Status Of Species Research Articles

Taxonomic revision and type specimens’ location of jianghanichthyids (Ostariophysii: Cypriniformes) from Buxin Formation, Sanshui Basin, China

ABSTRACT The Paleogene nominal species Osteochilus sanshuiensis, Osteochilus longipinnatus, and Osteochilus laticorpus from Sanshui Basin, China, were originally assigned to the extant genus Osteochilus, in the family Cyprinidae. They were lately considered to belong to Catostomidae or the extinct family Jianghanichthyidae. However, the type specimens of the above nominal species have been deemed to be lost, which hindered the corroborated taxonomic assignment of the species. After multiple attempts and inter-institutional efforts, a series of original type specimens were recovered from a warehouse. We herein report the resurfacing and relocation of the specimens, as well as clarify the taxonomic status of those nominal species. Based on the type specimens and our recently collected specimens in the same locality, we propose to revise the three nominal species as one species †Jianghanichthys sanshuiensis comb. nov. One of the best-preserved original type specimens, SYSU R. 741177 is designated to be the lectotype.

Mechanistic insight into anti-inflammatory potential, phytochemistry and ethnomedicinal status of Ilex species: a review

Mechanistic insight into anti-inflammatory potential, phytochemistry and ethnomedicinal status of Ilex species: a review

An assessment of the water footprint of the population and agricultural crops in the natura 2000 site ROSCI0434 siretul mijlociu, Romania

The designation of a Natura 2000 site ROSCI0434 Siretul Mijlociu for the protection of habitats and species, whose development is closely tied to the aquatic environment, signifies that the management of water resources, and implicitly, the water footprint, has contributed to maintaining a balanced and favorable status for biodiversity conservation. Given that the Natura 2000 site was declared based on older studies, and the Management Plan for the protected natural area was not yet developed, we are now conducting an assessment of the impact of the water footprint in the current climatic conditions. This includes considering other predominant types of agricultural crops and changes in food habits. This evaluation aims to understand the relationship between the water footprint and the conservation status of species and habitats in light of these new circumstances.The blue and grey water components of the water footprint are the ones that directly affect the natural protected area out of the three components of the water footprint: green, blue, and grey water. The ecological impact of water use in ROSCI0434 Siretul Mijlociu is extensive, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Pollutants can harm habitats and species, while agricultural water usage alters habitats and disrupts hydrological patterns, impacting breeding and foraging grounds. Additionally, changes in water quantity and quality diminish ecosystem services like water purification and habitat provision, affecting biodiversity and human well-being.

DETERMINATION OF FISH DIVERSITY IN THE ROCKY HABITAT AROUND MERSIN BOĞSAK ISLAND (NORTHEAST MEDITERRANEAN) BY VISUAL CENSUS METHOD

DETERMINATION OF FISH DIVERSITY IN THE ROCKY HABITAT AROUND MERSIN BOĞSAK ISLAND (NORTHEAST MEDITERRANEAN) BY VISUAL CENSUS METHOD

PSIII-8 Expression of Toll-Like Receptors in endometrium of gilts during early gestation

Abstract Interactions between the innate immune system and reproductive tissues via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have a pivotal role in maintaining the health and fertility status of mammalian species. TLRs are pattern recognition receptors used by the innate immune system to regulate inflammation, infections, and to indicate the presence of pathogenic activity within a tissue. Recent studies have identified several TLRs present in pigs that can detect a variety of molecules. Previous data from our group has demonstrated shifts in bacterial communities within the uterus during early gestation in gilts. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify and compare expression of TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR6 in endometria of gilts. These TLRs were chosen because they are located on the cell surface and recognize invading microbes. Crossbred gilts (n = 21) free of physical, health or reproductive-related issues were euthanized and hysterectomized during the preimplantation (d 11) and peri-implantation (d 15) stages of pregnancy (Pregnant d 11, n = 10; Pregnant d 15, n = 11). Samples of endometrial mucosa were collected and snap-frozen in sterile 1.5 mL tubes and stored at -80°C until analyzed. The mean relative expression of TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-5, and TLR-6 mRNAs were quantified by RT-qPCR. Statistical analysis was completed using one-way ANOVA and student’s t-test for pairwise comparison in JMP 17.0 (SAS Institute; Cary, NC). All TLRs were expressed in the endometrium. Expression of TLR-4 was greater on d 11 than d 15 (1.39 ± 0.14 vs. 0.45 ± 0.13, respectively; P < 0.01), and there was a trend for expression of TLR-2 to be greater on d 11 than d 15 (1.89 ± 0.37 vs. 0.90 ± 0.35, respectively; 0.05 < P < 0.1). Expression of TLR2, TLR5, and TLR6 did not differ between d 11 and d 15 (P > 0.05). The results indicate that TLRs are not only expressed in the porcine endometrium, but they differ in expression during early gestation. Conceptus signaling and inflammation during elongation and implantation and/ or shifts in bacterial communities within the uterus may be responsible. Additionally, future work examining bacterial shifts and TLR expression during mid and late gestation may offer further insight.

