Status Of Species Research Articles

A Preliminary Checklist of Fish Species in the Peat Swamp Forest of Ayer Hitam Utara State Park Forest, Johor, Malaysia

Ayer Hitam Utara State Park Forest (AHUSPF) is an invaluable sanctuary in Johor, the last remaining intact peat swamp forest reserve that hosts many species unique to this distinctive habitat. Some rapid surveys conducted from 2019 to 2022 recorded 40 species of freshwater fish within AHUSPF. Notably, 11 are stenotopic to acid blackwater, and 12 are stenotopic to acid water, most belonging to the family Osphronemidae and Danionidae. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List has designated two species, Encheloclarias curtisoma and Betta persephone, as Endangered, while Betta omega is classified as Critically Endangered. The checklist presented herein was first produced from an inventory study in AHUSPF. The preservation of peat swamp forests in the area is under imminent threat due to the alarming rate of land conversion, forest fires, and the recent potential threat from the red-claw crayfish invasion in the aquatic environment. Hence, continuous monitoring is vital for documenting and updating the conservation status of the fish species. These endeavours will facilitate the development of practical conservation approaches to ensure the long-term sustainability of AHUSPF and its associated species.

Histopathology and Phylogeny of the Dinoflagellate Hematodinium perezi and the Epibiotic Peritrich Ciliate Epistylis sp. Infecting the Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Bioinvasions constitute both a direct and an indirect threat to ecosystems. Direct threats include pressures on local trophic chains, while indirect threats might take the form of an invasion of a microorganism alongside its host. The marine dinoflagellate Hematodinium perezi, parasitizing blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), has a worldwide distribution alongside its host. In Greece, fluctuations in the blue crab population are attributed to overexploitation and the effects of climate change. The hypothesis of the present study was that blue crab population reductions cannot only be due to these factors, and that particular pathogens may also be responsible for the fluctuations. To investigate this hypothesis, both lethargic and healthy blue crab specimens were collected from three different fishing sites in order to assess the health status of this important species. Together with the lethargic responses, the hemolymph of the infested crabs presented a milky hue, indicating the first signs of parasitic infestation with H. perezi. The histopathological results and molecular identification demonstrated the effect of the presence of H. perezi in the internal organs and their important role in the mortality of blue crabs. Specifically, H. perezi, in three different tissues examined (heart, gills, hepatopancreas), affected the hemocytes of the species, resulting in alterations in tissue structure. Apart from this dinoflagellate parasite, the epibiotic peritrich ciliate Epistylis sp. was also identified, infecting the gills. This study represents the first detection of H. perezi in the eastern Mediterranean, demonstrating that this is the main causative agent of blue crab mortality on Greek coastlines.

Atlas Florae Europaeae notes, 35. Further critical notes on Cytisussect.Tubocytisus (Fabaceae) in Europe.

A few species names in Cytisussect.Tubocytisus are re-assessed and taxonomically evaluated. Diagnostic characters are discussed and the species status of C.absinthioides Janka, C.eriocarpus Boiss., C.frivaldszkyanus Degen, C.jankae Velen. and C.smyrnaeus Boiss. is confirmed. The holotype of Cytisustriflorus Lam. was found to belong to C.hirsutus L. rather than to the C.ratisbonensis group as currently treated. Cytisuslasiosemius Boiss. is not the correct name for C.frivaldszkyanus Degen, but another synonym of C.hirsutus. Cytisuslitwinowii V.I.Krecz., which was known solely from the holotype, is a synonym of C.austriacus L. s.str. Chamaecytisuspseudojankae Pifkó & Barina, reported from a small area shared between Albania, Greece and North Macedonia, is treated as a subalpine variant of C.austriacus. Cytisustmoleus Boiss. is removed from the synonymy of C.eriocarpus and added to the synonymy of C.pygmaeus Willd. Cytisusfalcatussubsp.albanicus Degen & Dörfl. and C.pubescens Gilib. are synonymised with C.hirsutus. Cytisusmicrophyllus Boiss. is moved from C.austriacus s.l. to the synonymy of C.frivaldszkyanus, and C.pindicola (Degen) Halácsy to the synonymy of C.jankae. Chamaecytisuscalcareus (Velen.) Kuzmanov is accepted as Cytisuscalcareus (Velen.) Sennikov & Val.N.Tikhom., comb. nov., and its distribution is circumscribed. Cytisushirsutusvar.ciliatus (Wahlenb.) Hazsl. and C.polytrichusvar.subglabratus Val.N.Tikhom. & Sennikov, var. nov. are recognised as glabrous variants of the corresponding species. Lectotypes of C.ciliatus, C.hirsutissimus K.Koch, C.jankae, C.lasiosemius, C.pubescens, C.rhodopeus J.Wagner ex Bornm. and C.thirkeanus K.Koch are designated. Cytisuspolytrichus is reported from the Western Caucasus in place of C.wulffii auct.

