Wild Fauna Research Articles

Diversity of Butterflies in Guindy National Park-Butterfly Garden in Guindy Children’s Park

Guindy National Park is the only protected forest oasis holding good tropical dry evergreen forest vegetation sheltering many wild Fauna, and flora amidst the city. The literature survey provides a limited information analysis earlier before, on various aspects of Ecology & Conservation Management, Habitat analysis & assessment, distribution of Vegetation, diversity of fauna like Black buck, spotted deer, Birds, Jackal including lower vertebrates & Butterflies. Butterflies are the sensitive insects which react quickly to any kind of disturbances like changes in the habitat quality and environmental variation. Apart from pollinators they play a major key role in food chain, being prey for birds, reptiles, spiders and predatory insects. Many species of butterflies are strictly seasonal in their occurrence and prefer a particular set of habitats and host plants for their survival. Notably these biological indicators are slowly disappearing due to changes in land pattern and habitat as they are closely dependent on plants.

South Africa as a Donor of Its Native and Exotic Species to the International Pet Trade

The global pet trade is a thriving multibillion-dollar industry, involving the international exchange of various species and regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). South Africa plays a significant role as both an importer and exporter within this market. By analysing over 13 million records from the CITES database, spanning from 1975 to 2023, we aimed to access South Africa’s role in the international pet trade and to analyse trade volume and trends over time. Our findings indicate that alien species dominate exports, particularly birds and mammals, while native species are traded in lower volume, involving only a few species. The top 10 traded species for birds and mammals belong to the genera Agapornis and Callithrix, while 80% of reptile exports were native, with Stigmochelys pardalis being the most exported species. Bird and mammal exports are primarily composed of captive-bred individuals, whereas both captive-bred and wild-sourced individuals contribute to reptile exports. Approximately 100 countries import various species from South Africa, with Asia and Europe as major importers of birds. The extensive exportation of South Africa’s native species, particularly reptiles, raises significant conservation concerns regarding the potential impact on local biodiversity.

A Snapshot of the Global Trade of South African Native Vertebrate Species Not Listed on CITES.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to prevent the overexploitation of species by controlling their trade. However, there is currently no international regulatory framework to protect the trade of non-CITES species. We examined the LEMIS database, online trade, and scientific literature with the aim of identifying and compiling a list of South African native species traded as pets and wildlife products. We found that there are 223 non-CITES species traded as wildlife products and 95 species traded as pets. Mammals and birds were the most traded taxa for wildlife products, while reptiles and amphibians were mostly traded as pets. At the least, species traded as wildlife products and pets are currently not facing extinction, as most are categorized as Least Concern. However, some endemic species have an unknown population size, with Sclerophrys pantherina and Neamblysomus gunningi being Endangered. The international pet trade involves 10 countries, with the USA, the Czech Republic, and the UK being the largest importers. The trade of species as wildlife products involves 20 countries, with the USA being the major importer. This study emphasizes the necessity of strict regulations and international cooperation to control the wildlife trade effectively.

Evaluating key evidence and formulating regulatory alternatives regarding the UK's Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill

AbstractPublic policy addressing biodiversity loss is most likely to be effective when it is informed by appropriate evidence and considers potential unintended consequences. We evaluate key evidence relating to the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill that was discussed in the UK Parliament between 2022 and 2024. We characterize the UK's role in international hunting trophy trade by analyzing CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) trade data for 2000–2021 and 2015–2021. For CITES‐listed species imported to/exported from the UK as hunting trophies in these periods we use data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species to determine whether hunting designated as “trophy hunting” is (i) likely a major threat contributing to species being of elevated conservation concern, (ii) likely or possibly causing localized declines, or (iii) not a threat. We then use the Red List to determine whether such hunting provides, or potentially provides, benefits for species and/or people. Finally, we evaluate the UK Government's impact assessment of the bill. In 2000–2021 an estimated 3494 hunting trophies from 73 CITES‐listed species and subspecies were exported to the UK involving an estimated 2549 whole organism equivalents (WOEs), that is, individual animals. Imports involved 158.86 ± 66.53 (mean ± SD) trophies/year (115.83 ± 32.27 WOEs/year). In 2015–2021, 79% of imports were from countries where populations of the hunted species are stable, increasing, or abundant. Legal hunting for trophies is not a major threat to any of the species or subspecies imported to the UK, but likely or possibly represents a local threat to some populations of eight species. This hunting does, or could potentially, benefit 20 species and subspecies, and people. Among other concerns, the impact assessment failed to adequately consider the costs and benefits to local communities in countries where such hunting occurs. Informed by these analyses we discuss alternative regulatory options.

