Insect biomass decline scaled to species diversity: General patterns derived from a hoverfly community

Reports of declines in biomass of flying insects have alarmed the world in recent years. However, how biomass declines reflect biodiversity loss is still an open question. Here, we analyze the abundance (19,604 individuals) of 162 hoverfly species (Diptera: Syrphidae), at six locations in German nature reserves in 1989 and 2014, and generalize the results with a model varying decline rates of common vs. rare species. We show isometric decline rates between total insect biomass and total hoverfly abundance and a scale-dependent decline in hoverfly species richness, ranging between −23% over the season to −82% at the daily level. We constructed a theoretical null model to explore how strong declines in total abundance translate to changing rank-abundance curves, species persistence, and diversity measures. Observed persistence rates were disproportionately lower than expected for species of intermediate abundance, while the rarest species showed decline and appearance rates consistent with random expectation. Our results suggest that large insect biomass declines are predictive of insect diversity declines. Under current threats, even the more common species are in peril, calling for a reevaluation of hazards and conservation strategies that traditionally target already rare and endangered species only.

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Biodiversity reporting in India: a view from the top

Corporate Ownership and Control ◽

10.22495/cocv12i1c4p5 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 418-427

Author(s):

Mansi Mansi ◽

Rakesh Pandey ◽

Carolyn Stringer

Keyword(s):

Biological Diversity ◽

Indian Subcontinent ◽

Biodiversity Loss ◽

Habitat Destruction ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Reporting Practices ◽

Monitoring Centre ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Impact On Biodiversity

The purpose of this study is to explore the biodiversity reporting practices inside Indian companies. Biodiversity reporting studies across Indian companies are important because India has a wealth of biodiversity assets, that is, wildlife, flora, fauna, natural habitats, rare and endangered species and biological resources, and accounts for 7.8% of the global recorded species (Biological Diversity Act, the Biodiversity Rules, Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board, 2009). There are approximately 45,500 species of plants, 91,200 species of animals and 5,550 microbial species documented in India (National Biodiversity Authority, 2014). The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed 132 species of animals and plants in the Critically Endangered Category (Sudhi, 2012). To date, the literature omits to explore the biodiversity reporting practices inside Indian companies. Another important reason to conduct is this study is that India has alarming population levels; thus there is a huge demand for land, energy, and resources, which leads to massive biodiversity loss, deforestation, and habitat destruction. It is very likely that with the limited land mass and increasing population in India, several ecosystems, wildlife, flora and fauna will be/have been exploited, disturbed, and endangered. Given the high potential impact on biodiversity by industries, we are concerned that there is a dearth of biodiversity reporting studies within the Indian subcontinent. We concentrate on the largest companies (based on market capitalisation) because similar to Van Liempd and Busch (2013), we also expect that the largest companies have the greatest impact on biodiversity; therefore, they are expected to show more accountability to their stakeholders. Therefore it is worth exploring how Indian companies are engaging in biodiversity reporting practices (e.g. biodiversity conservation, biodiversity protection, habitat and ecosystem conservation); and whether these organisations are disclosing their impact(s) (both in quantity and quality) on biodiversity (such as wildlife, flora and fauna). Moreover, India has also been classified as one of 17 mega-diversity countries by The World Conservation Monitoring Centre which account for more than 70% of the planet’s species (Williams, 2001). All these reasons make this study timely and important.

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How much is enough? Influence of number of presence observations on the performance of species distribution models

Sommerfeltia ◽

10.2478/som-2019-0001 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 39 (1) ◽

pp. 1-28 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Bente Støa ◽

Rune Halvorsen ◽

Jogeir N. Stokland ◽

Vladimir I. Gusarov

Keyword(s):

Species Distribution ◽

Reference Model ◽

Null Model ◽

Species Distributions ◽

Reference Distribution ◽

Distribution Models ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Full Dataset ◽

Presence Data ◽

Rare And Endangered

Abstract Species distribution modeling (SDM) can be useful for many applied purposes, e.g., mapping and monitoring of rare and endangered species. Sparse presence data are a recurrent, major obstacle to precise modeling of species distributions. Thus, knowing the minimum number of presences required to obtain reliable distribution models is of fundamental importance for applied use of SDM. This study uses a novel approach to assess the critical sample size (CSS) sufficient for an accurate prediction of species distributions with Maximum Entropy Modeling (MaxEnt). Large presence datasets for thirty insect species, ranging from generalists to specialists regarding their responses to main bioclimatic gradients, were used to produce reference distribution models. Models based on replicated subsamples of different size drawn randomly from the full dataset were compared to the reference model using the index of vector similarity distribution models. Models based on replicated subsamples of different size drawn randomly from the full dataset were compared to the reference model using the index of vector similarity (IVS). Two thresholds for IVS were determined based on comparison of nine reference models to random null models. The threshold values correspond to 0.95 and 0.99 probability that a model outperforms a random null model in terms of similarity to the reference dataset. For 90% of the species, clearly nonrandom models were obtained with less than 10 presence observations, and for 97% of the species with less than 15 presence observations. We conclude that the number of presence observations required to produce nonrandom models is generally low and, accordingly, that even sparse datasets may be useful for distribution modelling.