Accelerated human-induced extinction crisis in the world's freshwater mammals

Human activities have significantly impacted natural habitats and wildlife worldwide, particularly emphasizing repercussions for freshwater habitats and associated species. These negative impacts on freshwater fish are well known, but for mammal species that regularly use and dependend on freshwater systems, there is an incomplete understanding. Here, we assessed the status of freshwater and semi-aquatic mammal species inhabiting and dependent on freshwater ecosystems (hereafter referred to as freshwater mammals) and evaluated the impact of human activities on species richness both globally and by biogeographical regions. We used structural equation modeling and simultaneous autoregressive models to assess the direct and indirect effects of seven anthropogenic-related variables on overall freshwater mammal richness. Specifically, we examined the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on the richness of threatened and non-threatened species, as well as species with decreasing and stable/increasing populations. Forty-three percent of all freshwater mammal species are classified as globally threatened by the IUCN Red List, with 50% experiencing population declines. Furthermore, 48% are affected by domestic or international trade, while 75% face threats from geographically expanding human activities. Aridity, pesticide pollution, human footprint, and croplands had the strongest negative effects on freshwater mammal richness. In contrast, the coverage of freshwater habitats (FWs), Indigenous Peoples' lands (IPLs), and protected areas (PAs) helped to sustain freshwater mammal species globally, with an even stronger positive effect at individual biogeographical regions. We conclude that FWs, IPLs, and PAs play a critical role in the conservation of freshwater mammal species, helping safeguard these species from extinction, however, freshwater ecosystems are seldom the focal point of conservation management strategies. The ongoing adverse anthropogenic impacts on these natural habitats present a potentially catastrophic and irreversible threat to global freshwater environments and the species, including humans, reliant upon them. We strongly advocate for the implementation of more robust national and international policy frameworks that endorse alternative and sustainable livelihoods. Such frameworks can play a crucial role in alleviating anthropogenic pressures, thereby aiding in the mitigation of the extinction risk faced by these vital ecosystems and the world's freshwater mammal species.

An analysis of Thysanoptera associated with the flowers of some stone fruits in Mersin Province (Türkiye): composition, distribution, population dynamics and damage status

The distribution, abundance and damage status of Thysanoptera species were investigated in two different regions of Mersin Province, Türkiye between 2020 and 2021. A total of 18 Thysanoptera species were determined, with Thrips major Uzel, 1895 and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande, 1895) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) being the most common. While nectarine had the highest diversity of habitats for thrips, plum displayed greater richness in terms of species composition. Adult thrips primarily inhabited flowers while T. major larvae were present during petal fall periods. No larvae of F. occidentalis or Thrips tabaci Lindeman,1889 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) were found on the plant parts sampled throughout the samplings. Although no visible signs of damage by adult thrips were observed on the flowers, typical damage in the form of silvery scars appeared on the young fruits of nectarines and plums. The average rate of scarred fruit of nectarines or plums varied between 2-7%. Finally, T. major was the main pest thrips species responsible for damaging fruits of the plums and nectarines in Mersin.

