Rodents of the arid Northern Territory: conservation status and distribution

2000 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffry R. Cole ◽  
J. C. Z. Woinarski
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Historical Record ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Threatening Processes ◽  
Conservation And Management

At the time of European entry, 18 species of rodent occurred in the arid zone of the Northern Territory, including two endemic species, Zyzomys pedunculatus and Pseudomys johnsoni. The tally is somewhat inflated, as the arid Northern Territory is on the margins of the distribution for seven of these species. The historical record for this fauna is generally reasonably good, due to important collections around the end of the nineteenth century, some landmark studies (notably by H.H. Finlayson) earlier this century, documentation of Aboriginal knowledge, and the recent discovery and analysis of fossil and sub-fossil deposits. Notwithstanding this good historical baseline, recent research has added three native species to the fauna, and re-discovered one species, Z. pedunculatus, earlier feared extinct. Over the last 200 years, four species (Leporillus apicalis, Notomys amplus, N. longicaudatus and Pseudomys fieldi) have disappeared, and a further five species (N. cervinus, N. fuscus, P. australis, Rattus tunneyi and Z. pedunculatus) have declined considerably, with several of these perhaps no longer present in the area. The decline in this rodent fauna is matched, or indeed surpassed, by declines in the arid-zone bandicoots, small macropods and large dasyurids. But notably the small dasyurids have generally suffered few declines. There has been differential decline within the rodent fauna, with declines mainly affecting larger species, species with the most idiosyncratic diets, and species occurring mainly in tussock grasslands and gibber plains. The main conservation and management actions required to safeguard what is left of this fauna are carefully targetted studies examining the effect of threatening processes, complemented by landscape-wide amelioration of these threats. Additional autecological studies are also needed for some species, and some exceptionally poorly known areas should be surveyed. Current work examining the distribution, ecology and management requirements of the endangered Z. pedunculatus is a major priority.

The conservation status of rodents in the monsoonal tropics of the Northern Territory

2000 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 421 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Z. Woinarski
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Historical Data ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Mammal Fauna ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Full Complement

The rodent fauna of the monsoonal tropics of the Northern Territory comprises 23 native species and two introduced species. Three species (Zyzomys maini, Z. palatalis and Pseudomys calabyi) are endemic to the area, and four species (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, P. desertor, P. johnsoni and Notomys alexis) enter the area only on its southern (arid) fringe. The rodent fauna is closely related to that of the Kimberley, Western Australia. Distribution maps for all species are given. One species (Z. palatalis) has an extremely restricted range and is regarded as critically endangered. The lack of information on the distribution and abundance of rodents in general in this area is evident in the national classification of five of its species (Xeromys myoides, Mesembriomys macrurus, Notomys aquilo, Pseudomys desertor and Pseudomys johnsoni) as Insufficiently Known. The two introduced rodents (Mus domesticus and Rattus rattus) are virtually restricted to urban and highly modified areas, although R. rattus also occurs on one uninhabited island. In contrast to that of much of the rest of Australia, this rodent fauna has apparently retained its full complement of species since European colonisation. This enduring legacy is attributable largely to the relatively limited modification of its environments. However, three species (Mesembriomys macrurus, Rattus tunneyi and Conilurus penicillatus) appear to be declining. The pattern of decline in these species, and in the mammal fauna generally, is obscured by the very limited historical data. However, declines appear most pronounced in the cattle country of the Victoria River District and Gulf regions. Priorities for the management of this rodent fauna include survey of poorly known areas, survey for poorly known species, monitoring of rodent communities, and landscape-wide management of the three pervasive processes with probably greatest impacts – fire, grazing and feral predators.

scholarly journals Fish fauna from the Paranapanema River basin, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Ribeiro Jarduli ◽  
Diego Azevedo Zoccal Garcia ◽  
Ana Paula Vidotto-Magnoni ◽  
Armando Cesar Rodrigues Casimiro ◽  
Norberto Castro Vianna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Main Channel ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
The Family ◽  
Upper Paraná River ◽  
Upper Paraná River Basin

