Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Ecological Communities ◽  
Biodiversity Monitoring ◽  
Management Effectiveness ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Monitoring Programs ◽  
Current Monitoring ◽  
Monitoring Activity

Monitoring is integral to all aspects of policy and management for threatened biodiversity. It is fundamental to assessing the conservation status and trends of listed species and ecological communities. Monitoring data can be used to diagnose the causes of decline, to measure management effectiveness and to report on investment. It is also a valuable public engagement tool. Yet in Australia, monitoring threatened biodiversity is not always optimally managed. Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities aims to improve the standard of monitoring for Australia's threatened biodiversity. It gathers insights from some of the most experienced managers and scientists involved with monitoring programs for threatened species and ecological communities in Australia, and evaluates current monitoring programs, establishing a baseline against which the quality of future monitoring activity can be managed. Case studies provide examples of practical pathways to improve the quality of biodiversity monitoring, and guidelines to improve future programs are proposed. This book will benefit scientists, conservation managers, policy makers and those with an interest in threatened species monitoring and management. Joint recipient of the 2018 Whitley Certificate of Commendation for Conservation Zoology

scholarly journals Quantity and quality of childcare and children’s educational outcomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Blanden ◽  
Emilia Del Bono ◽  
Kirstine Hansen ◽  
Birgitta Rabe
Keyword(s):  
School Achievement ◽  
Additional Term ◽  
Publicly Funded ◽  
Highly Qualified ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Quality Rating ◽  
Quality Of Childcare ◽  
The Impact ◽  
School Records

AbstractPolicy-makers wanting to support child development can choose to adjust the quantity or quality of publicly funded universal pre-school. To assess the impact of such changes, we estimate the effects of an increase in free pre-school education in England of about 3.5 months at age 3 on children’s school achievement at age 5. We exploit date-of-birth discontinuities that create variation in the length and starting age of free pre-school using administrative school records linked to nursery characteristics. Estimated effects are small overall, but the impact of the additional term is substantially larger in settings with the highest inspection quality rating but not in settings with highly qualified staff. Estimated effects fade out by age 7.

scholarly journals Introduction to the special issue: multiple jobholding in Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-147
Author(s):  
Wieteke Conen ◽  
Karin Schulze Buschoff
Keyword(s):  
Labour Market ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Clear Trend ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Quality Of Work ◽  
Labour Market Flexibility ◽  
Employment Situation ◽  
Over Time

In a number of European countries there is a clear trend towards increased multiple jobholding. As things stand, however, little is known about the structure and the potential consequences of this increase, notably in terms of quality of work and social protection. This special issue focuses on contemporary forms of multiple jobholding in Europe. Have the structure, nature and dynamics of multiple jobholding changed over time? What are the roles of labour market flexibility, technological change and work fragmentation in the development of multiple jobholding? And do multiple jobholders benefit from similar and adequate employment terms, conditions and protections compared with single jobholders, or are they worse off as a consequence of their (fragmented) employment situation? What implications do these findings have for unions, policy-makers and the regulation of work? The collection of articles in this special issue adds to the literature on emerging forms of employment in the digital age and challenges for social protection, also in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This introduction initiates a discussion of central debates on multiple jobholding and presents a synopsis of the articles in this issue.

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.

scholarly journals Commercialization of Aframomum spp. in Africa: a Systematic Review of Literature and Supporting Botanical Vouchers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronja Hermiene Maria Knippers ◽  
Sandrine Gallois ◽  
Tinde van Andel
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
East African ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Wild Resources ◽  
Living Material ◽  
Specific Species ◽  
Material Information

AbstractAframomum (Zingiberaceae) is a genus of plants native to tropical Africa that are sold on African markets as spices and traditional medicine. Not all species of Aframomum are equally abundant or widespread, and no overview exists of the specific species traded or the quality of the species identifications in publications referencing the sale of Aframomum. Through a systematic literature review, we show that 14 species of Aframomum are sold in 15 African countries. The majority of the studies were done in Nigeria and Cameroon and A. melegueta was the most frequently reported species in trade. A. kayserianum was the only commercialized species with confirmed conservation issues. Our literature review shows extensive knowledge gaps regarding the commercialization of Aframomum in Africa. Most studies did not include herbarium vouchers, or only used market-sourced plant material, which impedes the possibilities for species verifications. Additionally, most East African countries were devoid of relevant research. These gaps can be bridged by future research in East Africa and voucher collection from living material. Information on the conservation status of traded Aframomum species can be obtained by population studies on wild resources and documenting local domestication efforts, as the cultivation of marketed species tends to relieve the pressure from wild resources.

scholarly journals Predictors of Quality Internship Programs—The Case of Romanian Business and Administration University Education

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4741
Author(s):  
Cristian Marinaș ◽  
Simona Goia (Agoston) ◽  
Ramona Igreț ◽  
Laura Marinaș
Keyword(s):  
Positive Influence ◽  
Third Parties ◽  
University Education ◽  
Business Professionals ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Future Potential ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Internship Programs ◽  
Economic Studies

To a large extent, research regarding internship programs emphasizes their crucial role in the future career of students. Business professionals and educators acknowledge the positive influence in the engagement of companies towards future potential employees. However, the quality of these internship programs in Romania is sometimes questionable and further research is needed in the field. Our paper aims at identifying and analyzing the main factors which influence the quality of an internship program from Romanian business and administration students’ perspective. The findings and analysis of the current paper are based on a survey conducted on 458 undergraduate and master students of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. By acknowledging these qualitative factors, third parties such as policy makers in educational sector, universities, and companies receive important information to better organize internships in order to meet students’ expectations and discover real high potential candidates.

