Integrative taxonomic revision of the woodlouse-hunter spider genus Dysdera (Araneae: Dysderidae) in the Madeira archipelago with notes on its conservation status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís C Crespo ◽  
Isamberto Silva ◽  
Alba Enguídanos ◽  
Pedro Cardoso ◽  
Miquel A Arnedo
Keyword(s):  
Target Gene ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Madeira Archipelago ◽  
Colonization Event ◽  
High Conservation ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Diversification Event

Abstract Dysdera is a highly speciose genus of mid-sized, nocturnal hunting spiders, mostly circumscribed to the Mediterranean. The genus managed to colonize all Macaronesian archipelagos, and underwent major diversification in the Canary Islands. Here, we report on an independent diversification event on the Madeira archipelago. Based on the integration of morphological and molecular evidence, we describe 8 new species to science, Dysdera dissimilis sp. nov., Dysdera exigua sp. nov., Dysdera isambertoi sp. nov., Dysdera precaria sp. nov., Dysdera recondita sp. nov., Dysdera sandrae sp. nov., Dysdera teixeirai sp. nov., Dysdera titanica sp. nov. and redescribe Dysdera coiffaiti, Dysdera diversa and Dysdera portisancti. We synonymize Dysdera longibulbis and Dysdera vandeli under D. coiffaiti and D. diversa, respectively. Additionally, we use a multilocus target gene phylogeny to support a single colonization event of the archipelago followed by in situ diversification. We further discuss the discovered diversity patterns and their drivers. We conclude to that many of the species inhabit disturbed or fragile habitats and should be considered of high conservation concern.

scholarly journals Managing botanic garden collections of high conservation value

2021 ◽  
pp. 81-94
Author(s):  
Martin F. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Botanic Garden ◽  
Safe Sites ◽  
Main Driver ◽  
High Conservation ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Significant Milestone

The author has spent 30 years co-ordinating the International Conifer Conservation Programme (ICCP), based at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and uses this significant milestone to reflect on some important aspects of managing genetic resources in plants of conservation concern. The main driver of the ex-situ component of the ICCP has been to develop robust protocols for broadening the genetic base of threatened conifers and a range of conservation dependent Chilean woody plants in cultivation. This is achieved using well-documented known wild origin material distributed through a dedicated network of ‘safe sites’. Examples of threatened species for which collection and cultivation of a breadth of genetic material has enabled meaningful conservation are given here. The strategy to increase genetic material in cultivation sometimes involves using novel methods including conservation hedges. The great challenge facing all managers of botanical collections is how to develop effective programmes that integrate ex-situ with in-situ conservation. The biggest contribution collection managers and growers can make is to maximise the value of collections in their care and actions which achieve this are listed.

A taxonomic revision of the Stylidium despectum group (Stylidiaceae) from southern Australia

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet A. Wege
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Jarrah Forest ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Herbarium Collections ◽  
Western Australian

A morphological review of the diminutive annual species from the Stylidium despectum R.Br. group (Stylidiaceae) is presented. Twelve species are recognised, of which 10 are endemic in the south-west of Western Australia and two are widespread across southern temperate Australia. Following examination of type material, herbarium collections and field observations, a change of circumscription is presented for S. despectum and S. inundatum R.Br. The former name is applied to a widespread species that occurs in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, and is characterised by scattered or rosetted leaves, pink and/or white corolla lobes in a fan-shaped arrangement, and an immobile floral column. S. brachyphyllum Sond. is newly placed into synonymy under S. despectum and a lectotype selected. S. inundatum is redefined as a south-western Australian endemic with scattered leaves, vertically-paired or evenly spreading corolla lobes, and a mobile floral column. A lectotype is designated for S. inundatum, and S. sidjamesii Lowrie & Kenneally is treated as conspecific. S. beaugleholei J.H.Willis is confirmed for Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. S. asymmetricum Wege, a new and apparently rare species from the Northern Jarrah Forest in south-western Australia, is formally described and revised descriptions are provided for S. longitubum Benth., S. pygmaeum R.Br., S. rhipidium F.L.Erickson & J.H.Willis, S. roseoalatum F.L.Erickson & J.H.Willis, S. roseonanum Carlquist, S. tinkeri Lowrie & Kenneally, S. utricularioides Benth. and S. xanthopis F.L.Erickson & J.H.Willis. A lectotype is designated for S. longitubum Benth. and S. utricularioides var. rosulatum Mildbr. is newly placed into synonymy under S. roseoalatum. A key to species is provided, along with photographs to aid identification. Further field-based studies are required to refine the taxonomy of this group and to better understand the distribution, rarity and conservation status of some of the taxa. In Western Australia, seven species are listed as being of conservation concern, of which S. asymmetricum, S. tinkeri and S. xanthopis require immediate further survey to ascertain whether they should be given Threatened Flora status.

