scholarly journals Fatal attraction: rare species in the spotlight

2009 ◽  
Vol 276 (1660) ◽  
pp. 1331-1337 ◽  
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.

Low-Input Agriculture as a Chance to Preserve Endangered Species of Segetal Flora

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Haliniarz ◽  
Sylwia Chojnacka ◽  
Ewa Kwiecińska-Poppe
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Calcareous Soils ◽  
Low Input ◽  
Rare And Endangered Species ◽  
Rare And Endangered ◽  
Low Input Agriculture ◽  
Segetal Flora

As a result of human activity, the rate of extinction of species is now 100 to 1000 times faster than under natural conditions [1]. According to the FAO, 75% of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops worldwide has been lost since 1990. In Poland, about 100 species of field weeds are in danger of extinction. Archaeophytes growing on heavy calcareous soils, which are characteristic of the Lathyro-Melandrietum noctiflori, Caucalido-Scandicetum, Kicxietum spuriae communities, and weeds associated with the cultivation of flax, are particularly endangered. Halting the loss of rural biodiversity is a priority for the EU’s environmental protection strategy. Research aimed at assessing the infestation status of the weed agrophytocoenoses, located on rendzinas in the Lublin Province (Poland), has been conducted since 1997. The research was carried out using the Braun-Blanquet phytosociological method. Lublin Province is located in the south-eastern part of Poland. Here, there are good conditions for agricultural production. Agricultural land covers 57.9% of the total area of the voivodeship, of which 99.3% is agricultural land suitable for a good standard of farming. In such favorable environmental conditions, agriculture in the Lublin Province is characterized by an unfavorable structure of farms: 55.6% of more than 180,000 farms are those with an area under 5 ha. Such a large fragmentation of farms results in a low profitability of the agricultural sector, which results from extensive farming. Research has shown that low-input agriculture is conducive to the preservation of rare and endangered species of segetal flora [2]. Muscari comosum—a critically endangered (ER) species under strict protection—were found on several sites in the study area. Several sites of Caucalis platycarpos and Galium tricornutum, also recognized as ER species, were found in heavy rendzinas. Moreover, numerous sites of such rare species as Adonis aestivalis, Anthemis tinctoria, Thymelaea passerina, Lysimachia arvensis, Chaenorhinum minus and Euphorbia exigua were also identified. Research on the state of the population of rare species is a key challenge for scientists, because only knowledge about this will provide a basis for future relevant actions aimed at maintaining biodiversity and restoring degraded ecosystems [The poster presentation].

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. e2002554117
Author(s):  
Caspar A. Hallmann ◽  
Axel Ssymank ◽  
Martin Sorg ◽  
Hans de Kroon ◽  
Eelke Jongejans
Keyword(s):  
Null Model ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Rare And Endangered Species ◽  
Flying Insects ◽  
Random Expectation ◽  
Rare And Endangered ◽  
Open Question ◽  
Insect Biomass

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.

scholarly journals Ecological-coenotic features of rare flora species of pine-oak stands of Volyn Polissya

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-61
Author(s):  
S. O. Glinska ◽  
S. S. Shtokalo ◽  
D. V. Lyko ◽  
Ya. V. Stepaniuk ◽  
L. K. Savchuk
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Asparagus Officinalis ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Rare And Endangered Species ◽  
Wild Fauna ◽  
Rare And Endangered ◽  
Epipactis Helleborine