scholarly journals Conservation Status of Marine Biodiversity in Oceania: An Analysis of Marine Species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth A. Polidoro ◽  
Cristiane T. Elfes ◽  
Jonnell C. Sanciangco ◽  
Helen Pippard ◽  
Kent E. Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Conservation Action

Given the economic and cultural dependence on the marine environment in Oceania and a rapidly expanding human population, many marine species populations are in decline and may be vulnerable to extinction from a number of local and regional threats. IUCN Red List assessments, a widely used system for quantifying threats to species and assessing species extinction risk, have been completed for 1190 marine species in Oceania to date, including all known species of corals, mangroves, seagrasses, sea snakes, marine mammals, sea birds, sea turtles, sharks, and rays present in Oceania, plus all species in five important perciform fish groups. Many of the species in these groups are threatened by the modification or destruction of coastal habitats, overfishing from direct or indirect exploitation, pollution, and other ecological or environmental changes associated with climate change. Spatial analyses of threatened species highlight priority areas for both site- and species-specific conservation action. Although increased knowledge and use of newly available IUCN Red List assessments for marine species can greatly improve conservation priorities for marine species in Oceania, many important fish groups are still in urgent need of assessment.

Are listed threatened plant species actually at risk?

2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Burgman
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Feedback Loop ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
The State ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Threatened Plant ◽  
Threatened Plant Species ◽  
Legal Mandates ◽  
State Of The Environment

Despite the fact that the most changes in lists of threatened species reflect changes in knowledge rather than changes in conservation status, the lists continue to provide social and legal mandates for conservation; they are used to report on the state of the environment and to guide the allocation of scarce resources. There is a substantial under-representation of non-vascular species in threatened plant lists, reflected in an absence of documented extinctions among fungi and algae. Turnover in the composition of extinct flora lists in Australia suggests that the lists of threatened species may not be sufficiently reliable to form the basis for reporting on the state of the environment. They are of limited use in distinguishing between levels of threat and may not be a reliable guide for the allocation of scarce conservation resources among plant species. Systems for listing threatened species create a feedback loop, responsive to the subjective preferences of scientists, largely unresponsive to underlying true threats, self-perpetuating and accentuating bias with each iteration. Other tools, including formal decision approaches and the acquisition of new kinds of data, are needed to fill the roles.

The vascular plant diversity of Dzungarian Gobi in western Mongolia, with an annotated checklist

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 501 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-55
Author(s):  
SHUKHERDORJ BAASANMUNKH ◽  
BATLAI OYUNTSETSEG ◽  
CHULUUNKHUYAG OYUNDARI ◽  
KHURELPUREV OYUNDELGER ◽  
MAGSAR URGAMAL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Species Number ◽  
Endemic Plants ◽  
Mountain Area ◽  
Western Mongolia ◽  
Comprehensive Survey

The Dzungarian Gobi (DzG), one of 16 phytogeographical regions in the country, is located in the southwestern part of Khovd province in western Mongolia. It comprises some of Mongolia’s largest reserves, namely the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area and the National Park Bulgan gol-Ikh Ongog. We conducted a comprehensive survey of the area’s floristic diversity between 2009 and 2019 by collecting vascular plants from different vegetation types in various seasons. In addition, we critically checked relevant published literature and material from the herbaria ALTB, GLM, GWF, HAL, KHU, LE, MW, NS, OSBU, UBA, and UBU to determine the occurrence of vascular plant species in the DzG region. Based on our collection data, a comprehensive checklist of DzG’s flora was compiled, representing 913 vascular plant taxa (including 34 subspecies and one variety) belonging to 329 genera and 70 families. Twenty-one taxa were newly found in the DzG region. We also investigated the conservation status of all species noted, and 19 endemic plants and 96 threatened species, including six critically endangered, 26 endangered, 57 vulnerable, and seven near threatened plants were recognized in this region. Eight rare species were newly assessed according to regional conservation status based on GeoCat and IUCN. The richest plant families found were Asteraceae (153 species), Fabaceae (77 species), Amaranthaceae (69 species), and Poaceae (68 species). Several uncertain endemic and non-endemic plants remain still discussion, such as Papaver baitagense and Rosa baitagensis; thus, further studies are needed on their taxonomic and conservation status. For each taxon, we provide its distribution in the region, elevation range, voucher number, and additional references. Finally, we analyzed species hotspots of DzG, based on three different plant species richness criteria: i. all recorded species, ii. endemic species, and iii. threatened species using our georeferenced records. The most diverse hotspot area in DzG is the Baitag Bogd Mountain area, which comprises the highest species number of all three richness criteria.

La politica dei Cluster in Europa: tendenze e criticitŕ emergenti

ARGOMENTI ◽  
2009 ◽  
pp. 99-122
Author(s):  
Alessandro Minello
Keyword(s):  
European Commission ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Triple Helix ◽  
Cluster Policy ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Critical Elements ◽  
Complex Adaptive

- Cluster policy today represent one of the main elements of the European agenda, both for policy makers and for practitioners. In the last decade an extensive-type cluster policy has produced a proliferation of clusters all over the Europe, but the generated quality of clusters created has not always been quite satisfactory. Following the input by the European commission, currently is underway a qualitative review of the goals and processes of European cluster policy. This paper aims at presenting such changes in the European cluster policy, beside the main lessons that can be learned. The analysis emphasizes some critical elements of the current process of "clustering" and highlights the role of the institutions, besides the market, in the planning of new clusters and the strengthening of those existing. The final message is that Europe needs a better cluster policy, rather than more clusters, according to the growing complexity and dynamism of clusters.Parole chiave: cluster, politica dei cluster, approccio triple-helix, sistemi adattivi complessi.Keywords: cluster, cluster policy, triple helix approach, complex adaptive systems.

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