Species Diversity Values Research Articles

Examining Woody Plant Diversity Across Indigenous Agroforestry Practices in the Kellem Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

Growing woody plants on farmland not only promotes biodiversity conservation but also supports the livelihood of local communities by offering essential ecosystem services. The present study aimed to assess the woody species diversity within indigenous agroforestry practices in Kellem Wollega Zone, western Ethiopia. From Kellem Wollega, three districts: Dale Sadi, Gawo Qebe,and Sadi Canqa were purposively selected. A total of 135 plots were surveyed, with 45 plots per district across various land use classes, documenting species diversity, evenness, richness, frequency, and important value index. Fifty six (56) woody species from 29 families were counted. Fabaceae family was identified as the most dominant, comprising 7 species (12.5%), followed by Moraceae and Euphorbiaceae families, each with 4 species (7.17%). About 71.43% of species identified species were categorized as trees, while 28.57% were classified as shrubs. This finding confirmed that the indigenous home garden agroforestry exhibited the greatest diversity of woody species, while woodlots exhibited the lowest diversity. Furthermore, the results indicate significant variations in species diversity across different land use categories (p<0.001). These results underscore the contribution of indigenous agroforestry practices in enhancing biodiversity and supporting a number of woody species within their ecosystem.

Study on interspecific relationships, community stability, and environmental factors of lithophytic moss at different elevations in karst cities.

Ecosystem stability arises from the interplay of species diversity, environmental conditions, and external disturbances. Understanding the structure of plant communities, interspecific relationships, and community stability in urban ecosystems is fundamental to ecological restoration and community development. This study utilized the karst city of Guiyang as a case study and employed the α diversity index, variance ratio method (VR), χ 2-test, Pearson correlation test, Spearman rank correlation test, M. Godron stability, and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The research focused on analyzing the species diversity, interspecific associations, community stability, and environmental factors of lithophytic moss at various elevations (989-1398 m). The findings revealed the presence of 58 species belonging to 27 genera and 13 families of lithophytic moss in the study area. Notably, the Brachytheciaceae and Pottiaceae emerged as dominant, exhibiting a broad ecological range and adaptation mechanisms, thereby playing a crucial role in the ecological environment of rocky desertification. The study observed that the highest species richness and dominance values of lithophytic moss were recorded at the N4 (1296-1398 m) elevation gradient, while the highest species diversity and uniformity values were observed at the N3 (1194-1295 m) elevation gradient, indicating a significant impact of altitude on lithobryophyte species diversity, particularly at middle and high altitudes. The analysis of interspecific associations and stability indicated a predominantly negative overall association within the lithophytic moss community, suggesting an early stage of succession, with weak interspecific associations and correlations among dominant pairs, tending towards relative independence. Only the communities at N2 (1092-1193 m) elevation exhibited stability, while the other communities were in an unstable stage, showing no significant correlation with species diversity. Furthermore, light intensity (182-129300 lux) exerted the greatest influence on community stability. Additionally, air humidity (36.5-52.3%) and altitude (998-1327 m) emerged as the primary environmental factors influencing community distribution, with a close and positive correlation between the two. These results hold significant reference value for promoting the succession and steady development of vegetation in rocky desertification areas and enhancing the conservation and restoration of vegetation community diversity in karst urban ecosystems.

