Regional Endemic Species Research Articles

Wide habitat preference found in a rare, regional endemic species: Iris brandzae Prodán (Iridaceae Juss., subgenus Limniris, series Spuriae) in Romania

Wide habitat preference found in a rare, regional endemic species: <i>Iris brandzae</i> Prodán (Iridaceae Juss., subgenus Limniris, series Spuriae) in Romania

Polypore funga and species diversity in tropical forest ecosystems of Africa, America and Asia, and a comparison with temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere

Polypores play a crucial role in energy recycling and forest regeneration in forest ecosystems. The majority of them are wood degraders; some are forest pathogens and others are ectomycorrhizal symbionts. The basidiocarps provide food and shelter for many organisms, mostly invertebrates, but also some vertebrates, as well as food and medicine for humans. Despite extensive research on the species diversity and phylogenetic relationships of polypores in recent years, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding of their distribution patterns and species composition at the large scale. Checklists of polypores from the tropical zone, including tropical Africa, tropical America, and tropical Asia, were analyzed for species diversity, distribution patterns, major taxa, and nutritional modes. A total of 1,902 polypore species was found in the three regions, representing 8 orders, 46 families, and 250 genera of Agaricomycetes. The orders Polyporales (especially the family Polyporaceae) and Hymenochaetales (especially the family Hymenochaetaceae) had the most prolific taxa, with their species accounting for 93.4% of the total polypores listed. Each of 1,565 (or 82.3%) of the total 1,902 species were found in only one of the three regions studied, and we treat them temporarily as “regional endemic species”. Only 141 species were shared among all three regions, accounting for a mere 7.4%. Tropical Africa and tropical America had the greatest number of shared species and the highest Sørensen similarity index (SC) value. Tropical forests had a higher species richness compared with temperate to boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, and in addition, also a higher proportion of white rot polypores compared to brown rot and ectomycorrhizal species. This study outlines the distribution patterns and species diversity of polypores in the world, shedding light on their ecological significance in diverse ecosystems.

Taxonomy and Melanism Patterns of Freshwater Leeches in the Genus Glossiphonia (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) from Northeast Asia

Freshwater leeches belonging to the genus Glossiphonia Johnson, 1816 are fairly common benthic annelids in freshwater ecosystems throughout Eurasia, but the taxonomy of this group remains poorly resolved, and the species content of some local faunas is unsatisfactorily known. For example, it was thought that the only widespread species, Glossiphonia complanata (Linnaeus, 1758), dwells in Northeast Asia. Here, we revise the Northeast Asian Glossiphonia leeches with an integrative taxonomic approach. This revision is based on the largest DNA-sequence and morphological datasets collected to date. Two Glossiphonia species are recorded from the region. First, Glossiphonia koreaensissp. nov., a putative regional endemic species, was discovered in South Korea. Second, a valid name and complete description are provided for Glossiphonia mollissima Moore, 1898 (non-Grube, 1871). The latter name was wrongly applied through misidentification and, according to ICZN (Article 49), is unavailable. Hence, we propose a new name, Glossiphonia mooreisp. nov., in memory of Dr. J. Percy Moore, who discovered this leech. It is a prospective trans-Beringian species, ranging through Eastern Siberia, the Russian Far East, and Alaska (although Alaskan records are based on nonsequenced samples), showing a significant proportion of melanic individuals in samples north of the Arctic Circle. The latter pattern may reflect substrate-induced cryptic coloration (camouflage), but this hypothesis needs to be statistically checked in the future. Finally, a complete checklist of Glossiphonia species is presented.