Structural patterns and regeneration status of woody plant species in the forest of Northwest Ethiopia

Structural patterns and regeneration status of woody plant species in the forest of Northwest Ethiopia

Odonatofauna en una zona del Cerrado brasileño, con el redescubrimiento de dos especies

The Cerrado harbors rich biodiversity and yet faces various anthropogenic pressures, an alarming situation that justifies fauna inventory studies, particularly insects, often overlooked in such endeavors. Additionally, many locations within the Cerrado lack information about the odonatofauna, including Conservation Units (CUs), considered the main tools for biodiversity conservation in Brazil. The objective of our study is to report the Odonata community occurring in the Minas Gerais portion of the Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas (PNGSV), the conservation status of species, taxonomic information for some taxa, and compare the Odonata community along wet and dry seasons. The study was conducted from September 2022 to April 2023, with a total of 576 hours of sampling. We collected 601 specimens from 83 species, highlighting two new species (one recently described and other to be described elsewhere), eight new records for the state, and the rediscovery of the species Progomphus geijskesi Needham, 1944, collected for the first time in Brazil since 1918, and Argia botacudo Calvert, 1909, previously known only from the type material. The significant richness sampled, new taxa, new records, and the presence of species at some risk of extinction reinforce the Cerrado’s relevance as a global hotspot. It also underscores the importance of CUs as a tool to ensure the protection of Odonata communities in Brazil and highlights the need to strengthen public policies to guarantee investments and foster future financial resources for the protection of Brazilian biota, especially for conducting more inventory studies in the Cerrado.

Molecular systematics of the subgenus Gephyromantis (Phylacomantis) with description of a new subspecies

The mantellid subgenus Phylacomantis (genus Gephyromantis) currently contains four species of frogs distributed in the South (G. corvus, G. kintana), West (G. atsingy), North East, North, and Sambirano regions (G. pseudoasper) in Madagascar. We assess the molecular systematics of these amphibians based on extended sampling and analysis of multiple nuclear-encoded and mitochondrial genes. We confirm the delimitation of the four known species, which form monophyletic groups in a mitochondrial tree and separate phylogroups without haplotype sharing in haplotype networks of four nuclear markers. Newly included samples of G. pseudoasper from the North and North East regions confirm a comparatively low genetic variation of this species across its range, with pairwise genetic distance in the 16S gene not exceeding 1.4%. On the contrary, newly collected specimens from three sites in the North East and North West of the island strongly differed from all other Phylacomantis, with genetic distances exceeding 4.8% for the16S gene. Mitochondrial and nuclear markers strongly suggest them to be sister to G. corvus from the South. Due to haplotype sharing in two nuclear genes, absence of detectable morphological differences, and lack of data on bioacoustic differentiation, we describe these populations as a new subspecies, G. corvus bakilana ssp. nov., emphasizing that this taxon may be elevated to species status in the future pending new data. This biogeographic pattern, with apparently disjunct sister lineages in the South vs. North West of Madagascar, is rare among Malagasy anurans and calls for increased exploration of the remaining humid forest fragments in the North West and West of the island.

Genomic insights on conservation priorities for North Sea houting and European lake whitefish (Coregonus spp.).

Population genomics analysis holds great potential for informing conservation of endangered populations. We focused on a controversial case of European whitefish (Coregonus spp.) populations. The endangered North Sea houting is the only coregonid fish that tolerates oceanic salinities and was previously considered a species (C. oxyrhinchus) distinct from European lake whitefish (C. lavaretus). However, no firm evidence for genetic-based salinity adaptation has been available. Also, studies based on microsatellite and mitogenome data suggested surprisingly recent divergence (c. 2500 years bp) between houting and lake whitefish. These data types furthermore have provided no evidence for possible inbreeding. Finally, a controversial taxonomic revision recently classified all whitefish in the region as C. maraena, calling conservation priorities of houting into question. We used whole-genome and ddRAD sequencing to analyse six lake whitefish populations and the only extant indigenous houting population. Demographic inference indicated post-glacial expansion and divergence between lake whitefish and houting occurring not long after the Last Glaciation, implying deeper population histories than previous analyses. Runs of homozygosity analysis suggested not only high inbreeding (FROH up to 30.6%) in some freshwater populations but also FROH up to 10.6% in the houting prompting conservation concerns. Finally, outlier scans provided evidence for adaptation to high salinities in the houting. Applying a framework for defining conservation units based on current and historical reproductive isolation and adaptive divergence led us to recommend that the houting be treated as a separate conservation unit regardless of species status. In total, the results underscore the potential of genomics to inform conservation practices, in this case clarifying conservation units and highlighting populations of concern.

