Distribution and population genetic structure of the critically endangered skink Nangura spinosa, and the implications for management

2010 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian C. Borsboom ◽  
Patrick J. Couper ◽  
Andrew Amey ◽  
Conrad J. Hoskin

Many threatened species occur as small, isolated populations. Understanding the extent and genetic distinctiveness of these populations is essential for management. Nangura spinosa is a critically endangered skink known from two small populations in dry rainforest in south-east Queensland. We conducted targeted surveys between 2001 and 2010 at the two known N. spinosa sites (Nangur National Park, Oakview National Park area) and in 22 nearby forest blocks with potentially suitable habitat. N. spinosa was found only at the two previously known sites, which are ~36 km apart. The skink appears to be declining at Nangur NP, to an estimated extent of occurrence of 7.4 ha and potentially no more than 35 adults. In contrast, we increase the extent of occurrence at Oakview to 360 ha, where the population is at least in the hundreds. Sequencing of two mtDNA genes revealed considerable genetic divergence between the two populations (3.8% for ND4; 1.2% for 16S), suggesting an extended period of separation. Population fragmentation is therefore not the result of recent land clearing, but of long-term isolation by unsuitable habitat. Each population should be considered a distinct management unit. More data are required on population size and trends, recruitment and threats, particularly for the Nangur population.

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 514-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Probert ◽  
Ben Evans ◽  
Sam Andanje ◽  
Richard Kock ◽  
Rajan Amin

AbstractThe Critically Endangered hirola Beatragus hunteri exists in two populations, a natural population on the Kenyan–Somali border and a translocated population in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya. The Tsavo population is becoming increasingly important for the survival of the hirola yet its status is unknown and little is understood about the factors that limit its growth. Here we report the size, distribution and demographic parameters of the Tsavo population of hirola and consider whether insufficient suitable habitat could be limiting its growth. The Tsavo population has not increased since 2000, when the last census was carried out, but neither has it significantly decreased. The importance of habitat as a limiting factor is dependent on the hirola's ability to utilize marginal habitat.


Oryx ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther van der Meer ◽  
Lara L. Sousa ◽  
Andrew J. Loveridge

Abstract Translocations are used to mitigate human–wildlife conflict, secure population viability of isolated populations and introduce or reintroduce populations in former or new range. With wild species increasingly confined to small patches of habitat embedded in human-dominated landscapes, the use of translocations is likely to increase. The cheetah Acinonyx jubatus is a large carnivore species with a long history of translocations. As for other species, evaluation of the success of cheetah translocations is complicated by a scarcity of published results, especially of failed attempts. Yet, such information is crucial to improve future translocations. A relatively well documented case is the translocation of alleged problem cheetahs into Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe, in the early 1990s. In this study we used a combination of survey methods to reassess the status of Matusadona's cheetah population and model current occupancy in relation to densities of competing carnivores and altitude. Our findings indicate this cheetah population has effectively been extirpated, highlighting the importance of thorough planning and standardized long-term monitoring of translocated populations for the understanding of the factors that affect translocation success.


Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Tommaso Savini ◽  
Nay Myo Shwe ◽  
Niti Sukumal

Abstract From 1999 onwards, level, lowland forests (altitude < 150 m, slopes < 10°) in the Tanintharyi Region of southern Myanmar have been cleared on a large scale and replaced by oil palm plantations. This has resulted in a drastic decline in suitable habitat for several species, including Gurney's pitta Hydrornis gurneyi (Passeriformes, Pittidae). The habitat for this species has decreased by > 80%, leading to its categorization as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2019. As threats in the region have continued, we updated information on the status of the species’ habitat in January 2020, and examined forest loss in the three strongholds where the species still persists in the wild. Since the previous estimate in 2017, suitable habitat in these locations has decreased by 8% (from 656 to 603 km2), with > 10% of the remaining area now in fragments of < 1 km2, which are unsuitable for the mid- to long-term survival of the species. Forest degradation and edge effects from increased fragmentation have led to further loss of suitable habitat in these strongholds. Projections indicate that unless conservation action is taken, all suitable habitat will disappear by 2080. The main threat to the long-term survival of Gurney's pitta is the lack of legal protection of primary lowland forests, resulting in uncontrolled clearance for small- and large-scale agriculture and industrial development. We provide recommendations to reduce the rate of loss of the remaining suitable habitat for the species.