scholarly journals Caterpillars of the marsh fritillary butterfly Euphydryas aurinia can extend their life-cycle in Scotland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil O. M. Ravenscroft
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Northern Europe ◽  
First Year ◽  
Winter Mortality ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Euphydryas Aurinia ◽  
High Conservation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Marsh Fritillary

AbstractThe marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia is declining across Europe and is of high conservation interest. Its ecology has been defined and its conservation status assessed primarily from the affinities and populations of young caterpillars in the autumn, before hibernation and high winter mortality. The possibility that caterpillars of E. aurinia can overwinter more than once was investigated on the Isle of Islay, Scotland after caterpillars were found to occur at some locations in the spring despite a pre-hibernation absence. Closely-related species in North America and Northern Europe can prolong larval development by diapausing for a year as does E. aurinia in Scandinavia. Measurements of development and manipulations of distribution confirmed that some caterpillars do extend the life-cycle in Scotland and may occur in areas devoid of larvae in their first year. Caterpillars attempting this life-cycle develop slowly in spring, attain the normal penultimate spring instar and then enter diapause while other caterpillars are pupating. They moult just before diapause, construct highly cryptic webs and on emergence the following spring are 5–6 times heavier than larvae emerging in their first spring, or the equivalent of a month or so ahead. They attain a final, extra instar as larvae in their first spring reach the penultimate instar. Knowledge of this life-cycle is confined in the UK to Islay but its occurrence in this mild climate implies that it is more widespread.Implications for insect conservation Conditions that permit long diapause are probably precise and may not be reflected in recognised qualities of habitat. The species may also be present despite a perceived absence in autumn, the standard period for monitoring. Assessments of the prevalence of the life-cycle and its contribution to the persistence of E. aurinia are required. Populations of E. aurinia are known to fluctuate greatly and do occur below the observation threshold for long periods.

scholarly journals Corrigenda — A taxonomic revision of Alstonia (Apocynaceae) in Australia

1992 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 745
Author(s):  
PI Forster
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Key To Species

The genus Alstonia R. Br. is revised for Australia. Six species are recognised, namely A. actinophylla (A. Cunn.) Schurnann, A. constricta F. Muell., A. linearis Benth., A. muelleriana Domin, A. scholaris (L.) R. Br. and A. spectabilis R. Br. Two subspecies are recognised for A. spectabilis, with A. ophioxyloides F. Muell. being reduced to subspecific status. A. muelleriana is lectotypified. Generic and specific descriptions, a key to species; notes on variation, distribution, habitat and conservation status are provided. Ethnobotanical use in Australia and adjacent Papuasia is briefly reviewed.

scholarly journals Co-occurring cryptic species pose challenges for conservation: a case study of the African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemusspp.) in Cameroon

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 584-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L. Smolensky
Keyword(s):  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Encounter Rates ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Threatened Taxa ◽  
Population Structures

