Regional Conservation Status Research Articles

Improved Understanding of the Macrofungal Diversity of Mongolia: Species Richness, Conservation Status, and An Annotated Checklist

In this study, we updated and revised the checklist of macrofungi, along with the distribution of phytogeographical regions and the regional conservation status in Mongolia. The checklist comprises 677 macrofungal species belonging to 284 genera and 119 families in the country. Based on previous studies, 18 species are currently invasive to Mongolia. In this checklist, only four species are endemic to Mongolia. Among the 677 species, the regional conservation status of 51 species was previously assessed as threatened in the country. Furthermore, we collected all available occurrence records from various sources. A total of 4733 occurrences of 655 species across Mongolia were analyzed for species richness based on a 0.5° × 0.5° grid cell size. We found the records to be unevenly distributed across Mongolia, where records from the northern and central parts dominate. Among these, we identified 43 grids with a high diversity of macrofungal species. Most of these grids did not reside inside by protected geographical areas.

Extending the interpretation of Natura 2000 habitat types beyond their definition can bias their conservation status assessment: An example with species-rich Nardus grasslands (6230*)

In this study, taking as an example the species-rich Nardus stricta grasslands (habitat 6230*) within the Natura 2000 network of the Lombardy region (northern Italy, central southern Alps), we evaluated i) whether the spatial distribution of the habitat 6230* corresponded to essential features for its identification, and ii) whether a broad habitat interpretation could affect its regional conservation status assessment.We analysed the spatial distribution of habitat 6230* regarding the elevation, geological substrate, forest treeline, land use types and other habitat types. Using the regional database of habitat relevés, we calculated the threshold values of conservation status for a range of indicators of structure, functions and future prospects. To this end, we used a subset of relevés of the subalpine sub-type of habitat 6230*, as it corresponds to plant communities where habitat interpretation can easily be extended beyond its definition.The mapped distribution of habitat 6230* did not entirely match the essential features required for its identification. Some polygons were located at the ecological extremes of habitat 6230*, on carbonate substrates and in the alpine belt. In those conditions, the habitat showed an Unfavourable-bad (U2) conservation status, decreasing species richness and typical species dominance and frequency. Our findings highlighted that plant communities representing ecological extremes of the habitat type 6230* should no longer be referred to the same habitat type.The proposed indicators can help identify habitat sub-types more conducive to successful restoration measures, thereby ensuring favourable conservation status. In turn, this guarantees sustainable agricultural land use, which simultaneously promotes biodiversity and high-quality food products. Furthermore, the procedure could be extended to other habitat types for early identification of priority monitoring areas, especially when their interpretation has gone beyond their definition, with little consideration given to the consequences on the regional conservation status assessments.

The diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit species in Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Suwardi AB, Syamsuardi, Mukhtar E, Nurainas. 2023. The diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit species in Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 3245-3257. Sumatra Island is recognized as the distribution center of tropical fruit species in Indonesia. However, increased human activity threatens the existence of edible wild fruit plants in nature. The study aims to assess the diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit plant species in Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted in four provinces: West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, and Bengkulu. For the sampling, a modified line transect method was used. A total of 331 wild edible fruit plant species at four studied sites in Sumatra consisted of 73 families. The highest number of fruit plant species was recorded in West Sumatra Province, i.e., 176 species, followed by Jambi (172 species), Riau (121 species), and Bengkulu (76 species). The diversity of wild edible fruit plant species was higher in West Sumatra Province (3.85) but lower in Riau Province (3.25). Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr., Baccaurea lanceolata (Miq.) Müll.Arg., Baccaurea macrocarpa (Miq.) Müll.Arg., Baccaurea polyneura Hook.f., Garcinia atroviridis Griff. ex T.Anderson, Garcinia xanthochymus Hook.fil. ex J.Anderson, Mangifera foetida Lour., Mangifera laurina Blume, Mangifera odorata Griff., and Pometia pinnata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. were the most frequently recorded wild fruit plant species in all of the study area. However, 74 wild edible fruit plant species were recorded only in West Sumatra, 45 in Riau, 79 in Jambi, and 9 in Bengkulu. Among the 331 wild edible fruit species in the present study, 1 taxon was classified as endangered (0.30%), 9 taxa (2.72%) as vulnerable, 11 taxa (3.32%) as near threatened, and 139 taxa (41.99%) as least concern, and 171 taxa (51.67%) as Data Deficient.

