scholarly journals Integrating genetics, morphology, and fungal host specificity in conservation studies of a vulnerable, selfing, mycoheterotrophic orchid

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole M. Fama ◽  
Brandon T. Sinn ◽  
Craig F. Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Host Specificity ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Reproductive Mode ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Conservation Assessment ◽  
Fungal Host ◽  
Fragmented Habitat ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Multiple Data

ABSTRACTMycoheterotrophic plants derive most or all carbon and nutrients from fungal partners and represent poorly understood components of forest biodiversity. Many are rare or endangered yet can be ecological indicators of forest ecosystem function due to their often highly specific fungal host requirements. One such species is the IUCN red-listed (‘vulnerable’), fully mycoheterotrophic orchid, Corallorhiza bentleyi. This recently described species is among the rarest plants in Appalachia, known from five counties in Virginia and West Virginia, USA. The species has a restricted range, small population size, and is self-pollinating. Here we take an integrative approach to conservation genetic assessment in C. bentleyi using floral morphometrics, simple-sequence repeats, and fungal host DNA to characterize variation within and among sampling localities. Morphology reveals some differentiation among individuals from six sampling localities. Surprisingly, most genetic variation is found within localities, contra to the expectation for a selfing species. Fungal host DNA reveals extreme specificity upon a few genotypes of a single ectomycorrhizal host species, Tomentella fuscocinerea, across all localities. We discuss the conservation implications of morphological, genetic, and symbiotic diversity in this vulnerable species, and recommend additional assessment of conservation status based on: an obligate reproductive mode of selfing, preventing benefits of outcrossing among genetically non-identical individuals; extreme host specificity, severely restricting niche space; and highly fragmented habitat under threat from anthropogenic disturbance. This study underscores the importance of integrative conservation assessment, analyzing multiple data sources, and reveals patterns not readily apparent from census-based assessments alone.

scholarly journals Exploring dimensions of biodiversity in Japanese ferns

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Nitta ◽  
Brent D. Mishler ◽  
Wataru Iwasaki ◽  
Atsushi Ebihara
Keyword(s):  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Reproductive Mode ◽  
Functional Trait ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Grid Cells ◽  
Categorical Analysis ◽  
Low Latitudes ◽  
Peak Areas ◽  
Conservation Zones

Aim: To characterize multiple facets and drivers of biodiversity and understand how these relate to bioregions and conservation status. Location: Japan. Taxon: Ferns. Methods: We used data from >300,000 fern specimens in Japan to compile a community dataset of 1,240 0.2 degree grid-cells including 674 native, non-hybrid taxa. We combined this with a phylogenetic tree and functional trait data to analyze taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, and modeled the distribution of biodiversity in response to environmental factors and reproductive mode. We conducted categorical analysis of neo- and paleo-endemism to identify areas of significant phylogenetic endemism. We used hierarchical clustering of taxonomic and phylogenetic distances to analyze bioregions. We compared the overlap of significantly diverse grid-cells with existing conservation zones to assess conservation status. Results: We observe three major patterns in the spatial distribution of biodiversity: that of taxonomic richness, which is highest at mid-latitudes, that of phylogenetic and functional diversity and phylogenetic endemism, which are highest in small southern islands, and that of relative phylogenetic and functional diversity, which are high at both high and low latitudes, and low at mid-latitudes. Grid-cells were grouped in to three (phylogenetic) or four (taxonomic) major bioregions. Temperature and apomixis were identified as likely drivers of patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity. Conservation status (% protected area) is generally higher than the overall rate for grid-cells with significantly high biodiversity. Main conclusions: The integrative approach used here reveals previously undetected patterns and drivers of biodiversity in the ferns of Japan. The different distributions of each diversity type reflect the major bioregions. Although peak areas of different diversity types are largely non-overlapping, each one has a relatively high protection status. Despite this, future conservation efforts must be cognizant of dangers not addressed here such as climate change and herbivory by deer.

scholarly journals Endemic Juniperus Montane Species Facing Extinction Risk under Climate Change in Southwest China: Integrative Approach for Conservation Assessment and Prioritization

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Mohammed A. Dakhil ◽  
Marwa Waseem A. Halmy ◽  
Walaa A. Hassan ◽  
Ali El-Keblawy ◽  
Kaiwen Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Conservation Assessment ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Annual Range ◽  
The Impact