Floristic inventory and conservation of one of the most striking coastal mountains in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest is made up of different vegetation types over extensive latitude. Most of its remnants are in mountain ranges, which are responsible for the maintenance of most endemic and threatened species in this domain. Here we present the floristic composition of the Área de Proteção Ambiental Mestre Álvaro (APAMA), a coastal massif at Espírito Santo State with expressive altitudinal amplitude (100-800 a.s.l.) containing remnants never floristically studied. Knowing the composition of this protected area is important because it includes an altitudinal range not yet evaluated in floristic comparisons involving highland and lowland forests between the latitudes 18-21° S. We found 493 species (in 292 genera and 91 families): ten are regional endemic species, nine are new records of occurrence for the state, and 52 are under some degree of threat of extinction. Our results indicate the presence of flora elements' typical of both highland and lowland forests, which makes the APAMA essential in a scenario extremely fragmented. Finally, our data provide an unprecedented floristic list for regional forest restoration projects, as well as an invaluable source of data for biogeographic studies that seek to understand the effect caused by neighboring vegetation types on the composition of lowland forests.

Taxonomy of Vincetoxicum s.str. (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae) from southern Asia including three new species and resurrected names.

This paper presents a taxonomic study of genus Vincetoxicum s.str. from southern Asia. Eleven regional endemic species are recognized on the basis of herbarium studies and fieldwork. Three new species are described: V. lenifoliumsp. nov. (endemic to Pakistan), V. stewartianumsp. nov. (endemic to India), and V. subcanescenssp. nov. (endemic to Pakistan, Kashmir and Tibet). Three species names, V. cabulicum, V. glaucum and V. kenouriense, previously treated as synonyms of V. glaucum, V. canescens and V. hirundinaria, respectively, are resurrected. A neotype is designated for the Afghani endemic V. cabulicum. A lectotype is chosen from the syntypes of V. glaucum. We resolve the long-standing taxonomic problems in three species complexes: V. arnottianum, V. luridum, V. sakesarense, and V. stocksii; V. glaucum, V. canescens and V. cabulicum; and V. hirundinaria and V. kenouriense. Geo-taxonomic distinctions of southern Asian taxa are highlighted by excluding from henceforth the long misrecognized western Eurasian taxa V. canescens and V. hirundinaria. Furthermore, a detailed account of the genus including illustrations of whole plants, leaves and corona, distribution maps, a taxonomic key, morphological descriptions, synonymy, notes, and information on phenology, distribution and habitats is provided. Finally, provisional conservation assessments are provided, which indicate that V. cardiostephanum and V. sakesarense are critically endangered.

An assessment of the endemic spermatophytes, pteridophytes and bryophytes of the French Overseas Territories: towards a better conservation outlook

A broad range of climatic and biogeographical conditions are represented in the French Overseas Territories, from sub-polar to equatorial, resulting in a high diversity of endemic species. We mobilized data from herbaria, floras, checklists, literature, the expertise of botanists and plant ecologists to compile the most complete dataset on endemic vascular plants and bryophytes in the 15 French Overseas Territories. To date, 3748 spermatophytes (seed plants), 244 pteridophytes (ferns and lycophytes) and 448 bryophytes are strictly endemic to the overseas territories. New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Reunion harbour the highest numbers of strictly endemic species, yet French Guiana and the French Antilles harbour high numbers of regional endemic species due to their proximity with other territories. The endemic flora of these territories is highly threatened. In particular, 51% of strictly endemic spermatophytes are threatened and many species at risk belong to Rubiaceae and Orchidaceae families. Around 82% and 69% of strict and regional endemic spermatophytes and pteridophytes are found in the Paris herbaria. Only 34% of endemic bryophytes have their label information fully databased so that their total number in Paris herbaria is not known. Databasing the remaining specimens in the collection will greatly enhance future research and conservation projects. To facilitate the use of the information we compiled, we provide a publicly searchable dataset of the checklist. This study not only provides a picture of the flora of French overseas territories; it also identifies gaps in knowledge on which future research efforts in systematics, ecology and conservation could focus.