BIRDS COMMUNITY AS A COMPLEX ADAPTIVE SYSTEM: SPATIO- TEMPORAL PATTERNS IN AN PERUVIAN ANDEAN AGROECOSYSTEM

The interpretation of biological communities as complex adaptive systems aims to demonstrate their ecological patterns at different scales and their environmental relationships. In this survey, we analyzed species diversity and alternative stable states patterns of the bird community in an Andean agroecosystem located on the central-western slope of the Peruvian Andes (Cajatambo District, Lima - Peru), on a temporal and spatio-temporal scale. We evaluated their bird community through 24 line transects, located in seven plant formations along two ecoregions, between 2 700 and 4 600 masl, during the dry and rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016. The temporal patterns did not show differences in species diversity between seasons. We determined the existence of a single temporary alternative stable states; however, we evidenced changes in their species composition between dry and rainy seasons, suggesting a greater functional redundancy in dry season than rainy season due to temporal variability of small granivore-insectivore species. Regarding the spatio-temporal patterns, the plant formations of Polylepis forests, some scrubs and agricultural lands presented high values of species diversity. In addition, we determined eight alternative stable states in relation to one or more plant formations and seasonality. Finally, a higher proportion of regime changes was found in the community alternative stable states located in the Meso-Andean ecoregion as opposed to the Puna-Humid ecoregion, which would suggest that this bird community has a greater self- organization and adaptability in the face of environmental stochasticity.

BIRDS COMMUNITY AS A COMPLEX ADAPTIVE SYSTEM SPATIO- TEMPORAL PATTERNS IN AN PERUVIAN ANDEAN AGROECOSYSTEM

The interpretation of biological communities as complex adaptive systems aims to demonstrate their ecological patterns at different scales and their environmental relationships. In this survey, we analyzed species diversity and alternative stable states patterns of the bird community in an Andean agroecosystem located on the central-western slope of the Peruvian Andes (Cajatambo District, Lima - Peru), on a temporal and spatio-temporal scale. We evaluated their bird community through 24 line transects, located in seven plant formations along two ecoregions, between 2 700 and 4 600 masl, during the dry and rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016. The temporal patterns did not show differences in species diversity between seasons. We determined the existence of a single temporary alternative stable states; however, we evidenced changes in their species composition between dry and rainy seasons, suggesting a greater functional redundancy in dry season than rainy season due to temporal variability of small granivore-insectivore species. Regarding the spatio-temporal patterns, the plant formations of Polylepis forests, some scrubs and agricultural lands presented high values of species diversity. In addition, we determined eight alternative stable states in relation to one or more plant formations and seasonality. Finally, a higher proportion of regime changes was found in the community alternative stable states located in the Meso-Andean ecoregion as opposed to the Puna-Humid ecoregion, which would suggest that this bird community has a greater self- organization and adaptability in the face of environmental stochasticity.

Impacts and status of Invasion by Lantana camara in natural forests of an Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot region- A case study in Mizoram, India

Invasion by Lantana camara represent a major threat for biodiversity and ecosystems functioning on a global scale. In this study, we investigated the ecological impact of Lantana camara invasion in natural forests of Mizoram. The sampling plots were implemented within six sites spread across the state and Lantana camara invasion were investigated along altitudinal gradient. In addition to the associated floristic inventory, we gathered the socio-economic utilization data. The results revealed that Lantana camara invasion cause adverse effects where it may result into suppression of various native plant species of invaded communities. The floristic and phytosociological assessment from Lantana camara invaded natural forests revealed a total of 74 species belonging to 68 genera and 30 families. Herbs were the dominant habit (60%) followed by shrubs (26.67%) and climbers (13.33%). The most dominant family was represented by Asteraceae with 18 species belonging to 16 genera. The general plant species diversity, density, richness and importance value index were reduced by the invasion of Lantana camara. Hence, based on the associated species present in the invaded study areas, forest management activities may be followed for the sustainable control measures to eliminate the spread of the invasive Lantana camara. This study recommends the imperative nature of effective Lantana camara management, particularly during the initial stages of invasion.