AbstractThe conservation status of threatened taxa may be obfuscated by the detection of cryptic species complexes, in both vertebrate and invertebrate species. African dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemusspp.) are hunted throughout their range but their conservation status is unknown. Few population assessments have been carried out and there has been a taxonomic revision of the number of species in the genus. The similar morphologies ofOsteolaemus tetraspisandOsteolaemus osbornipose a challenge for conservation in Cameroon, where they are still managed as a single species. Nocturnal spotlight surveys were conducted in three regions during August–November 2010 and December 2011–February 2012 to provide population assessments ofO. tetraspisandO. osborniand raise awareness of the two species in Cameroon. The mean encounter rates ofO. tetraspisandO. osborniwere 1.02 ± SD 1.34 (65 individuals in 39 surveys) and 0.61 ± SD 0.38 (three in four surveys) crocodiles per km, respectively. TheO. tetraspispopulation comprised juveniles predominantly and had a male-biased sex ratio. The fewO. osbornidetected comprised both adults and juveniles. Both species are threatened in Cameroon, based on low encounter rates, young population structures and the threats of habitat loss and hunting pressure. This study provides distribution maps and serves as a baseline to quantify population trends and inform conservation strategies.

scholarly journals Sustainable Use of Fig Species Provides Nutrition and Medicine for Ethnic Minority Communities in the Southern Shan State of Myanmar

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aye Mya Mon ◽  
Yinxian Shi ◽  
Pyae Phyo Hein ◽  
Thaung Naing Oo ◽  
Cory W. Whitney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Use Value ◽  
Ethnobotanical Knowledge ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Tropical Regions

Abstract Background: Fig trees are ecological keystone species in many tropical regions and play important roles in the spirituality, nutrition and health for many rural communities. Although the tropical forests in Myanmar contain many fig species, little ethnobotanical knowledge on their uses has been recorded.Information about the uses and conservation related actions of figswould be helpful in development ofstrategic policy for sustainable use and biodiversity conservation of the country. We showcase the rich ethnobotanical knowledge as well as the variety of collection and conservation practices related to figs among five ethnic groups in Southern Shan State. Methods: We performed both key informant and semi-structured interviews with 114 informants from five ethnic groups. Their uses for figs were categorized according to local practices and recipes. Informants were asked about trends in conservation status over the past 10 years and any conservation related customs and practices. Data were analyzed quantitatively by use report (UR) and use value (UV). Results: Informants reported the uses of eight fig species (Ficusauricularta，F.concinna, F. geniculata，F. hispida, F. racemosa, F. religiosa，F. semicordata, and F. virens).F. geniculata and F. virens were most useful (UR = 228) and were used by all five ethnic groups, corresponding to a high use value (UV = 2). Treatments for 16 diseases were reported from seven species. Household consumption, economic, and sacred uses were accompanied by sustainable practices of harvest and protection. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation were practiced especially for highly demanded species (F. geniculata and F. virens), and the sacred fig F. religiosa.Conclusion: Findings suggest that figs are useful for nutrition (all informants) and medicine (13.16% of the informants) in the study area. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation practices help to maintain sustainable utilization of locally important figs. This is an early contribution to the traditional knowledge of edible figs. Although similar uses have been reported in neighboring countries for seven of the fig species, the ethnobotanical use of F. concinna is novel.

Taxonomic revision and morphological delimitation of Oxalis sect. Ripariae (Oxalidaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 529 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-159
Author(s):  
ANELISE NUERNBERG-SILVA ◽  
PEDRO FIASCHI
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Second Step ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
South American ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Phylogenetic Studies ◽  
A New Species ◽  
Near Threatened

Phylogenetic studies indicate that several infrageneric taxa in Oxalis require taxonomic updates to attain monophyly. In this contribution, we update the morphological delimitation of the South American Oxalis sect. Ripariae and provide a taxonomic revision of the currently accepted species. The sectional delimitation was carried out by comparing micro- and macromorphological features of Oxalis sect. Ripariae, O. sect. Corniculatae, and O. sect. Myriophyllum. These sections share yellow flowers and aerial stems. Glandular hairs and larger seeds with the surface longitudinally crested and with projections are exclusive to Oxalis sect. Ripariae. We accept 11 species in the section, including three previously placed in Oxalis sect. Corniculatae (i.e., O. eriocarpa, O. niederleinii, and O. refracta), but excluding O. serpens and O. subvillosa, which are moved to O. sect. Corniculatae. We also describe a new species (Oxalis lourteiginana), propose a new name and status for O. bifrons subsp. littoralis (now O. pampeana), the synonymization of O. irreperta with O. riparia, six second-step lectotypifications, and one epitypification. For each accepted species we provide a morphological description, illustrations, ecological and taxonomic information, conservation status following IUCN, and a geographic distribution map. Most species occur in southern Brazil, but the section is widespread also in Argentina, Uruguay, and eastern Paraguay. Six species are categorized as threatened and further three as near threatened. Besides, we provide an identification key for the taxa of the section.

