Status Of Species Research Articles

Geographies of Coexistence: negotiating urban space with the Grey-Headed Flying-Fox

ABSTRACT The global phenomena of wildlife migration to urban areas unsettle notions of the city being exclusively for humans. Using a dialogue between urban political ecology and multispecies ethnographies we explore entanglement as a way forward for humans and non-humans to work together. Over the last two decades the Grey-Headed Flying-Fox has become increasingly prevalent in the urbanised spaces of south-east Australia, establishing roosts in trees in urban parks, recreational areas and residential yards. Human–flying-fox relations are complex, and tensions between demands for lethal control and recognition of their ecological role and threatened species status forces humans to negotiate urban space for coexistence. Public policy and planning documents are analysed to identify emerging narratives as coexistence is negotiated around human amenity, the withdrawal of what we call the social licence to harm, legislative conservation and flying-fox agency.

Vegetation Structure and Regeneration Status of Woody Species in Gerba Dima Moist Afromontane Forest of Southwestern Ethiopia: Implications for Conservation

This study assessed vegetation structure and regeneration status of woody species in Gerba Dima forest, southwestern Ethiopia. Ninety sample plots measuring 25 m × 25 m were laid through a stratified random sampling procedure. The studied forest was stratified into three forest strata based on its altitudinal variation. Stratum I was found at an altitudinal range of 1500−1800 m, while strata II and III were located at altitudinal ranges of 1801−2000 m and 2001−2300 m, respectively. All woody plant species with a diameter at breast height (dbh) equal to or larger than 2.5 cm and a height of at least 1.5 m were recorded. Analysis of the structure of the vegetation was conducted using frequency distribution of dbh, height, and importance value (IV). The regeneration pattern of the study species was assessed by employing the total count of seedlings and saplings. The density of woody species in the study area was 1829 individuals ha−1. Basal area of the Gerba Dima forest was 65.05 m2ha−1. Total densities of seedlings, saplings, and trees/shrubs were 4558 ha−1, 2149 ha−1, and 1515 ha−1, respectively. Structural analysis and assessment of the regeneration status of woody species in the Gerba Dima forest showed that the overall ecological condition of the forest was healthy as indicated by inverse J‐curve dbh distribution, which showed a large number of individuals in lower dbh classes. Furthermore, a large number of seedlings and saplings were recorded for most species, in addition to the presence of a sufficient number of matured trees. However, some species exhibited abnormal population structure and abnormal patterns of regeneration characterized by fewer or no individuals in lower dbh, as well as in seedling and sapling stages. It was thus concluded that species with abnormal population structure and regeneration status (e.g., Sapium ellipticum and Trichilia dregeana) require urgent conservation attention.

FEATURES OF IN VITRO CULTIVATION OF ASTRAGALUS DASYANTHUS PALL PLANTS

The research is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of in vitro cultivation of the medicinal plant Astragalus dasyanthus Pall, which is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and has the status of an endangered species. The cultivation of woolly-flowered astragalus in Ukraine is currently difficult due to the inaccessibility of the raw material base in the temporarily occupied southern part of Ukraine, as well as due to the low seed productivity of the crop. The use of in vitro plant tissue cultivation methods to restore natural communities of A. dasyanthus and expand possible sources of raw materials for the synthesis of medicinal substances is promising. In this work, we investigated the conditions for obtaining aseptic Astragalus dasyanthus plants from seeds and evaluated the effect of preliminary mechanical scarification on its germination energy, taking into account the percentage of sterile seedlings obtained. In addition, the efficiency of microclonal propagation of A. dasyanthus was determined depending on the composition of the culture medium, in particular the concentration of macronutrients and the presence and concentration of growth regulators. It has been shown that aseptic plants of Astragalus dasyanthus can be obtained by surface sterilization of seeds that have been previously subjected to mechanical scarification or by germination on Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium with the addition of 0.1 mg/l benzylaminopurine. It was determined that the type and concentration of cytokinin affects the efficiency of microclonal propagation of A. dasyanthus plants, while halving the content of macronutrients in the nutrient medium does not significantly affect this item. It was found that the addition of benzylaminopurine to the culture medium stimulates the formation of more additional shoots of A. dasyanthus in vitro compared to the culture medium containing kinetin. Thus, Murashige and Skoog medium with the addition of 0.5 mg/l of benzylaminopurine is optimal for in vitro cultivation of woolly-flowered Astragalus plants.

