scholarly journals Monitoring elasmobranch assemblages in a data-poor country from the Eastern Tropical Pacific using baited remote underwater video stations

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Espinoza ◽  
Tatiana Araya-Arce ◽  
Isaac Chaves-Zamora ◽  
Isaac Chinchilla ◽  
Marta Cambra
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Poor Country ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Underwater Video ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
The Pacific

Abstract Understanding how threatened species are distributed in space and time can have direct applications to conservation planning. However, implementing standardized methods to monitor populations of wide-ranging species is often expensive and challenging. In this study, we used baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) to quantify elasmobranch abundance and distribution patterns across a gradient of protection in the Pacific waters of Costa Rica. Our BRUVS survey detected 29 species, which represents 54% of the entire elasmobranch diversity reported to date in shallow waters (< 60 m) of the Pacific of Costa Rica. Our data demonstrated that elasmobranchs benefit from no-take MPAs, yet large predators are relatively uncommon or absent from open-fishing sites. We showed that BRUVS are capable of providing fast and reliable estimates of the distribution and abundance of data-poor elasmobranch species over large spatial and temporal scales, and in doing so, they can provide critical information for detecting population-level changes in response to multiple threats such as overfishing, habitat degradation and climate change. Moreover, given that 66% of the species detected are threatened, a well-designed BRUVS survey may provide crucial population data for assessing the conservation status of elasmobranchs. These efforts led to the establishment of a national monitoring program focused on elasmobranchs and key marine megafauna that could guide monitoring efforts at a regional scale.

scholarly journals Habitat Restoration Across Large Areas: Assessing Wildlife Responses in the Clearwater Basin, Idaho

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. K. Svancara ◽  
G. Servheen ◽  
W. Melquist ◽  
D. Davis ◽  
J. M. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Habitat Management ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Management Actions

Abstract Over the past century, fire suppression and prevention have altered disturbance regimes across the Pacific Northwest, resulting in a significant divergence of historical and current conditions in forested habitats. To address this continuing trend in habitat changes and begin restoring historical patterns of disturbance, the Clearwater Basin Elk Habitat Initiative (CEI) proposes relatively extensive management actions in the Clearwater basin of north-central Idaho. We attempted to evaluate potential effects of such management actions on selected wildlife species using extant data sets and suggest ways to improve such projects with respect to a multispecies and adaptive management approach. Although there is increased interest in ecosystem management over large areas, the increased scale of analysis and implementation require a substantial increase in the level of species information beyond what currently exists. We conclude that baseline information required for an effective multispecies land-management policy in the Clearwater basin does not exist for many terrestrial wildlife species. To implement a true multispecies or ecosystem approach, wildlife and land managers should cooperate to increase existing population data and modeling efforts for wildlife species in the basin and develop a sustainable monitoring program to evaluate habitat management changes and their influence on wildlife populations within the context of adaptive management theory. Management actions to restore disturbance patterns should attempt spatial and temporal scales that are biologically relevant to the population ecology of species being affected. West. J. Appl. For. 19(2): 123–132.

СИСТЕМЫ СТАЦИОНАРНОГО ПОДВОДНОГО ВИДЕОНАБЛЮДЕНИЯ ПРИБРЕЖНЫХ АКВАТОРИЙ

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
V.K. Fishchenko ◽  
P.S. Zimin ◽  
A.V. Zatserkovnyy ◽  
A.E. Subote ◽  
A.V. Golik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Biology ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Underwater Video ◽  
Vital Activity ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Underwater Cameras ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
External Conditions ◽  
Marine Vessels

