scholarly journals New records, potential distribution, and conservation of the Near Threatened cave bat Natalus macrourus in Brazil

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 579-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Delgado-Jaramillo ◽  
Eder Barbier ◽  
Enrico Bernard
Keyword(s):  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Environmental Suitability ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Near Threatened

AbstractSpecies with specific roosting, foraging or breeding requirements are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. For bats, the availability and environmental condition of caves can be a limiting factor. The cave specialist Natalus macrourus (formerly Natalus espiritosantensis) is categorized as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List but as Vulnerable in Brazil, based on a projected population reduction and a decline in its area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat. There is a lack of knowledge about the species’ distribution, natural history and ecology, information that is required for conservation. Using new occurrence data and potential distribution modelling we evaluated the distribution of N. macrourus in Brazil, analysed pressures on and threats to the species, and assessed the species’ conservation needs. Natalus macrourus is positively associated with areas with higher probability of cave occurrence and negatively associated with areas of high variation in mean daily temperature and mean annual rainfall. Areas with high environmental suitability for N. macrourus correspond to only 3% of the potential distribution modelled. We estimate that the species has already lost 54% of its natural habitat and that there is < 35% of habitat remaining in areas with high environmental suitability. We calculated that approximately half of the caves in areas with high environmental suitability are < 5 km from mining operations and only 4% of the species’ potential distribution lies within protected areas. Given the strong association of N. macrourus with caves, it is important to protect these habitats, and we recommend that caves where the species is present should receive immediate protection.

scholarly journals Conservation implications of the drinking habits of Black-cheeked Lovebirds Agapornis nigrigenis in Zambia

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
LOUISE S. WARBURTON ◽  
MICHAEL R. PERRIN
Keyword(s):  
Natural Habitat ◽  
External Disturbance ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Drinking Behaviour ◽  
Water Supplies ◽  
Drinking Habits ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Artificial Water

Since 1950, the annual rainfall in the habitat of Black-cheeked Lovebirds Agapornis nigrigenis has decreased, increasing dependence on artificial water supplies. In this study, the seasonal water requirements and drinking behaviour of the lovebirds in their natural habitat were investigated. During the dry season, lovebirds drank at the same water-point in the early morning and late afternoon. Flock sizes of birds at drinking sites ranged from 1 to 175 individuals. Birds from one locale all drank at the same waterhole. Black-cheeked Lovebirds were vigilant and highly cautious drinkers that did not drink at waterholes when disturbed by humans or livestock. The implications for conservation of the species are discussed. Since water availability is a limiting factor for the Black-cheeked Lovebird, gradual desiccation of its habitat has caused the reduction of its small distributional range. Because of increasing dependence on artificial water supplies in a highly localized distribution the priority for conservation management of the species must be creating and maintaining water resources with minimal external disturbance.

scholarly journals Species conservation profiles of tarantula spiders (Araneae, Theraphosidae) listed on CITES

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Fukushima ◽  
Jorge Mendoza ◽  
Rick West ◽  
Stuart Longhorn ◽  
Emmanuel Rivera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Central Pacific ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
The Impact

CITES is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Regarding spiders, all species listed in CITES are tarantulas. They are included in Appendix II, meaning that they are species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that they may become so unless trade is closely controlled. Many tarantulas are legally and illegally traded in the pet market and they are one of the most traded invertebrate groups. Originally, the CITES list published in 1995 included all the current species of the genus Brachypelma Simon, 1891 plus Aphonopelma pallidum (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897) and the so-called Aphonopelma albiceps (Pocock, 1903). After that, some taxonomic changes were done, as well as descriptions of new species in the genus Brachypelma. The objective of this paper is to assess the 21 taxonomically valid spider species listed on CITES according to the IUCN criteria, study the general patterns and trends and advise on possible future conservation actions critical for the survival of endangered species. Amongst all 21 species assessed, 16 had sufficient data on their distribution, ecology and threats to properly understand their current status and suggest possible conservation measures. A decline in the area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) was inferred to almost all species, caused mostly by human activities (urbanisation, roads, agricultural and touristic activities), which often lead to the complete loss of subpopulations across their range. Hurricanes and frequent rising water, which are increasing in frequency due to climate change, can cause decline in habitat quality and consequent change in EOO and AOO of some species and should also be considered when planning conservation actions. Severe fragmentation was detected in 13 species and is therefore one of the most relevant threats to the most endangered Brachypelma species and should be made a priority aspect to deal with when proposing conservation actions for the group. Regarding the loss of individuals in wild populations, the main cause seems to be the overharvesting to meet the illegal trade. The most important conservation actions identified across species include preserving their natural habitat through protected areas, establishing management plans for both the species and their habitats and undertaking systematic monitoring to provide information about population recovery and species re-introduction programmes. In general, we propose to prioritise and support research on the population trends and distribution, as well as on the impact of land use and habitat degradation. Special attention regarding conservation actions and research plans has to be given to the central Pacific coastal area of Mexico, particularly around Guerrero State where five species of Brachypelma occur. Critically, for some of the most endangered species, such as B. baumgarteni and B. hamorii, there is no official protected area in their range of occurrence. It would therefore be highly recommended to establish at least one conservation unit which focuses on protecting each of these species in situ. In some cases, basic taxonomic research is needed before development of any appropriate conservation action can be proposed.