A new species of karst-associated kukri snake (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae: Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826) from southern Thailand

Abstract We describe a new species of kukri snake (Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826) from the limestone karst formations of Satun and Trang Provinces in southern Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses based on three mitochondrial DNA fragments (12S–16S ribosomal rRNA and cytochrome b) recover the new species within the Oligodon cinereus species complex, where it forms a deeply divergent yet poorly supported clade sister to Oligodon saiyokSumontha et al., 2017 and another unnamed lineage currently referred to Oligodon cinereus (Günther, 1864) from southwest Myanmar. Morphologically, the new species is distinguished from all other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: ventral scales 189–193 with distinct lateral keeling; subcaudal scales 47–54, paired; anterior dorsal scale rows 17–19, with the reduction from 19 to 17 rows occurring above the 28th–30th ventral scale when present; maxillary teeth 8, blade-like and laterally compressed; dorsum olive–gray, plain; ventral surface white anteriorly, dark gray posteriorly; underside of tail dark gray, smeared with white. We briefly discuss the natural history and conservation status of this new species and provide observations of other kukri snakes inhabiting limestone karst habitats. Our study also incorporates genetic samples of four recently described Oligodon endemic to Thailand, all of which are recovered in the O. cinereus species complex. In agreement with previous studies, we demonstrate that species-level diversity within the O. cinereus species complex is underestimated, and additional sampling is necessary to revise this taxonomically challenging clade.

Small Paa Frog and Marbled Cascade Frog are not endemic to Nepal: a response to Tachamo-Shah et al. 2023

Response to ‘Wetland biodiversity of Ramaroshan Lake complex: a need for conservation’ on JoTT Vol 16 issue 12 <https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7918.15.12.24299-24320>. Many information in the article promising, highlighting the additional attention the area should receive for conservation. However, there are some aspects, particularly that are related to conservation status and endemism of amphibian species  which is misleading, making me to realize to write this response.

Ethnobotanical assessment of antidiabetic medicinal plants in District Karak, Pakistan

BackgroundDiabetes is a leading health disorder and is responsible for high mortality rates across the globe. Multiple treatment protocols are being applied to overcome this morbidity and mortality including plant-based traditional medicines. This study was designed to investigate the ethnomedicinal status of plant species used to treat diabetes in District Karak, Pakistan.Materials and methodsA semi-structured survey was created to collect data about traditionally used medicinal plants for diabetes and other ailments. The convenience sampling method was applied for the selection of informants. The collected data was evaluated through quantitative tools like frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), informant consensus factor (FIC), fidelity level (FL), and use value (UV).ResultsA total of 346 local informants were selected for this research. Out of them, 135 participants were men and 211 participants were women. Overall 38 plant species belonging to 29 plant families were used to treat diabetes. The most dominant plant family was Oleaceae having 11 species. Powder form (19%) was the most recommended mode of preparation for plant-based ethnomedicines. Leaves (68%) were the most frequently used parts followed by fruit (47%). The highest RFC was recorded for Apteranthes tuberculata (0.147). The maximum FL was reported for Apteranthes tuberculata (94.4) and Zygophyllum indicum (94.11) for diabetes, skin, and wounds. Similarly, the highest UV of (1) each was found for Brassica rapa, Melia azedarach, and Calotropis procera. Based on documented data, the reported ailments were grouped into 7 categories. The ICF values range between 0.89 (diabetes) to 0.33 (Cardiovascular disorders).ConclusionThe study includes a variety of antidiabetic medicinal plants, which are used by the locals in various herbal preparations. The species Apteranthes tuberculata has been reported to be the most frequently used medicinal plant against diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that such plants be further investigated in-vitro and in-vivo to determine their anti-diabetic effects.

