Translocation Of Species Research Articles

The ABCB7-Like Transporter PexA in Rhodobacter capsulatus Is Involved in the Translocation of Reactive Sulfur Species.

The mitochondrial ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCB7 in humans, Atm1 in yeast and ATM3 in plants, are highly conserved in their overall architecture and particularly in their glutathione binding pocket located within the transmembrane spanning domains. These transporters have attracted interest in the last two decades based on their proposed role in connecting the mitochondrial iron–sulfur (Fe–S) cluster assembly with its cytosolic Fe–S cluster assembly (CIA) counterpart. So far, the specific compound that is transported across the membrane remains unknown. In this report we characterized the ABCB7-like transporter Rcc02305 in Rhodobacter capsulatus, which shares 47% amino acid sequence identity with its mitochondrial counterpart. The constructed interposon mutant strain in R. capsulatus displayed increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species without a simultaneous accumulation of the cellular iron levels. The inhibition of endogenous glutathione biosynthesis resulted in an increase of total glutathione levels in the mutant strain. Bioinformatic analysis of the amino acid sequence motifs revealed a potential aminotransferase class-V pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) binding site that overlaps with the Walker A motif within the nucleotide binding domains of the transporter. PLP is a well characterized cofactor of L-cysteine desulfurases like IscS and NFS1 which has a role in the formation of a protein-bound persulfide group within these proteins. We therefore suggest renaming the ABCB7-like transporter Rcc02305 in R. capsulatus to PexA for PLP binding exporter. We further suggest that this ABC-transporter in R. capsulatus is involved in the formation and export of polysulfide species to the periplasm.

Exploring the introduction of European dogs to North America through shoulder height

AbstractThe introduction of domesticated species to new environments has been used to identify colonisation events in the archaeological record but rarely provides the opportunity to investigate colonists' selection of particular breeds or stock. This analysis employs morphometrics, the measurement of skeletal landmarks, supported by historic documentation to explore the intersection between colonists' breed preferences and species translocation. In doing so, this analysis provides insight into the differential effects of human selective breeding on domestic dog's (Canis familiaris) physical characteristics in Native American and European societies. Historic sources suggest that European colonists selectively imported large dog breeds capable of defending settlements and livestock, acting as war dogs, and aiding hunters. Colonists' dogs are reputed to have been significantly larger than Native American dogs. This study compares standardised measurements taken on bones to estimate shoulder height. We find that dog populations in England and North America spanning the period 0–1,800 AD exhibit an almost identical average stature; however, the range of shoulder height variation in European dogs is far greater than seen in eastern Native American dog populations. Dogs in colonial American contexts are statistically larger than both Native American and European dog populations, supporting documentary accounts that colonists selectively imported breeds from the largest available in Europe.

Translocation of keystone species may not mean translocation of keystone effect

Keystone species are strongly interactive species with a disproportionately large effect on other species in an ecosystem. They are irreplaceable in a community, because of unique interactions and coevolved relationships within an ecosystem. Ground squirrels are recognised as keystone species in grassland ecosystems. One of the most threatened, the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus), is the host of a few coprophagous scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae), and this relationship represents an example of strongly interrelated species with high dependency on the keystone species. The aims of this case study were to conduct an inventory research of specialised coprophagous fauna associated with the European ground squirrel as keystone species and examine whether translocated colonies of this keystone species fulfil the keystone role also in a new environment. We described keystone effect as the presence of strongly associated coprophagous fauna on the study site. We selected nine relict colonies and three translocated colonies in the Western Carpathians in inventory research of specialised coprophagous fauna associated with the European ground squirrel. We found that all relict colonies and one translocated colony were occupied by strongly associated coprophagous scarab beetles. Investigation in two translocated colonies showed the absence of strongly associated coprophagous scarab beetles, which was explained by geographical isolation. We demonstrate that translocation of keystone species may not mean translocation of the keystone effect into new environment. Our results point out that the decline of ground squirrels may represent a threat for biodiversity in grassland ecosystems, because it affects the ecologically interrelated species, such as specialised coprophagous fauna.

Extensive transmission of microbes along the gastrointestinal tract.