Potential distribution and ecological impacts of Acmella radicans (Jacquin) R.K. Jansen (a new Yunnan invasive species record) in China

Background Acmella radicans(Jacquin) R.K. Jansen is a new invasive species record for Yunnan Province, China. Native to Central America, it has also been recently recorded invading other parts of Asia. To prevent this weed from becoming a serious issue, an assessment of its ecological impacts and potential distribution is needed. We predicted the potential distribution of A. radicans in China using the MaxEnt model and its ecological impacts on local plant communities and soil nutrients were explored.ResultsSimulated training using model parameters produced an area under curve value of 0.974, providing a high degree of confidence in model predictions. Environmental variables with the greatest predictive power were precipitation of wettest month, isothermality, topsoil TEB (total exchangeable bases), and precipitation seasonality, with a cumulative contribution of more than 72.70% and a cumulative permutation importance of more than 69.20%. The predicted potential suitable area of A. radicans in China is concentrated in the southern region. Projected areas of A. radicans ranked as high and moderately suitable comprised 5425 and 26,338 km2, accounting for 0.06 and 0.27% of the Chinese mainland area, respectively. Over the 5 years of monitoring, the population density of A. radicans increased while at the same time the population density and importance values of most other plant species declined markedly. Community species richness, diversity, and evenness values significantly declined. Soil organic matter, total N, total P, available N, and available P concentrations decreased significantly with increasing plant cover of A. radicans, whereas pH, total K and available K increased.ConclusionOur study was the first to show that A. radicans is predicted to expand its range in China and may profoundly affect plant communities, species diversity, and the soil environment. Early warning and monitoring of A. radicans must be pursued with greater vigilance in southern China to prevent its further spread.

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) diversity in Kedung Klurak Tourism Area, Mojokerto District, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Umami S, Amaliyah NS, Fahlefi AR, Zumar MR, Romzalis AA, Wibisana OR, Susanto MAD. 2024. Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) diversity in Kedung Klurak Tourist Area, Mojokerto District, East Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 8: 27-34. Kedung Klurak is a natural tourism area with very good environmental conditions and is naturally maintained. This study aims to identify and analyze the diversity of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) in the Kedung Klurak Tourism Area, Mojokerto District, East Java, Indonesia. The sampling method used in this study was the sweeping net and cruising or transect method. The research location was divided into three locations: the riverbank, pine forest, and bamboo area. The results of this study found 37 species, with a total of 593 individuals belonging to 5 families. The index value of species diversity in the Kedung Klurak Tourism Area is H = 3.313 in the high category. The highest diversity index is at the riverbank location with H = 3.313, followed by pine forest with H = 3.060, and the lowest diversity index is at the bamboo area location with H = 2.811. Several factors affecting differences in butterfly species diversity (Lepidoptera) are their location because they have different environmental conditions and are influenced by the availability of biotic and abiotic factors, food, and host plants. Abiotic factors include light intensity, temperature, and air humidity.

The Vegetation Diversity of the Growth Rate Stand in The PBPH PT. Hutan Mulya Central Kalimantan’s

PT Hutan Mulya is one of the companies engaged in natural forest management, carrying out logging activities that cause changes in the value of species diversity in the remaining stands (LoA). There are 651 individuals of 87 plant species in the LoA area (2016 and 2016) and 63 plant species in virgin forest areas, so there are a total of 32 plant groups. The highest Importance Value Index is found in Meranti Merah (Shorea leprosula Miq) and Suhi (Shorea atrinervosa Symington) in virgin forest areas, while in the LoA area it is dominated by the Jambuan (Syzygium Gaertn) species because it is a source of animal feed and is not produced by companies. The diversity index of tree species, poles, and saplings in virgin forest is high (&gt;3.00), whereas in the LoA area (2016 and 2022), the level of trees is high (&gt;3.00), the level of poles is medium (1.00–3, 00), and the level of saplings for LoA 2022 is low (1.00&lt;). Meanwhile, the virgin forest similarity index and LoA (2016 and 2022) are in the same or medium category, between 0.31 and 1.00.