scholarly journals Endemic Juniperus Montane Species Facing Extinction Risk under Climate Change in Southwest China: Integrative Approach for Conservation Assessment and Prioritization

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Mohammed A. Dakhil ◽  
Marwa Waseem A. Halmy ◽  
Walaa A. Hassan ◽  
Ali El-Keblawy ◽  
Kaiwen Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Conservation Assessment ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Annual Range ◽  
The Impact

Climate change is an important driver of biodiversity loss and extinction of endemic montane species. In China, three endemic Juniperus spp. (Juniperuspingii var. pingii, J.tibetica, and J.komarovii) are threatened and subjected to the risk of extinction. This study aimed to predict the potential distribution of these three Juniperus species under climate change and dispersal scenarios, to identify critical drivers explaining their potential distributions, to assess the extinction risk by estimating the loss percentage in their area of occupancy (AOO), and to identify priority areas for their conservation in China. We used ensemble modeling to evaluate the impact of climate change and project AOO. Our results revealed that the projected AOOs followed a similar trend in the three Juniperus species, which predicted an entire loss of their suitable habitats under both climate and dispersal scenarios. Temperature annual range and isothermality were the most critical key variables explaining the potential distribution of these three Juniperus species; they contribute by 16–56.1% and 20.4–38.3%, respectively. Accounting for the use of different thresholds provides a balanced approach for species distribution models’ applications in conservation assessment when the goal is to assess potential climatic suitability in new geographical areas. Therefore, south Sichuan and north Yunnan could be considered important priority conservation areas for in situ conservation and search for unknown populations of these three Juniperus species.

scholarly journals O15 Using a smartphone app to characterise and quantify skin colour changes in Raynaud's attacks

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Dinsdale ◽  
Joanne Manning ◽  
Ariane Herrick ◽  
Mark Dickinson ◽  
Christopher Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Colour Change ◽  
Objective Measure ◽  
Skin Colour ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Bhattacharyya Distance ◽  
Automated Method ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background/Aims  The lack of objective outcome measures for Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) has been a major limiting factor in development of effective treatments. At present, the Raynaud's Condition Score (RCS) is the only validated outcome measure, and is highly subjective. Mobile phone technology could provide a way forward. We have developed a smartphone app for RP monitoring that guides the patient through the process of capturing images of their hands during RP episodes, as well as capturing other data through post-attack and daily questionnaires. One of the objectives of our research programme (reported here) was to compare digital image (photographic) parameters to the RCS. Methods  40 patients with RP (8 with primary RP, 32 with RP secondary to systemic sclerosis) were recruited (40 female, median age (range): 57 years (25-74), median (range) duration of RP symptoms: 17 (0-53) years). Patients were given a smartphone handset with a pre-installed Raynaud’s Monitoring app and were trained on how to use it/take usable photographs. They were then asked to take photographs of RP attacks over a 14 day period and also to record the RCS for each episode. The app specifically prompts the patient to take a picture of their hand every minute during an attack, until confirmation is given that the attack is complete. At a 2nd visit, the handsets, images, and data were collected for analysis. The mean colour change during each RP attack was quantified (semi-automated method) by the Bhattacharyya distance (BD) in colour space between a region of interest (e.g. a section of a digit) and a control region (dorsal hand). BD was then compared to the RCS using ANOVA, after controlling for patient variability in the range of RCS values used by each patient. Results  A total of 3,030 images were collected, describing 229 RP attacks. The median RCS reported was 6 (inter-quartile range [IQR]: 4), while the median for BD was 5.6 (IQR 3.2). ANOVA showed that measured values of the mean image BD were significantly different when different values of RCS were recorded by the patient (p &lt; 0.001), i.e. attacks where patients selected different values of RCS had significantly different values of BD. Across all attacks/patients the F-value from ANOVA for RCS was 76.2, suggesting that the variation in BD for different values of RCS is much greater than the variation in BD for any one value of RCS. Conclusion  Patients successfully used a smartphone app to collect photographs and data during episodes of RP. A strong association was found between skin colour change (via BD) and the gold-standard RCS. Mobile phone-documented colour change therefore has potential as an objective measure of RP. Further validation work is now required, as well as studies examining sensitivity to change. Disclosure  G. Dinsdale: None. J. Manning: None. A. Herrick: None. M. Dickinson: None. C. Taylor: None.