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Aspects, Including Pitfalls, of Temporal Sampling of Flying Insects, with Special Reference to Aphids

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects9040153 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 153 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hugh Loxdale

Keyword(s):

Spatial Scales ◽

Natural Populations ◽

Ecological Niches ◽

Genetic Changes ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Temporal Sampling ◽

Flying Insects ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Similar Vein

Since the advent and widespread use of high-resolution molecular markers in the late 1970s, it is now well established that natural populations of insects are not necessarily homogeneous genetically and show variations at different spatial scales due to a variety of reasons, including hybridization/introgression events. In a similar vein, populations of insects are not necessarily homogenous in time, either over the course of seasons or even within a single season. This of course has profound consequences for surveys examining, for whatever reason/s, the temporal population patterns of insects, especially flying insects as mostly discussed here. In the present article, the topics covered include climate and climate change; changes in ecological niches due to changes in available hosts, i.e., essentially, adaptation events; hybridization influencing behaviour–host shifts; infection by pathogens and parasites/parasitoids; habituation to light, sound and pheromone lures; chromosomal/genetic changes affecting physiology and behaviour; and insecticide resistance. If such phenomena—i.e., aspects and pitfalls—are not considered during spatio-temporal study programmes, which is even more true in the light of the recent discovery of morphologically similar/identical cryptic species, then the conclusions drawn in terms of the efforts to combat pest insects or conserve rare and endangered species may be in error and hence end in failure.

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Recent Progress in Spermatology Contributing to the Knowledge and Conservation of Rare and Endangered Species

Annual Review of Animal Biosciences ◽

10.1146/annurev-animal-020420-040600 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Pierre Comizzoli ◽

William V. Holt

Keyword(s):

Natural Habitat ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Annual Review ◽

Publication Date ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Multiple Origins ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

And Performance ◽

And Function

There is a remarkable diversity in the animal kingdom regarding mechanisms underlying the production, maturation, structure, and function of sperm cells. Spermatology studies contribute to the knowledge of species diversity and also provide information about individual or population fitness. Furthermore, this fundamental research is required before collected spermatozoa can be used for conservation breeding, including assisted reproduction and cryobanking. This article aims to ( a) review the most recent knowledge on sperm morphology and function in wild animal species, ( b) analyze how this knowledge can be used to save species in their natural habitat or ex situ, and ( c) propose future scientific directions in wildlife spermatology that could positively impact animal conservation. Variations in sperm structure and performance within and between species have multiple origins and significance. This collective body of knowledge enables the design and implementation of conservation strategies and action plans that integrate several disciplines. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

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Fatal attraction: rare species in the spotlight

Proceedings of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rspb.2008.1475 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 276 (1660) ◽

pp. 1331-1337 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Elena Angulo ◽

Anne-Laure Deves ◽

Michel Saint Jalmes ◽

Franck Courchamp

Keyword(s):

Rare Species ◽

General Public ◽

Economic Incentive ◽

Common Species ◽

Actual Process ◽

Public Places ◽

Physical Effort ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Personal Investment ◽

Rare And Endangered

The exploitation of rare and endangered species can end in the species's extinction because the increased value people associate with rarity increases the economic incentive to exploit the last individuals, creating a positive feedback loop. This recently proposed concept, called the anthropogenic Allee effect (AAE), relies on the assumption that people do value rarity, but this remains to be established. Moreover, it also remains to be determined whether attraction to rarity is a trait confined to a minority of hobbyists (e.g. wildlife collectors, exotic pet owners) or characteristic of the general public. We estimated how much the general public valued rare species compared with common ones, using five different metrics related to personal investment: time spent, physical effort, unpleasantness, economic investment and risk. We surveyed the visitors of a zoo. To see the rare species, the visitors to the zoo invested more time in searching and contemplation, they were ready to expend more physical effort, they tolerated more unpleasant conditions, they were willing to pay more and, finally, they risked more to obtain (steal) a rare species. Our results provide substantial evidence of how the general public places more value on rare species, compared with common species. This confirms the AAE as an actual process, which in addition concerns a large part of the population. This has important consequences for the conservation of species that are rare now, or that could become so in the future.

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Impact of Renewed Cattle Grazing on Floristic Composition in the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis ◽

10.11118/actaun202068020335 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 68 (2) ◽

pp. 335-342

Author(s):

Marie Mrázková-Štýbnarová ◽

Josef Holec ◽

Radek Štencl ◽

Michaela Kolářová ◽

Luděk Tyšer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Floristic Composition ◽

Cattle Grazing ◽

Common Species ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Nardus Stricta ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Grazing Period ◽

Pasture Area ◽

Avenella Flexuosa

The aim of the study was to estimate changes in the floristic composition near Švýcárna lodge (1304 m a.s.l.), where cattle grazing after a long-term management cessation was introduced on a pasture area of 3.6 ha in 2012. The pasture was divided into two grazing sub-localities: P1 (Nar) with dominance of Nardus stricta and Avenella flexuosa and P2 (Des) with dominance of Deschampsia cespitosa. For grazing, Highland Cattle was used with a stocking rate up to 1 livestock unit per ha and year. The floristic composition was evaluated and statistically analyzed. After six years of restored grazing the overall species richness enhanced and a higher dominance of rare and endangered species was found. The dominance of some common species like Vaccinium myrtillus, and Calamagrostis villosa tended to decrease within a grazing period in favor of new species colonisation.