1117. Crepidiastrum grandicollum (Koidz.) Nakai: Compositae: Plants in peril 41

SummaryCrepidiastrum grandicollum (Koidz.) Nakai (Compositae: Lactuceae: Crepidinae) is described and illustrated. The current synonymy is provided, together with type citations for each of the names and statements of the type material. A selection of verified illustrations of the species in the literature is provided. Statements of the species' distribution, habitat and ecological preferences (with observations on the phytosociological classification), phenology, conservation status, and the etymology of both generic and specific epithets are given along with vernacular names, some of which are apparently literal translations of the Latin binomial. Cultivation, propagation, and availability notes are provided, although the species is Critically Endangered and currently only cultivated Koishikawa Botanical Garden, University of Tokyo, Japan, as part of the Ministry of the Environment's Rare Wild Fauna and Flora Species Protection and Breeding Project. Discussions include pollination syndromes in Crepidiastrum in the Bonin Islands, the intricacies of the involvement of the Honey Bee in their pollination (compared with conservation measures) and the displacement of native insect pollinators, mention of seed/achene dispersal and evolution within the genus, conservation proposals, including the use of exclosures to prevent destruction by feral goats (Capra hircus), and electric fences, adhesive traps and Teflon™ sheets to help control the lizard known as the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis); typhoon damage and the potential for issues with ants ‐ Pheidole (Westwood) spp. (including the African Big‐headed Ant, P. megacephala) are also mentioned. Some consideration for the rôle of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) associations with the endemics in conservation programmes should not be overlooked. Attention is drawn to observations on some bizarre web sites with somewhat bogus information on the species, and why they should be disregarded.

Scale of unregulated international trade in Australian reptiles and amphibians.

Reptiles and amphibians are popular in the exotic pet trade, where Australian species are valued for their rarity and uniqueness. Despite a near-complete ban on the export of Australian wildlife, smuggling and subsequent international trade frequently occur in an unregulated and unmonitored manner. In 2022, Australia listed over 100 squamates in Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to better monitor this trade. We investigated current trade and assessed the value of this Australian CITES listing using web-scraping methods to monitor the online pet trade in Australian reptiles and amphibians, with additional data from published papers, trade databases, and seizure records. Despite the export ban, we identified 170 endemic herpetofauna (reptile and amphibian) species in international trade, 33 of which were not recorded previously in the international market, including 6 newly recorded genera. Ninety-two traded species were included in CITES appendices (59 added in 2022), but at least 78 other traded species remained unregulated. Among these, 5 of the 10 traded threatened species were unlisted, and we recommend they be considered for inclusion in CITES Appendix III. We also recommend the listing of all Diplodactylidae genera in Appendix III. Despite this family representing the greatest number of Australian species in trade, only one genus (of 7 traded) was included in the recent CITES amendments. Overall, a large number of Australian reptile and amphibian species are traded internationally and, although we acknowledge the value of Australia's recent CITES listing, we recommend the consideration of other taxa for similar inclusion in CITES.

A practical approach to meeting national obligations for sustainable trade under CITES.