The gastrointestinal tract is abundantly colonized by microbes, yet the translocation of oral species to the intestine is considered a rare aberrant event, and a hallmark of disease. By studying salivary and fecal microbial strain populations of 310 species in 470 individuals from five countries, we found that transmission to, and subsequent colonization of, the large intestine by oral microbes is common and extensive among healthy individuals. We found evidence for a vast majority of oral species to be transferable, with increased levels of transmission in colorectal cancer and rheumatoid arthritis patients and, more generally, for species described as opportunistic pathogens. This establishes the oral cavity as an endogenous reservoir for gut microbial strains, and oral-fecal transmission as an important process that shapes the gastrointestinal microbiome in health and disease.

Translocation of rare plant species as a method of biodiversity preservation in specially protected natural areas

The article reflects the inventory checking results of the territory of the regional ranked “Uporovsky” nature reserve (Uporovsky district, Tyumen region). The growth of protected species of vascular plants, including Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull, Neottianthe cucullata L. Schlechter, Digitalis grandiflora Mill. was revealed on the area allocated for extension of the right-of-way for 110 kV power transmission lines. A scientifically grounded transfer of individuals of protected plant species was carried out from the sites, allocated for clearing right-of-way of power transmission line, to new habitats similar in ecological conditions located within the nature reserve. The study was carried out at the time of year favorable for transfer, taking into account the ontogeny stage of the transferred plants. Methods and approaches of translocation of vascular plant species have been developed. The preparation of plants transferring (coordinate binding, labeling, etc.), removal of the translocated individuals from the original habitat and their transportation to new safe areas was performed. A system for monitoring the state of translocated plants was developed, and a high level of survival of plants after translocation to new habitats was noted.

Urban ecosemiotics of trees: Why the ecological alien species paradigm has not gained ground in cities?

The transportation and translocation of species beyond their natural habitats is considered to be one of the major causes of biodiversity loss these days. Concerns are growing also about urbanization and the resulting destruction of natural habitats. At the same time, the integration of urban environments into nature protection efforts has brought along the intent to apply the ecological alien species paradigm in cities. Yet, as the practices of urban landscaping demonstrate, this objective has not been achieved. In this article, we propose that the reasons behind it are largely related to the specifics of the city as a semiotic system. Multiplicity of codes and subjects of various origins is contested by the ecological alien species paradigm, yet characteristic of the urban semiotic environment. The city often serves the function of a cultural model, embodying the principles of setting the borders between Self and the Other. Also in this case, the ecological alien species paradigm has to face a different complex of meanings attributed to the Other. We demonstrate how two different models of the city are expressed in the interpretations of alien trees by using pyramid oaks and poplars in Estonia as an example.

Evaluation of uptake, translocation, and accumulation of arsenic species by six different Brazilian rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars

Rice is a significant source of arsenic (As) exposure. The accumulation of the plant depends on several factors, including environmental conditions and genetic factors. The differences in As uptake, translocation, and grains filling in different cultivars are a focus on studies to mitigate the grains contamination. This study assessed the pattern of As species accumulation in different Brazilian rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.). Thus, pot experiments were conducted with 6 different cultivars (white rice: EPAGRI 109, EPAGRI 108, BRS Tiotaka SCS, and SCS 114 Andosan and red rice: Maranhão and Cáqui) cultivated in soils at low (As-) (0.65 mg kg−1) and high (As+) (12.1 mg kg−1) As levels. All cultivars in As+ group presented total As (t-As) in grains more elevated than the maximum limit of inorganic arsenic (i-As) recommended by Codex Alimentarius Commission. The As speciation disclose that Maranhão, Caqui, and SCS 114 Andosan cultivars presented the lowest % i-As (27%, 25% and 31%, respectively) at the highest As exposure condition. On the other hand, higher i-As concentration and % i-As (91%) were observed in EPAGRI 108. Moreover, EPAGRI 108 and EPAGRI 109 had the highest transference factor soil-to-grain (TFsoil-grain = 0.22 and 0.20, respectively). Interestingly, for the cultivars EPAGRI 108 and Maranhão, the levels of some essential elements (Co and Mn) in grains were modulated by the levels of As in the soil. This study shows that levels of i-As were modulated by the type of Brazilian rice cultivar, the range of As levels in soil, As phytotoxicity and the transference factor of As from soil to root straw and grains. Moreover, SCS 114 Andosan is the promising cultivar that exhibits low t-As and % i-As in grains and low TF soil-grain.