An alarming tendency towards freshwater mussel misidentification in scientific works may bias endangered and invasive species management

Abstract Freshwater mussels (order Unionida) are a popular group for a wide array of non‐taxonomic research driven by questions related to their functions in ecosystems, to relationships among species, to biogeochemical and morphometric patterns of certain species and others. Valid taxonomy and correct species identification are key requirements for all of these aspects. However, species‐level identification of representatives from this group is a rather complicated task and should be based on an integrative approach, combining DNA sequences, morphological and anatomical investigation and biogeographical estimates. This article reconsiders a selection of non‐taxonomic scientific works (N = 25), containing misidentified occurrences of freshwater mussel species. The dataset contains records of the endangered Margaritifera margaritifera (endemic to eastern North America and Europe) from the Philippines and West Africa, as well as occurrences of the Nearctic Gonidea angulata from West Africa and the Middle East. Several Palearctic and Nearctic unionid species were erroneously reported from the Indus River, Pakistan. Subfossil shells of the native Simpsonella sp. from a prehistoric site in the Philippines were misidentified as the invasive Sinanodonta woodiana that was introduced to the islands in the 20th century. Samples of the tropical lineage of S. woodiana from Indonesia were mistaken for the native Pilsbryoconcha exilis, and vice versa. Salinity tolerance and morphometric characteristics of the estuarine clam Geloina sp. (Cyrenidae) from Sumatra were examined, but these data were published as belonging to the strictly freshwater S. woodiana. It is clear that this information, being reused by researchers, conservationists and stakeholders, will lead to incorrect conclusions on the range, status, biogeochemistry, morphometry and ecological tolerance of certain freshwater mussel taxa, including invasive and endangered species (the so‐called ‘error cascades’ in biological sciences caused by ‘bad taxonomy’). To reduce the growing body of literature containing misidentifications of the Unionida taxa, practical recommendations are proposed for researchers, who include freshwater mussels in non‐taxonomic surveys, as well as for journal editors dealing with articles that focus on these animals.

Comparative anatomical and morphological study of vegetative organs of Gymnospermium altaicum (Pall.) Spach from natural populations

Plants growing in arid environments developed structural adaptations to reduce water loss and dissipate excessive light energy. However, such adaptations as thick cuticle, sunken stomata, developed mechanical tissue, and trichomes, may have various functions and can also be found in plants growing in mesic environments. To better understand the role of xeromorphic adaptations, it is important to study plants of the same species from different habitats. The object of our study was Gymnospermium altaicum (Pall.), a small perennial plant having the status of a rare species for Kazakhstan. For anatomical and morphometric studies, plants were sampled from three populations with different moisture regimes. Populations 1 and 3 were growing in drier conditions, on south-east and north-east slopes, respectively, while population 2 was found on a north-facing slope receiving more rainfall. We demonstrate, for the first time, that anatomical features and morphometric parameters of G. altaicum are correlated to the humidity variations. The xeromorphic features of vegetative organs of plants from populations 1 and 3 were not observed in plants from population 2. The outcomes of this research will help us to better understand the adaptive potential of G. altaicum and develop effective conservation strategies for its wild populations.

Floristic Composition, Population Structure, and Recruitment Status of Plant Species: A Case Study of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration Practices in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya

Floristic Composition, Population Structure, and Recruitment Status of Plant Species: A Case Study of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration Practices in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya

National assessment on the status, trends and impacts of marine non-indigenous species for the European Union marine strategy framework directive

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) of the European Union aims to enhance the protection of marine ecosystems by assessing Good Environmental Status using several descriptors. Descriptor 2 of the MSFD states that the status of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) should be assessed using specified criteria regarding newly introduced NIS, abundance, and spatial distribution of established NIS, as well as proportions of native species groups adversely altered due to NIS. The current study presents a national NIS indicator assessment for the six sub-basins associated with the Finnish marine waters. The study additionally aimed to develop a methodology to assess changes in native species communities over time. A new biodiversity index was created for this purpose by combining the Gini-Simpson index, and species and phyla richness into a Community Biodiversity Index (CBI). CBI was calculated to measure changes in biodiversity within the soft-bottom benthic communities of the study area, and correlation analyses were conducted between the index scores and NIS proportion. Overall, 34 NIS have been recorded from the Finnish marine waters by 2022, and more than half of them have arrived since 1992. Spatial distribution of three established non-indigenous taxa (Marenzelleria spp., Cercopagis pengoi and Neogobius melanostomus) has expanded during the latest assessment periods and nowadays cover most of the national marine waters. Meanwhile, abundance of Marenzelleria spp. in benthic communities has increased heavily in most sub-basins. The study outcomes indicated that NIS proportion correlated significantly with the CBI within the soft-bottom benthic communities. This correlation was significantly negative for the samples with a higher NIS proportion than the median, suggesting that when NIS became more dominant, biodiversity of the communities decreased. The current study provides an applicable method to evaluate changes in biodiversity for various species groups, and how to link them to changes in the distribution and abundance of established NIS. It can be concluded that the national biological monitoring program has severe temporal and spatial gaps, as the national monitoring data enabled the assessment on native species groups, adversely altered due to NIS to be completed only for one species group, soft-bottom macrozoobenthos. Most importantly, the study emphasised the crucial need for management actions to prevent further NIS introductions.