Reconciling conservation goals with sustainable resource use requires adaptive management strategies. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates global trade for species listed on Appendix II, partly by requiring member countries (parties) to ensure exports do not damage wild populations (called making positive "nondetriment findings" [NDFs]). Unfortunately, when parties find NDFs difficult, they often suspend legal trade, imposing economic costs and driving trade underground. To make it easier for parties to examine the detrimental nature of exports, we devised a spatial approach and applied it to seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) in Tamil Nadu, India, as an example. Our approach involves mapping answers to 5 key questions on species distribution (QA), pressures (QB), management measures (QC), management implementation (QD), and species' population status (QE). We gathered data from fisher interviews and published literature. Seahorse abundance was greatest in southern Palk Bay and the northern Gulf of Mannar, primarily in seagrasses and coral reefs (QA). Fishing pressure was highest in Palk Bay, primarily from bottom trawlers and dragnetters operating in shallow seahorse habitats near the coastline (QB). Management measures including a marine protected area (MPA), bottom trawl exclusion zone, and closed season were theoretically in place (QC), but their implementation was poor (QD). Fishers reported seahorse catches in 85% of the area covered by the MPA and the exclusion zone; bottom trawlers were responsible for most violations. Seahorses were also captured in Sri Lankan waters, where bottom trawling is banned. Fisher reports indicated declining seahorse catches and reduced body sizes (QE), highlighting unsustainable exploitation. Our results highlight the need for better implementation of existing management measures before a positive NDF can be made and suggest mitigation beyond bans. Such pragmatic spatial analyses can help regulate exports at sustainable levels, supporting CITES implementation for its vast range of species.

Assessing the legal, illegal, and gray ornamental trade of the critically endangered helmeted hornbill.

Monitoring wildlife trade dynamics is an important initial step for conservation action and demand reduction campaigns to reduce illegal wildlife trade. Studies often rely on one data source to assess a species' trade, such as seizures or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) trade data. Each database provides useful information but is often incomplete. Combining information from multiple sources helps provide a more complete understanding of trade. A recent rapid increase in demand for helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) casques (a brightly colored, solid keratinous rostrum) led to its uplisting to critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List in 2015. However, there is little current information on what factors influence trade trends and what current levels of demand are. We combined data from CITES, seizure records, and previously underused, yet abundant, art and antique auction data to examine the global trade in helmeted hornbill casque products (HHPs). Three decades of auction data revealed that 1027 individual HHPs had been auctioned since 1992; total auction sales were over US$3 million from 1992 to 2021. The number of HHPs auctioned was greatest from 2011 to 2014, just after the global art boom (2009-2011), followed by a decline in volume and price. The auction data also revealed 2 possible markets for HHPs: true antique and speculative, defined by era, price, and trade patterns. Trends in illegal trade matched those of the auction market, but legal trade remained consistently low. Combining data sources from legal, illegal, and gray markets provided an overview of the dynamics of illegal trade in an endangered species. This approach can be applied to other wildlife markets to provide a more complete understanding of trade and demand at the market level to inform future demand reduction campaigns.

Challenges of regulating commercial use of marine elapid snakes in the Indo-Pacific.

Marine elapid snakes are a diverse, predominantly Indo-West Pacific species group. The persistent removal of some species has an unquantified but potentially dire impact on populations. We conducted the first comprehensive review of the trade in marine elapid snakes based on published literature (1974-2022) and trade data from the only species (i.e., Hydrophis [Lapemis] curtus) whose trade is monitored internationally. Some species and populations were subjected to targeted harvest for their meat and skins for at least the last century; fisheries are possibly the most significant threat to populations of marine elapids, with the highest numbers being exploited either accidentally, incidentally, or opportunistically in Southeast Asian fisheries targeting other seafood, including demersal trawl and squid fisheries. Southeast Asia is the core region for exploitation of marine elapids. Annual offtake is >225,000 individuals of at least 8 species in the Gulf of Thailand. Of 72 recognized marine elapids (all non-CITES [Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora] species), Hydrophis curtus and Hydrophis cyanocinctus dominate the skin trade. Skins of H. curtus are traded mainly in East and Southeast Asia and, to some extent, Europe. Despite some baseline information on the trade of these species, the sustainability of their harvests, particularly in the context of the burgeoning and unmanaged nature of fisheries in the region, remains the major challenge. In an era of declining fish stocks, there has been an increasing trend to commercialize the harvest and use marine elapids that were once considered accidental bycatch and discarded. This trend will continue to pose a significant risk to these snakes unless appropriate fisheries and trade regulations are enforced. Applying the precautionary principle to prevent the overexploitation of sea snakes is an indispensable measure in which trade in regional populations should be regulated through CITES. Accordingly, management plans to identify core distribution regions of exploited species would be crucial for assigning national responsibilities to sustain species and populations in the long term.