Distribution pattern and management of invasive alien plant species in Sikkim Himalaya, India

An assessment of the distribution pattern of Invasive Alien Plant species in the Sikkim Himalayas was conducted at different elevation gradients and accordingly, management strategies were recommended to combat the ever-increasing condition of invasive plant species threatening the sensitive ecoregions. Among the most relevant factors supporting the present study were changes in the importance value index (IVI), variety, and evenness. There is a greater percentage of domination of invasion at lower elevations than at higher elevations. Species diversity, dominance, and evenness values decreased significantly at higher elevations; interestingly, the fraction of invaded regions is lower at higher elevations. Several factors may contribute to the large cover of invasive plants at lower elevations, including the enabling climate and anthropogenic activities. As a result of invasive alien plant species, such as Ageratum conyzoides, Ageratina adenophora, Bidens pilosa, Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara, Mikania micrantha and Parthenium hysterophorus, native vegetation, and fauna may suffer adverse consequences, as well as socioeconomic conditions and health issues. This study determined that the invasion of these invasive alien plants in different elevations in the Sikkim Himalaya impacts ecosystem services and depletes several species of commercial importance. The current study recommends quick action to control harmful invasive alien plant species in the Sikkim Himalaya

Floristic Diversity of Mangrove Restoration Area: A Case Study in Pasar Rawa, North Sumatra

Mangrove forests are important ecosystems. However, land conversion and degradation have destroyed a significant area of mangrove. Mangrove restoration employing native species has been performed in several degraded areas, including some North Sumatra regions. However, information regarding floristic diversity in monoculture restoration areas is still limited. This research aims to analyze the floristic diversity in the mangrove restoration area, which is dominated by Soneratia alba species in Pasar Rawa Village, North Sumatra. The plotted path approach was employed for vegetation analysis in a 3-ha area in Pasar Rawa. The findings revealed that 8 (eight) species were found in the S. alba restoration area. The highest Important Value Index (IVI) in the seedling stage was found in Acanthus ilicifolius, while at the sapling and tree stages, S. alba was the highest. The highest diversity index was obtained at the sapling stage, which was 1.46 (medium), and the lowest was obtained at the tree stages, which were 0.26 (low). The result showed a new recruitment of seedlings in the research location, although the species diversity value is still lower. The appearance of new species, particularly pioneer species, in the research area indicates that natural succession processes are currently taking place. Keywords: floristic, mangrove, monospecies, restoration, Sonneratia alba

Diversity of Butterfly Types (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) Based on Altitude Variations in Sibayak II Forest, North Sumatra

Butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera which has essential roles such as pollinating insects (pollinators), evaluating environmental quality, and indicators of habitat change. The research aims to determine the types of butterflies, diversity, relative abundance, and dominance index in the Sibayak II Forest area of North Sumatra. This research is a quantitative descriptive research by combining the cruising method and the VES method. Sampling was carried out at three altitudes 1300-1500 masl, 1500-1700 masl, and 1700-1900 masl using insect nets. The results obtained were 31 species of butterflies from 6 families, with the highest number of individuals from three heights, namely Mycalesispatiana in Sibayak II Forest, North Sumatra. The index value of butterfly species diversity in Sibayak II Forest with an average value of 2.67 is included in the medium category. The relative abundance index value of the most abundant butterfly species is the Mycalesis patiana with a discount of 34%. The overall butterfly dominance index value is 0.124. Based on the species diversity index, relative abundance and dominance index indicate environmental conditions in accordance with the life cycle and food sources as well as the distribution of host plants in Sibayak II Forest.

ASV vs OTUs clustering: Effects on alpha, beta, and gamma diversities in microbiome metabarcoding studies.

