scholarly journals Predicting the potential threat of Casuarina equisetifolia to three endemic plant species on the Turks and Caicos Islands

Oryx ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe J. Hardman ◽  
Sophie Williams ◽  
Bryan Naqqi Manco ◽  
Martin A. Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Endemic Plants ◽  
Casuarina Equisetifolia ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Turks And Caicos Islands ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

AbstractInvasive species are one of the main threats to the loss of global biodiversity. Controlling such species requires a high input of effort and resources and therefore it is important to focus control on areas that will maximize gains for conservation. We present a spatial modelling approach that will help target control efforts. We used presence-only data to develop habitat suitability models for the invasive tree Casuarina equisetifolia and three endemic plant species on the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. Substantial overlap was found between suitable areas for the endemics and C. equisetifolia. Evidence for the potential harm that C. equisetifolia could cause to native vegetation was assessed using paired areas with and without invasion. Areas with C. equisetifolia present had lower native plant species richness than areas where it was absent, which suggests a negative effect of invasion on the growth of native plants. No endemic plants were found in areas where C. equisetifolia was present. Based on the data collected we recommend that the three endemic species be categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. By highlighting areas where the endemic plants are found and demonstrating a potential threat to these habitats, we provide a plan for the designation of six Important Plant Areas to promote conservation of these endemic species.

scholarly journals Potential ecosystem service delivery by endemic plants in New Zealand vineyards: successes and prospects

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan Shields ◽  
Jean-Marie Tompkins ◽  
David J Saville ◽  
Colin D Meurk ◽  
Stephen Wratten
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Endemic Plants ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

Vineyards worldwide occupy over 7 million hectares and are typically virtual monocultures, with high and costly inputs of water and agro-chemicals. Understanding and enhancing ecosystem services can reduce inputs and their costs and help satisfy market demands for evidence of more sustainable practices. In this New Zealand work, low-growing, endemic plant species were evaluated for their potential benefits as Service Providing Units (SPUs) or Ecosystem Service Providers (ESPs). The services provided were weed suppression, conservation of beneficial invertebrates, soil moisture retention and microbial activity. The potential Ecosystem Dis-services (EDS) from the selected plant species by hosting the larvae of a key vine moth pest, the light-brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana), was also quantified. Questionnaires were used to evaluate winegrowers’ perceptions of the value of and problems associated with such endemic plant species in their vineyards. Growth and survival rates of the 14 plant species, in eight families, were evaluated, with Leptinella dioica (Asteraceae) and Acaena inermis ‘purpurea’ (Rosaceae) having the highest growth rates in terms of area covered and the highest survival rate after 12 months. All 14 plant species suppressed weeds, with Leptinella squalida, Geranium sessiliforum (Geraniaceae), Hebe chathamica (Plantaginaceae), Scleranthus uniflorus (Caryophyllaceae) and L. dioica, each reducing weed cover by > 95%. Plant species also differed in the diversity of arthropod taxa that they supported, with the Shannon Wiener diversity index (H') for these arthropods ranging from 0 to 1.3. G. sessiliforum and Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Polygonaceae) had the highest invertebrate diversity. Density of spiders was correlated with arthropod diversity and G. sessiliflorum and H. chathamica had the highest densities of these arthropods. Several plant species led to higher soil moisture content than in control plots. The best performing species in this context were A. inermis ‘purpurea’ and Lobelia angulata (Lobeliaceae). Soil beneath all plant species had a higher microbial activity than in control plots, with L. dioica being highest in this respect. Survival proportion to the adult stage of the moth pest, E. postvittana, on all plant species was poor (<0.3). When judged by a ranking combining multiple criteria, the most promising plant species were (in decreasing order) G. sessiliflorum, A. inermis ‘purpurea’, H. chathamica, M. axillaris, L. dioica, L. angulata, L. squalida and S. uniflorus. Winegrowers surveyed said that they probably would deploy endemic plants around their vines. This research demonstrates that enhancing plant diversity in vineyards can deliver SPUs, harbour ESPs and therefore deliver ES. The data also shows that growers are willing to follow these protocols, with appropriate advice founded on sound research.

scholarly journals New distribution record of two endemic plant species, Euphorbia kadapensis Sarojin. & R.R.V. Raju (Euphorbiaceae) and Lepidagathis keralensis Madhus. & N.P. Singh (Acanthaceae), for Karnataka, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 17045-17048
Author(s):  
P. Raja ◽  
N. Dhatchanamoorthy ◽  
S. Soosairaj ◽  
P. Jansirani
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Southern India ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Endemic Plant Species ◽  
First Time ◽  
Distribution Record ◽  
New Distribution

Euphorbia kadapensis Sarojin. & R.R.V. Raju (Euphorbiaceae) and Lepidagathis keralensis Madhus. & N.P. Singh (Acanthaceae) an endemic species are first time reported for Karnataka in southern India. A detailed description, photographs and herbarium sheets of the taxon are provided for easy identification.

scholarly journals Endemic plants in the flora of Shutman (Sharri Mountain), Kosovo – an analysis of phytogeographical elements and life forms