Climate change impact on small mammals from two Neotropical hotspots

Abstract Current climate change represents the unprecedented change in weather patterns across global and regional scales over a short period due to human activity. It is expected to drive changes in species distributions across the globe. Our goal here was to analyse (i) how climate change can impact the future distribution of species in two Neotropical hotspots, and (ii) how future distribution can impact the threatened status of species. We used ecological niche modelling to estimate suitable areas in the present and four future climate change scenarios (SSPs) for 40 species of nonvolant small mammals endemic to the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes of South America. We also inferred species’ future threat levels according to the IUCN’s A3 criteria using future relative area estimates. We found that species will gradually lose more area in all future scenarios, from the most optimistic Shared Socio-economic Pathway (SSP1-2.6) to the most pessimistic (SSP5-8.5) scenario. Species endemic to the Cerrado will see a greater area reduction than species endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Consequently, the Cerrado will have more threatened species than the Atlantic Forest. Species that occupy both biomes will lose proportionally less area than those endemic to the Cerrado but more area than those endemic to the Atlantic Forest. In conclusion, small mammal species will, in general, be negatively impacted by climate change. However, the degree of impact depends on the trajectory of greenhouse gas concentrations and where the species live.

Conservation and Population Status of Freshwater Fishes from Kelekar River, South Sumatra, Indonesia

This study assessed the conservation and population status of the fish species collected from the Kelekar river. This study was conducted between May 2022 and June 2023. A total of 1.267 fish belonging to 49 species and 19 families were recorded. Cyprinidae was found to be the richest family (18 species) followed by Osphronemidae (5 species), Channidae (4 species), Siluridae (3 species), Bagridae, Claridae, Pangasidae, Pristolepidae (2 species), and others (1 species). The Shannon-Weiner diversity index was 3.547. The Simpson’s dominance index was 0.035, and the Evenness index was 0.921. The biodiversity index of the Kelekar river was in the high category. Base on the latest IUCN red list, one species as data deficient, forty-three species as least concern, two species as near threatened, two species as vulnerable, and one species as critically endangered. The IUCN based population status of fish species present in the Kelekar River was unknown (35%), stable (47%), and decreasing (18%).

Disentangling the Anacondas: Revealing a New Green Species and Rethinking Yellows

Anacondas, genus Eunectes, are a group of aquatic snakes with a wide distribution in South America. The taxonomic status of several species has been uncertain and/or controversial. Using genetic data from four recognized anaconda species across nine countries, this study investigates the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Eunectes. A key finding was the identification of two distinct clades within Eunectes murinus, revealing two species as cryptic yet genetically deeply divergent. This has led to the recognition of the Northern Green Anaconda as a separate species (Eunectes akayima sp. nov), distinct from its southern counterpart (E. murinus), the Southern Green Anaconda. Additionally, our data challenge the current understanding of Yellow Anaconda species by proposing the unification of Eunectes deschauenseei and Eunectes beniensis into a single species with Eunectes notaeus. This reclassification is based on comprehensive genetic and phylogeographic analyses, suggesting closer relationships than previously recognized and the realization that our understanding of their geographic ranges is insufficient to justify its use as a separation criterion. We also present a phylogeographic hypothesis that traces the Miocene diversification of anacondas in western South America. Beyond its academic significance, this study has vital implications for the conservation of these iconic reptile species, highlighting our lack of knowledge about the diversity of the South American fauna and the need for revised strategies to conserve the newly identified and reclassified species.

Predicting animal abundance through local ecological knowledge: An internal validation using consensus analysis