In microbial community sequencing, involving bacterial ribosomal 16S rDNA or fungal ITS, the targeted genes are the basis for taxonomical assignment. The traditional bioinformatical procedure has for decades made use of a clustering protocol by which sequences are pooled into packages of shared percent identity, typically at 97%, to yield Operational Technical Units (OTUs). Progress in the data processing methods has however led to the possibility of minimizing technical sequencers errors, which were the main reason for the OTU choice, and to analyze instead the exact Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASV) which is a choice yielding much less agglomerated reads. We have tested the two procedures on the same 16S metabarcoded bacterial amplicons dataset encompassing a series of samples from 17 adjacent habitats, taken across a 700 meter-long transect of different ecological conditions unfolding in a gradient spanning from cropland, through meadows, forest and all successional transitions up to the seashore, within the same coastal area. This design allowed to scan a high biodiversity basin and to measure alpha, beta and gamma diversity of the area, to verify the effect of the bioinformatics on the same data as concerns the values of ten different ecological indexes and other parameters. Two levels of progressive OTUs clustering, (99% and 97%) were compared with the ASV data. The results showed that the OTUs clustering proportionally led to a marked underestimation of the ecological indicators values for species diversity and to a distorted behaviour of the dominance and evenness indexes with respect to the direct use of the ASV data. Multivariate ordination analyses resulted also sensitive in terms of tree topology and coherence. Overall, data support the view that reference-based OTU clustering carries several misleading disadvantageous biases, including the risk of missing novel taxa which are yet unreferenced in databases. Since its alternatives as de novo clustering have on the other hand drawbacks due to heavier computational demand and results comparability, especially for environmental studies which contain several yet uncharacterized species, the direct ASV based analysis, at least for prokaryotes, appears to warrant significand advantages in comparison to OTU clustering at every level of percent identity cutoff.

Distribution and Diversity of Macroalgae in Seagrass and Coral Reef Ecosystems on the Coast

Background: The existence of macroalgae is threatened by various kinds of community activities, such as dumping garbage and household waste on the beach and fishing activities using boats that damage macroalgae habitat. This study aims to determine the distribution and diversity of macroalgae species in seagrass ecosystems and coral reefs on the coast in Samui Island, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Methods: Data collection was carried out using the quadratic linear transect method. The transects used are 5 pieces with a square measuring 1x1 meter, as many as 10 pieces, and are supported by measurements of various physical parameters of aquatic clams. Results: There are 12 types of macroalgae found on the coast, of which 5 species are in seagrass ecosystems, and 7 are on coral reefs. The distribution of macroalgae in seagrass ecosystems is by attaching to sand and mud substrates, while on coral reefs, macroalgae are attached and stuck to coral rocks on reef flats. The value of macroalgae species diversity in seagrass ecosystems is low (1,381), while coral reefs are classified as medium (2,806). The value of overall macroalgae species diversity on the coast is low (2,093). The condition of physicochemical factors of waters in the form of temperature (29.20C), current strength (23.8 cm / second), depth (124 cm), and salinity of seawater (32.9 ppt) is still in a good range for macroalgae growth, while the acidity (pH) of seawater (6.07) is in a range that is not good for macroalgae growth. Conclusions: The value of macroalgae species diversity in seagrass ecosystems is low, while coral reef ecosystems on the coast are classified as medium.

KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS KUPU-KUPU (PAPILIONOIDEA) DI GUNUNG API PURBA NGLANGGERAN [The Diversity of Butterflies (Papilionoidea) at Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano

The presence of butterflies can be found in several types of habitats and can be used as an indicator of environmental conditions. Geologically, the Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano is unique and has high scientific value. It is necessary to update the butterfly diversity data to determine the diversity of butterflies at Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity, richness, evenness, and dominance of butterfly species at Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano. The exploration method was carried out to obtain data for three repetitions. There were 51 butterfly species with a total of 584 individuals, consisting of Nymphalidae (54.55%), Papilionidae (21.82%), Pieridae (20.00%) and Lycaenidae (3.64%). The index value of butterfly species diversity at Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano (2.97) was medium. The species evenness index (0.83) indicated that the species was relatively stable and evenly distributed. The richness of butterfly species was high, i.e. 6.70, suggesting that the current habitat was suitable for the life of the butterflies. The dominance index value was low, i.e. 0.12, indicating that there was no domination of certain species. The abundant species were Eurema sp. (23.12%), Ideopsis juventa (7.02%), and Catopsilia pomona (6.85%).