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Haxhi Halilaj ◽  
◽  
Lirika Kupe ◽  
Avdyl Bajrami ◽  
Pirro Icka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Life Forms ◽  
Endemic Plants ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Herbaceous Perennials ◽  
Floristic Elements ◽  
Endemic Plant Species ◽  
First Time ◽  
Distribution Record

This paper aims to present the diversity of endemic plants in the Shutman area and an analysis of chorological groups and life forms. The flora of Shutman comprises 31 endemic plant species. Among them, there are 20 Balkan endemics, 1 stenoendemic and 5 sub-endemic species. They belong to 20 genera and 13 families. The richest among the endemics are families Asteraceae and Caryophyllaceae, both with 4 species. All endemics are herbaceous perennials. Hemicryptophytes dominate among life forms, accounting for 58.06%. Most of the species are Balkan floristic elements (20 species or 64.52%), followed by Southeast European and South European floristic elements, both with 3 taxa (9.68%). A total of 27 species have national or international conservation status. Reporting of Ranunculus degenii Kümmerle & Jav. for the first time in Shutman makes this area the second distribution record of this plant in Kosovo.

scholarly journals Graminoid Invasion in an Insular Endemism Hotspot and Its Protected Areas

Diversity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna J. Walentowitz ◽  
Severin D. H. Irl ◽  
Aurelio Jesús Acevedo Rodríguez ◽  
Ángel Palomares-Martínez ◽  
Vanessa Vetter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Island Ecosystems ◽  
La Palma ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

Invasive plant species are increasingly altering species composition and the functioning of ecosystems from a local to a global scale. The grass species Pennisetum setaceum has recently raised concerns as an invader on different archipelagos worldwide. Among these affected archipelagos are the Canary Islands, which are a hotspot of endemism. Consequently, conservation managers and stakeholders are interested in the potential spreading of this species in the archipelago. We identify the current extent of the suitable habitat for P. setaceum on the island of La Palma to assess how it affects island ecosystems, protected areas (PAs), and endemic plant species richness. We recorded in situ occurrences of P. setaceum from 2010 to 2018 and compiled additional ones from databases at a 500 m × 500 m resolution. To assess the current suitable habitat and possible distribution patterns of P. setaceum on the island, we built an ensemble model. We projected habitat suitability for island ecosystems and PAs and identified risks for total as well as endemic plant species richness. The suitable habitat for P. setaceum is calculated to cover 34.7% of the surface of La Palma. In open ecosystems at low to mid elevations, where native ecosystems are already under pressure by land use and human activities, the spread of the invader will likely lead to additional threats to endemic plant species. Forest ecosystems (e.g., broadleaved evergreen and coniferous forests) are not likely to be affected by the spread of P. setaceum because of its heliophilous nature. Our projection of suitable habitat of P. setaceum within ecosystems and PAs on La Palma supports conservationists and policymakers in prioritizing management and control measures and acts as an example for the potential threat of this graminoid invader on other islands.

scholarly journals Potential ecosystem service delivery by endemic plants in New Zealand vineyards: successes and prospects

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan Shields ◽  
Jean-Marie Tompkins ◽  
David J Saville ◽  
Colin D Meurk ◽  
Stephen Wratten
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Endemic Plants ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

Vineyards worldwide occupy over 7 million hectares and are typically virtual monocultures, with high and costly inputs of water and agro-chemicals. Understanding and enhancing ecosystem services can reduce inputs and their costs and help satisfy market demands for evidence of more sustainable practices. In this New Zealand work, low-growing, endemic plant species were evaluated for their potential benefits as Service Providing Units (SPUs) or Ecosystem Service Providers (ESPs). The services provided were weed suppression, conservation of beneficial invertebrates, soil moisture retention and microbial activity. The potential Ecosystem Dis-services (EDS) from the selected plant species by hosting the larvae of a key vine moth pest, the light-brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana), was also quantified. Questionnaires were used to evaluate winegrowers’ perceptions of the value of and problems associated with such endemic plant species in their vineyards. Growth and survival rates of the 14 plant species, in eight families, were evaluated, with Leptinella dioica (Asteraceae) and Acaena inermis ‘purpurea’ (Rosaceae) having the highest growth rates in terms of area covered and the highest survival rate after 12 months. All 14 plant species suppressed weeds, with Leptinella squalida, Geranium sessiliforum (Geraniaceae), Hebe chathamica (Plantaginaceae), Scleranthus uniflorus (Caryophyllaceae) and L. dioica, each reducing weed cover by > 95%. Plant species also differed in the diversity of arthropod taxa that they supported, with the Shannon Wiener diversity index (H') for these arthropods ranging from 0 to 1.3. G. sessiliforum and Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Polygonaceae) had the highest invertebrate diversity. Density of spiders was correlated with arthropod diversity and G. sessiliflorum and H. chathamica had the highest densities of these arthropods. Several plant species led to higher soil moisture content than in control plots. The best performing species in this context were A. inermis ‘purpurea’ and Lobelia angulata (Lobeliaceae). Soil beneath all plant species had a higher microbial activity than in control plots, with L. dioica being highest in this respect. Survival proportion to the adult stage of the moth pest, E. postvittana, on all plant species was poor (<0.3). When judged by a ranking combining multiple criteria, the most promising plant species were (in decreasing order) G. sessiliflorum, A. inermis ‘purpurea’, H. chathamica, M. axillaris, L. dioica, L. angulata, L. squalida and S. uniflorus. Winegrowers surveyed said that they probably would deploy endemic plants around their vines. This research demonstrates that enhancing plant diversity in vineyards can deliver SPUs, harbour ESPs and therefore deliver ES. The data also shows that growers are willing to follow these protocols, with appropriate advice founded on sound research.

