Trophic ecology of the mountain lizard, Liolaemus monticola (Müller & Hellmich, 1932), an endemic species of the central Andes of Chile

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 372
Author(s):  
Manuel Jara ◽  
Andrés Muñoz-Pedreros
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Central Andes ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Relative Toxicity ◽  
Seasonal Fluctuations ◽  
Niche Dynamics

Knowledge of trophic ecology is fundamental for understanding feeding strategies and niche dynamics, which can provide information on the vulnerability and conservation status of some poorly known species, such as Liolaemus monticola, a rock-dwelling lizard endemic to the central Andes of Chile. We studied its trophic ecology, analysing its diet and the availability of prey during three activity seasons (summer, autumn and spring). The results show that L. monticola is insectivorous, preying on epigean arthropods. The most frequent prey is formicid ants, on which it feeds in a greater proportion than that at which they occur in the environment. The annual diet is less variable than the seasonal fluctuations in the abundance of prey in the environment. We conclude that L. monticola is a trophic specialist with a preference for the ants Camponotus morosus, Araucomyrmex hypocritus and Brachymyrmex giardii. This diet presupposes an equilibrium between the relative toxicity of the ants, the energy cost of dealing with the prey and detoxification.

scholarly journals Trophic ecology and morphology of Anolis bartschi (Squamata: Dactyloidae) in Viñales National Park, Cuba

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-187
Author(s):  
L. Yusnaviel García-Padrón ◽  
Geydis León Amador ◽  
Mariela Mezquía Delgado ◽  
Yusvel Martínez Serrano
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
National Park ◽  
Annual Variation ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Head Width ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Head Morphology ◽  
Prey Overlap

Trophic ecology and morphology of Anolis bartschi (Squamata: Dactyloidae) in Parque Nacional Viñales, Cuba. Little is known about the trophic ecology of most anoles of Cuba. Morphology is directly related to ecological functions in lizards, such as feeding strategies, interspecifc competition or energetic demands linked to reproduction. Anolis bartschi is a regionally endemic species, restricted to karstic hills of western Cuba. Here, we offer new insights into the trophic ecology of this species, and its relation to head morphology. We captured 131 adults; males were larger than females in size and head width. Most of them had prey in their stomachs. Males consumed more prey than females, but the latter consumed larger prey. Prey overlap within sexes was detected in the dry season, but trophic segregation occurred in the rainy season. Hymenoptera was the most frequently consumed prey in both sexes. In addition, females ate Blattodea and Coleoptera, and males consumed more Diptera. We suggest that this lizard prefers sedentary rather than mobile prey. According to our dataset and feld observations, A. bartschi is a bimodal forager lizard, but research on temporal (daily and annual) variation in diet is recommended for a proper forage classifcation of this lizard.

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.

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 Rediscovery of Scorzonera amasiana Hausskn. and Bornm. - A threatened endemic species in Turkey

1970 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fergan Karaer ◽  
Ferhat Celep
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
Human Impacts ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
The Other ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Small Populations ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Current Conservation ◽  
Iucn Criteria

Scorzonera amasiana Hausskn. and Bornm. was described from type specimens collected by J.F.N. Bornmueller in 1889 but it was not collected again until 1993, when it was found near Amasya, Turkey. Populations of S. amasiana were quite small at that limited locations and were vulnerable to human impacts. Therefore, suitable conservation strategies should be developed immediately in order to protect the species from probable extinction. Here, an additional three small populations are reported. Brief history, morphology, habitat and ecology of this endemic species have been discussed. Its current conservation status was reevaluated with respect to the latest IUCN criteria. A key to distinguish it from the other closely related Turkish species is also provided and its distribution map is appended.   Key words: Endangered, Rediscovery, Scorzonera, Turkey DOI = 10.3329/bjb.v36i2.1502 Bangladesh J. Bot. 36(2): 139-144, 2007 (December)

scholarly journals The endemic plant species of Mt Kupe, Cameroon with a new Critically Endangered cloud-forest tree species, Vepris zapfackii (Rutaceae)

Kew Bulletin ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Cheek ◽  
Jean Michel Onana
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Cloud Forest ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Forest Tree ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Taxonomic Changes ◽  
Mt Kupe ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

SummaryWe revise and update the records of strict and near-endemic species of Mt Kupe, Cameroon respectively from 31 strict endemics in 2004, to 25 today, and with near-endemic species 30, unchanged in number but with turnover. The changes result from new collections, discoveries and taxonomic changes in the last 16 years. While 15 of the provisionally named putative endemic species have now been formally published, a further 18 have not. The majority of the 30 near-endemic species (18) are shared with the adjacent Bakossi Mts, far exceeding the numbers shared with the more distant Mt Etinde-Mt Cameroon, Rumpi Hills and Ebo forest areas (sharing three near-endemic species each with Mt Kupe). We test the hypothesis that a further one of the provisionally named putative Mt Kupe species, Vepris sp. 1 from submontane forest near the summit, is indeed new to science. We compare it morphologically with the two other bicarpellate high altitude Cameroon Highland tree species V. montisbambutensis Onana and V. bali Cheek, concluding that it is a new undescribed species here named as Vepris zapfackii. The new species is illustrated and its conservation status assessed as Critically Endangered using the 2012 IUCN standard, due to habitat clearance from agricultural pressures at its sole location which is unprotected. Vepris zapfackii and V. bali appear unique in African trifoliolate species of the genus in having opposite leaves. Vepris zapfackii differs in having hairy petiolules and midribs and petiolules with the blade decurrent distally, narrowing towards a winged-canaliculate base (vs glabrous and petiolule long, terete), and sparsely golden hairy pistillodes and a glabrous calyx (vs densely black hairy pistillodes, and sepals hairy).