Keragaman Jenis Mamalia di Kawasan Ekowisata Mangrove Cukunyinyi Kabupaten Pesawaran

Mangrove ecosystems are important coastal ecosystems that provide a variety of functions. Mangrove ecosystems provide a variety of environmental services including absorbing carbon and contributing to climate change mitigation, protecting coastal areas from storms, tsunamis, and erosion. In addition to providing a variety of environmental services, these ecosystems are also habitats for a variety of living organisms, both aquatic and terrestrial, resident and migrant, also nationally and internationally protected species. The benefits provided by mangrove are contrast to the rate of degradation, which has the potential for loss of wildlife habitat and a decrease in biodiversity value, especially mammals. This study was conducted to analyse the value of biodiversity, especially mammals in the Mangrove Ecotourism Area, Pesawaran Regency. This study uses the method of line transects, mist nets, and sound identification. The results of the study recorded 6 species of mammals with a species diversity value (H') of 1.46, richness of 1.60, evenness of 0.72, and species dominance of 0.30. Mammal species diversity inside the ecotourism area is higher than outside the area. Protected mammals are not found in the area.

Importance Values of Mycorrhizal Fungal Types and Species Diversity Driving Variations in Fungi- and Bacteria-Derived Residues in Planted Forests in Northeast China

Aims: Microbial residue deposition is considered an important part of soil carbon sequestration. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the link between tree species composition and diversity and microbial carbon deposition, which hampers the rational selection and allocation of tree species for artificial carbon sequestration afforestation in northern China. Methods: In this study, plots from temperate planting forests (&gt;60 years) were examined for the importance values of tree species, mycorrhizal types, tree diversity, and soil properties. Soil amino sugar was used as the biomarker to indicate the accumulation of fungi- and bacteria-derived carbon. Results: We found that tree species diversity and the importance values of tree species and mycorrhizal types were significantly positively correlated with soil microbial residual carbon. Hierarchical partitioning modeling showed that three groups of variables significantly affected soil microbial residual carbon, accounting for a total of 26.75% of the variation. Among them, tree species diversity accounted for the largest proportion (11.5%), and tree species diversity and importance values had a high joint impact (9.74%). The importance values of all AM-associated species constituted one of the most significant individual factors and could independently account for 10.9% of the variation in microbial residues. The findings of piecewise structural equation modeling showed that the importance of tree species had a large direct impact on GluN, GalN, and the GluN/MurN ratio. By influencing soil properties, the importance values of tree species also had indirect effects on soil microbial residual carbon. Conclusions: We suggest that an increase in the importance values of AM-associated tree species, such as Acer negundo L., will be accompanied by an increase in the total importance value of AM-associated tree species, which can significantly increase soil microbial residual carbon.

The role of plant species diversity in maintaining ecological balance in oil palm plantation

The level of plant species diversity in oil palm plantations is thought to be decreasing in number. The existence of other plant species is considered to be a competitor for oil palm plants in obtaining water and plant nutrients. Thus, the diversity of plant species gets less attention because they are considered to have no role. We address this problem by analyzing the level of plant species diversity and the role of plant species diversity in maintaining the ecological balance in the plantation environment. This research was conducted on 4 types of landcover in TPR oil palm plantations (young growth, medium growth, old growth, HCV) and 2 smallholder oil palm plantations, by vegetation analysis with the single plot method. The results showed that the number of species on the research site was 49 species. The highest value of species richness and diversity was obtained in smallholder oil palm plantations (Dmg=3.11 and H′=2.18), while the highest evenness value was found in old growth (E=0.79). Based on the literature study, there were 23 species that have a direct ecological role in oil palm plantations. The ecological role of plants in oil palm plantations are as a ground cover for regulating soil moisture (4 species), producing litter for nutrient formation (5 species), fertilizing the soil and absorbing toxins (3 species), regulating water management and preventing erosion (3 species), increase soil carbon stocks and groundwater availability (2 species), animal feed (5 species), feed for wildlife (6 species), control pests and diseases (4 species), etc. The ecological role of this plant species will have a positive impact on oil palm plantations, especially in maintaining soil fertility, availability of groundwater, providing feed for animals, and also as biopesticides for oilpalm plants to avoid pests and diseases.