First steps towards a barcoding database for the Iberian cladocerans

Due to similarities in morphological features together with strong dispersal abilities, it was thought that some groups of zooplankton (e.g. rotifers, copepods, and cladocerans) have cosmopolitan distributions. In the particular case of cladocerans, recent molecular studies using DNA barcode regions have indicated a different picture, including the existence of multiple regional endemic species and geographical phylogroups; even at very small geographical scales. This has demostrated that cladocera species are less widely distributed than assumed. Morphological identifications of these animals require expertise and high taxonomic specialization. Even so, species identifications are hampered by the small size of the organisms (especially from the littoral zone) and by the sampling cost for obtaining rare species and both parthenogenetic and gamogenetic specimens. The use of molecular techniques can provide new tools to identify cryptic diversity, and by being added to taxonomical approaches, provide more precise data of biodiversity. However, the accuracy of species assignment in metabarcoding relies on the availability of a DNA reference library, which is challenging in areas with high endemicity rates such as the Iberian Peninsula. A preliminary compilation of the available molecular data for the cytochrome (COI) in public repositories (Barcode of Life Data Systems and NCBI GenBank) shows that the available sequences only cover ~60% of the Iberian freshwater cladocerans. The family Daphniidae is very well represented, while the family Chydoridae, which contained most of the Iberian endemism, is underrepresented. We have identified the gaps, and are now focusing on collecting the target organisms to fill the missing taxa of the Iberian library. A compendium of the sampling points, species recovered so far, pitfalls, and future strategy is presented here. The effective completion of a DNA database for cladocerans will have applications not only in biomonitoring programs but to develop DNA-based methods in paleolimnology.

Обзор ихтиофауны реки Буюнда (бассейн р. Колыма)

The modern taxonomic composition and biologic features of pisciforms and fishes of the Buyunda River (basin of the Kolyma River) are considered. The ichthyofauna includes 21 taxa of species and subspecies ranks belonging to 19 genera, 12 families, 8 orders, and 2 classes. Representatives of the of Cypriniformes and Salmoniformes orders prevail, shaping the entire ichthyofauna of the river. Two regional endemic species of Northeast Asia the Siberian sucker Catostomus catostomus rostratus and the Kolyma bullhead Cottus kolymensis were recorded.

FIRST NEST REPORT OF VARIED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes coloratus), AN ENDEMIC BIRD SPECIES OF PANAMA AND COLOMBIA

Here we present the first description of nests for the Varied Solitaire Myadestes coloratus, a regional endemic species (Panama and Colombia). We found two nests in Cerro Chucantí Natural Private Reserve (CCNPR), the first nest was seen on May 6, 2019 with three hatchlings inside and the second on May 9, 2020 with three eggs. The nests were constructed out of green mosses and foliaceus liverworts over tree trunks covered with moss, they were cup shaped, at 1.3 and 1.5 meters high. The GPS coordinates of the nests were (8° 47’44.8” N, 78°27’47.4 W, 1276 m) and (8° 48’09.5” N, 78°27’37.0 W, 1393 m) respectively. This report represents the first for this species which is under the Endangered (EN) category of Panama´s List of threatened species of Fauna and Flora by Ministerio de Ambiente.

Molecular phylogeny, biogeography, and conservation status of the Texas-endemic freshwater mussel Lampsilis bracteata (Bivalvia, Unionidae).

Lampsilis bracteata (Gould), the Texas Fatmucket, is a regional endemic species in the central Texas biogeographic province which is a candidate to be listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Lampsilis bracteata is morphologically similar to the common species L. hydiana (Lea). Here, we examine the molecular taxonomic identification of L. bracteata, and compare its historical range with its current geographic distribution. Tests of genetic affinities based on two mitochondrial genes typically used for DNA barcoding (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, COI and NADHdehydrogenase subunit1, ND1) support recognition of L. bracteata as a full species. An unexpected spin-off result was that ND1 sequences of L. satura (Lea), a threatened species in Texas, formed a highly supported cluster within putative L. cardium Rafinesque. As an endemic species, the distribution of L. bracteata has been historically restricted; however, poor land and water management practices have further reduced its distribution from eighteen to just eight streams in the Colorado River drainage and to one stream in the Guadalupe River drainage. For L. bracteata, as for many other imperiled freshwater mussel species, effective conservation measures rely on correct species identification, definition of its geographic range and assessment of its changes in the recent past.