Anthropogenic influence on the natural vegetation of Volyn Polissya threatens the existence of habitats of rare and endangered species of flora. Therefore, the region, unique in botanical and geographical terms, is gradually losing its specific vegetation characteristics. Having analyzed the literature data, herbarium data and materials of our own field studies in 2016-2019, we have compiled a list of rare and endangered species of pine-oak stands. In the habitat of pine-oak stands 89 rare species were found, 29 of which are listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, while Silene lithuanica is included in the European Red List. 3 species (Cypripedium calceolus, Trapa natans та Caldesia parnassifolia) are included into appendices of “The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora”. 10 species are subject to protection according to the appendix of “Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats” 56 species are regionally rare species for the flora of the Volyn region, 4 species are rare species of pine-oak stands. In our research we have analyzed the age range, density and recovery index for the species studied. The study found that for 63 rare species the dynamics of species abundance and distribution are satisfactory. The area of distribution and the number of 7 species is increasing: Allium ursinum, Galanthus nivalis, Platanthera chlorantha, Anemone sylvestris, Campanula persicifolia, Corydalis cava, Isopyrum thalictroides In the study area 14 species grow sporadically: Juniperus communis, Potentilla alba, Digitalis grandiflora, Gymnocarpium dryoptheris, Daphne mezereum, Neottia nidus-avis, Epipactis helleborine, Scorzonera purpurea, Asparagus officinalis, Iris sibirica, Adonis vernalis, Cephalanthera damasonium, Gentiana cruciate, Gentiana pneumonanthe. Dissemination information for Caldesia parnassifolia, Succisella inflexa, Genistella sagittalis, Salix myrtilloides, Ophioglossum vulgatum is insufficient for establishing species dynamics and needs further investigation. The conservation of pine-oak stands in Volyn Polissya will help to create the conditions for the growth of rare and endangered species of flora.

scholarly journals Rare species perform worse than common species under changed climate

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Vincent ◽  
Christophe N. Bornand ◽  
Anne Kempel ◽  
Markus Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Future Climate Change ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Rare And Endangered ◽  
The Difference

AbstractPredicting how species, particularly rare and endangered ones, will react to climate change is a major current challenge in ecology. Rare species are expected to have a narrower niche width than common species. However, we know little whether they are also less able to cope with new climatic conditions. To simulate climate change, we transplanted 35 plant species varying in rarity to five botanical gardens in Switzerland, differing in altitude. For each species we calculated the difference in climate between their natural habitats and the novel climate of the respective botanical garden. We found that rare species had generally lower survival and biomass production than common species. Moreover, rare plant species survived less when the amount of precipitation differed more from the one in their natural range, indicating a higher susceptibility to climate change. Common species, in contrast, survived equally well under all climates and even increased their biomass under wetter or drier conditions. Our study shows that rarer species are less able to cope with changes in climate compared to more widespread ones, which might even benefit from these changes. This indicates that already rare and endangered plant species might suffer strongly from future climate change.

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

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.

scholarly journals The moths (Lepidoptera) of Glasgow Botanic Gardens

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.

Cryobanking of Amphibian Genetic Recourses in Russia: Past and Future

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.

ЗУБРЫ НА СЕВЕРЕ РОССИИ — НАСТОЯЩЕЕ И БУДУЩЕЕ

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.

Genetic diversity and genetic structure of the rare and endangered species, Primula ranunculoides

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 601-609
Author(s):  
Wang Deyun ◽  
Peng Jie ◽  
Chen Yajing ◽  
Lü Guosheng ◽  
Zhang Xiaoping ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Rare And Endangered Species ◽  
Rare And Endangered

Geoecological analysis of the Russian Federation regions representation in the state program “Environmental Protection”

2020 ◽  
Vol 957 (3) ◽  
pp. 47-53
Author(s):  
E.A. Kravets
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
The State ◽  
Volga River ◽  
Unequal Distribution ◽  
State Program ◽  
Rare And Endangered Species ◽  
Rare And Endangered ◽  
The Russian Federation

The author offers mapping and geoecological analysis of the Russian Federation regions presence in the state program “Environmental Protection”. The unequal distribution of the program’s targets and activities in different regions is revealed. A considerable number of relevant environmental problems for several mentioned regions have not been reflected in the program. It is important to increase the area of specially protected natural areas for a significant number of subjects of the Russian Federation. The status “part of the territory occupied by specially protected natural territories of Federal value in the total area of the subject of the Russian Federation” is recommended to be assigned all regions of Russia. Identification and elimination of objects of accumulated environmental damage that threat to the Volga river is relevant, at least for all the regions in which the Volga flows. Not all regions with a high level of air pollution and/or large masses of air pollutants have the indicator “reduction of total emissions for the reporting year”. It is necessary to increase the Program of measures for the protection of rare and endangered species of plants and to expand the list of regions in which it is planned to protect rare and endangered species of animals.

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