Climate change is an important driver of biodiversity loss and extinction of endemic montane species. In China, three endemic Juniperus spp. (Juniperuspingii var. pingii, J.tibetica, and J.komarovii) are threatened and subjected to the risk of extinction. This study aimed to predict the potential distribution of these three Juniperus species under climate change and dispersal scenarios, to identify critical drivers explaining their potential distributions, to assess the extinction risk by estimating the loss percentage in their area of occupancy (AOO), and to identify priority areas for their conservation in China. We used ensemble modeling to evaluate the impact of climate change and project AOO. Our results revealed that the projected AOOs followed a similar trend in the three Juniperus species, which predicted an entire loss of their suitable habitats under both climate and dispersal scenarios. Temperature annual range and isothermality were the most critical key variables explaining the potential distribution of these three Juniperus species; they contribute by 16–56.1% and 20.4–38.3%, respectively. Accounting for the use of different thresholds provides a balanced approach for species distribution models’ applications in conservation assessment when the goal is to assess potential climatic suitability in new geographical areas. Therefore, south Sichuan and north Yunnan could be considered important priority conservation areas for in situ conservation and search for unknown populations of these three Juniperus species.

scholarly journals Co-extinct and critically co-endangered species of parasitic lice, and conservation-induced extinction: should lice be reintroduced to their hosts?

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lajos Rózsa ◽  
Zoltán Vas
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Host Specificity ◽  
Host Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Common Phenomenon ◽  
Global Extinction

AbstractThe co-extinction of parasitic taxa and their host species is considered a common phenomenon in the current global extinction crisis. However, information about the conservation status of parasitic taxa is scarce. We present a global list of co-extinct and critically co-endangered parasitic lice (Phthiraptera), based on published data on their host-specificity and their hosts’ conservation status according to the IUCN Red List. We list six co-extinct and 40 (possibly 41) critically co-endangered species. Additionally, we recognize 2–4 species that went extinct as a result of conservation efforts to save their hosts. Conservationists should consider preserving host-specific lice as part of their efforts to save species.

scholarly journals Species Delimitation and Conservation in Taxonomically Challenging Lineages: The Case of Two Clades of Capurodendron (Sapotaceae) in Madagascar

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1702
Author(s):  
Carlos G. Boluda ◽  
Camille Christe ◽  
Aina Randriarisoa ◽  
Laurent Gautier ◽  
Yamama Naciri
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
The Other ◽  
Genetic Admixture ◽  
Putative Hybrid ◽  
Illegal Logging ◽  
Conservation Assessment ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Test Species ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Genetic Pools

Capurodendron is the largest endemic genus of plants from Madagascar, with around 76% of its species threatened by deforestation and illegal logging. However, some species are not well circumscribed and many of them remain undescribed, impeding a confident evaluation of their conservation status. Here we focus on taxa delimitation and conservation of two species complexes within Capurodendron: the Arid and Western complexes, each containing undescribed morphologies as well as intermediate specimens alongside well-delimited taxa. To solve these taxonomic issues, we studied 381 specimens morphologically and selected 85 of them to obtain intergenic, intronic, and exonic protein-coding sequences of 794 nuclear genes and 227 microsatellite loci. These data were used to test species limits and putative hybrid patterns using different approaches such as phylogenies, PCA, structure analyses, heterozygosity level, FST, and ABBA-BABA tests. The potential distributions were furthermore estimated for each inferred species. The results show that the Capurodendron Western Complex contains three well-delimited species, C. oblongifolium, C. perrieri, and C. pervillei, the first two hybridizing sporadically with the last and producing morphologies similar to, but genetically distinct from C. pervillei. The Arid Complex shows a more intricate situation, as it contains three species morphologically well-delimited but genetically intermixed. Capurodendron mikeorum nom. prov. is shown to be an undescribed species with a restricted distribution, while C. androyense and C. mandrarense have wider and mostly sympatric distributions. Each of the latter two species contains two major genetic pools, one showing interspecific admixture in areas where both taxa coexist, and the other being less admixed and comprising allopatric populations having fewer contacts with the other species. Only two specimens out of 172 showed clear genetic and morphological signals of recent hybridization, while all the others were morphologically well-delimited, independent of their degree of genetic admixture. Hybridization between Capurodendron androyense and C. microphyllum, the sister species of the Arid Complex, was additionally detected in areas where both species coexist, producing intermediate morphologies. Among the two complexes, species are well-defined morphologically with the exception of seven specimens (1.8%) displaying intermediate patterns and genetic signals compatible with a F1 hybridization. A provisional conservation assessment for each species is provided.

scholarly journals A new species of Cochemiea (Cactaceae, Cacteae) from Sinaloa, Mexico

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leccinum Jesús García Morales ◽  
Rodrigo Homero González González ◽  
Jesús García Jiménez ◽  
Duilio Iamonico
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
The North ◽  
Hummingbird Pollination ◽  
Diagnostic Key ◽  
A New Species