The Genus <i>Iris</i> (Iridaceae) in Russia: Phytochemistry, Biological Activity and Application in Traditional Medicine

The genus Iris in Russia is represented by 41 species, of which 4 species are endemic, 11 are included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and 30 have various regional conservation status. The review provides information on the phytochemical compounds, biological activity and medicinal properties of 16 species growing in Russia, and on their use in traditional medicine of different peoples. The analysis of available data shows that studying the component composition, biological activity levels, and medicinal use of Iris L. species requires their correct identification and the knowledge concerning their geographical distribution, ecology, and morphological characteristics. The use of Iris species in traditional medicine is described. The extracts and compounds isolated from the most of the studied species exhibit analgesic, antioxidative, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial activity. Some species also have cytotoxic, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-influenza, neuroprotective, antihyperglycemic, antiallergic, antifeedant and other properties. Most of the isolated metabolites were flavonoids, isoflavonoids, anthocyanes, terpenoids, xantgones, quinones, phenolic and fatty acids. In official and traditional medicine in Asia and Europe, the underground and aboveground parts of Iris aphylla, I. lactea, I. pseudacorus, I. ruthenica, I. sanguinea and other species of the genus are used. The article results from the long-term studies of irises in situ and in the collections of two botanical gardens, as well as extensive examination of literature on the component composition and medicinal properties of the studied species.

Plastome Characterization, Phylogenetic Relationships, and Regional Conservation Status of Ficus populifolia Vahl. (Moraceae), a Peripherally Isolated Plant Population in the Arabian Peninsula

The Ficus populifolia Vahl. in the Arabian Peninsula is threatened, peripheral, and geographically isolated from its main population in Africa. Here, the entire plastome of F. populifolia from the Arabian Peninsula was sequenced and analyzed to provide a baseline genetic resource for future research. The F. populifolia plastome has a classic quadripartite structure with a size of 160,610 bp, the large and small single copies of 88,729 and 20,097 bp, respectively, and each pair of inverted repeats are 25,892 bp. The genome includes 113 unique genes, 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. The results reveal a total of 49 long repeats, including (30) palindromic, (14) forward, and (5) reverse repeats. Similarly, a total of 186 simple sequence repeats were identified, 83.8% of which were mononucleotides. The genomic comparison with four Ficus species indicated that the plastome of F. populifolia was highly conserved, with some hypervariable noncoding regions. The phylogenomic analysis of 28 species of Ficus, based on 78 coding genes, revealed that F. populifolia is closely related to the African species F. lyrata. The genomic data generated in this study provide valuable resources for future investigations on the population genetics, authentication, and genetic conservation of the wild Arabian population of F. populifolia.

Diversity, distribution and regional conservation status of the Egyptian tree flora

AbstractThe present study aims at determining the phytogeographical distribution and economic potential and documenting the degree of risk to the extinction of tree species, and the changes these species have undergone over the past 20 years. Field surveys were conducted at many locations in Egypt between January 2017 and March 2020. From each location, GPS coordinates were taken and the number of individuals was estimated. Also, specimens and seed samples for each species were collected from different habitats as can as possible. Other data were collected through herbaria visits and existing literature. The recorded taxa were arranged alphabetically according to Angiosperm Phylogeny Group system (APG IV). Evaluation of conservation status was based on IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. In the present study, we applied Criterion B that concerns the geographical range in the form of both B1 (extent of occurrence: EOO) and B2 (area of occupancy: AOO). Calculations of both AOO and EOO and the assessment process were assisted using the GeoCAT software. Fifty‐seven taxa were recorded, and most of them occur in Elbanian sector. Among them, five alien species were recorded. Many taxa offered economic goods such as medicinal, timber and fuel values; and environmental services as shaders and phytoremediators. Fifty taxa suffered from over‐collecting and over‐cutting. Among the 52 native trees in the present study, 31 taxa are evaluated as threatened with extinction; 10 taxa are Critically Endangered, 16 are Endangered and 5 are Vulnerable. There are two taxa assessed as Near Threatened and 15 as Least Concern. On the contrary, four taxa fall in the category of Data Deficient. There are 28 in situ conserved taxa in the protected areas. Also, 28 taxa are under ex situ conservation. In conclusion, land‐use patterns, climate change and human impact lead to put about 61% of the trees in Egypt under threat of extinction. Consequently, nature conservation organisations should take an action towards the conservation of these valuable taxa.