Abstract Given the ongoing environmental degradation from local to global scales, it is fundamental to develop more efficient means of gathering data on species and ecosystems. Local ecological knowledge, in which local communities can consistently provide information on the status of animal species over time, has been shown to be effective. Several studies demonstrate that data gathered using local ecological knowledge (LEK)‐based methods are comparable with data obtained from conventional methods (such as line transects and camera traps). Here, we employ a consensus analysis to validate and evaluate the accuracy of interview data on LEK. Additionally, we investigate the influence of social and bioecological variables on enhancing data quality. We interviewed 323 persons in 19 villages in the Western and Central Amazon to determine the level of consensus on the abundance of hunted and non‐hunted forest species. These villages varied in size, socio‐economic characteristics and in the experience with wildlife of their dwellers. Interviewees estimated the relative abundance of 101 species with a broad spectrum of bioecological characteristics using a four‐point Likert scale. High consensus was found for species population abundance in all sampled villages and for 79.6% of interviewees. The village consensus of all species abundance pooled was negatively correlated with village population size. The consensus level was high regardless of the interviewees' hunting experience. Species that are more frequently hunted or are more apparent had greater consensus values; only two species presented a low consensus level, which are rare and solitary species. We show in our study in the Amazon that information gathered by local peoples, Indigenous as well as non‐Indigenous, can be useful in understanding the status of animal species found within their environment. The high level of cultural consensus we describe likely arises from knowledge sharing and the strong connection between the persons interviewed and the forest. We suggest that consensus analysis can be used to validate LEK‐generated data instead of comparing these types of data with information obtained by conventional methods. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Assessing the incursion status of non-native plant species in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in Queensland, Australia

Assessing the incursion status of non-native plant species in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in Queensland, Australia

The Dragonflies and Damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Canada: species list, geographical distribution, status, and conservation ranks.

As of August 2023, 220 species in 57 genera and 10 families of damselflies and dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) are recorded for Canada. Since the publication of the first edition in 2005, 14 species have been added to the list; one,Neurocordulia obsoleta (Say) has been removed because of a misidentification and another, Sympetrum occidentale, has been to synonymy. Conservation ranks are given for species in all 13 provinces and territories. English and French names for all listed species are included. Literature sources are discussed and presented, as is information on species status and the addition and exclusion of species. Sections on taxonomy and variation, subspecies, presumed hybrids, the introduction of exotic species, notable range extensions and observations, and conservation and protection are also provided.

Mollinedia lorencei (Monimiaceae, Laurales), a new species endemic to the Atlantic Forest in the state of Bahia, Brazil

We provide a description and illustration of Mollinedia lorencei, sp. nov. The species exhibits morphological similarities and is compared to both M. lamprophylla and M. dolichotricha. Furthermore, we provide comments on the taxonomy, ecology, geographic distribution and conservation status of this new species.

Euploca wightiana (Heliotropiaceae), a new species from South India

Euploca wightiana P.Javad & Ancy sp. nov., a new species of the family Heliotropiaceae is described from the Coimbatore district of South India. Morphologically, it is close to Euploca marifolia but differs in having erect (versus prostrate) habit, stem woody throughout (versus stem woody only at base) with dense hairs (versus sparsely hairy), oblong leaves (versus lanceolate) with obtuse apex (versus acute), inflorescence with distantly placed flowers (versus inflorescence with closely placed flowers), a 0.6 mm long cylindrical style (versus style less than 0.3 mm long), a unifid, capitate stigma (versus bifid, conical) and densely hirsute nutlets (versus minutely hairy or glabrous). Detailed descriptions, photo plates, and distribution maps are provided. Differences from morphologically allied congeners are discussed. The status of the new species is provisionally assessed here as ‘critically endangered (CR)' following the IUCN red list categories and criteria.

Plant distribution and conservation in mediterranean islands’ lentic wetlands: there is more than aquatic species

This study investigates the distribution and conservation status of plant species in lentic wetlands of Mediterranean islands. Field data on vascular macrophytes were collected from the online national databases of the “Conservation of the island wetlands of the Mediterranean Basin” (MedIsWet). A comprehensive inventory of wetlands was conducted, and information on the main anthropogenic impacts and conservation priorities was compiled. In addition to all vascular hygro- and hydrophytes, we retained information on those species typically adapted to environments with intermittent or temporary wetness. A significant knowledge gap regarding the distribution and conservation of plant species in Mediterranean wetlands was found. A lower endemism rate was observed particularly in coastal wetlands. However, approximately 25% of species, mainly with relatively wide distribution, were identified as endangered or with unknown conservation status. Including all macrophytes adapted to seasonal wetness is crucial when considering wetland conservation efforts. The research emphasised the importance of considering diverse wetland types, including seasonal and permanent, natural and artificial, for effective plant conservation. Artificial wetlands emerged as potential habitats with considerable biodiversity conservation value. This study provides a comprehensive inventory of wetlands and valuable insights into the distribution, ecology, and conservation relevance of aquatic macrophytes in Mediterranean islands. The research enhances our understanding of biogeographic patterns and processes, offers critical information for the management and conservation of Mediterranean island wetlands, and presents a replicable approach that can be applied to other wetland contexts.