scholarly journals Resource partitioning and ecomorphological variation in two syntopic species of Lebiasinidae (Characiformes) in an Amazonian stream

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathália Carina dos Santos SILVA ◽  
Aluízio José Lopes da COSTA ◽  
José LOUVISE ◽  
Bruno Eleres SOARES ◽  
Vanessa Cristine e Souza REIS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resource Partitioning ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Relative Length ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
The Body ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Relative Depth ◽  
Feeding Niche

ABSTRACTResource partitioning is important for species coexistence. Species with similar ecomorphology are potential competitors, especially when phylogenetically close, due to niche conservatism. The aim of this study was to investigate the resource partitioning among populations of two species of lebiasinids (Copella nigrofasciata and Pyrrhulina aff. brevis) that co-occur in a first-order Amazonian stream, analyzing the trophic ecology, feeding strategies and ecomorphological attributes related to the use of food and space by these species. Fish were captured in May and September 2010. The stomach contents of 60 individuals were analyzed and quantified volumetrically to characterize the feeding ecology of both species. Eleven morphological attributes were measured in 20 specimens and combined in nine ecomorphological indices. Both species had an omnivorous-invertivorous diet and consumed predominantly allochthonous items. Both showed a tendency to a generalist diet, but intrapopulational variation in resource use was also detected. Overall feeding niche overlap was high, but differed between seasons: low during the rainy season and high in the dry season. In the latter, the food niche overlap was asymmetric because C. nigrofasciata consumed several prey of P. aff. brevis, which reduced its food spectrum. The ecomorphological analysis suggests that C. nigrofasciatahas greater swimming capacity (greater relative length of caudal peduncle) than P. aff. brevis, which has greater maneuverability and tendency to inhabit lentic environments (greater relative depth of the body). Our results demonstrate that these species have similar trophic ecology and suggest a spatial segregation, given by morphological differences related to locomotion and occupation of habitat, favoring their coexistence.

Begonia medeiroii (Begoniaceae), a new species endemic to Santa Catarina, southern Brazil

Phytotaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 423 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
LUÍS ADRIANO FUNEZ ◽  
JULIO CESAR JARAMILLO ◽  
ELISANDRO RICARDO DRECHSLER-SANTOS
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Santa Catarina ◽  
Adaxial Surface ◽  
Narrow Endemic ◽  
A New Species ◽  
Iucn Criteria

We describe here Begonia medeiroii, a narrow endemic species from the Atlantic Rainforest. The conservation status of this species was assessed as critically endangered according to IUCN criteria. This species resembles to B. catharinensis and B. hirtella in some characteristics, differing among other features due the presence of adventitious vegetative buds on the adaxial surface of the leaves.

scholarly journals Can mandible morphology help predict feeding habits in Antarctic amphipods?

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 496-507
Author(s):  
Loïc N. Michel ◽  
Fabienne L. Nyssen ◽  
Patrick Dauby ◽  
Marie Verheye
Keyword(s):  
Functional Groups ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Generalist Predators ◽  
Dietary Specialization ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Antarctic Amphipod

AbstractIn Antarctica, amphipods form a highly diverse group, occupy many different ecological niches and hold an important place in food webs. Here, we aimed to test whether differences in Antarctic amphipod feeding habits were reflected in their mandible morphology, and if mouthpart specialization could be used to describe amphipod trophic ecology. To do so, we compared mandible morphology in nine species spanning seven families and five functional groups (grazers, suspension feeders, generalist predators, specialist predators and scavengers). Mandible morphology adequately depicted some aspects of amphipod trophic ecology, such as the trophic level at which animals feed or their degree of dietary specialization. On the other hand, links between mandible morphology and amphipod diet were seldom unambiguous or straightforward. Similar adaptations were found in distinct functional groups. Conversely, mandible morphology could vary within a single functional group, and phylogenetic effects sometimes complicated the interpretation of form-function relationships. Overall, mandible morphology on its own was generally not sufficient to precisely predict amphipod feeding strategies. However, when combined with other methods (e.g. gut contents, trophic markers), it constitutes a valuable source of information for integrative studies of amphipod ecological diversity in the Southern Ocean.

scholarly journals Miconia gigantea, a long-forgotten endemic and endangered species of Melastomataceae in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

2016 ◽  
Vol 88 (3 suppl) ◽  
pp. 1809-1818
Author(s):  
LILIAN P.G. DA ROSA ◽  
JOSÉ F.A. BAUMGRATZ ◽  
SEBASTIÃO J. DA SILVA NETO
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Related Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Type Specimen ◽  
Brazilian Atlantic Forest ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Floristic Studies ◽  
Occurrence Records

ABSTRACT Taxonomic and floristic studies in the state of Rio de Janeiro allowed the rediscovery of Miconia gigantea, an endemic species to the Atlantic Forest, until recently known only from the type specimen, collected over 100 years by A.F.M. Glaziou. We present an amended and detailed description of M. gigantea, providing characteristics of the flowers, fruits and seeds, in addition to illustrations, comments about taxonomic affinities with closely related species, the presently known distribution together with new occurrence records, and the conservation status.

Rediscovery and new data on distribution of the imperfectly known Philippine endemic Etlingera pubimarginata (Zingiberaceae; Alpinieae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 394 (1) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
MARK ARCEBAL K. NAIVE ◽  
CESAR G. DEMAYO ◽  
GRECEBIO JONATHAN D. ALEJANDRO
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Comparative Morphology ◽  
Taxonomic Description

Recent exploration on the mountains of Northern Mindanao, Philippines resulted in the recollection of Etlingera pubimarginata, an enigmatic endemic species recollected after a lapse of over a century. An amended taxonomic description with colour photographs as well as comparative morphology to its allied species, geographical distribution, and conservation status are provided.

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