Unusual reef fish biomass and functional richness at Malpelo, a remote island in the Tropical Eastern Pacific

Fish assemblages can vary across temporal and spatial scales due to changes in habitat structure and the influence of local factors such as wave exposure, depth and anthropogenic influence. This study presents a description of species richness, functional richness, density and biomass of fish assemblages of Malpelo Island, a Marine Protected Area located in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) region and considered a World Heritage site. Underwater visual censuses (n = 103) from two years and a local checklist were used to characterize the reef fish assemblage of Malpelo Island. Our results show a numerical dominance, during both sampling years, by the planktivore species Chromis atrilobata and Apogon atradorsatus, which are regional TEP endemic species. Among the most striking results found were the high biomass values (706.2 g/m2 ± 73.2 in 2010 and 879 g/m2 ± 116.2 in 2015) of large-bodied TEP endemic piscivorous species and the high functional diversity represented mainly by vulnerable species. The dominance in density and biomass of regional endemic species exemplifies the high endemism level within the TEP. High levels of fish biomass and functional richness suggest that Malpelo is one of the most pristine and vulnerable sites within the TEP region. Thus, Malpelo island represents a baseline for untouched assemblages in this marine province, as well as a priority area for conservation at the national and international level.

Habitat diversity analysis along an altitudinal sequence of alpine habitats: the Carabid beetle assemblages as a study model

Background and purpose. Species traits have been extensively used by botanists to describe, group and rank species according to their functions. Recently, the multi-trait approach has been extended also to the animal assemblages. There is now growing evidence that interspecific traits-variability can have significant effects on community dynamics and ecosystem functioning. The aim of our study was to describe how the carabid species traits change in relation to an altitudinal sequence of habitat types. Materials and methods. In this paper we weighted the species traits (dispersal power, diet, reproductive rhythm, chorology) of the Carabid beetles assemblages in nineteen sites in the Dolomites along an altitudinal sequence of habitat types (1000-2250 m a.s.l.). Carabids have been sampled by means of pitfall traps. Results. Species richness, activity density and species traits were not, or weakly, correlated with elevation, while they showed to be linked to the habitat type. Species traits, as taxa, showed to be not uniformly distributed along the sequence, with brachypterous species concentrated in high-altitude or climax environments mainly, and regional endemic species prevailing in high-altitude environments. Macropterous species with zoospermophagous species were found to increase with anthropogenic environmental disturbance. Conclusions. The species traits analysis enabled us to shift the research focus from the taxonomic level to a biological more comprehensive level, opening the way for drawing more general ecologic models. Moreover it was possible to make inferences about the most successful carabid strategies in order to advance hypotheses on the historical colonization processes in the Alps. Keywords: Alps, Carabidae, ecological succession, mountain ecosystems, species traits.

Elevational Distribution of Flightless Ground Beetles in the Tropical Rainforests of North-Eastern Australia.

Understanding how the environment influences patterns of diversity is vital for effective conservation management, especially in a changing global climate. While assemblage structure and species richness patterns are often correlated with current environmental factors, historical influences may also be considerable, especially for taxa with poor dispersal abilities. Mountain-top regions throughout tropical rainforests can act as important refugia for taxa characterised by low dispersal capacities such as flightless ground beetles (Carabidae), an ecologically significant predatory group. We surveyed flightless ground beetles along elevational gradients in five different subregions within the Australian Wet Tropics World Heritage Area to investigate (1) whether the diversity and composition of flightless ground beetles are elevationally stratified, and, if so, (2) what environmental factors (other than elevation per se) are associated with these patterns. Generalised linear models and model averaging techniques were used to relate patterns of diversity to environmental factors. Unlike most taxonomic groups, flightless ground beetles increased in species richness and abundance with elevation. Additionally, each subregion consisted of relatively distinct assemblages containing a high level of regional endemic species. Species richness was most strongly and positively associated with historical and current climatic stabilities and negatively associated with severity of recent disturbance (treefalls). Assemblage composition was associated with latitude and historical and current climatic conditions. Although the results need to be interpreted carefully due to inter-correlation between historical and current climatic variables, our study is in agreement with the hypothesis that upland refugia provided stable climatic conditions since the last glacial maximum, and supported a diverse fauna of flightless beetle species. These findings are important for conservation management as upland habitats become increasingly threatened by climate change.