В Тихоокеанском океанологическом институте (ТОИ) ДВО РАН с 2012 г. ведутся разработки и исследования возможностей технологий стационарного подводного видеонаблюдения. Развернуты три подводныхкомплекса: два в бухте Алексеева (о-в Попова) и один в бухте Витязь (зал. Посьета). К настоящему времени накоплены значительные объемы информации в виде моментальных снимков и видеозаписей подводныхсцен. Разработаны интерфейсы для предоставления этой информации пользователям по каналам сети Интернет. Разработаны технологии поддержки работы территориально разнесенных экспертов, составляющихбиологические описания видеоматериалов, подобных тем, которые разрабатываются в ведущих зарубежныхорганизациях по морской биологии. Разработаны и апробированы методики оценивания по видеоинформации параметров жизнедеятельности некоторых видов морских гидробионтов. Благодаря непрерывностинаблюдения зафиксировано нескольких редких случаев, представляющих интерес для морских биологов. Разработаны и апробированы методики оценивания гидрологических характеристик среды на основе анализавидеотрансляций с подводных камер. Эти результаты представляются важными в контексте сопровождениянаблюдений за жизнедеятельностью морской биоты данными о внешних условиях, в которых она происходит. Продемонстрирована возможность использования звукового канала камер для регистрации и анализаакустических шумов от морских судов. Продемонстрирована возможность применения подводных видеокомплексов для организации экспериментов по изучению реакции морских гидробионтов на воздействие целенаправленных физических сигналов.Since 2012, the Pacific Oceanological Institute of FarEastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science has beendeveloping and studying the capabilities of technologies ofstationary underwater video surveillance. Three of the underwatercomplexes have been deployed in different waterareas: two in the Alekseev Bay (Popova Island) and one inVityaz Bay (Posyet Gulf). At this point, complexes have accumulateda significant amount of data in the form of snapshotsand video recordings of underwater scenes, which canbe accessed through designed Internet-based interfaces. Allthe surveillance systems contain technologies as a support ofthe work of geographically dispersed experts involved in thebiological description of video materials, similar to ones developedin leading worldwide marine biology organizations.Besides, the estimation of vital parameters of some marinelife species by the video recordings can be performed usingdeveloped and tested methods. Thanks to continuous observation,the designed systems have already recorded severalrare cases of interest for marine biologists. Hydrologicalcharacteristics of surrounding media can be studied usingdeveloped and tested methods of analysis of video streamingfrom underwater cameras. These results are especially crucialfor accompanying observations of the vital activity ofmarine organisms with data on external conditions in whichthey occur. Cameras built-in audio channels can be used forrecording and analyzing noises of marine vessels. Designedunderwater video complexes provide an opportunity forconducting experiments on studying the reaction of marineorganisms to dedicated physical signals.

Chasing the phantom: biogeography and conservation of Vipera latastei-monticola in the Maghreb (North Africa)

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inês Freitas ◽  
Soumia Fahd ◽  
Guillermo Velo-Antón ◽  
Fernando Martínez-Freiría
Keyword(s):  
North Africa ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Niche Modelling ◽  
Habitat Transformation ◽  
Mountain Ranges ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Suitable Space ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The Maghreb region (North Africa) constitutes a major component of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot. During the last centuries, a consistent human population growth has led to an unprecedented rate of habitat transformation and loss in the region and thus, threatening its biodiversity. The Western Mediterranean viper Vipera latastei-monticola inhabits humid and subhumid areas in the main mountain ranges of the Maghreb, facing such threatening factors; however, its elusive character and rarity hindered data collection for distinct biological purposes. Here, we study the biogeographical patterns and conservation status of the Maghrebian V. latastei-monticola resulting from recent sampling campaigns in Morocco and Tunisia. We update species distribution, and integrate phylogeographic and ecological niche modelling analyses at both species and lineage level to identify suitable areas, and to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic transformation and level of protection of their suitable space. We identified four highly divergent mitochondrial lineages, including a new lineage endemic to the Western High Atlas, with allopatric distributions and restricted to mountain ranges, supporting the role of mountains as past climatic refugia. Despite the remoteness of suitable areas, we report widespread habitat degradation and identify the low effectiveness of the current protected areas system in preserving the species and lineages range. Our study shows the urgent need to apply management actions for the long-term conservation of this vulnerable species and suggests a revaluation of the specific status of V. monticola, as these populations likely represent an ecotype of V. latastei.

scholarly journals Global extinction risk for seahorses, pipefishes and their near relatives (Syngnathiformes)

Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Riley A. Pollom ◽  
Gina M. Ralph ◽  
Caroline M. Pollock ◽  
Amanda C.J. Vincent
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Selective Extraction ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Point Estimate ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Data Deficient