International wildlife trade quotas are characterized by high compliance and coverage but insufficient adaptive management

Effective management of international wildlife trade is crucial to ensure sustainability. Quotas are a common trade management tool and specify an annual number of individuals to be exported, yet at present there is no global assessment of quota coverage and compliance. Using over 7,000 country–year specific reptile quotas established under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) covering 343 species, we quantify quota coverage, compliance, trade trends pre-quota and post-quota setting and whether quotas likely represent adaptive management. Quotas predominantly concerned live wild-sourced reptiles, with only 6.6% of live non-zero quotas exceeded and 4.5% of zero quotas subverted. For 62.3% of species, quotas were established higher than pre-quota trade, with traded volumes post-quota mainly unchanged or higher than pre-quota establishment, thus potentially facilitating sustainable trade. Over 38% of quota series of species remained at the same level each year, with the longest-running quotas proportionately updated the least, indicating that many quotas do not change adaptively in response to changing threats to species through time. Greater specificity in exactly what quotas cover, justification for unchanged quotas and transparency over quota determination are needed to ensure that high compliance equates to sustainable use.

Unveiling hidden aspects of GPS deployment on wildlife: A multistep and transdisciplinary approach to urban wild boar monitoring

Studies of free-ranging wildlife often involve individual tracking by sequentially recording animals’ positions over a continuous and extended period. Automatic, programmable, operational continuously, and user-friendly thanks to the development of intuitive software, GPS (Global Positioning System) enable the acquisition of large quantities of data, day and night, regardless of field and weather conditions, while allowing for levels of spatial and temporal resolution in the location data never before achieved in wildlife tracking studies. However, GPS collars deployment on wild fauna does not directly translate into scientific outcomes. This article delves into the hidden aspects of telemetry programs, offering a reflective account of our transdisciplinary experience (between researchers and wildlife managers) in GPS tracking of urban wild boar. The described protocol and its discussion aim to outline the necessary conditions to benefit from GPS programs. The program first requires a common construction of the protocol, which meets the objectives of each partner. Second, raw data collection and transformation into information involve four steps. Finally, both technical and human-related dimensions are to be anticipated and considered for further analyses.•Transdisciplinary research requires a common construction of the protocol in line with the research question.•Technical constraints and negotiations between partners need to be considered.•Multiple steps are required to leverage the scientific advantages of the monitoring.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in synanthropic rats from Guayaquil city (Ecuador) during COVID-19 pandemic: A proxy to prevent wild reservoirs in the tropics

Human-to-animal reverse transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is a risk for new reservoirs' emergence and new variants' evolution. SARS-CoV-2 infection of synanthropic rodents in urban settings has been reported during COVID-19 in New York and Mexico cities. In this study, we addressed the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to synanthropic rats in the city of Guayaquil (Ecuador) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total number of 234 rats were collected and analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-qPCR. A positivity rate of 6 % (14 rats) was found, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the viral genome. Our results confirm the potential risk of synanthropic rats as reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is worrisome for low and middle income countries like Ecuador, where pest and waste control in urban settings is challenging. Moreover, the risk of spillover to wild fauna is a concern in Guayaquil, where synanthropic fauna includes raccoons or coatis and forest patches with a wild population of felids or primates existing within the city limits. In this context, SARS-CoV-2 sentinel surveillance of synanthropic rodents could serve as a proxy for a One Health approach to prevent the emergence of new wild reservoirs.