Floristic Composition, Diversity, and Regeneration of Woody Plant Species of Dabal Forest in Southeastern Ethiopia: Implication for Conservation.

Floristic composition, population structure, and regeneration status of woody species of Dabal forest found in East Hararghe zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, were studied. Vegetation data were obtained from 52 main plots of 20 × 20 m for mature woody species and 5 subplots of 5 × 5 m for seedlings and saplings. Density and dbh of each live woody plant species found in each sample plot were recorded. Frequency, basal area, importance value, and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices were also computed. Totally 59 woody plant species distributed in 33 families were documented. Of these, 45.80, 44.10, and 5.08% were shrubs, trees, and lianas, respectively. Species diversity and evenness indices were 3.56 and 0.87, respectively. Stem count of all woody species was 3379 stems ha-1. Out of this, 44.6, 30.8, and 24.59% were seedlings (dbh <3.5 cm), saplings (dbh between 3.5 and 10 cm), and mature (dbh >10 cm) individuals, respectively. Total basal area of all individuals with dbh ≥3.5 cm was 29.88 m2 ha-1. Juniperus procera, Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus globulus, Afrocarpus falcatus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Myrsine africana, Maytenus undata, Hagenia abyssinica, Ekebergia capensis, and Cordia africana were species with top ten IVI. Most of these species were top densest, dominant, and frequent. Analysis of population structure based on pooled densities of all species in each dbh class showed that density of seedling > sapling > mature individuals, signifying healthy population structure with good natural regeneration potential. On individual basis, however, 35.6 and 8.5% of species showed fair and poor regeneration statuses, respectively, that deserve attention for conservation.

An Assessment of Population and Health Status of Native Fish Species from Rivers Kabul and Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

An Assessment of Population and Health Status of Native Fish Species from Rivers Kabul and Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Fishes of the upper rio Paraná basin: diversity, biogeography and conservation

Abstract The upper rio Paraná basin drains the most developed and environmentally degraded region in South America: the Brazilian southeast. While it is one of the most well-known Neotropical fish assemblages, it is also one of the most threatened by anthropic activity. Urbanization, deforestation, dam construction, invasive species, and water pollution not only reduce the living area of species but also alter our perception of the basin and its biotic elements. Such changes are so profound and pervasive that raise uncertainties about the native or non-native status of several species. This paper aims to offer a detailed picture of the native diversity and historical biogeography of the fishes in the upper rio Paraná basin, which we hope will offer a solid foundation for future conservation policies. We update the list of native species, analyze geographical distributions, and identify biogeographical patterns, emphasizing areas requiring recognition as distinct biotas for conservation efforts. Over the past 15 years, more than 100 additional species have been described or recorded, expanding the total to 341 native species belonging to six orders and 30 families, making it the richest river basin in Brazil outside the Amazonian region. Unlike most neotropical basins where Characidae dominates, loricariids make up nearly one-fourth of the total fish diversity in the region. Species and clades concentrate in the central basin, while endemics are confined to peripheral areas due to the complex biogeographical history shared with neighboring basins. Eighteen distinct biogeographical regions are identified, discussing their composition, histories, and conservation implications. The upper rio Paraná basin has 10% of its fish fauna ranked as endangered and present 128 non-native species, including three hybrids. This places it as the major drainage with the largest number of endangered taxa in the neotropics and at the same time the one with the most numerous non-native elements. Existing protected areas are deemed ineffective in preserving diverse assemblages and fail to safeguard the majority of threatened and narrowly-endemic species.