Abstract: The Paranapanema River is an important, extensively explored tributary of the Upper Paraná River basin. The fish fauna of the Paranapanema River has been investigated since the 1990s; however, no study has characterized the richness of fish species throughout the basin, including the main channel of the river, marginal lagoons, its tributaries, and sub-tributaries. Thus, we performed a review with 90 independent studies conducted at the upper, middle, and lower sections of the basin. We recorded 225 species, of which 165 were native, and 60 were non-native. We found that 77% of the species within the basin are composed by Siluriformes and Characiformes. Cichliformes had a significant number of non-native species established in impoundment sections of the basin. Incidence-Based Estimators (Bootstrap and Chao 2) demonstrated that the richness of native species is still underestimated. Some native (e.g., Hypostomus ancistroides) and non-native species (e.g., Plagioscion squamosissimus) are widely distributed in the basin, while others had a more restricted distribution. Among the registered species, the family Bryconidae had the highest number of representatives with threatened conservation status. In addition, we observed that the Capivara Reservoir and its tributaries were the most sampled regions, with the majority of studies performed in the Lower Paranapanema basin. The species richness recorded in large tributaries, such as Tibagi, Cinzas, Congonhas, and Pirapó rivers is critical for maintaining the fish fauna in the Paranapanema River. Our contribution may be used to support management actions and conservation strategies, as well as to indicate regions in the basin that need to be better inventoried.

Rediscovery of an endangered frog Platymantis vitianus, on mainland Fiji: implications for conservation and management

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 237 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Morrison ◽  
A. Naikatini ◽  
N. Thomas ◽  
I. Rounds ◽  
B. Thaman Niukula
Keyword(s):  
Key Management ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
Threatening Processes ◽  
Conservation And Management

Many herpetofauna species in the Pacific region have undergone dramatic declines due to invasive species, primarily introduced predators. Fiji has two species of endemic frogs (Family Ranidae, Genus Platymantis) one of which, the Fiji Ground Frog, P. vitianus, has been extirpated from much of its original range due to the mongoose Herpestes javanicus. We conducted a short-term follow up survey to confirm an earlier report (September 2003) of the co-existence between mongoose and the ground frog on mainland Fiji (Vanua Levu). We used systematic nocturnal and diurnal surveys to census the frog fauna of Waisali Reserve and described microhabitat and threatening processes. A series of key management actions are outlined to facilitate the long-term conservation of this frog in the reserve.

scholarly journals Conservation of fishes in the Elands River, Mpumalanga, South Africa: Past, present and future

Koedoe ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon C. O’Brien ◽  
Nico J. Smit ◽  
Victor Wepener
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Population Status ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Fish Community Composition ◽  
Conservation And Management

In an isolated reach, between two large natural waterfalls in the Elands River in Mpumalanga, populations of a critically endangered Kneria sp., the endangered Chiloglanis bifurcus and a genetically unique population of Labeobarbus polylepis occur. The aim of this article was to evaluate past efforts to conserve these fishes, describe the current status and propose future conservation and management actions. The population status assessments were based on a series of fish community composition and population structure evaluations from surveys undertaken at 22 sites during seven surveys from 2002 to 2006. Although water-use activities have continued to increase in the area, impacts have been offset by conservation efforts initiated almost 30 years ago. The existing C. bifurcus population appears to be stable, which is reflected in the downgrading of the conservation status of the species from critically endangered to endangered. The abundance of the kneriid population appears to be increasing and spreading to other tributaries in the study area. The abundance of L. polylepis appears to be increasing but has still not reached historical levels.Conservation implications: Continued conservation efforts are required to protect these fishes. This case study presented a rare example of how the impacts associated with the use of aquatic resources in South Africa can successfully be offset by conservation efforts.

Boswellia socotrana: One or Two Taxa?

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Lvončík ◽  
Radomír Řepka
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Socotra Island ◽  
Distribution And Ecology ◽  
Morphological Differences

There are seven endemic species of Boswellia Roxb. ex Colebr. on Socotra Island, Yemen. Boswellia socotrana Balf. f. is a culturally, economically, and ecologically important species on the island. The name Odina aspleniifolia Balf. f. has been considered as a synonym, but there are morphological differences between the two taxa sufficient to justify their distinction at subspecific rank. Therefore, O. aspleniifolia is transferred to Boswellia as B. socotrana subsp. aspleniifolia (Balf. f.) Lvončik. A lectotype is designated for O. aspleniifolia. The distribution and ecology of both subspecies are discussed, as is their conservation status.