New Variants in the Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Two Colombian Individuals of the Cedar Timber Species (Cedrela odorata L.), Using Long-Read Oxford Nanopore Technology

The plant species Cedrela odorata has been largely exploited in the timber industry due to the high demand for its wood. Therefore, C. odorata has been considered a vulnerable species since 1994, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). C. odorata is a key timber species included in the management and conservation plans for the Amazon and Central American rainforests. These plans include the development of genetic and genomic resources to study local populations of the species in Colombia. In this study, two novel chloroplast (cp) genomes were assembled and annotated using the MinION long-read sequencing technology. The new cp genomes were screened for sequence variants (SVs), and a total of 16 SNPs were identified, presumably unique to populations from the Amazon region in Colombia. Comparative genomics with other reported cp genomes from different populations of C. odorata support the hypothesis of intraspecific diversity associated with their place of origin. These cp genome sequences of C. odorata from Colombian individuals represent valuable genomic resources for the species, suitable for identifying novel DNA fingerprinting and barcoding applications.

Synergistic Threats to Wild Fauna in Ecuador: Using a Novel Data Source to Estimate the Impacts of Trafficking and Human–Wildlife Conflict

Wildlife trafficking and human–wildlife conflict are major causes of species decline. The illegal nature of wildlife trafficking makes it hard, and sometimes dangerous, to study. ‘Mansión Mascota’ is a veterinary clinic in Guayaquil, Ecuador, which, through agreement with the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment, receives confiscated wildlife for treatment. Mansión Mascota also receives injured and abandoned wildlife brought in by the authorities and the public. Between January 2018 and September 2022, the clinic received 3212 wild animals from ≥171 taxa, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Through the classification of records based on reported use, native distribution, and evidence of capture/pet keeping, we were able to classify 1127 animals of 68 species as subject to wildlife trafficking. Turtles were the most abundant group (69%). The majority of turtles (91%) and primates (80%) were of Amazonian origin, whereas 90% of psittacines and 97% of carnivores had potential coastal origins. Threatened and conservation-dependent species were common in the traffic. Furthermore, ≥955 animals of 106 species were brought to the clinic due to anthropogenic wildlife conflict. Trafficking, combined with the high number of injured animals, highlights the synergistic threats facing wildlife in Ecuador.

A conflict of visions: Ideas shaping wildlife trade policy toward African megafauna

Abstract Among factors that threaten wild populations of African megafauna, wildlife trade has gained prominence as a global policy issue, with concerted international campaigns aiming to influence the trade of species such as elephants, rhinos and lions. Trade policy is strongly contested, confounding attempts to develop coherent approaches across jurisdictions and through international mechanisms such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This undermines conservation efforts. Understanding the drivers of such conflict may help to address this problem. Scholars of political science increasingly recognise the power of ideas as drivers within policy processes. Guided by this literature, we developed an analytical framework and conducted a thematic analysis to examine the ideas driving wildlife trade policy conflict. Our nested case study approach examined debates over trade policy toward African elephants, rhinos and lions at two levels: the international policy arena of CITES and within a single country, South Africa. Informed by earlier literature, we tracked the evolution of international trade policy debates over a 4‐year period (2016–2019) and analysed submissions to a national policy review process in South Africa that took place during 2020. During the study period, state and non‐state actors contributed to vigorous trade policy debates within seven key thematic issues across the case study species. Arguments were driven by both cognitive ideas, which specify cause‐and‐effect relationships, and normative ideas, which are values‐based and especially salient elements of anti‐trade stances. Fusing these cognitive and normative ideational elements, we identified three distinct overarching narratives relating to wildlife trade policy. These three narratives align with broader environmental policy and political narratives and elucidate inherent tensions within the CITES arena. They also reveal differing ethical interpretations and perceptions of risk and precaution. Policy implications. Wildlife trade policy conflict is driven at least in part by competing ideological visions, which may be entrenched by the CITES Appendix listing system. The structural role of CITES in perpetuating this polarisation—and the consequences thereof—warrants further research. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia theileri and Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in military working dogs and ticks collected from the Republic of Korea Army garrisons in Gangwon Province in 2021–2022