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The moths (Lepidoptera) of Glasgow Botanic Gardens

10.37208/tgn27110 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 53-56

Author(s):

R.B. Weddle

Keyword(s):

Endangered Species ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Common Species ◽

Botanic Gardens ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

The City

The moths that have been recorded in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Scotland over the years are reviewed and assessed in the context of the City of Glasgow, the vice-county of Lanarkshire (VC77), and the U.K. in general. The additions to the list since the last review in 1999 are highlighted. Some rare and endangered species are reported, though the comparatively low frequency of sightings of several normally common species suggests that the site is generally under-recorded. The same is true of Glasgow and Lanarkshire in general.

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Cryobanking of Amphibian Genetic Recourses in Russia: Past and Future

Russian Journal of Herpetology ◽

10.30906/1026-2296-2019-26-6-319-324 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 319-324

Author(s):

Victor K. Uteshev ◽

Edith N. Gakhova ◽

Ludmila I. Kramarova ◽

Natalia V. Shishova ◽

Svetlana A. Kaurova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Material ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Cell Biophysics ◽

Amphibian Species ◽

Modern Biology ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Long Term Storage ◽

Current State ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Academy Of Sciences

In modern biology, a search for efficient and safe ways of long-term storage of animal genomes is vital for the survival of rare and endangered species. To date, the only reliable method of prolonging the preservation of genome is deep freezing of somatic and reproductive cells, including spermatozoa. Here we overview the current state of reproductive technologies and present the cryopresevation strategies of genetic material of selected amphibian species. These strategies were developed at the Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia. Cryopreservation could help managing the threatened populations of amphibian species through genome storage and mediate the production of healthy animals from the stored material.

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ЗУБРЫ НА СЕВЕРЕ РОССИИ — НАСТОЯЩЕЕ И БУДУЩЕЕ

Molochnoe i miasnoe skotovodstvo ◽

10.33943/mms.2019.3.31722 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 42-44

Author(s):

I.V. GUSAROV ◽

V.A. OSTAPENKO ◽

T.V. NOVIKOVА

Keyword(s):

Biological Diversity ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Economic Consequences ◽

European Bison ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

The North ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Relationship Of ◽

First Time ◽

The Relationship

Впервые в мире создана популяция зубров на территории 60 градусов северной широты. В новых климатических условиях разведения и сохранения зубров определены и проанализированы факторы существования вида на севере Европейской части РФ. Выявлены признаки, динамика численности, которые являются составной частью системы, предназначенной для управления биоразнообразием. Интродукция, являясь процессом введения в экосистему нехарактерных для нее видов, может усиливать изменения биоценозов как положительно, так и отрицательно. Насколько быстро и успешно проходит процесс адаптации заселенного вида, и усматривается его влияние на окружающую среду зависит дальнейшее существование зубров и в целом биоразнообразия. В статье обсуждаются вопросы взаимоотношения зубров с другими видами копытных и хозяйственной деятельностью человека, а также дальнейшим использованием зубров в сельскохозяйственном производстве. Пластичность зубров, выявление изменений и их анализ при вселении видов в новые условия обитания необходимы не только для определения развития или деградации биоценозов и в целом экосистемы, но и прогноза социально-экономических последствий интродукции как одного из методов сохранения редких и исчезающих видов фауны.For the first time in the world, a bison population has been created in an area of 60 degrees north latitude. In the new climatic conditions of breeding and preservation of bison, the factors of the species existence in the north of the European part of the Russian Federation are identified and analyzed. The signs, dynamics of abundance, which are an integral part of the system designed to manage biodiversity are identified, since the preservation of biological diversity on the planet is one of the main problems of our time. Introduction, being the process of introducing non-typical species into an ecosystem, can enhance changes in biocenoses, both positively and negatively. The question posing sounds especially when it comes to such a large hoofed animal as the European bison. How quickly and successfully the process of adaptation of the universe takes place and its environmental impact is seen depends on the continued existence of bison and biodiversity in general. The article discusses the relationship of bison with other types of ungulates and human activities, as well as the further use of bison in agricultural production. How these issues will be resolved positively depends on the future of these animals. Thus, the plasticity of bison, the identification of changes and their analysis, with the introduction of species into new habitat conditions is necessary not only to determine the development or degradation of biocenoses and the ecosystem as a whole, but also to predict the socio-economic consequences due to the introduction as one of the methods of preserving rare and endangered species of fauna.

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