Mega-litter and remediation: the case of Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea)

According to the United Nations Environment Programme/Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), marine litter is one of the main causes of marine pollution in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the most important threats for its biodiversity. In addition, it is a critical issue with significant implications from an ecological point of view, as well as for human health and safety. The present study provides a focus concerning the mega-litter in a semi-enclosed basin, the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Southern Italy, Ionian Sea). In this basin, characterized by a suite of anthropic impacts, a specific protocol for the mega-litter removal has been developed according to the Special Commissioner for remediation of the Site of National Interest of Taranto. The application of such protocol proved to be effective in limiting the removals’ secondary effects on the biodiversity and on the environment as a whole, allowing a sustainable removal of marine mega-litter. A critical part of such protocol resulted in the translocation of species of conservation interest present on the debris, particularly considering the rich population of the pen shell Pinna nobilis thriving in the area. A total of 7107 specimens were translocated, showing low mortality percentage and high survival rates during 9 months of monitoring.

To mix or not to mix the sources of relocated plants? The case of the endangered Iris lortetii

Active management of endangered species is required for the persistence of many rare species. Species translocation, a common practice used to mitigate the negative effects of small population sizes, entails risks of outbreeding depression due to dilution of local adaptations, and therefore must be weighed against the costs of a hands-off conservation approach. Iris lortetii is an endangered rhizomatous plant, growing in a small number of isolated populations in northern Israel. We implemented a quasi-in-situ reintroduction program by planting 234 rhizomes from diverse origins in five new sites. All new sites were selected to be as similar as possible to those of the largest natural population. We recorded plant survival and flowering in the field after four years. Flowering plants were artificially crossed either with plants from the same population of origin (within population) or with plants from different origin (between populations). We found no differences in survival between populations of origin and only some indication of local adaptations in the form of increased flowering of the local population. Nonetheless, seed set was significantly higher (a 73% increase) in crosses between populations of origin, compared to within-population crosses, suggesting low genetic diversity within the natural populations. The ability to combine active conservation with rigid testing of theoretical hypothesis, while avoiding all risk to natural populations, highlights the value of the quasi-in-situ approach for restoration. Our results indicate that, in the case of Iris lortetii, active relocation of genotypes, seeds or pollen can enhance the survival of natural populations over time.

Guidelines for the restoration of the tropical timber tree Anacardium excelsum: first input from genetic data

Translocation of trees has been used as a common method to mediate genetic conservation and restoration of forests. However, very few programs include strategies developed to recover or maintain the genetic diversity of the translocated species. Anacardium excelsum is a tree native to the tropics of America that is extensively used in forestry. In Colombia, restoration of forests through the translocation of native species has regained importance, and A. excelsum has been recently included in the National Strategy for Plant Conservation. Thus, in order to define the level of genetic structure and the level of genetic diversity within certain regions where remnants of the seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF) of Colombia have been retained, we genotyped 106 trees using nuclear inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and sequenced two non-coding chloroplast loci for these specimens. Our ISSR dataset revealed the existence of a gradient in genetic diversity within A. excelsum with the most diverse remnants encountered in the south of the country, while the localities sampled in the Caribbean coast and in the Chicamocha canyon were less diverse. Chloroplast loci also pointed out the very low genetic diversity of A. excelsum from the Chicamocha canyon and we propose to prioritize this area within future conservation programs. Both chloroplast and nuclear markers supported the existence of genetic divergence between distinct regions of Colombia, uncovering genetic differences between inter-Andean, Caribbean, and Chicamocha canyon A. excelsum remnants. Hence, we advise to choose the provenance of seeds or plants carefully before translocation and to consider minimal mixing of material from different regions when initializing restoration programs for A. excelsum, in Colombia.

