scholarly journals Protected areas are not effective for the conservation of freshwater insects in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karina Dias-Silva ◽  
Thiago Bernardi Vieira ◽  
Felipe Ferraz Figueiredo Moreira ◽  
Leandro Juen ◽  
Neusa Hamada
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Distributional Pattern ◽  
Conservation Units ◽  
Degree Of Protection ◽  
Current State ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables ◽  
Specialist Species

AbstractBiodiversity conservation has faced many challenges, especially the conversion of natural areas that compete with use for agriculture, energy production and mineral extraction. This problem is further aggravated by lack of knowledge of the biodiversity that exists and the geographical distribution of different groups. The objectives of our study were to examine the distributional pattern of Gerromorpha diversity in Brazil, create a map of conservation priority areas, estimate the degree of protection that the current network of protected areas guarantees to this insect group, and identify the size thresholds in geographical distributions that would allow species to be protected. We used species occurrences from the Water Bugs Distributional Database, and we used 19 bioclimatic variables to build models of the potential distributions of species using the MaxEnt program. Using the potential model results, we calculated diversity metrics and overlapped them with the current state and federal “conservation units” (protected areas for biodiversity) in Brazil. Total beta diversity and turnover portions were separated into two faunistic groups, one in northern and the other in southern Brazil. The Amazon has higher beta diversity than what was predicted by the null models. We detected a positive relationship between species distribution area and occurrence in conservation units. Conservation units with less than 250 km2 do not protect Gerromorpha species. Our results reinforce the necessity of formulating new conservation strategies for this group, contemplating species with both restricted and ample distributions, because rare and specialist species are the most harmed by habitat reduction, given that they are more sensitive to environmental disturbance.

scholarly journals Are Protected Areas Effective In the Conservation of Priority Areas for Freshwater Insects In Brazil?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karina Dias-Silva ◽  
Thiago Vieira ◽  
Felipe Ferraz Figueiredo Moreira ◽  
Leandro Juen ◽  
Neusa Hamada
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Distributional Pattern ◽  
Conservation Units ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Current State ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables ◽  
Specialist Species

Abstract Biodiversity conservation has faced many challenges, especially the conversion of natural areas that compete with use for agriculture, energy production and mineral extraction. This problem is further aggravated by lack of knowledge of the biodiversity that exists and the geographical distribution of different groups. The objectives of our study were to examine the distributional pattern of Gerromorpha diversity in Brazil, create a map of conservation priority areas, measure the importance level of the current network of protected areas, and identify the size thresholds in geographical distributions that would allow species to be protected. We used species occurrences from the Water Bugs Distributional Database, and we used 19 bioclimatic variables to build models of the potential distributions of species using the MaxEnt program. Using the potential model results, we calculated diversity metrics and overlapped them with the current state and federal “conservation units” (protected areas for biodiversity) in Brazil. Total beta diversity and turnover portions were separated into two faunistic groups, one in northern and the other in southern Brazil. The Amazon has higher beta diversity than what was predicted by the null models. We detected a positive relationship between species distribution area and occurrence in conservation units. Conservation units with less than 250 km² do not protect Gerromorpha species. We reinforce the necessity of formulating new conservation strategies for this group, contemplating species with both restricted and ample distributions, because rare and specialist species are the most harmed by habitat reduction, given that they are more sensitive to environmental disturbance.

scholarly journals Historical signatures in the alpha and beta diversity patterns of Atlantic Forest harvestman communities (Arachnida: Opiliones)

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (7) ◽  
pp. 631-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.A. Nogueira ◽  
C. Bragagnolo ◽  
M.B. DaSilva ◽  
T.K. Martins ◽  
E.P. Lorenzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Diversity Patterns ◽  
Alpha And Beta Diversity ◽  
Historical Factors ◽  
Compositional Changes

The integration of ecology and historical biogeography is fostering the investigation of diversity patterns. We studied alpha and beta diversity patterns of Brazilian Atlantic Forest harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones) communities and related them to environmental and historical factors. Our data bank contains 508 species from 63 sites, encompassing almost the entire latitudinal range of Atlantic Forest. Alpha diversity was higher in coastal sites in the south and southeast regions and decreased in sites inland, as well as in sites in the coastal northeast region, especially in northern Bahia state. Alpha diversity was positively influenced by precipitation and altitudinal range, but the low number of species in northeastern coastal sites seems to be more related to the historical distribution of Neotropical harvestman lineages than to recent environmental factors. Geographic distance was the most influential factor for beta diversity. Compositional changes were also remarkably congruent with areas of endemism delimited for Atlantic Forest harvestmen. The percentage of protected areas for each area of endemism was very unbalanced, and Espírito Santo and Pernambuco states were the least protected areas. The turnover process observed in the compositional changes indicates that conservation strategies should include as many reserves as possible because every community presents a unique set of species.