Astragalus quettensis (Galegeae—Fabaceae), a new species of section Pendulina from Pakistan

Astragalus quettensis is described and illustrated as a new species from Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park, near Quetta, Balochistan. The new species is related to Astragalus mirabilis and is characterized by 5–31 mm long tomentose, canescent, linear-lanceolate, folded leaflets in 9–13 pairs with basal leaflets opposite and distal alternate, densely racemose inflorescence or subcapitate with 2–3 flowers lying at the same level, 1–3 cm long, densely covered with off-white spreading hairs, 3.5–5.5 mm long, linear-lanceolate, acuminate, greyish, pilose bracts, 5–13 mm long densely pubescent pedicel with ca. 0.2 mm long, spreading hairs, 9.5–15 mm long densely pubescent calyx with 7.5–12 mm funnel-shaped cup and 2–3 mm long teeth, white and yellowish-green corolla, vexillum 16–23 × 8–12 mm, broadly elliptic, wing 17–21 mm long, keel 18–21 mm long, short-stipitate pubescent legume, 22–26 × 13–18 mm and 3–4 mm long stipe. With regard to the conservation status of the new species, Astragalus quettensis is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

Concurrent threats and extinction risk in a long-lived, highly fecund vertebrate with parental care.

Detecting declines and quantifying extinction risk of long-lived, highly fecund vertebrates, including fishes, reptiles, and amphibians, can be challenging. In addition to the false notion that large clutches always buffer against population declines, the imperiled status of long-lived species can often be masked by extinction debt, wherein adults persist on the landscape for several years after populations cease to be viable. Here we develop a demographic model for the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), an imperiled aquatic salamander with paternal care. We examined the individual and interactive effects of three of the leading threats hypothesized to contribute to the species' demise: habitat loss due to siltation, high rates of nest failure, and excess adult mortality caused by fishing and harvest. We parameterized the model using data on their life history and reproductive ecology to model the fates of individual nests and address multiple sources of density-dependent mortality under both deterministic and stochastic environmental conditions. Our model suggests that high rates of nest failure observed in the field are sufficient to drive hellbender populations toward a geriatric age distribution and eventually to localized extinction but that this process takes decades. Moreover, the combination of limited nest site availability due to siltation, nest failure, and stochastic adult mortality can interact to increase the likelihood and pace of extinction, which was particularly evident under stochastic scenarios. Density dependence in larval survival and recruitment can severely hamper a population's ability to recover from declines. Our model helps to identify tipping points beyond which extinction becomes certain and management interventions become necessary. Our approach can be generalized to understand the interactive effects of various threats to the extinction risk of other long-lived vertebrates. As we face unprecedented rates of environmental change, holistic approaches incorporating multiple concurrent threats and their impacts on different aspects of life history will be necessary to proactively conserve long-lived species.

Species status and phylogenetic relationships of the enigmatic Negros Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus arcanus)

The Negros Fruit Dove Ptilinopus arcanus is an enigmatic bird known only from a single specimen collected on Negros Island, Philippines, in 1953. We extracted and sequenced ultra‐conserved elements from historical toe‐pad samples of the type specimen of P. arcanus and 27 other species of ptilinopine doves to investigate the species status and phylogenetic relationships of this taxon. We establish that P. arcanus represents a valid species, resolve its phylogenetic position at the base of the radiation of ‘core’ Ptilinopus fruit doves, and estimate that P. arcanus diverged from its most recent common ancestor several million years before Negros Island emerged from the seafloor. We also perform an ancestral range reconstruction to evaluate the effect of different altitudinal preferences on the putative historical range of this species, and we discuss how these findings can inform future efforts to relocate and potentially conserve this species.