Taxonomic notes and distribution of Gueldenstaedtia (Chesneyinae, Fabaceae) in Mongolia

The genus Gueldenstaedtia Fisch. is small genus of Fabaceae that includes four species worldwide. Among these, G. monophylla Fisch and G. verna (Georgi) Boriss. are currently recognized as occurring in Mongolia. Here, we present our findings on G. verna from our recent field surveys in eastern Mongolia in 2020. Gueldenstaedtia monophylla is mostly distributed in the western region, whereas G. verna occurs in eastern Mongolia. The regional conservation status of both species was assessed as near threatened based on criterion B in the country. We provided descriptions, grid distribution maps, taxonomic notes and photographic illustrations of the two species based on our newly collected samples.

Distribution of Vascular Plants in Mongolia - I Part

In the present article, we provided grid distribution maps of vascular plants in Mongolia based on a 40 x 40 km2 grid cell size. We selected 40 native vascular plant species, belonging to 31 genera and 17 families. With the exception of a few species, the majority of species are distributed in Asian countries, including the Asian parts of Russia. Moreover, given species are collected as herbarium specimens and photographed in their natural habitats during our field surveys. The global and regional distribution, natural habitat, and conservation status of each species are provided in detail.

Essay on the prospects for the use of decorative perennials of the spontaneous flora of the local landscape Feofaniya

The taxonomic and ecological structure of an artificial set of species of spontaneous flora of the local landscape Feofaniya, distinguished by decorative features, is presented. Decorative perennials, with the exception of aquatic and coastal ones, number 147 species. They are considered taking into account the adaptive characteristics, as a potentially basic component of the regional assortment of ornamental plants for landscaping. In terms of taxonomic composition, the species belong to 100 genera from 38 families. A significant part of perennials is rare in ornamental gardening. Among the studied perennials, the rare fraction includes 13 species with international (four species), state (seven species), or regional (six species) conservation status. According to the results of bioecological analysis, the predominance of mesophytic (76 %), heliophytic (44 %), mesotrophic (82 %), and neutrophilic (65 %) species is shown. When considering the ecological affiliation, the studied species are united into 15 principal ecomorphological groups. The use of plants represented in such groups as the main assortment in the landscaping of the corresponding ecotopes is a prerequisite for the stability and durability of such artificial communities as flower arrangements. The proposed assortment ensures the creation of modern low-cost flower arrangements, as well as the preservation of the biodiversity of the local flora by expanding the cultigen range of these species.

<p><strong>The vascular plant diversity of Dzungarian Gobi in western Mongolia, with an annotated checklist</strong></p>

The Dzungarian Gobi (DzG), one of 16 phytogeographical regions in the country, is located in the southwestern part of Khovd province in western Mongolia. It comprises some of Mongolia’s largest reserves, namely the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area and the National Park Bulgan gol-Ikh Ongog. We conducted a comprehensive survey of the area’s floristic diversity between 2009 and 2019 by collecting vascular plants from different vegetation types in various seasons. In addition, we critically checked relevant published literature and material from the herbaria ALTB, GLM, GWF, HAL, KHU, LE, MW, NS, OSBU, UBA, and UBU to determine the occurrence of vascular plant species in the DzG region. Based on our collection data, a comprehensive checklist of DzG’s flora was compiled, representing 913 vascular plant taxa (including 34 subspecies and one variety) belonging to 329 genera and 70 families. Twenty-one taxa were newly found in the DzG region. We also investigated the conservation status of all species noted, and 19 endemic plants and 96 threatened species, including six critically endangered, 26 endangered, 57 vulnerable, and seven near threatened plants were recognized in this region. Eight rare species were newly assessed according to regional conservation status based on GeoCat and IUCN. The richest plant families found were Asteraceae (153 species), Fabaceae (77 species), Amaranthaceae (69 species), and Poaceae (68 species). Several uncertain endemic and non-endemic plants remain still discussion, such as Papaver baitagense and Rosa baitagensis; thus, further studies are needed on their taxonomic and conservation status. For each taxon, we provide its distribution in the region, elevation range, voucher number, and additional references. Finally, we analyzed species hotspots of DzG, based on three different plant species richness criteria: i. all recorded species, ii. endemic species, and iii. threatened species using our georeferenced records. The most diverse hotspot area in DzG is the Baitag Bogd Mountain area, which comprises the highest species number of all three richness criteria.