scholarly journals Identification of limiting climatic and geographical variables for the distribution of the tortoiseChelonoidis chilensis(Testudinidae): a baseline for conservation actions

PeerJ ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. e1298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Ruete ◽  
Gerardo C. Leynaud
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Predictive Distribution ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Management Actions

Background.Just as for most other tortoise species, the once common Chaco tortoise,Chelonoidis chilensis(Testudinidae), is under constant threat across it distribution in Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Despite initial qualitative description of the species distribution and further individual reports of new locations for the species, there is no description of the species distribution in probabilistic terms. With this work we aim to produce an updated predictive distribution map forC. chilensisto serve as a baseline management tool for directed strategic conservation planning.Methods.We fitted a spatially expanded logistic regression model within the Bayesian framework that accounts for uncertainty on presence-only and generated pseudo-absence data into the parameter estimates. We contrast the results with reported data for the national networks of protected areas to assess the inclusion of the species in area-based conservation strategies.Results.We obtained maps with predictions of the occurrence of the species and reported the model’s uncertainty spatially. The model suggests that potential suitable habitats for the species are continuous across Argentina, West Paraguay and South Bolivia, considering the variables, the scale and the resolution used. The main limiting variables were temperature-related variables, and precipitation in the reproductive period.Discussion.Given the alarming low density and coverage of protected areas over the distribution area ofC. chilensis, the map produced provides a baseline to identify areas where directed strategic conservation management actions would be more efficient for this and other associated species.

scholarly journals REGISTROS Y DISTRIBUCIÓN POTENCIAL DEL JAGUAR (Panthera onca) EN HONDURAS

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Héctor Orlando Portillo Reyes ◽  
Fausto Elvir
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Park ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Wildlife Refuge ◽  
Rio Tinto ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables ◽  
Del Rio ◽  
Río Tinto

RESUMENSe modeló la distribución potencial del jaguar para Honduras usando el programa de nicho ecológico MaxEnt. Se utilizaron 100 registros de jaguar y 19 variables climáticas para la modelación. El modelo identificó la Región de la Moskitia y el Caribe hondureños como sitios de distribución potencial con un área aproximada de 42,192 km2. El área de distribución potencial del jaguar abarca 18 áreas protegidas. Áreas dedicadas a la agricultura representan el 27.65 % del territorio, siendo la transformación del hábitat una de las mayores amenazas para la especie. Se identificaron cuatro sitios críticos basados en las presiones de cambio del uso del suelo y el del avance de la frontera agrícola que presionan la conectividad entre las áreas protegidas claves, siendo estos: primero; entre el Parque Nacional Cusuco, y el Parque Nacional Jeannette Kawas. Segundo; entre las áreas protegidas del Parque Nacional Punta Izopo, y el Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat.  Tercero; Entre el Parque Nacional Nombre de Dios y el Parque Nacional Capiro Calentura. Y cuarto; entre el Refugio de Vida Silvestre  Laguna de Guaymoreto y el Parque Nacional Sierra del Río Tinto, La Reserva del Hombre y la Biósfera del Río Plátano. Los territorios indígenas  de la Moskitia se muestran como la región de distribución potencial con menos intervención agrícola. La implementación del Plan de Conservación del Jaguar es fundamental para mantener los hábitats y los corredores entre áreas protegidas y de esta manera  mantener una población de jaguares saludables para Honduras.Palabras clave: Modelación, distribución potencial, nicho ecológico, presencia, Moskitia.ABSTRACTWe model the potential distribution of jaguars for Honduras using the MaxEnt program. The model identified The Moskitia and Caribbean region an area for jaguar. Potential distribution encompassing 42,192 km2. 100 records of jaguar occurrence and 19 bioclimatic variables were used for modelling. 18 protected areas are included as part of the distribution area. Agricultural use is presented 27.65 % of the modelling area, being one of the most threaten activities for the jaguar habitat. Four critical points were identified based in the pressures of the land use transformation for agriculture, affecting connectivity between key protected areas. These sites were identified as follows: First point; between Cusuco National Park to Jeannette Kawas National Park. Second point; between Punta Izopo National Park to Texiguat Wildlife Refuge. Third point;  between Nombre de Dios National Park to Capiro Calentura National Park and Fourth point ; between Guaymoreto Lagoon Wildlife Refuge to Sierra del Río Tínto National Park and the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve. The Indigenous territory of La Moskitia, appear as the jaguar potential distribution area with the least agricultural alteration. The implementation of The Jaguar Conservation Plan is essential to maintain habitat and corridors in the potential distribution of jaguar to preserve a healthy population in Honduras. Key words: Modelling, potential distribution, ecological niche, presence, Moskitia.

scholarly journals Genome-wide SNPs redefines species boundaries and conservation units in the freshwater mussel genus Cyprogenia of North America