AbstractTick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) are an emerging concern to humans and animals in the Republic of Korea, especially within the military zones of Gangwon Province, a mountainous region abundant with wild fauna and ticks. This study aimed to detect six TBPs in military working dogs (MWDs) and ticks in this region using Nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) and sequencing. The targeted pathogens included Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella henselae, Borrelia spp., Orientia tsutsugamushi, Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) and tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). A total of 164 serum samples from MWDs were collected at the Korean Army Military working dog training center and 1418 ticks were collected at various training sites between June 2021 and August 2022. Haemaphysalis longicornis was identified as the predominant species (98.3%, n = 1394), followed by Haemaphysalis flava (1.6%, n = 22) and Ixodes nipponensis (0.1%, n = 2). This study detected A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia theileri in 1.4% (1/72) of the tick pools and detected SFTSV in 0.6% (1/164) of MWD serum samples. The MWD found to be infected with SFTS was a German Shepherd, but showed no significant clinical signs, with a normal complete blood count (CBC). In the phylogenetic analysis, three sequences were acquired. One sequence (OR865211) exhibited 100% homology with 16S rRNA of A. phagocytophilum identified from animals and human patients in the Republic of Korea. Another sequence (OR865152) displayed 99.34%–100% sequence similarity with 16S rRNA of B. theileri fragments. The third sequence (OR865115), which belongs to the SFTS B‐1 genotype, showed 94.7% sequence similarity to a strain identified in the Republic of Korea (KY789441).

Composition, Conservation Status, and Market Value of Fish Landed at the Labuhan Haji Fishing Port, Aceh, Indonesia

Labuhan Haji Fishing Port (PPP) is the only type C port in the South Aceh. Several types of fish categorised as near threatened and vulnerable, including sharks and rays, are still caught and traded at Labuhan Haji PPP.. This research aims to determine the species composition, species conservation status, and economic value of fish landed at Labuhan Haji PPP South Aceh. This research was conducted in July-August 2022 at the Labuhan Haji Coastal Fishing Port (PPP), Pasar Lama Village, Labuhan Haji District, South Aceh Regency. Identification of fish types is carried out by matching the morphological characteristics of the fish with the morphological characters referring to https://www.fishbase.se/se/search.php. The conservation status of fish species refers to the red lists from IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered of Wild Flora and Fauna), and KEPMEN-KP/1/2021 regarding protected fish species. The economic value of fish was obtained through brief interviews with fish traders at the research site. Besides, the data collected includes the selling price range for fish at Labuhan Haji PPP. The research results showed that Perciformes was the most frequently found order at 37% (26 species, 10 families), and Carangidae was the most frequently found family at 19% (13 species). Based on the IUCN red list, 64% Least concern, 9% Not evaluated, 7% Data deficient, 7% Vulnerable, 6% Near Threatened, 4% Endangered, and 3% Critically endangered. Based on CITES, 7% is recorded as Appendix II, and 93% is not evaluated. Based on Ministerial Decree No.1 KEPMEN-KP/2021 concerning Protected Fish Types, no species are listed as protected fish species in Indonesia. The fish with the highest economic value are from the Serranidae family, with an average price of IDR. 63,333 /Kg and the type of fish with the lowest selling price is from the Mobulidae family, which has an average price of Rp. 8,500/Kg. The types of fish landed at Labuhan Haji PPP are caught using purse seines, gill nets, fishing rods, and floating charts (fish aggregating devices).

Development and validation of a novel forensic STR multiplex assay for blue (Anthropoides paradiseus), wattled (Bugeranus carunculatus), and grey-crowned crane (Balearica regulorum)