Evidence of sodium limitation in ants and termites in a Neotropical savanna

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Natalie A. Clay ◽  
Donald B. Shepard ◽  
Adrian A. Garda ◽  
Daniel O. Mesquita ◽  
Alexandre Vasconcellos
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Strong Evidence ◽  
Decomposition Rate ◽  
Nutritional Ecology ◽  
Neotropical Savanna ◽  
Nacl Concentration ◽  
Neotropical Savannas ◽  
High Conservation ◽  
Type Water ◽  
Conservation Concern

Abstract Nutritional ecology of ropical ecosystems like Neotropical savannas, which are of high conservation concern, is understudied. Sodium is essential for heterotrophs but availability often falls short relative to plant consumer requirements. Savanna plant consumers like ants and termites should be sodium-limited due to high temperatures, nutrient-poor soils, and lack of oceanic sodium deposition. We tested the hypothesis that Neotropical savanna ants and termites are sodium-limited. Termites were tested by supplementing 0.25 m2 plots with H2O (control), 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1.0% NaCl and measuring termite presence and artificial substrate mass loss after 1 week. Ants were tested by collecting ants that recruited to H2O (control), 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0% NaCl and 1.0%, 10%, and 20% sugar baits on paired diurnal–nocturnal transects. Termites were 16 times more likely to occur on 1% NaCl than H2O plots and wood-feeding termites were most frequent. However, the decomposition rate did not differ among treatments. Ant bait use increased with increasing NaCl concentration and 1% NaCl usage was similar to sugar bait usage. Ants were 3.7 times more active nocturnally than diurnally, but contrary to predictions bait type (water, sugar or NaCl) usage did not differ between day and night. Together, these results provide strong evidence of sodium limitation in Neotropical savannas.

Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae) in the flora of Vietnam III. The revision of B.sect. Lemniscata

Phytotaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 416 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
LEONID V. AVERYANOV ◽  
BA VUONG TRUONG ◽  
TATIANA V. MAISAK
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Authentic Materials ◽  
Identification Of Species

Modern taxonomic revision of Bulbophyllum sect. Lemniscata in the flora of Vietnam based on available collections and literature data reports 5 species (Bulbophyllum averyanovii, B. chelicerum, B. comosum B. hirtum, and B. lemniscatoides), one of which (B. chelicerum) is described as a new for science. For all accepted taxa the paper provides valid name and main synonyms with appropriate standard taxonomic references, data on type and other authentic materials, description, data on ecology, phenology, expected conservation status, distribution, notes on biology and taxonomy, list of all studied materials, as well as key for identification of species and their color illustrations. Lectotype for B. lemniscatoides is proposed.

scholarly journals Birds of the Entella river (Genoa, Italy): a qualitative assessment of bird diversity in an urbanizing biotope, with implications for management and conservation

2019 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-22
Author(s):  
Andrea Simoncini ◽  
Daniela Papi ◽  
Enrico Ruggeri
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Depth Data ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Birds Directive ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Management And Conservation ◽  
Small Wetland

This work presents the first assessment of the birds of the Entella river (Genoa, Liguria), a small wetland embedded in an urbanized matrix. Data were collected through standardized in situ censuses from April 2012 to June 2017 and integrated with historical and recent data from other verified sources. A total of 278 species are known from the site; 53 species (19.06%) breed in the area, whereas 62 (22.30%) species are vagrant and 81 species (29.14%) are included in the Annex I of the Birds Directive (79/409/CEE). We determined the following indices: NP/P ratio = 1.48, O.V.I. (Ornithological Value Index) = 20.53. In-depth data are provided for vagrant species and for species of conservation concern, to prioritize conservation efforts. The results underline the importance of the Entella river as a local biodiversity hotspot and suggest a possible role of the area as a stepping stone in the regional ecological network. The study highlights a dichotomy between urbanization and high bird diversity in the area and acts as a first step towards its conservation and implementation.

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