scholarly journals Assessment of the rarity and conservation status of the Colombian endemic brown hairy dwarf porcupine Coendou vestitus

Oryx ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
María M. Torres-Martínez ◽  
Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves ◽  
Elkin A. Noguera-Urbano ◽  
Fernando C. Passos
Keyword(s):  
Small Body ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Minimum Convex Polygon ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Species Rarity

Abstract The brown hairy dwarf porcupine Coendou vestitus is a poorly studied Andean species endemic to Colombia. Its current Red List category is contradictory: globally it is categorized as Data Deficient but in Colombia it is categorized as Vulnerable. This contradiction has limited the implementation of conservation programmes. We evaluate the level of rarity of the species and provide consolidated information for a new assessment of its Red List status. We reviewed literature, photographs, and voucher specimens in natural history collections. Using the confirmed records, we estimated the extent of occurrence (EOO) based on the minimum convex polygon and the area of occupancy (AOO) summing the area of grid squares occupied by the species. We found that C. vestitus is very rare, with a small range, low estimated population density, occurrence in only one habitat type and small body size. The species has an EOO of 3,323 km2 and an AOO of 24 km2, based on six confirmed localities, all on the western slopes of the Eastern Cordillera, in the central Andean region of Colombia. Based on the species' rarity, restricted distribution, and threats to its natural habitat, we recommend its categorization as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This will help delineate research and conservation efforts for this porcupine, which has a highly restricted range and inhabits the threatened Andean forest.

scholarly journals Species conservation profiles of cave-dwelling arthropods from Azores, Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Borges ◽  
Lucas Lamelas-Lopez ◽  
Isabel Amorim ◽  
Anja Danielczak ◽  
Mário Boieiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Arthropod Species ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
The Creation

Azorean volcanic cave biodiversity is under considerable pressure due to ongoing threats of pollution, land use change, touristic activities or climate change. In this contribution, we present the IUCN Red List profiles of 15 cave-adapted arthropod species, endemic to the Azorean archipelago, including species belonging to the speciose genus Trechus (Carabidae), which is represented in Azores by seven species. The objective of this paper is to assess all endemic Azorean cave-adapted species and advise on possible future research and conservation actions critical for the long-term survival of the most endangered species. Most species have a restricted distribution (i.e. occur in one or two caves), very small extent of occurrence (EOO) and a small area of occupancy (AOO). A continuing decline in the number of mature individuals is inferred from the ongoing cave habitat degradation. The two troglobitic species of the homopteran genus Cixius are in great danger of extinction due to major land-use changes in epigean habitats above their known localities. We suggest, as future measures of conservation, the regular monitoring of the species (every five years), the creation of additional protected caves, the limitation of several aggressive activities around the caves (e.g. decreasing pasture intensification) and in some cases the creation of fences in the entrance of the most important caves.

scholarly journals Autecology of Drosera burmanni in the Wolobobo Botanic Gardens, Ngada District, Flores Island, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joko Ridho Witono ◽  
DIDI USMADI ◽  
WIHERMANTO ◽  
DANANG WAHYU PURNOMO ◽  
DINA SAFARINANUGRAHA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Distribution ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Imperata Cylindrica ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Limited Area ◽  
Botanic Gardens ◽  
Island Conservation ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Associated Species

Abstract. Witono JR, Usmadi D, Wihermanto, Purnomo DW, Safarinanugraha D, Pakiding Y, Netoseso N. 2020. Autecology of Drosera burmanni in the Wolobobo Botanic Gardens, Ngada District, Flores Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2137-2145. Drosera burmanni Vahl is a native carnivorous plant from tropical and subtropical Asia to the West Pacific, including Flores Island. During the botanical survey, a small population of the species was found in a limited area in the Wolobobo Botanic Gardens, Flores Island. Conservation of the species is necessary, since the habitat might be developed for the botanic gardens infrastructure. This research aims to study the autecology of D. burmanni, including environmental preferences and its associated species. Thirty plots with 2 x 2 m each were made to recognize its associated species and the pattern of its population distribution and its soil requirements. In the Wolobobo Botanic Gardens, D. burmanni flourishes with an average annual rainfall of 1835 mm; a temperature of 12.50-26.2° C; 48-99% humidity; at an altitude of 1489-1491 m asl.; a soil pH of 6.66, which contains very high C-organic, a high C/N ratio, moderate N total, K2O, P2O5, low CEC, and very low K, Na, Ca, Mg, and BS. Drosera burmanni displays a density of 8.5 individuals per m2 and is associated with 20 species, which belong to 19 genera and 9 families. The species has a clustering pattern and a positive association with Erigeron sumatrensis, Spinifex littoreus, and Imperata cylindrica. To conserve D. burmanni in the Wolobobo Botanic Gardens, it is necessary to designate its natural habitat as an in situ conservation area.