Distributional pattern of plant species endemic to the Northern Territory, Australia

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 627 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Z. Woinarski ◽  
C. Hempel ◽  
I. Cowie ◽  
K. Brennan ◽  
R. Kerrigan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Fire Regimes ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Distributional Pattern ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Convex Polygons ◽  
Topographic Complexity ◽  
Arnhem Land ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

The distributions of the 567 plant species considered to be endemic to the Northern Territory, Australia, were collated from a distributional database comprising about 600 000 records. Endemic species comprise a non-random taxonomic subset of all plants known from the Northern Territory. Because of substantial geographic disparity in collecting effort, we analysed geographic patterning of these endemic species by using both (1) actual records only and (2) interpolated ranges (minimum convex polygons). The geographic distribution of the number of Northern Territory endemic plant species was well predicted by a measure of topographic complexity and climate (particularly rainfall). The observed distributional patterning of endemic species was also influenced by survey effort, but this latter influence was substantially reduced by the use of minimum convex polygons. Both analyses revealed that there was a clear aggregation of endemic species in the 32 000 km2 of the sandstone plateau of western Arnhem Land. This ‘hotspot’ has been previously recognised in coarser-scale assessments of national and international centres of plant biodiversity. Our analysis concluded that 172 species are restricted to this plateau, and that the plateau comprised at least 90% of the distribution of a further 25 species. More broadly, 438 plant species are endemic to the northern part of the Northern Territory (the 316 000 km2 north of 16°S), a level of endemism that may match that of Cape York Peninsula and surpasses that of the Kimberley. The core area for Northern Territory endemic plants, the plateau of western Arnhem Land, is currently threatened, particularly by unfavourable fire regimes.

scholarly journals Potential ecosystem service delivery by endemic plants in New Zealand vineyards: successes and prospects

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan W. Shields ◽  
Jean-Marie Tompkins ◽  
David J. Saville ◽  
Colin D. Meurk ◽  
Stephen Wratten
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Endemic Plants ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

Vineyards worldwide occupy over 7 million hectares and are typically virtual monocultures, with high and costly inputs of water and agro-chemicals. Understanding and enhancing ecosystem services can reduce inputs and their costs and help satisfy market demands for evidence of more sustainable practices. In this New Zealand work, low-growing, endemic plant species were evaluated for their potential benefits as Service Providing Units (SPUs) or Ecosystem Service Providers (ESPs). The services provided were weed suppression, conservation of beneficial invertebrates, soil moisture retention and microbial activity. The potential Ecosystem Dis-services (EDS) from the selected plant species by hosting the larvae of a key vine moth pest, the light-brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana), was also quantified. Questionnaires were used to evaluate winegrowers’ perceptions of the value of and problems associated with such endemic plant species in their vineyards. Growth and survival rates of the 14 plant species, in eight families, were evaluated, withLeptinella dioica(Asteraceae) andAcaena inermis‘purpurea’ (Rosaceae) having the highest growth rates in terms of area covered and the highest survival rate after 12 months. All 14 plant species suppressed weeds, withLeptinella squalida, Geranium sessiliforum(Geraniaceae),Hebe chathamica(Plantaginaceae),Scleranthus uniflorus(Caryophyllaceae) andL. dioica, each reducing weed cover by >95%. Plant species also differed in the diversity of arthropods that they supported, with the Shannon Wiener diversity index (H′) for these taxa ranging from 0 to 1.3.G. sessiliforumandMuehlenbeckia axillaris(Polygonaceae) had the highest invertebrate diversity. Density of spiders was correlated with arthropod diversity andG. sessiliflorumandH. chathamicahad the highest densities of these arthropods. Several plant species associated with higher soil moisture content than in control plots. The best performing species in this context wereA. inermis‘purpurea’ andLobelia angulata(Lobeliaceae). Soil beneath all plant species had a higher microbial activity than in control plots, withL. dioicabeing highest in this respect. Survival proportion to the adult stage of the moth pest,E. postvittana, on all plant species was poor (<0.3). When judged by a ranking combining multiple criteria, the most promising plant species were (in decreasing order)G. sessiliflorum, A. inermis‘purpurea’,H. chathamica, M. axillaris, L. dioica, L. angulata, L. squalidaandS. uniflorus. Winegrowers surveyed said that they probably would deploy endemic plants around their vines. This research demonstrates that enhancing plant diversity in vineyards can deliver SPUs, harbour ESPs and therefore deliver ES. The data also shows that growers are willing to follow these protocols, with appropriate advice founded on sound research.

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