Gynoxys revolutifolia (Senecioneae, Asteraceae): A new species from southern Ecuador

Gynoxys is a very diverse genus of Asteraceae with an Andean distribution from Venezuela to northern Argentina. It comprises about 130 species, 34 of which are recorded in Ecuador. In the present study, we describe Gynoxys revolutifolia, a new species occurring in Ecuador between Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe provinces. The new species is a shrub or treelet characterized by coriaceous leaves with a strongly revolute margin. After an accurate revision of the main Ecuadorian herbaria and field surveys, we provide a comprehensive comparison of G. revolutifolia with the species it was previously misidentified as. We also provide information concerning the chemical composition, distribution range and conservation status of the new species.

Effect of Altitudinal Gradation on Regeneration Status of NTFP Species in Central Western Ghats of Karnataka

Effect of Altitudinal Gradation on Regeneration Status of NTFP Species in Central Western Ghats of Karnataka

Faecal Standing Crop with real time correction using scat detection dogs to estimate population density

Abstract Population density is fundamental information for assessing the conservation status of species and support management and conservation actions for in situ populations, but is unknown for many forest species due to their difficulty in detection. The Faecal Standing Crop (FSC) method using detection dogs is an alternative for cryptic or elusive species. An intrinsic difficulty of FSC is the ability to find faecal samples in the field and to estimate the probability of which faeces detection is influenced by degradation due to climatic conditions. Our goal was to propose a concurrent FSC parameter estimation using a scat detection dog under different climatic conditions and apply those parameters in a wild deer population. Ten faecal samples of grey brocket deer (Subulo gouazoubira) were placed weekly in a transect (24 × 1440 m) in both dry and wet seasons (12 weeks each). A scat detection dog was then employed to find experimental faecal samples to determine the FSC parameters that were subsequently used with naturally occurring faecal samples (also dog‐detected) to estimate population density. The oldest dog found samples were 21 (Dry) and seven (Wet) days after placement, resulting in dog efficiency of 22.5% (Dry) and 30% (Wet). Adjusting the model to account for efficiency and scat durability, we estimated similar, seasonal, densities of 4.51 individuals km−2 (SD = 2.21, Dry) and 5.37 individuals km−2 (SD = 3.71, Wet). Synthesis and applications: Our results demonstrate that our concurrent methodology corrected the effects of weather and habitat on FSC parameters thereby allowing for accurate population density estimation. Additionally, this method can provide reasonably precise density estimates with a logistically feasible sample size, as demonstrated by simulation. Following our recommendations, this method allows a reliable estimate of population density because it incorporates any influence of study area, dog ability and climate in faecal sample detection, providing fundamental information for the conservation of many cryptic and elusive species.

A description of Aliichlorella ignota gen. et sp. nov. and a comparison of the efficiency of species delimitation methods in the Chlorella‐clade (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)

AbstractThe present study reports a new representative of Chlorella‐clade that was newly isolated from the Lake Vos'merka (Samara region, Russian Federation). 18S–ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 sequence analyses indicated that the studied strain ACSSI 368 and related Chlorella chlorelloides, Chlorella pulchelloides, formed an separate cluster in the Chlorella‐clade, unrelated to the holotype of the genus Chlorella – Chlorella vulgaris. The independent place of the genus was also confirmed by genetic distances. The individual species status of the studied strain ACSSI 368, compared with the sister C. chlorelloides, was confirmed by morphological differences (cell number per colony, type of chloroplast, number of autospores), genetic distances of the interspecific level by 18S–ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 fragment, alone by internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences, one complementary base change in ITS1, and the results of species delimitation using five methods. A description of studied strain ACSSI 368 was provided as an authentic strain of the type species Aliichlorella ignota. Currently, the new genus Aliichlorella also includes Aliichlorella chlorelloides comb. nov. and Aliichlorella pulchelloides comb. nov. In general, six different delimitation algorithms were used in the present study. The ASAP (i.e. assemble species by automatic partitioning) and LocMin (i.e. ‘local minimum’ function) algorithms showed synchronous results, but their accuracy with respect to closely related species was somewhat lower. The mlPTP algorithm simultaneously aimed to combine closely related species in one and at the same time divide slightly distinguishing strains within a species into several molecular operational taxonomic units. The bPTP algorithm separated excessively Chlorella‐clade representatives into individual species. The generalized mixed Yule coalescent (GMYC) algorithm results were consistent the most with the modern understanding of the Chlorella‐clade taxonomy. However, the same method is one of the most time‐consuming because, for its implementation, it is necessary to carry out long preparatory work. The KoT results were less accurate than the GMYC results, although this is less time‐consuming because it does not require the preliminary construction of ultrametric trees.

Prevalence and Genotyping of Water- and Food-Borne Parasitic Protozoans (Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.) in Hospitalized Patients from Northwestern Romania.

Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are important zoonotic protozoan pathogens that infect the gastro-intestinal tract of numerous vertebrates, including humans, and both parasites are responsible for water- or food-borne outbreaks of disease worldwide. Although, globally, both parasites are highly prevalent, particularly in developing countries, epidemiological data from Romania are scarce, and genotyping has rarely been performed. The aims of the present study were to investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in patients hospitalized in Northwestern Romania in relation to clinical and paraclinical presentation and to identify the relative frequency of non-specific symptoms and potential risk factors. Between June 2022 and January 2024, 426 fecal samples were screened for gastro-intestinal parasites by rapid tests and microscopical examination, further confirmed by PCR and sequencing. Giardia duodenalis was detected and characterized in 12 samples (2.82%), while Cryptosporidium parvum was confirmed in four samples (0.94%). A majority of positive patients were symptomatic and reported nausea and vomiting with a significantly higher frequency compared to negative ones. This study provides new insights into the epidemiological status and clinical implications of gastro-intestinal parasite species and genospecies in Romania that are necessary for an in-depth understanding of the potential zoonotic transmission and improvement of patient care.

Oryzomys texensis (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Abstract Oryzomys texensis Allen, 1894, the Texas Marsh Rice Rat, is a yellowish gray-brown oryzomyine rodent with whitish feet and venter, black eyes, small hairy ears, short vibrissae, and a tail about one-half of total length. It was elevated to species status based on the results of an extensive molecular genetics analysis of the O. palustris complex. The poorly defined eastern boundary of O. texensis includes Mississippi, Arkansas, southern Missouri, and southern Illinois, with populations extending westward to southeastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, eastern and coastal Texas, into northeastern Tamaulipas, Mexico. Present in tidal marshes and other habitats near water, O. texensis is omnivorous, with some populations being highly carnivorous.

Woody Species Composition, Structure, and Status of Regeneration in Pugnido Forest, Gambella Region, Western Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is a biodiversity hotspot area with a high concentration of plant species that play countless roles in ecosystem resilience and mitigating the effects of climate change. However, forest resources are degrading at an alarming rate due to different anthropogenic factors. Pugnido Forest, which is among Ethiopia's greatest woodland sections, also faced a similar challenge. Thus, this study was intended to assess the composition, structure, and regeneration status of woody plant species in Pugnido Forest, West Ethiopia. Eighty main plots sized 20 × 20 m were sampled systematically on six east-west-oriented line transects, which are parallel to each other and 500 m apart. At the four corners and the center of the main plots, five subplots sized 2 m × 2 m were laid to collect seedling and sapling information. Individual woody species were identified and then recorded per plot. The forest structure and regeneration status data were recorded and analyzed using structural parameters. Communities were identified via cluster analysis. A comparison of diversity and composition among communities was made using the Shannon-Wiener diversity and Sorensen's similarity coefficients, respectively. A total of 106 woody species included in 40 families were documented. Fabaceae stands first in the species-rich family (23.6%), and Moraceae stands second (8.5%). Overall Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness of species were 4.41 and 0.93, respectively. Four communities were generated from cluster analysis. Sorensen's similarity value among communities ranged from 42% to 59%. The forest's density and basal area were 5298.8 stems·ha-1 and 82.5 m2·ha-1, respectively. The trend in frequency and density classes showed a decreasing number of species towards higher classes. Diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and basal area analyses revealed a normal J-shaped pattern. Several species had a smaller importance value index (IVI) value. Density ratios of juveniles to adult plants indicated good regeneration status. Species with small IVI values and few or no seedlings require conservation priority. Top priority must be given to conserving species with low IVI values and few or no seedlings.

Urban Nature Indexes tool offers comprehensive and flexible approach to monitoring urban ecological performance

We present the Urban Nature Indexes (UNI), a comprehensive tool that measures urban ecological performance under one standard framework linked to global commitments. The UNI was developed by interdisciplinary experts and evaluated by practitioners from diverse cities to capture each city’s ecological footprint from local to global scale. The UNI comprises six themes (consumption drivers, human pressures, habitat status, species status, nature’s contributions to people, and governance responses) that encompass measurable impacts on climate change, biodiversity loss, ecosystem services, pollution, consumption, water management, and equity within one comprehensive system. Cities then adapt the UNI to their context and capacity by selecting among indicator topics within each theme. This adaptability and holistic approach position the UNI as an essential instrument for nature-positive transformations. With the institutional support of IUCN, the UNI offers an opportunity for cities to assess and enhance their contributions towards a more sustainable and biodiverse future.