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung Seok Kim ◽  
Kevin J. Roe
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Freshwater Mussel ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Conservation Units ◽  
Genetic Structuring ◽  
The North ◽  
Snp Data ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractDetailed information on species delineation and population genetic structure is a prerequisite for designing effective restoration and conservation strategies for imperiled organisms. Phylogenomic and population genomic analyses based on genome-wide double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-Seq) data has identified three allopatric lineages in the North American freshwater mussel genus Cyprogenia. Cyprogenia stegaria is restricted to the Eastern Highlands and displays little genetic structuring within this region. However, two allopatric lineages of C. aberti in the Ozark and Ouachita highlands exhibit substantial levels (mean uncorrected FST = 0.368) of genetic differentiation and each warrants recognition as a distinct evolutionary lineage. Lineages of Cyprogenia in the Ouachita and Ozark highlands are further subdivided reflecting structuring at the level of river systems. Species tree inference and species delimitation in a Bayesian framework using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) data supported results from phylogenetic analyses, and supports three species of Cyprogenia over the currently recognized two species. A comparison of SNPs generated from both destructively and non-destructively collected samples revealed no significant difference in the SNP error rate, quality and amount of ddRAD sequence reads, indicating that nondestructive or trace samples can be effectively utilized to generate SNP data for organisms for which destructive sampling is not permitted.

scholarly journals Biogeographic Distribution of Cedrela spp. Genus in Peru Using MaxEnt Modeling: A Conservation and Restoration Approach

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 261
Author(s):  
Alexander Cotrina Sánchez ◽  
Nilton B. Rojas Briceño ◽  
Subhajit Bandopadhyay ◽  
Subhasis Ghosh ◽  
Cristóbal Torres Guzmán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Timber Species ◽  
National Service ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Entropy Model ◽  
Probability Of Occurrence ◽  
Bioclimatic Variables ◽  
Population Sizes

The increasing demand for tropical timber from natural forests has reduced the population sizes of native species such as Cedrela spp. because of their high economic value. To prevent the decline of population sizes of the species, all Cedrela species have been incorporated into Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The study presents information about the modeled distribution of the genus Cedrela in Peru that aims to identify potential habitat distribution of the genus, its availability in areas protected by national service of protected areas, and highlighted some areas because of their conservation relevance and the potential need for restoration. We modeled the distribution of the genus Cedrela in Peru using 947 occurrence records that included 10 species (C. odorata, C. montana, C. fissilis, C. longipetiolulata, C. angustifolia, C. nebulosa, C. kuelapensis, C. saltensis, C. weberbaueri, and C. molinensis). We aim to identify areas environmentally suitable for the occurrence of Cedrela that are legally protected by the National Service of Protected Areas (PAs) and those that are ideal for research and restoration projects. We used various environmental variables (19 bioclimatic variables, 3 topographic factors, 9 edaphic factors, solar radiation, and relative humidity) and the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) to predict the probability of occurrence. We observed that 6.7% (86,916.2 km2) of Peru presents a high distribution probability of occurrence of Cedrela, distributed in 17 departments, with 4.4% (10,171.03 km2) of the area protected by PAs mainly under the category of protection forests. Another 11.65% (21,345.16 km2) of distribution covers areas highly prone to degradation, distributed mainly in the departments Ucayali, Loreto, and Madre de Dios, and needs immediate attention for its protection and restoration. We believe that the study will contribute significantly to conserve Cedrela and other endangered species, as well as to promote the sustainable use and management of timber species as a whole.

Partitioning tree diversity patterns to prioritize conservation investments

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Patrick F McKenzie ◽  
Gwenllian D Iacona ◽  
Eric R Larson ◽  
Paul R Armsworth
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Predictive Models ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Gamma Diversity ◽  
Conservation Practice ◽  
Alpha And Beta Diversity ◽  
Community Turnover ◽  
Data Limitations

Summary The available tools and approaches to inform conservation decisions commonly assume detailed distribution data. We examine how well-established ecological concepts about patterns in local richness and community turnover can help overcome data limitations when planning future protected areas. To inform our analyses, we surveyed tree species in protected areas in the southern Appalachian Mountains in the eastern USA. We used the survey data to construct predictive models for alpha and beta diversity based on readily observed biophysical variables and combined them to create a heuristic that could predict among-site richness in trees (gamma diversity). The predictive models suggest that site elevation and latitude in this montane system explain much of the variation in alpha and beta diversity in tree species. We tested how well resulting protected areas would represent species if a conservation planner lacking detailed species inventories for candidate sites were to rely only on our alpha, beta and gamma diversity predictions. Our approach selected sites that, when aggregated, covered a large proportion of the overall species pool. The combined gamma diversity models performed even better when we also accounted for the cost of protecting sites. Our results demonstrate that classic community biogeography concepts remain highly relevant to conservation practice today.