Dextromethorphan Attenuates NADPH Oxidase-Regulated Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β and NF-κB Activation and Reduces Nitric Oxide Production in Group A Streptococcal Infection.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is an important human pathogen that causes a wide spectrum of diseases, including necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Dextromethorphan (DM), an antitussive drug, has been demonstrated to efficiently reduce inflammatory responses, thereby contributing to an increased survival rate of GAS-infected mice. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms underlying DM treatment in GAS infection remain unclear. DM is known to exert neuroprotective effects through an NADPH oxidase-dependent regulated process. In the present study, membrane translocation of NADPH oxidase subunit p47phox and subsequent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by GAS infection were significantly inhibited via DM treatment in RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells. Further determination of proinflammatory mediators revealed that DM effectively suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 generation in GAS-infected RAW264.7 cells as well as in air-pouch-infiltrating cells from GAS/DM-treated mice. GAS infection caused AKT dephosphorylation, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activation, and subsequent NF-κB nuclear translocation, which were also markedly inhibited by treatment with DM and an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium. These results suggest that DM attenuates GAS infection-induced overactive inflammation by inhibiting NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS production that leads to downregulation of the GSK-3β/NF-κB/NO signaling pathway.

Protection alone may not promote natural recovery of biogenic habitats of high biodiversity damaged by mobile fishing gears

The horse mussel Modiolus modiolus (L.) is a large marine bivalve that aggregates to create complex habitats of high biodiversity. As a keystone species, M. modiolus is of great importance for the functioning of marine benthic ecosystems, forming biogenic habitats used to designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The present study investigates the condition of M. modiolus beds historically subjected to intense scallop fishing using mobile fishing gears. The study, conducted seven years after the introduction of legislation banning all forms of fishing, aimed to establish whether natural habitat recovery occurs after protection measures are put in place.Lower biodiversity and up to 80% decline in densities of M. modiolus were recorded across the current distributional range of the species in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. The decline in biodiversity in most areas surveyed was consistent with that observed in biogenic reefs impacted by mobile fishing gears elsewhere. Epifauna, including sponges, hydroids and tunicates, experienced the most substantial decline in biodiversity, with up to 64% fewer taxa recorded in 2010 compared with 2003. Higher variability in community composition and a shift towards faunal assemblages dominated by opportunistic infaunal species typical of softer substrata were also detected. Based on these observations we suggest that, for biogenic habitats, the designation of MPAs and the introduction of fishing bans alone may not be sufficient to reverse or halt the negative effects caused by past anthropogenic impacts. Direct intervention, including habitat restoration based on translocation of native keystone species, should be considered as part of management strategies for MPAs which host similar biogenic reef habitats where condition and natural recovery have been compromised.

Information Underload: Ecological Complexity, Incomplete Knowledge, and Data Deficits Create Challenges for the Assisted Migration of Forest Trees

Forest managers are considering assisted migration as a strategy to develop climate-resilient forests. Assisted migration (AM) is the translocation of species or genotypes from their current ranges to areas predicted to have a supportive future climate. Although correlations of species ranges with climate are traditionally used to explore AM potential, successful AM strategies will have to consider many other variables. In this article, we review recent research that informs the complexity of AM decisions. Local microenvironment, herbivory, and intraspecific interactions frequently outweigh climate in determining species establishment and survival. Species adopt several strategies to cope with drought, heat, and cold, but translocated genetic material can display cryptic maladaptation when challenged by extreme, out-of-range weather events. Phenology, photoperiod, and climate are related in complex, often provenance-specific ways. We discuss the implications of our findings for forestry AM and make recommendations for incorporating these insights into future research and AM practice.

Phylogenetic and environmental DNA insights into emerging aquatic parasites: implications for risk management

Species translocation leads to disease emergence in native species of considerable economic importance. Generalist parasites are more likely to be transported, become established and infect new hosts, thus their risk needs to be evaluated. Freshwater systems are particularly at risk from parasite introductions due to the frequency of fish movements, lack of international legislative controls for non-listed pathogens and inherent difficulties with monitoring disease introductions in wild fish populations. Here we used one of the world’s most invasive freshwater fish, the topmouth gudgeon, Pseudorasbora parva, to demonstrate the risk posed by an emergent generalist parasite, Sphaerothecum destruens. Pseudorasbora parva has spread to 32 countries from its native range in China through the aquaculture trade and has introduced S. destruens to at least five of these. We systematically investigated the spread of S. destruens through Great Britain and its establishment in native fish communities through a combination of phylogenetic studies of the host and parasite and a novel environmental DNA detection assay. Molecular approaches confirmed that S. destruens is present in 50% of the P. parva communities tested and was also detected in resident native fish communities but in the absence of notable histopathological changes. We identified specific P. parva haplotypes associated with S. destruens and evaluated the risk of disease emergence from this cryptic fish parasite. We provide a framework that can be applied to any aquatic pathogen to enhance detection and help mitigate future disease risks in wild fish populations.