Floristic Diversity and Conservation Status of Guineo-Congolese Species in Southeastern Cameroon: The Case of the Gari-Gombo Communal Forest

Floristic Diversity and Conservation Status of Guineo-Congolese Species in Southeastern Cameroon: The Case of the Gari-Gombo Communal Forest

Plantas herbáceas com coloração foliar variegada, promissoras para paisagismo urbano

Abstract The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of the quantitative and qualitative composition of a sample of variegate herbaceous species and cultivars (36 names) from the collection fund of the Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden, Russian Academy of Sciences. In the Poaceae Barnhart, Asteraceae Giseke, Lamiaceae Martinov and Saxifragaceae Juss. families have been found the largest number of genera containing species, which include forms with this leaf color. The analysis of data from long-term field experiments allowed us to assume the presence of a multidirectional influence of adaptive characteristics on the stability in the culture of different groups of introduced plants with variegate leaf color. Variegate plants are the most widely represented in the modern collection fund of the Laboratory of Ornamental Plants. For them, differences in stability in culture were revealed depending on the ratio of the differently colored parts of the leaf blade. Variegate plants have been studied according to their belonging to ecological groups, donor regions, life forms and the systematic status of natural ancestral species.

Evaluation of the taxonomy and conservation status of Podonosma sintenisii (Boraginaceae)

The current taxonomic status of an endemic species, Podonosma sintenisii, is discussed, and its morphology is compared with that of the closely related species Podonosma orientalis. Nutlet, leaf, and pollen micrographs of the species are presented using scanning electron microscopy. The identification key and geographical distribution map of Podonosma sintenisii and related species are presented, and the threat category is defined according to IUCN.

Use of three-dimensional uCT imaging technique in the description of a new deepsea slipper lobster Bathyarctus andamanicus sp. nov. (Crustacea: Decapoda: Scyllaridae) from Myanmar

A new deepsea slipper lobster Bathyarctus andamanicus sp. nov. was discovered from the Andaman Sea during a recent “Nansen” survey cruise, a collaboration between the FAO and the Myanmar government. The new species closely resembles Bathyarctus formosanus (Chan and Yu, 1992) but with a distinctly higher dorsal hump at the abdominal somite IV and a much larger blue patch on the abdominal tergite I. The status of the new species is supported by molecular genetic data and B. formosanus is also recorded for the first time from the Philippines. Micro-CT scanned method was used to illustrate the characteristics of B. andamanicus sp. nov. and B. formosanus, with the first construction of a cybertype for the infraorder Achelata Scholtz and Richter, 1995.

Physalis virginiana as a Wild Field Host of Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum'.

The potato/tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc), is among the most important pests of solanaceous crops as a vector of the pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso). Lso-infected psyllids often arrive in crop fields from various wild species of Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae, especially those that provide early-season hosts for the vector. Physalis species are perennial plants within the family Solanaceae with often broad geographical distributions that overlap those of B. cockerelli, yet the status of many Physalis species as hosts for B. cockerelli or Lso remains unknown. Our objective was to determine whether wild Physalis species that occur in the potato-growing region of Galeana, Nuevo León, Mexico, host B. cockerelli populations and whether they also are susceptible to Lso. Sampling was carried out in the potato-growing zone of Galeana, Nuevo León, Mexico, where unidentified Physalis spp. are common. In March to October 2021, a wild plant identified as Physalis virginiana was observed; eggs, nymphs, and adults of B. cockerelli were observed on these plants throughout the growing season, and nymphs completed development on these plants under laboratory conditions. Lso also was detected in 22 of the 93 (23.7%) wild P. virginiana plants using conventional PCR, while 13.3% of B. cockerelli adults that emerged from P. virginiana cuttings harbored the pathogen. This is the first report that P. virginiana is a host for B. cockerelli and for Lso. These results suggest that P. virginiana is a likely source of Lso-infected psyllids colonizing solanaceous crops in northeastern Mexico. The importance of P. virginiana and other wild hosts on the population dynamics of the vector and pathogen should be investigated to assist in pest management decision-making.

First discovery of troglobitic Paederinae (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from China.

An unexpected troglobitic staphylinid is described from a dolomite cave in western China as Domenelizeyui Wang & He, sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae). The habitus of both sexes and important diagnostic features are illustrated. Brief notes on the habitat, biology and taxonomic status of the new species are provided. This is the first discovery of a troglobitic representative of Paederinae from China, the first record of a troglobitic Domene species, and only the third cavernicolous species of Paederinae from eastern Asia.