Valuing the plant species diversity of permanent grasslands: From the perspective of herders

Conserving plant species diversity is crucial to the sustainable development of human beings. Nevertheless, the trends toward declining species numbers and homogenization of species distributions have become increasingly evident. The monetary value of species diversity can make stakeholders put more serious attentions on the protection of species diversity, but which is difficult to evaluate. This paper combined survey data and ecological data obtained through plot sampling and geographic information system methods, to assess the value of plant species diversity in permanent grasslands for local herders who are the direct users of grasslands, and whose livelihoods and well-beings are tightly related with the ecosystem of grasslands. Based on the life satisfaction approach, we found that the monetary value of one plant species for each herder household is equivalent to 9.8% of the annual household income on average, which increases to 15.9% when the level of species evenness is higher. The results of a heterogeneity analysis revealed that the value of plant species diversity varies significantly among different groups of households. Our research introduced a new method to quantify the value of species diversity for stakeholders. The estimation of monetary value of plant species diversity will have far-reaching influence on stakeholders and policymakers involved in protecting species diversity of permanent grasslands.

Keragaman Jenis Mamalia di Kawasan Ekowisata Mangrove Cukunyinyi Kabupaten Pesawaran

Mangrove ecosystems are important coastal ecosystems that provide a variety of functions. Mangrove ecosystems provide a variety of environmental services including absorbing carbon and contributing to climate change mitigation, protecting coastal areas from storms, tsunamis, and erosion. In addition to providing a variety of environmental services, these ecosystems are also habitats for a variety of living organisms, both aquatic and terrestrial, resident and migrant, also nationally and internationally protected species. The benefits provided by mangrove are contrast to the rate of degradation, which has the potential for loss of wildlife habitat and a decrease in biodiversity value, especially mammals. This study was conducted to analyse the value of biodiversity, especially mammals in the Mangrove Ecotourism Area, Pesawaran Regency. This study uses the method of line transects, mist nets, and sound identification. The results of the study recorded 6 species of mammals with a species diversity value (H') of 1.46, richness of 1.60, evenness of 0.72, and species dominance of 0.30. Mammal species diversity inside the ecotourism area is higher than outside the area. Protected mammals are not found in the area.

Spatial prioritization of amphibian intraspecific genetic diversity: The need of accounting for palaeoenvironmental legacies

Biodiversity is a multifaceted concept, and conservation actions must consider all levels of biodiversity. Spatial prioritization of conservation efforts usually targets species diversity, while consideration of intraspecific genetic diversity is frequently hampered by the lack of data. Here, we combined genetic data (mtDNA) from multiple amphibian species and measures of environmental stability to i) identify the overall drivers of present-day intraspecific genetic diversity (nucleotide diversity and phylogenetic originality); ii) define priority areas for the conservation of genetic diversity, and iii) assess the surrogacy value of species diversity for genetic diversity in Italy and nearby areas. We tested for potential environmental predictors of genetic diversity and originality by fitting spatially-explicit Bayesian mixed models, and used species-specific predictions to generate spatial prioritizations of intraspecific genetic diversity. Present-day phylogenetic originality was positively correlated with climate and habitat stability since the Last Glacial Maximum (pseudo-R2: 0.61), while the same set of predictors had limited explanatory power for nucleotide diversity (pseudo-R2: 0.15). The spatial pattern of originality remarkably matched previously identified refugial areas for plants, as well as the distribution of some micro-endemic species. Prioritizations targeting phylogenetic originality showed that high conservation performance might be achieved with relatively low effort. However, the surrogacy between genetic and species-diversity was limited, implying that larger efforts would be needed to preserve genetic diversity while taking species diversity into account. Our study provides an example of how spatially-explicit approaches allow prioritization of conservation efforts accounting for both species and intraspecific genetic diversity, thus improving the long-term conservation of biodiversity.