Reflections on a seminal paper in conservation biology: the legacy of Peters and Darling (1985)

‘The Greenhouse Effect and Nature Reserves’ by Robert Peters and Joan Darling, published in the journal Bioscience more than 30 years ago, was a ground-breaking synthesis. Drawing on paleoecology, community ecology and biogeography, the review laid out many concepts about species vulnerability to climate change that have become central tenets of research on climate change adaptation in natural ecosystems. Remarkably, the paper also provided a clear and logical framework for flexible, forward-thinking and interventionist management action, including recommendations about the design of protected areas, and the need for species translocation to reduce extinction risk. Reflecting on the legacy of this paper, it is clear that the uptake of such approaches over the intervening decades has been extremely slow, representing many lost opportunities to reduce species vulnerability to rapid environmental change. This paper is a tribute to the prescience of Peters and Darling, and a call to revisit their farsighted advice to meet conservation challenges that continue to accelerate.

Mature exotic conifer stands have greater catches of the EU-protected Geomalacus maculosus than adjacent peatland or clear-felled stands—implications for forestry

© 2017, INRA and Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature. Key message: Mature exotic Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis; Bong. Carriere)-dominated stands, particularly trees of greater circumference, result in greater numbers ofGeomalacus maculosus(Allman) captures than adjacent clear-felled stands and adjacent peatland with Before-After-Control-Impact-Paired analysis indicating lower catches ofG. maculosuspost-felling. Context: The discovery of EU-protected Geomalacus maculosus in commercial plantations requires an understanding of the implications of forestry practices for the species within the context of sustainable forest management. Aims: 1.Compare Geomalacus maculosus captures across mature exotic Sitka spruce-dominated stands, previously clear-felled stands and adjacent peatland habitats.2.Assess the suitability, for forest managers, of population estimate models for G. maculosus.3.Assess the implications of felling by comparing relative abundances of G. maculosus directly before and after clear-felling at a mature exotic Sitka spruce-dominated stand. Methods: Geomalacus maculosus catches were compared at four sites across two to three mature (43–45 years old) conifer stands per site, one clear-felled stand per site, and one adjacent peatland per site using refuge traps and hand searching. Capture-mark-recapture studies were undertaken to estimate population sizes. A BACIP (Before-After-Control-Impact-Paired) analysis was undertaken in one forest stand at one forest site to determine impacts of a clear-felling event. Results: Mean catches of Geomalacus maculosus adults in the mature forest stands were over 10 and 11 times greater than mean catches on peatland and clear-fell stands, respectively. The Schnabel model for estimating population size was most suited for mature forest stands but could not be utilised for the other habitats. BACIP analysis showed a significant impact of clear-felling with a 95% reduction in mean G. maculosus catches after a clear-felling event where none of the individuals marked prior to felling were recaptured compared to 21% recapture rates at the control site. Greater tree circumference in mature conifer stands correlated with greater catches. Conclusion: Guidelines are needed to ensure the protection of Geomalacus maculosus in commercial forestry. Interventions could include patch/tall stump retention at final felling and/or translocation of the protected species.

Tiny niches and translocations: The challenge of identifying suitable recipient sites for small and immobile species

Abstract Assisted colonisation, one form of species translocation, has been proposed as a tool for helping species to track suitable conditions in a changing climate. There are considerable practical challenges associated with it, including predicting where to place translocated individuals. This problem may be particularly big for small and immobile species, where small‐scale microenvironmental conditions de‐couple them from environmental conditions as projected in large‐scale climate models. To investigate this problem, we developed a survey‐based model to predict the occurrence of our target species, the fruticose terricolous arctic‐alpine lichen, Flavocetraria nivalis, within the Cairngorm Mountains. We then undertook an experimental translocation of this species. A second model, using variables that were significant in the survey‐based model, was only fair at predicting the initial pattern of survival at the recipient site. However, model fit of the translocation survival model improved over time as the distribution of surviving individuals more accurately reflected the distribution of suitable environmental conditions. In addition, model predictive power increased with the addition of data on microclimatic conditions at recipient plots. Synthesis and applications. Our results demonstrate that, for species which respond strongly to local environmental conditions, are immobile and, to some extent, decoupled from larger scale climates, it may be difficult to build a priori accurate predictive models of habitat suitability. In these cases, a combination of modelling and expert judgement, along with the movement of substantial numbers of transplants, may be the appropriate options for maximising the success of assisted colonisation.