The Modelling Studies of Ecological Corridor Management of The Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, West Java, Indonesia

This research aims to study the design of the ecological corridor management pattern of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS) through the identification of population and distribution of conservation species, edge effect of road access within the corridor, preservation mitigation, status of non-conservation species, and assessment of land-use-based ecotourism. The methods used include Belt transect, hypothetical transect, Intensive Point Account (IPA), and descriptive survey techniques. The research was conducted from September to December 2023. The results showed that the population density of Javan Gibbon was 0.114 indv/ha, Surili was 0.024 indv/ha, which is very low compared to the population density of TNGHS, 26 non-conservation bird species, and 1 endemic species, the Javan Gibbon. The edge effect is caused by the frequency of vehicles passing through the corridor. The hypothetical transect shows that the land use allocation for tea plantations is the target of ecotourism, and agricultural land use supports the product. The model design emphasizes the creation of protection zones for primates and Javan Eagles in terms of mobilization and migration, mitigation of vehicle crossings during the day, as well as the initiation of ecotourism based on non-conservation species and landscape characteristics. In conclusion, the ecological corridor management modeling includes accommodating the protection of endemic and rare animals, monitoring non-conservation bird species, conservation mitigation through vehicle frequency control, limited ecotourism development with a natural orientation, and agricultural products. Scientifically the contribution of this research is to explain the implications of island geography theory in the sustainability of endemic species in metapopulations to avoid genetic flow deviations.

The trouts of the Marmara and Aegean Sea drainages in Türkiye, with the description of a new species (Teleostei, Salmonidae)

The taxonomic status of native trout species of the Marmara and Aegean Sea drainages is evaluated and three species, Salmo duhani, S. coruhensis and S. brunoisp. nov., are recognized. Salmo brunoi, a new species, is described from the Nilüfer River, a tributary of the Susurluk River. It is distinguished by a general brownish body color in life; few black spots (fewer than 60) on the body, generally scattered on the back and the upper part of the flank, rarely in the median part; few (fewer than 40) and small (smaller than pupil) red spots on the body, scattered on the median part and lower half of the flank; a number of black and red spots not increasing with size in both sexes; a long adipose fin (adipose-fin height 8–9% SL); a short distance between adipose-fin and caudal-fin (12–14% SL); and a short anal fin (anal-fin height 12–15% SL). Salmo brunoisp. nov. is separated from the rest of the Marmara and Aegean trouts of Anatolia based on genome-wide distributed 187.385 unlinked SNP markers. According to the best of the authors’ knowledge, whole genome data is used for the first time here to characterize a new species of trout.

A new species of land snail, Xanthomelon amurndamilumila, from the North East Isles off Groote Eylandt (= Ayangkidarrba), Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia (Stylommatophora, Camaenidae)

This paper introduces Xanthomelon amurndamilumilasp. nov., a newly-discovered land snail species inhabiting the North East Isles, offshore from Groote Eylandt (= Ayangkidarrba), north-western Gulf of Carpentaria, in the Northern Territory, Australia. Specimens of this species were first collected during the 2021 Bush Blitz expedition to Groote Eylandt, a large offshore archipelago previously unexplored for land snails. The taxonomic status of the new species was established through a comprehensive analysis of comparative morphology and mitochondrial genetics: X. amurndamilumila forms a maximally supported clade closely related to X. arnhemense and is characterised by a unique combination of morphological characteristics, including smaller shell size, distinctive sculpture of collabral ridges and specific features of its reproductive anatomy. The genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationships suggest historical isolation. While the discovery of X. amurndamilumilasp. nov. enriches our understanding of land snail diversity in the Northern Territory, its conservation status is of concern on North East Island because of habitat degradation caused by feral deer.