Land snail community patterns related to regional habitat conservation status of European spring fens

Human activities have enormous impact on current biodiversity distribution across all spatial scales. Despite the numerous studies showing the difference between preserved and impaired sites, only little is known about the regional scale. Therefore, we selected four European regions differing in habitat conservation status (HCS) to explore if the variation in land snail communities reflects regional differences. We collected quantitative land snail samples at 169 isolated spring fen sites and measured environmental parameters. The species richness of habitat specialists expressed low variation and weak associations with local conditions in the two regions of adequate HCS, presumably because of their common occurrence throughout most sites. In contrast, the richness of matrix-derived species, i.e. predominantly habitat generalists, was highly variable in these two regions and also tightly associated with local conditions, especially moisture. In both the intermediate and the inadequate HCS region, these associations were much weaker as the fens are less extreme and allow for penetration of matrix-derived species. Population densities of Vertigo geyeri, an umbrella species internationally protected by the EU Habitats Directive, were highest in the two adequate HCS regions. Species composition was primarily controlled by moisture in the regions of adequate HCS, while in the remaining regions, those predictors that are less easily jeopardized by human impact, such as climate, water chemistry and terrain topography, gained importance. In the inadequate HCS region, none of the analysed predictors was associated with the main compositional gradient, suggesting a complete disruption of community-environment relationships. Our results suggest that the species richness and community responses to natural gradients might be substantially modified by human impact, although the effect of some other region-specific factors cannot be easily disentangled because of inevitably low number of studied regions.

Trees and shrubs of native flora in green areas of the South-East coast of the Crimea

The article examines species of native dendroflora in parks and other green areas of the South-Eastern coast of the Crimea. Those of them that are often used are considered, as well as rare one. The oldest woody aborigines in the parks of the region are identified, and their morphometric data are given. The work also considers neophytes of the Crimean flora (cedars, cypresses, pines), that emphasize the Mediterranean character of the local landscapes. Special attention we have paid to species with regional and state conservation status. Cultivating them in gardens and parks will serve as an additional measure to preserve them. We proposed species of native trees and shrubs with good ornamental properties and suitable for the soil and climatic conditions of the region. Thus, we expand their species diversity in cultural cenosis. Their physiognomic correspondence to local picturesque landscapes is important. Artificial green spaces play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity, as well as rare protected species of the Crimean flora. The preservation of artificial green zones should correspond with the general concept of nature protection in the region.

Seed morphology in the genus Iris (Iridaceae) from Russia

The genus Iris in Russia is represented by 41 species. Four species are endemic, 11 are included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and 30 have different regional conservation status. The presented results of the study of the morphology of seeds and of seed coat surface morphology in 40 species from the genus Iris growing in Russia were obtained mainly using light and scanning electron microscopy. Seed shape is round, ovate, oblong or pear‑shaped, with the exception for I. psammocola, in which it is club‑shaped. The smallest seeds in the studied species belong to I. ruthenicaand I. uniflora. Morphometric data lead to interesting conclusions regarding the taxonomic relations between some species. For example, the species currently considered as synonyms, e.g., I. biglumisand I. pallasii in I. lactea, and I. maackii in I. pseudacorus, are found different concerning seed morphology. On the other hand, the taxonomically well distinct species such as I. halophila and I. pseudonotha share similar seed morphology. A study of the morphological characteristics of the seed coat surface in 40 species of the genus Iris made it possible to compile an atlas for determining species in the genus Iris in Russia.

Diversity and distribution of the genus Primula L. (Primulaceae) in Mongolia

This article represents a new checklist of the genus Primula L., including eight species and five subspecies belonging to four sections that are native to Mongolia. Primula bukukunica Kovt. and P. nivalis subsp. turkestanica (J.H.Haage & E.Schmidt) Kovt. are newly recorded to the flora of Mongolia based on the materials of LE, NS, NSK, MHA, MW, and UBA herbarium collections. Primula maximowiczii Regel was assessed as critically endangered species based on the area of occupancy, in which it is estimated to occur in less than 10 km2 in the eastern Mongolia. The nomenclatural type, identification key, regional conservation status of rare species, as well as distribution maps and photographs of each species are provided. Additional collections and photographs are based on our field survey between 2012 and 2019.