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.

Beaucarnea olsonii (Ruscaceae), a new species of ponytail palm from southwestern Puebla, Mexico

Phytotaxa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 286 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
VANESSA ROJAS-PIÑA ◽  
LEONARDO O. ALVARADO-CÁRDENAS
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Deciduous Forests ◽  
Central Mexico ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Southern Central ◽  
Tropical Deciduous Forests ◽  
A New Species

Beaucarnea olsonii is described and illustrated from tropical deciduous forests of SW Puebla, Mexico. The new species can be distinguished from other Beaucarnea species by its massively swollen base that abruptly tapers into slender branches, by its conspicuously long stigma, and by its pedicel articulation that occurs at 2/3 of the length of the pedicel below the flower. With this new addition, the total number of endemic species of Beaucarnea for Mexico increases to 10, making this country the greatest center of diversification and endemism for the genus. We also provide a distribution map and a conservation status recommendation for the new species, as well as a key to the Beaucarnea species of southern central Mexico.

scholarly journals Spatial distribution of the Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) in Sardinia explained by land use and climate

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianpasquale Chiatante ◽  
Marta Giordano ◽  
Anna Vidus Rosin ◽  
Oreste Sacchi ◽  
Alberto Meriggi
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Distance Sampling ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
European Population ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Brood Rearing ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Study Sites

AbstractMore than half of the European population of the Barbary Partridge is in Sardinia; nonetheless, the researches concerning this species are very scarce, and its conservation status is not defined because of a deficiency of data. This research aimed to analyse the habitat selection and the factors affecting the abundance and the density of the Barbary Partridge in Sardinia. We used the data collected over 8 years (between 2004 and 2013) by spring call counts in 67 study sites spread on the whole island. We used GLMM to define the relationships between the environment (topography, land use, climate) both the occurrence and the abundance of the species. Moreover, we estimated population densities by distance sampling. The Barbary Partridge occurred in areas at low altitude with garrigue and pastures, avoiding woodlands and sparsely vegetated areas. We found a strong relationship between the occurrence probability and the climate, in particular, a positive relation with temperature and a negative effect of precipitation, especially in April–May, during brood rearing. Furthermore, dry crops positively affected the abundance of the species. We estimated a density of 14.1 partridges per km2, similar to other known estimates. Our findings are important both because they increase the knowledge concerning this species, which is considered data deficient in Italy, and because they are useful to plan management actions aimed to maintain viable populations if necessary.

Multi-species occurrence models to evaluate the effects of conservation and management actions

2010 ◽  
Vol 143 (2) ◽  
pp. 479-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise F. Zipkin ◽  
J. Andrew Royle ◽  
Deanna K. Dawson ◽  
Scott Bates
Keyword(s):  
Species Occurrence ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Conservation And Management

Investigation into the diet of the central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa J. Nano ◽  
Cate M. Smith ◽  
Elizabeth Jefferys
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
The West ◽  
Major Food ◽  
Seasonal Shift ◽  
Leaf Consumption

The diet of the rare central rock-rat, Zyzomys pedunculatus, was assessed by microscopic analysis of 18 faecal pellet samples collected from four different sites in the west MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. Samples were collected from the four sites in summer (n = 13), one site in winter (n = 3), and two sites in spring (n = 2). Four major food categories were observed in the samples: seed, leaf, stem and insect. Seed was by far the most dominant food in the overall diet of Z. pedunculatus, making up 72% of identifiable particles, leaf was secondary (21%), while stem and insects contributed only 3% and 4% respectively. Although the sample size was small, no major seasonal shift between seed and invertebrate dominance was evident. Seed dominated the diet in both summer and winter, though winter seed consumption was lower (78% v. 58%). The level of seed consumption in the two spring samples was highly divergent (38% v. 93%), stressing the need for more samples to be collected from dry periods. Lowered rates of seed consumption during winter and in one of the spring samples were accompanied by increases in leaf consumption. Insect consumption remained low across all sampled seasons, suggesting that this species is not an omnivore. Rather, the dominance of seed in the diet suggests that Z. pedunculatus is primarily a granivore, a finding that has implications for the conservation status and management of this little-known species.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document