Abstract Few marine taxa have been comprehensively assessed for their conservation status, despite heavy pressures from fishing, habitat degradation and climate change. Here we report on the first global assessment of extinction risk for 300 species of syngnathiform fishes known as of 2017, using the IUCN Red List criteria. This order of bony teleosts is dominated by seahorses, pipefishes and seadragons (family Syngnathidae). It also includes trumpetfishes (Aulostomidae), shrimpfishes (Centriscidae), cornetfishes (Fistulariidae) and ghost pipefishes (Solenostomidae). At least 6% are threatened, but data suggest a mid-point estimate of 7.9% and an upper bound of 38%. Most of the threatened species are seahorses (Hippocampus spp.: 14/42 species, with an additional 17 that are Data Deficient) or freshwater pipefishes of the genus Microphis (2/18 species, with seven additional that are Data Deficient). Two species are Near Threatened. Nearly one-third of syngnathiformes (97 species) are Data Deficient and could potentially be threatened, requiring further field research and evaluation. Most species (61%) were, however, evaluated as Least Concern. Primary threats to syngnathids are (1) overexploitation, primarily by non-selective fisheries, for which most assessments were determined by criterion A (Hippocampus) and/or (2) habitat loss and degradation, for which assessments were determined by criterion B (Microphis and some Hippocampus). Threatened species occurred in most regions but more are found in East and South-east Asia and in South African estuaries. Vital conservation action for syngnathids, including constraining fisheries, particularly non-selective extraction, and habitat protection and rehabilitation, will benefit many other aquatic species.

New species of Calathea (Marantaceae) endemic to Costa Rica

1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1356-1362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Costa Rica ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Osa Peninsula ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Pacific Slope ◽  
Cordillera De Talamanca

Calathea hylaeanthoides Kennedy, Calathea retroflexa Kennedy, and Calathea incompta Kennedy are described as new. All three species are endemic to Costa Rica. Calathea hylaeanthoides and C. incompta are from the Osa Peninsula, while C. retroflexa is from midelevation on the Pacific slope of the Cordillera de Talamanca. Calathea hylaeanthoides belongs to Calathea section Breviscapus, C. retroflexa belongs to Calathea section Calathea, and C. incompta belongs to the "Ornata group" of Calathea. Key words: Marantaceae, Calathea, Costa Rica, endemism.

First study of the Polycladida (Rhabditophora, Platyhelminthes) from the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4964 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-381
Author(s):  
PATRICIA SOUTULLO ◽  
DANIEL CUADRADO ◽  
CAROLINA NOREÑA
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Intertidal Zone ◽  
Pacific Coast ◽  
New Records ◽  
Rocky Intertidal ◽  
Animal Kingdom ◽  
Invertebrate Diversity ◽  
Marine Park ◽  
Rocky Intertidal Zone ◽  
The Pacific

In the present work was carried out in the intertidal zone of Las Baulas de Guanacaste National Marine Park (PNMB) located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.                The main objective was to contribute to knowledge about the invertebrate diversity of the park, one of the richest bioregions on the planet, about which little is known. This study assesses the Order Polycladida Lang, 1884, a cornerstone of this ecosystem and one of the most cosmopolitan and plastic invertebrate taxa in the animal kingdom.                In total, 57 individuals were collected in the rocky intertidal zone of Carbón and Langosta beaches. Nine different species were identified, of which four are new for Costa Rica: Semonia bauliensis n. sp.; Cryptostylochus sesei n. sp.; Paraplanocera angeli n. sp., Prostheceraeus fitae n. sp.; and five new records: Paraplanocera oligoglena (Schmarda, 1859); Marcusia ernesti Hyman, 1953; Enchiridium magec Cuadrado, Moro & Noreña, 2017; Pseudobiceros bajae (Hyman, 1953); and the genus Boninia spp. 

scholarly journals Mortality among young Nicaraguan immigrants to Costa Rica: deaths from disease versus injury

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger E. Bonilla ◽  
Juan B. Chavarría
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
Costa Rica ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Native Population ◽  
Relative Risks ◽  
Census 2000

The aim of this research was to investigate mortality among young Nicaraguan immigrants to Costa Rica (disease versus injury deaths) and compare it with the young native population. The study focused on persons aged 15 to 34 years, due to the relative importance of the injury deaths in this age group. Deaths (numerators) and population data (denominators), which were obtained from the 10th Population and Housing Census 2000, were used to calculate the mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants. The relative risk (RR) results from dividing each set of causal standardized mortality rates. Approximately 66% of deaths among Nicaraguan immigrants are injury deaths versus 57% for the native population. Immigrants have higher relative risks (RR) of mortality than natives for injury deaths (homicides RR=2.00, other accidents RR=1.70, and vehicular accidents RR=1.17). We emphasize that Nicaraguan immigrants have twice the risk of dying from homicide than the native population.

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