scholarly journals Challenges of assessment and mapping of ecosystem services in Bulgarian (Rhodope) and Russian (Altai) mountain protected areas in the context of post-socialist transformations and new conservation paradigms

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-68
Author(s):  
Dmitry V. Chernykh ◽  
Maria Glushkova ◽  
Dmitry K. Pershin ◽  
Miglena Zhiyanski ◽  
Alina E. Zinovieva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Altai Mountains ◽  
Altai Mountain ◽  
Conservation Policies ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Forest Exploitation ◽  
Different Types

The overarching goal of this survey was to identify the challenges of ecosystem services assessment and mapping in Russian and Bulgarian mountain protected areas in the context of post-socialist transformations, new conservation paradigms and climate change. The Altai Mountains in Russia and the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria were selected as key mountain territories for comparison due to their similar characteristics: agriculture, forest exploitation, tourism activities, etc. Both in Bulgaria and in Russia, perceptions of the protected areas functioning have been changing, facilitated by global shifts. Thus, the concept of ecosystem services has now been actively introduced in nature and biodiversity conservation policies. Based on WDPA data the emergence of different types of protected areas in Russia and Bulgaria was determined. Key problems of assessment and mapping of ecosystem services in Russian and Bulgarian mountain protected areas were recognised, mainly related to the shortage and quality of baseline data. At the same time, there were also some specifics for the two countries due to their size and national legislation. Like many other mountainous regions in the world, the Rhodopes in Bulgaria and the Altai Mountains in Russia are flagships in the improvement of nature conservation strategies. These regions often participate in a variety of international conservation programmes and are constantly expanding the range of protected areas. It is generally accepted that the Altai Mountains and the Rhodopes are not only centres of biodiversity richness in their countries, but also hotspots of a variety of ecosystem services.

scholarly journals ANALYZING TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL TRENDS IN MANAGEMENT PLANS OF FEDERAL PROTECTED AREAS IN BRAZIL

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (04) ◽  
pp. 846-854
Author(s):  
Alessandro Ribeiro Morais ◽  
◽  
Mariana Nascimento Siqueira ◽  
Roniel Freitas-Oliveira ◽  
Daniel Brito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Group B

Protected areas are the most frequently used tool for the mitigation of threats to biodiversity. However, without effective management, the creation of new protected areas may be ineffective. In Brazil, protected areas must have both a governing body (consultative or deliberative council) and an official management plan. Here, we analyzed general trends and patterns in the approval of the management plans for Brazilian federal protected areas. We considered all federal protected areas, and compiled data on (i) the year the area was created, (ii) the type of protected area (integral protection vs. sustainable use), (iii) year its management plan was approved, (iv) year in which the management plan was revised after its approval, (v) total area (in hectares), and (vi) the biome in which the area is located. We stablished three groups of protected area: 1) Group A: protected areas created prior to 1979, 2) Group B: protected areas created between 1979 and 1999, and 3) Group C: protected areas created between 2000 to the present time. Finally, we tested whether time for the approval of the management plan suffered a simultaneous effect of the type of biome and type of categories of protected area (strictly protected vs. sustainable use areas). We found 211 (63.17% of the 334) protected areas with management plan. On average, the time taken for the creation and approval of a management plan far exceeds the deadlines (5 yrs.) defined under current Brazilian law. All Brazilian biomes are poorly covered by protected areas with effective management plans, with the highest and lowest value observed in the Pantanal (100%) and Caatinga (46.42%), respectively. Our results suggest that the effectiveness of many federal protected areas in Brazil can be reduced considerably by the lack of a management plan, with deleterious consequences for the country’s principal conservation strategies.

scholarly journals An assessment of Brazilian conservation units – a second look

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
José Augusto Leitão Drummond ◽  
José Luiz De Andrade Franco ◽  
Daniela De Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Conservation Unit ◽  
Conservation Units ◽  
Unit System ◽  
Rapid Growth Rate ◽  
Fourth Position

This is a second overview of the Brazilian conservation unit system for mid-2010. It updates author et al, 2009. It examines six dimensions of federal and state protected areas – age, numbers, types of units, absolute and average sizes, distribution by states and biomes, and degree of compliance with CBD-inspired goals. Major findings: (i) the system maintained a rapid growth rate; (ii) national parks and national forests are the most prominent units; (iii) distribution of units by region and biome remains unbalanced; (iv) state units grew remarkably over the last five years; (v) state units are biased towards sustainable use; (vi) sustainable use units grew more than fully protected units; (vii) Amazonia remains the most extensively protected biome; and (viii) quantitative goals of biome protection are closer to being reached. In 2010 Brazil held the fourth position globally in protected areas; it created the largest number of units between 2000 and 2010; it has the largest combined area of protected tropical formations. However, several regions and biomes remain under protected. 

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