further increase such sensitivity for a better evaluation and such would create the opportunity for incentives for mines operating responsibly and with high conservation tract records. MintBio is a potential model to improve policy targets in biodiversity monitoring, impact verification, corporate and environmental management in eco-designs, eco-labelling for huge metal consumption industries and would foster validation of sustainability claims regarding mining if integrated into blockchain as solution framework for proof-of-zero impact to biodiversity supply chain and international financing standardization for metals trade impact index options from mines in the Philippines and those across the globe.

Alseodaphnopsismaguanensis is conspecific with A.hokouensis (Lauraceae) based on morphological and molecular evidence.

Based on both morphological and molecular evidence, it is confirmed that Alseodaphnopsismaguanensis is conspecific with A.hokouensis. Hence, Alseodaphnopsismaguanensis is treated as a synonym of A.hokouensis here. The conservation status of Alseodaphnopsishokouensis is also re-evaluated according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria in this study.

Seven new species of Rinorea (Violaceae) from the Neotropics.

Over the course of revising the genus Rinorea (Violaceae) from Colombia, field observations and herbarium studies revealed seven new species. Several of the new species described here belong to species complexes that required examination of herbarium material from across the Neotropics. Each of the new species described here have oppositely arranged leaves and belong to Rinoreasect.Pubiflorae, a section restricted to the Neotropics. Two new species are segregated from the R.ovalifolia species complex: Rinoreachiribiquetensis from Chiribiquete National Park in the Colombian Amazon and Rinoreastevensii from the Orinoco River near the border of Colombia and Venezuela. Two new species are segregated from the Rinoreahirsuta species complex: Rinoreagaleanoae-bernalii and Rinoreacogolloi, both from the eastern slopes of the Andean Central Cordillera along the mid-Magdalena River Valley in Colombia. From the widely distributed R.pubiflora species complex, we segregated one new species, Rinoreacallejasii, from southeast Panama and the Chocó in Colombia. In addition to these five new taxa segregated from widely distributed species complexes, we discovered two previously unknown species with affinities to other Neotropical Rinorea. Rinoreaaymardii is described from the Alto Orinoco-Casiquiare Biosphere Reserve in Venezuela and most closely resembles R.melanodonta from Colombia. Rinoreabetancurii is segregated from R.macrocarpa and occurs in the Amazonian Regions of Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Venezuela. In this study, we provide descriptions, illustrations and distribution maps of the new species and make preliminary assessments of the risk of extinction using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. We also furnish an identification key to the species of Rinoreasect.Pubiflorae in Colombia.