Fish cleaning interactions on a remote island in the Tropical Eastern Pacific

Cleaning interactions are an essential feature of marine ecosystems since they help maintain a healthy community. However, knowledge on the magnitude of the cleaning interactions in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) is scarce, especially in remote places like oceanic islands. Here, we describe for the first time the cleaning interactions among reef fishes at Malpelo Island, a World Heritage site located in the TEP. In 120 cleaning events at Malpelo, we have observed five fish species acting as cleaners and nineteen acting as clients. We observed one local endemic and four regional endemic species of the TEP among the cleaners, and five elasmobranchs and fourteen ray-finned species as clients. Our results show that Johnrandallia nigrirostris was the cleaner with the largest number of events and client species, whereas Lepidonectes bimaculatus was the most specific cleaner (i.e. it has only one client species). We observed that 56 % of the cleaning interactions involved a top predator as client. Our results suggest that the role of cleaner is executed by just few fish species at Malpelo Island, and that a high number of cleaning interactions occur with top predators (groupers, snappers, sharks, and rays), which could be an indication of the good conservation status of Malpelo.

COMPOSICIÓN Y ESTRUCTURA AVIAR EN DOS PARCHES DE BOSQUE SECO EN EL VALLE DEL CAUCA

The dry forest is one of the most degraded, fragmented and less known ecosystems, it is being transformed to implement cities, livestock and crops, leaving only small forest patches which are considered important reservoirs of biodiversity. Given the absence of birdlife information on patches of dry forest still present in the Valle del Cauca and their role in maintenance of the bird populations, the objective of this study was to determine and compare the structure and composition of the avifauna in the forest patches the Chatas and Colindres, and to compare their avifauna with other dry forest areas of the region. In each forest, three sampling days per month were performed from July until December in 2012. Counting points and bird captures were done to monitor individuals. Seventy-six species of birds, belonging to twenty-eight families and fourteen orders were recorded. Five migratory species, nine moderately endangered and two regional endemic species were found. Although species richness and trophic groups was similar (p>0,05), the Colindres forest had a greater diversity (H'= 3.36 and 2.95 for Las Chatas), supported for high plant richness and quality of its landscape matrix. Although both forests are of similar size, they shared 46% of birdspecies, being they complementary for conservation of bird populations. It is important to implement a monitoring and conservation strategies that allow the restoration or recovery of these forest patches, which are important refuges of bird species.

Birds, Nangaritza River Valley, Zamora Chinchipe Province, southeast Ecuador: update and revision

The remote Nangaritza Valley of southeast Ecuador has high bird diversity, combining Amazonian birds with species typical of eastern Andean slopes and foothills, a small number of taxa endemic to the Cordillera del Cóndor region of southern Ecuador and northern Peru, as well as a few forms from the dry Marañón valley region. Here, we update and review avifaunal records from the Nangaritza Valley, comparing them with the bird fauna of the Cordillera del Kutukú and making a brief assessment of bird conservation in the area. To date, 535 species are known to occur in the Nangaritza Valley, including eight species endemic or near endemic to the outer ridges and adjacent Andean slopes in southeast Ecuador and northeast Peru. Conservation perspectives in the area are not favorable owing to increasing deforestation, expansion of the agricultural frontier and mining concessions, which threaten eight regional endemic species.