Author(s):  
Kent McKnight ◽  
Meinhard Moser ◽  
Harry Thiers ◽  
Joseph Ammirati

The 1989 field studies continue the inventory of macrofungi known to occur in the Grand Teton-Yellowstone Park area. The long-term objectives of this study are: 1. to determine which species grow in forest, range, and pasturelands in and around Grand Teton National Park; 2. to gain a better understanding of their role in the ecosystem; and 3. to prepare descriptions, keys, and illustrations for the common species.


Author(s):  
Simon Bray ◽  
Emily C. McVean ◽  
Andrew Nelson ◽  
Roger J.H. Herbert ◽  
Stephen J Hawkins ◽  
...  

The dogwhelk Nucella lapillus experienced localized extinction in the 1980s and 1990s due to the use of tributyltin (TBT) antifoulants, causing imposex in females. The aim of this study was to establish the extent of the return of the species across the mainland coast of central southern England as TBT use has been progressively restricted, and to quantify the extent of imposex impact on the populations present. We surveyed from Poole to Selsey where isolated populations had become extinct, and the Isle of Wight where some populations had persisted. We found evidence that since TBT restrictions, recolonization and colonization by N. lapillus has been rapid. By 2007–2008, of the eleven surveyed mainland sites, seven were colonized, although indications of reduced imposex impacts were mixed. Distribution had also extended on the Isle of Wight and populations were larger with less imposex impact in sites with long term populations. The lack of continuous suitable habitat blocks and the hydrodynamic complexity of the region, leads us to hypothesize that recovery has been facilitated by man-made structures which may be acting as ‘stepping stones’. Populations that have become established on engineered structures such as sea walls, breakwaters and rock groynes demonstrate accelerated recovery in the region as TBT in the environment has generally declined. Sites with suitable substrates and food sources near to ports were either not recolonized or had small populations with imposex evident. For species with a short pelagic larval stage or with direct development, population connectivity between patches of harder substrata along hydrodynamically complex coastlines may be greater than previously thought.


2007 ◽  
Vol 158 (11) ◽  
pp. 349-352
Author(s):  
Grégory Amos ◽  
Ambroise Marchand ◽  
Anja Schneiter ◽  
Annina Sorg

The last Capricorns (Capra ibex ibex) in the Alps survived during the nineteenth century in the Aosta valley thanks to the royal hunting reservation (today Gran Paradiso national park). Capricorns from this reservation were successfully re-introduced in Switzerland after its Capricorn population had disappeared. Currently in Switzerland there are 13200 Capricorns. Every year 1000 are hunted in order to prevent a large variation and overaging of their population and the damage of pasture. In contrast, in the Gran Paradiso national park the game population regulates itself naturally for over eighty years. There are large fluctuations in the Capricorn population (2600–5000) which are most likely due to the climate, amount of snow, population density and to the interactions of these factors. The long-term surveys in the Gran Paradiso national park and the investigations of the capacity of this area are a valuable example for the optimal management of the ibexes in Switzerland.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (01) ◽  
pp. 44-52
Author(s):  
Paul Adryani Moento ◽  
Nikolaus Unawekla

  The welfare level of the population in Wasur Park village is still very low and most still hang its life by taking the result of the forest. This study aims to analyze the role of Wasur Park National Park in increasing local people's income. The method by which researchers use a qualitative approach, while the data collection techniques consist of library studies and field studies through observation, interviews. The process of data analysis includes data reduction, data presentation, and the conclusion of the empowerment of the National Park Wasur Park Hall is counseling to the local community in the framework of the Empowerment Program of local Kampung Wasur Park. In the empowerment, Wasur Park National Park is coordinating with local governments to see the development of local community data. The real evidence of Wasur Park National Park through empowerment is the establishment of a rural forestry Counseling Center (SPKP). The establishment of a rural forestry Counseling Center (SPKP) in Wasur Village, implemented after the implementation of education and training of village studies in participatory. Furthermore, Wasur Park National Park Hall conducts construction. The construction is a construction of small industry of eucalyptus oil refining, the manufacture of salted fish, medicinal plants, and the cultivation of commercial crops. Then the community in providing coaching through socialization by providing science about preserving the forest and protection and safeguarding the potential of Wasur National Park area. Then Wasur Park National Park Hall conducts supervision. Supervision conducted by the National Park Hall Wasur Park is monitoring against the hunting of many protected animals located in Wasur Park National Park area. In the Garden Hall program, Wasur Park is monitoring and evaluation of habitat and population. The Wasur Park National Park Hall conducts a regular patrol, preventing wild hunters from Wasur Park National Park. Then patrol is also done to prevent forest fires.


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