Fate and chemical speciation of antimony (Sb) during uptake, translocation and storage by rye grass using XANES spectroscopy

Antimony (Sb) is a contaminant of increased prevalence in the environment, but there is little knowledge about the mechanisms of its uptake and translocation within plants. Here, we applied for the synchrotron based X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy to analyze the speciation of Sb in roots and shoots of rye grass (Lolium perenne L. Calibra). Seedlings were grown in nutrient solutions to which either antimonite (Sb(III)), antimonate (Sb(V)) or trimethyl-Sb(V) (TMSb) were added. While exposure to Sb(III) led to around 100 times higher Sb accumulation in the roots than the other two treatments, there was no difference in total Sb in the shoots. Antimony taken up in the Sb(III) treatment was mainly found as Sb-thiol complexes (roots: >76% and shoots: 60%), suggesting detoxification reactions with compounds such as glutathione and phytochelatins. No reduction of accumulated Sb(V) was found in the roots, but half of the translocated Sb was reduced to Sb(III) in the Sb(V) treatment. Antimony accumulated in the TMSb treatment remained in the methylated form in the roots. By synchrotron based XANES spectroscopy, we were able to distinguish the major Sb compounds in plant tissue under different Sb treatments. The results help to understand the translocation and transformation of different Sb species in plants after uptake and provide information for risk assessment of plant growth in Sb contaminated soils.

Dead land walking: the value of continued conservation efforts in South Florida’s imperiled pine rocklands

Pine rocklands are deeply imperiled habitats restricted to South Florida and the Caribbean. In South Florida, more than 98% of pine rockland habitat has been destroyed in the past century (outside of Everglades National Park). Due to their proximity to human populations, management options in the remaining fragments are sometimes limited, and fires that are necessary to maintain healthy habitat structure are often excluded. Despite these pressures, conservation initiatives in pine rocklands have been surprisingly successful, and plant extinction has been avoided. In the coming decades, however, sea-level rise threatens to all but eliminate the pine rocklands, and efforts to preserve their many endemic species will likely fail. We synthesize the results of numerous ecological studies and review the successes and failures of conservation in South Florida’s pine rocklands. Further, we illustrate the value of continued conservation efforts, and provide direction in the light of the habitats long-term fate. We advocate the increased use of prescribed fire and, as the effects of climate change become more apparent, the translocation of some endemic species. Finally, we acclaim pine rocklands as a model system for studying how plant communities respond to environmental change. South Florida’s fragmented landscape, with shifting gradients of elevation, salinity, inundation and nutrient availability, should continue to inspire ecologists to address important questions, and better prepare the region, and the world, for the challenges of the coming decades.

Long‐term monitoring of shrub species translocation in degraded Neotropical mountain grassland

AbstractThe introduction of plant species is a central topic in restoration ecology research. It is an effective technique to restore degraded ecosystems that present low resilience, such as the rupestrian grasslands. Once implemented, the transplantation of native species is monitored only in the short term, whereas long‐term monitoring should be preferred to identify potential changes in the restoration results. Our study is the first assessment of the transplantation success of 10 native shrub species in a degraded area of rupestrian grasslands, 8.5 years after transplantation. Survival, growth, and recruitment were assessed in 2004, 2008, and 2012. For all species, survival, growth, and recruitment varied over time. Although some species exhibited great mortality during the last 4 years, they also showed a great resprouting ability. Our results highlighted a trade‐off between survival and recruitment capacity. Most of the studied species showed remarkable ability to adapt to the extreme environment of the degraded area, persisting either through surviving or recruiting new individuals. We list nine native species, which are well appropriated for rupestrian grasslands restoration. In constrained environments, survival and resistance should represent criteria to select species for restoration project rather than fast growth and ground cover.