Temporal Variations in the Diversity of True Crabs (Crustacea: Brachyura) in the St Lucia Estuary, South Africa

The St Lucia Estuary is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is characterised by instability and experiences ongoing anthropomorphic change, both of which have a significant impact on the biodiversity of the estuary and surrounding area. Brachyurans (true crabs) play an integral role in the functioning and maintenance of this ecosystem. They are a food source for organisms at higher trophic levels, maintain nutrient balance, regulate trophic flow and aerate dense mud through the construction of burrows. However, since the early survey of Millard and Broekhuysen (1970), no study has focussed on this taxon, the identification of which is confounded by the existence of cryptic and pseudocryptic species. This study provides a census of the brachyuran species inhabiting the St Lucia estuarine lake, highlighting the changes in diversity that have occurred in this region between 1948 and 2012. A total of thirty species were found in the area during this period, five of which have not been recorded in previous literature. The extent to which regional endemic species, such as Paratylodiplax blephariskios, have been affected by the dynamics of the system is discussed. The distribution and abundance of three key species, namely P. blephariskios, Neosarmatium africanum and Hymenosoma projectum, are outlined; and possible reasons for observed changes are discussed. Future scenarios regarding the state of the estuary mouth and the stability of physico-chemical variables are also considered. Lastly, an annotated checklist illustrated by photographs is included to aid in identification of species for research and management purposes.

Seasonally changing habitat use patterns among roving herbivorous fishes in the southern Red Sea: the role of temperature and algal community structure

Coral reefs are characterized by intense herbivory. Spatial patterns in herbivory—particularly along the depth gradient—influence the distribution and abundance of algae. Depth gradients in herbivorous reef fishes are generally assumed to be temporally stable, but this assumption has rarely been questioned. Here, we use underwater visual census and herbivore exclusion experiments to study the community composition and temporal patterns in habitat use by roving herbivorous fishes in an environment characterized by profound seasonal changes in algal biomass and distribution and extreme summer temperatures. Among the 18 species of roving herbivores recorded, parrotfishes were dominant in species richness and biomass, while regional endemic species represented 77 % of the total biomass. During most of the year, roving herbivores aggregate in the shallow reef zones and their biomass declines with depth. The herbivore community on the reef flat is distinct from that in deeper zones. The former is characterized by Siganus rivulatus, Acanthurus gahhm andHipposcarus harid, while the deeper reef zones are characterized by S. ferrugineus, Chlorurus sordidus and Ctenochaetus striatus. In summer, the distinct community structures among reef zones are lost as reef flat herbivores tend to exploit deeper reef zones and some reef crest species venture on to the reef flat. This summer change in herbivore distribution is also reflected in reduced turf biomass and increased yield to herbivores in the deeper reef zones. Habitat use is related to the feeding mode such that browsers dominate the reef flat and scrapers the reef crest, while the seasonal changes correspond to changes in availability of targeted algal resources. These seasonal changes appear to be driven by the extreme temperatures in summer, reaching 36 °C on the shallow reef flat.

&lt;p class="HeadingRunIn"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A survey of Trichoptera from the Tributaries of the Doring and mainstream Olifants Rivers, Cedarberg, South Africa with implications for conservation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The tributaries of the Olifants River draining the Cedarberg Mountains in the Western Cape are well known for their diverse fauna of endemic freshwater fish. Aquatic ecosystems in the region have also been identified as being particularly important in terms of ecosystem conservation. Recent surveys of aquatic macroinvertebrates have indicated that the region is rich in Trichoptera, with a number of regional endemic species, some of which are not recognizable as known described species. The distribution of certain species appears to be confined to either the arid east-flowing tributaries of the Doring River or else the wetter west-flowing tributaries of the mainstream Olifants River.

A report on the status of the herpetofauna of the Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies

We review the status of the herpetofauna of the Commonwealth of Dominica, which is often cited as having the most complete extant herpetofauna of all the Lesser Antillean islands, a region which has suffered much historical extinction. Recent years have seen a number of threats of grave concern to island and regional endemic species, the chief of these being the arrival of chytridiomycosis on this island with negative effects on the mountain chicken Leptodactylus fallax, and the establishment of a non-native Greater Antillean anole, Anolis cristatellus, which has succeeded in displacing the native endemic Anolis oculatus from a part of the island in less than a decade.