Captive management and the maintenance of genetic diversity in a vulnerable marsupial, the greater bilby

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J. Miller ◽  
Mark D. B. Eldridge ◽  
Keith Morris ◽  
Neil Thomas ◽  
Catherine A. Herbert
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
Genetic Impact ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

The endemic Australian greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is a vulnerable and iconic species. It has declined significantly due to habitat loss, as well as competition and predation from introduced species. Conservation measures include a National Recovery Plan that incorporates several captive breeding programs. Two of these programs were established within 12 months of one another (1997/98), with the same number and sex ratio of founding individuals, but executed different breeding strategies: (1) unmanipulated mating in semi–free range natural habitat versus (2) minimising mean kinship in large enclosures, with the supplementation of new individuals into both populations. This study evaluates the long-term genetic impact of these programs and examines the congruency between the pedigree studbook estimates of diversity and molecular data. Our data demonstrate that genetic diversity was maintained in both populations, with the supplementation of new individuals contributing to the gene pool. The studbook estimates of diversity and inbreeding are not consistent with the microsatellite data and should not solely be relied upon to evaluate the genetic health of captive populations. Our analyses suggest that captive breeding programs may not require costly and intensive management to effectively maintain long-term genetic diversity in a promiscuous species.

scholarly journals IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTION OF NATIVE AND INVASIVE GRASSES IN THE CERRADO

FLORESTA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 1555
Author(s):  
Paula Alves Oliveira ◽  
Cristiane Coelho De Moura ◽  
Lidia Gabriella Santos ◽  
Israel Marinho Pereira ◽  
Marcelo Leandro Bueno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Melinis Minutiflora ◽  
Environmental Suitability ◽  
Current Period ◽  
Invasive Grasses ◽  
African Grasses ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Exotic Grass

Biological invasion, mainly by African grasses, is one of the main threats to the Cerrado's biodiversity. The objective of this study was to elucidate the distribution patterns of the exotic grass Melinis minutiflora and the native grass Trichanthecium cyanescens, in order to verify the areas of potential occurrence of these species and, thus, to infer if their potential distribution will be affected by climate changes. Species occurrence data and ten uncorrelated climatic variables referring to the forecasts for the current period and future forecasts (2050 and 2070) were used for the analysis of the modeling. The models indicated the existence of environmental suitability, with AUCs above 0.8 (good) being observed in M. minutiflora and above 0.9 (excellent) in T. cyanescens. It is concluded that climate change may have negative impacts on the geographic distribution of these species, reducing the area of environmental suitability for them. In addition, the species studied have similar areas of potential distribution and regularly overlap, which can make M. minutiflora a threat to the conservation of T. cyanences, due to the invasion potential of the first.

scholarly journals Potential Distribution of the Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in Different Land Covers of Nepal: Implications for Conservation

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hari Prasad Sharma ◽  
Bhagawat Rimal ◽  
Mingxia Zhang ◽  
Sandhya Sharma ◽  
Laxman Prasad Poudyal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Cultivated Land ◽  
Manis Pentadactyla ◽  
Suitable Habitats ◽  
Species Specific

Anthropogenic activities have driven many wildlife species towards extinction. Among these species, the geographic distributions of many are poorly documented, which can limit the effectiveness of conservation. The critically endangered Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is experiencing population decline throughout its range due to land-use changes and illegal trade for food and traditional medicine. Using distribution records and maximum entropy modeling, we predicted the potential distribution of the Chinese pangolin across Nepal. Most suitable potential habitats of the Chinese pangolin occurred in forest areas of the mid-hill region in central and eastern Nepal, followed by cultivated land. Almost all potential suitable habitats of the Chinese pangolin occurred outside of protected areas, and most of them were encroached upon by cultivated land, human settlements, and infrastructure developments. The results from this study provide baseline information on the potential suitable habitats of the Chinese pangolin in Nepal, which helps to develop site- and species-specific management plans and to identify priority areas to minimize the current threats to the pangolin and enhance the stewardship of species conservation.

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