The blue crane (Anthropoides paradiseus), wattled crane (Bugeranus carunculatus), and grey-crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) are species of concern as their populations are declining and they face several threats including habitat loss, disturbance and illegal trade. In South Africa, these species are bred in captivity for trade purposes which is permitted and regulated globally under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Legal sustainable trade through captive breeding of endangered wildlife species such as cranes has been promoted to counteract the illegal trade of individuals from the wild. Captive breeding independent of wild populations may reduce the harvest pressures on wild bird populations which in turn benefit the recovery of exploited species. This approach is considered to be controversial by some individuals. Although captive breeding of endangered species, for both population sustainability and commercial purposes, is promoted to aid in conserving species, concerns have been raised with regards to breeding facilities being used for laundering of animals. To monitor the legal trade of cranes in South Africa a short tandem repeat (STR) assay following recommendations of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) was developed and validated. An STR assay comprising of four multiplexes that include 16 STR markers and two gender determination markers was proven to be highly informative with average polymorphic information content (PIC) values of 0.806, 0.646 and 0.725 for A. paradiseus, B. regulorum and B. carunculatus respectively. In addition, the assay showed sufficient discriminatory power for parentage assignment of closely related individuals in all three species (A. paradiseus: PI = 1.7×10−24, PIsibs = 4.7×10−08, and B. carunculatus: PI = 1.4×10−19, PIsibs = 2.9×10−07 and B. regulorum: PI = 1.7×10−12, PIsibs = 5.0×10−05). Analysis of 251 samples suggested that the validated multiplex assay ensures reliability, reproducibility, and repeatability for applications in forensic case work where illegal trade of offspring is suspected through verifying parentage of captive birds in breeding facilities.

Comprehensive genetic analysis reveals the genetic structure and diversity of Calanthe hoshii (Orchidaceae), an endemic species of the Ogasawara Islands: Implications for appropriate conservation of a critically endangered species

AbstractThe Ogasawara Islands, isolated from the continent throughout their geological history, harbor abundant endemic species. However, 32% of the native plant species are on the Japanese Red List, signaling their endangered status. Among these endangered species, Calanthe hoshii stands out as highly susceptible to extinction. Two wild and 89 ex situ individuals were alive in 2020, but the last known wild individual died in October 2021, indicating this species may have become extinct in the wild. Despite the conservation efforts under the Act for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the lack of essential information regarding genetic diversity and population structure among the remaining individuals poses a significant obstacle to developing effective conservation measures. In this research, we conducted a genetic analysis of the wild and ex situ individuals, which revealed notably reduced genetic diversity between individuals, with individual heterozygosity levels (1.0 × 10−5) measuring one‐ninth of those observed within a closely related species Calanthe triplicata (1.5 × 10−4). Comprehensive genetic analysis revealed that C. hoshii consisted of three genetic clusters of different sizes: cluster 1 comprised 95% of the total population, while clusters 2 and 3, with few individuals, were only found in the ex situ populations at Koishikawa Botanical Garden. Since extant C. hoshii maintains a remarkably low genetic diversity at both individual and population levels, it is necessary to consider future management strategies, such as artificial breeding among different clades identified in this study, to safeguard the stability and resilience of this species.

DNA barcodes are ineffective for species identification of Acropora corals from the aquarium trade.

Species identification of stony corals (Scleractinia), which are regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is critical for effective control of harvest quotas, enforcement of trade regulations and species conservation in general. DNA barcoding has the potential to enhance species identification success, depending on the specific taxon concerned and genetic markers used. For Acropora, DNA barcoding, based on the mitochondrial putative control region (mtCR) and the nuclear PaxC intron (PaxC), has been commonly used for species identification and delimitation, but the reliability and robustness of these loci remain contentious. Therefore, we sought to verify the applicability of this approach. In this study, we obtained 127 Acropora colonies from the aquarium trade to test the effectiveness of barcoding mtCR and PaxC for species identification. We were able to recover sequences for both loci in over half of the samples (n = 68), while gene amplification and sequencing of mtCR (n = 125) outperformed PaxC (n = 70). Amongst the 68 samples with both loci recovered, just a single sample could be unambiguously identified to species. Preliminary identities, based on only one gene, were assigned for 40 and 65 samples with mtCR and PaxC, respectively. Further analyses of 110 complete mitochondrial genomes obtained from GenBank showed that, despite the full length of the sequences, only eight species were delimited, of which only three species were correspondingly monophyletic. Therefore, we conclude that the commonly used DNA barcoding markers for Acropora are ineffective for accurate species assignments due to limited variability in both markers and even across the entire mitochondrial genome. Therefore, we propose that barcoding markers should generally not be the only means for identifying corals.