Inventario de aves en dos humedales urbanos de Temuco (Chile): una base para el monitoreo de especies

Abstract: In the city of Temuco, Chile, the importance of urban wetlands has been recognized with the legal declaration of two key ecosystems: Humedal Vegas de Chivilcán and Humedales de Antumalén. This paper presents an inventory of birds in these wetlands, following the Darwin Core standard, and compares the results with other selected inventories in Chile. Observations were made using point counts and 21-hour transects. A total of 50 species from 26 families and 15 orders were identified, with a predominance of native species. Fourteen species were found in both wetlands, 20 exclusively in Chivilcán and 15 in Antumalén. Comparison with other studies revealed significant differences in bird composition between urban and peri-urban habitats, illustrating that urban habitats maintain a unique diversity distinct from that of peri-urban areas. The diversity of habitats and the ‘least concern’ status of most species highlight the importance of these wetlands as refuges for avian biodiversity. The structure of the Darwin Core database facilitates their integration with other biodiversity systems, highlighting the need for continued conservation and study of these urban ecosystems.

A Study On Diversity And Status Of Avifauna In Kukkarahalli Lake: Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Birds are highly diverse and conspicuous species of the environmental ecosystem. And act as potential bio-indicators. The present study deals with the diversity and status of avian species. The survey carried out from March 2023 to July 2023 in the Kukkarahalli Lake, Mysuru. A total 85 species of avifauna belonging to 17 orders and 40 families has been recorded in study area by using Line transect method, The order Passeriformes has the most species (37 species), whereas the orders Bucerotiformes, Galliformes, Podicipediformes, Psittacciformes and Strigiformes have the fewest species (1species each). Among the recorded species 64 (75%) species were Resident and 21 (25%) species were resident migratory. The result of relative diversity (RD) showed that Ardeidae (RD Index value= 9.523), was the dominant family. The present study provides baseline information for the bird diversity in and around study area and is a preliminary effort to assess species richness and the avifaunal diversity of Kukkarahalli Lake.

Phylogeny of the Genera with Oromandibular Discs in the Subfamily Labeoninae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) with Descriptions of Two New Genera

The aim of this study was to understand the systematic relationships between certain fish genera with oromandibular discs in the Labeoninae. At the same time, this was an opportunity to clarify the taxonomic status of certain species in the genera Ageneiogarra, Garra, Placocheilus, and other taxa distributed in China. Morphological comparison and molecular analysis were used in the study. The results showed that the genera with oromandibular discs had no recent common ancestor and that their oromandibular discs were the result of convergent evolution in different evolutionary lineages. Due to the homogeneity of their habitats, these fish have evolved oromandibular discs with similar appearance and structure. Both morphological and molecular evidence suggests that (1) Placocheilus cryptonemus distributed in the Nu‐Jiang (the Upper Salween River Basin), Yunnan, China, represent a new genus, here described as Pseudoplacocheilus, and (2) Garra micropulvinus occurring in the Panlong‐He (the upper portion of the Lo River, a branch of the Red River Basin) from Wenshan, Yunnan, represents another new genus, here described as Supradiscus.

Integrative taxonomic study of mononchid nematodes from riparian habitats in Bulgaria. I. Genera Mononchus Bastian, 1865 and Coomansus Jairajpuri & Khan, 1977 with the description of Mononchuspseudoaquaticus sp. nov. and a key to the species of Mononchus.

The species diversity of the genera Mononchus Bastian, 1865 and Coomansus Jairajpuri & Khan, 1977 was assessed in a study of the mononchid nematodes from a wide range of riparian habitats in Bulgaria. Four species were identified based on morphological and morphometric data: Coomansusparvus (de Man, 1880), Mononchustruncatus Bastian, 1865, Mononchuspseudoaquaticus sp. nov., and Mononchus sp. The first three species were characterised both morphologically and molecularly (18S and 28S rRNA gene sequences) and the integration of these data and phylogenetic analyses provided support for their distinct species status. This paper provides detailed descriptions, morphometric data for multiple species populations, drawings and photomicrographs, and the first taxonomically verified sequences for C.parvus (n = 6), M.truncatus (sensu stricto) (n = 4) and M.pseudoaquaticus sp. nov. (n = 3). Comparative sequence and phylogenetic analyses suggested that the utility of the 18S rRNA gene for species delimitation is rather limited at least for some species complexes within the genus Mononchus. At the generic and suprageneric level, the 18S and 28S rDNA phylogenies both recovered the three genera represented by two or more species (Mononchus, Mylonchulus, and Parkellus) as monophyletic with strong support, the Mononchidae as paraphyletic, the Anatonchidae as monophyletic, and there was no support for a sister-group relationship between Mylonchulus and Mononchus. A key to the species of Mononchus is provided to facilitate the identification of the currently recognised 31 species.