Раритетна компонента лісових фітоценозів Лісостепу України

Наводиться аналіз проблеми щодо актуальності питань інвентаризації раритетної компоненти лісової флори України, її природно-зональних та адміністративно-обласних спектрів. Визначено причини раритетності видів лісової флори та запропоновано заходи щодо їхньої охорони. Для організації моніторингу чисельності та поширення судинних рослин міжнародного, національного та регіонального статусів охорони як складової системного моніторингу лісів досліджено стан популяцій раритетних видів рослин та їхнього розповсюдження в лісових фітоценозах Лісостепу (рясність-покриття та участь у складі рослинного покриву, розповсюдження в межах адмінистративних областей, Лісостепової лісогосподарської області та чотирьох її округів). Об’єкти досліджень – ділянки моніторингу 1-го рівня (642 ділянки) у межах Лісостепу України.

Addenda New locality for the rare sigmodontine Abrawayaomys ruschii (Rodentia, Cricetidae) in Argentina, with comments about its regional conservation status

Addenda New locality for the rare sigmodontine Abrawayaomys ruschii (Rodentia, Cricetidae) in Argentina, with comments about its regional conservation status

Noninvasive DNA sampling and camera trapping suggest dramatic regional conservation status of an understudied carnivore: the Rüppell’s fox in Tunisia

ABSTRACTRüppell’s fox, Vulpes rueppellii, is one of the four fox species occurring in North Africa. Its population status and ecology remains largely unknown. Here, we collected occurrence data from camera trapping and scat-collection based mitochondrial control region sequencing to assess the distribution range and status of the species across potential habitats in Tunisia. The collection and analysis of 342 scat samples resulted in 234 sequences of the mitochondrial control region. Our results did not reveal any evidence of Rüppell’s fox presence in Tunisia. In contrast, three other mesocarnivores were commonly recorded by camera trapping and molecular data, namely African wolf ‘Canis lupaster’, red fox ‘Vulpes vulpes’ and fennec fox ‘V. zerda’. The three species exhibited distinct geographical affinities, which are reflected in different habitat selection patterns. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study focusing on the distribution of V. rueppellii in North Africa using both camera trapping and noninvasive genetic methods. In terms of conservation, it seems urgent to characterise the status of this species in North Africa, and particularly in Tunisia.

New locality for the rare sigmodontine Abrawayaomys ruschii (Rodentia, Cricetidae) in Argentina, with comments about its regional conservation status

Fil: Cruz, Maria Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biologia Subtropical. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biologia Subtropical; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlantico; Argentina

Microchiritahairulii (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Perlis, Peninsular Malaysia.

A new species, Microchiritahairulii Rafidah (Gesneriaceae) from limestone hills in Perlis, Peninsular Malaysia, is described and illustrated. Diagnostic characters, description, detailed illustrations, geographical distribution, regional provisional conservation status assessment (Endangered) and ecological observations of the new taxon, as well as an updated key to Microchirita species in Peninsular Malaysia, are provided.

Contribution to the knowledge on the flora of Numrug Strictly Protected Area and some parts of East Mongolia

A floristic study of Eastern Mongolian Steppes has been conducted during the growing season of 2014 and continued in 2017, when we focused more on the Numrug Strictly Protected Area. Major objectives of this study were to assess floristic diversity of Eastern Mongolian Steppes and to review the conservation status of some endangered, rare, and very rare species. A total of 488 taxa of vascular plants, which belong to 254 genera of 75 families, including three endemic and 16 subendemic species were sampled. Among these were three endangered, three vulnerable, five near threatened, 16 very rare, and 39 rare species. Remarkably, Myriophyllum sibiricum and Typha latifolia are newly recorded for the flora of Mongolia. Moreover, new distribution records of some species were noted in four phytogeographical regions of Eastern Mongolia, such as Foothills of Great Khingan (30), East Mongolia (12), Mongolian Dauria (11), and Middle Khalkha (3). Finally, we assessed regional conservation status of the five species (two endangered and three vulnerable) from the East Mongolia using the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List criteria and categories.