Background and Aims: Cochemiea is a genus which currently comprises five species occurring in Mexico. It is morphologically characterized by cylindrical decumbent to prostrate stems and by a long red-scarlet zygomorphic perianth, presumably specialized for hummingbird pollination. As part ofthe ongoing taxonomic studies on the North Mexican flora, a population discovered by Thomas Linzen in 2012 in central Sinaloa (Mexico), previously identified as Mammillaria sp., actually refers to a Cochemiea species and cannot be ascribed to any of the known species of that genus. As a consequence,we here propose to describe this population as a a new species for science.Methods: The work is based on field surveys (autumn 2018 and spring 2019) in central Sinaloa, examination of herbarium specimens, and analysis of relevant literature. Its conservation status was assessed following the guidelines of the IUCN; AOO and EOO were calculated with the programGeoCAT.Key results: Cochemiea thomasii is described and illustrated from Sinaloa. The new species is morphologically similar to C. halei from which it differs by the hanging stems, the larger conical tubercles, less numerous and shorter central spines, and the ovoid fruits. A diagnostic key of the knownCochemiea species is included.Conclusions: Cochemiea thomasii is endemic to the state of Sinaloa where it occupies a small area. On the basis of the criteria B2a (geographic range) and C (small population) of IUCN, the new species can be assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) or Vulnerable (VU). Adopting the precautionary approach, Cochemiea thomasii is considered as Critically Endangered (CR).

Conservation of the Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor ? management lessons for a threatened migratory species

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debbie Saunders ◽  
Raymond Brereton ◽  
Chris Tzaros ◽  
Mark Holdsworth ◽  
Rob Price
Keyword(s):  
Site Fidelity ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Migratory Bird ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Migratory Species ◽  
Conservation Assessment ◽  
Broad Distribution ◽  
Large Numbers

Conserving habitat for wide-ranging fauna species provides a challenge because impacts on these species tend to be dismissed based on the assumption that there is sufficient habitat in other areas of its range. This incremental loss of habitat is a serious conservation issue for a diversity of bird species. As knowledge of wide-ranging and migratory bird species increases, it often becomes evident that they select specific sites on a regular basis (i.e., the species exhibit site fidelity). Gaining a better understanding of site fidelity and selective habitat use for wide-ranging species is clearly important, but also extremely challenging. In this paper, challenges associated with conservation of the migratory and wide-ranging Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor are discussed as an example of how a recovery programme has aimed to address such conservation and management challenges. Despite the small population size (less than 2 500 birds), broad distribution (1 250 000 km2) and often cryptic nature, the implementation of the national recovery programme has been successful in the identification and protection of important habitats. This has been made possible by involving large numbers of volunteers who collect long-term sighting and habitat data over large areas, together with more detailed ecological research. This information is then used to inform the conservation assessment process and to improve habitat conservation throughout the range of the species.

Rediscovery of Oocephalus foliosus (Hyptidinae—Lamiaceae): notes on taxonomy and conservation of a species endemic to the campo rupestre of Central Brazil

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 525 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-162
Author(s):  
ARTHUR DE SOUZA SOARES ◽  
RAQUEL NEGRÃO ◽  
RAYMOND MERVYN HARLEY ◽  
JOSÉ FLORIANO BARÊA PASTORE ◽  
JOMAR GOMES JARDIM
Keyword(s):  
19Th Century ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Species Description ◽  
Second Step ◽  
Campo Rupestre ◽  
Central Brazil ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Narrow Area

Oocephalus foliosus was described in the first half of 19th century, based on a collection from central Goiás state, Brazil, being collected again only three times in surrounding areas. Although this species seems to be rare and endemic to a narrow area, it has never been listed on any threatened list or had its conservation status assessed. Recently, we recorded a small population of O. foliosus in the Pireneus peak, an area of campo rupestre located in the municipality of Pirenópolis, Goiás, allowing us to improve the species description, assess its extinction risk and comment on its taxonomy. Also, a second step lectotypification was needed to the species and is here proposed.

Cryptic speciation in the herbaceous bamboo genus Piresia (Poaceae, Olyreae)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria L Silveira de Carvalho ◽  
Izabela S D de Jesus ◽  
Rilquer M da Silva ◽  
Kelly R B Leite ◽  
Alessandra S Schnadelbach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Leaf Surface ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Niche Modelling ◽  
The North ◽  
Abaxial Leaf Surface ◽  
Herbaceous Bamboos ◽  
North Eastern

Abstract Piresia, a small genus of herbaceous bamboos, has a geographical disjunction between the Caribbean and northern/western South America and the north-eastern Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Piresia leptophylla is reported from western Amazonia (WA) and the north-eastern Atlantic Forest (NAF), but its occurrence in western Amazonia is questionable. Using an integrative approach, we combined traditional morphological analysis, anatomy and niche modelling. The results revealed few macromorphological differences between WA and NAF specimens (only plant height, leaf length, lodicule dimensions, shape and position), contrasting with consistent differences in leaf anatomy (macrohairs and cruciform silica bodies in the costal zone of the adaxial/abaxial leaf surfaces, crenate silica bodies on the abaxial leaf surface, lack of panicoid hairs on the abaxial leaf surface, bicellular microhairs and lobed papillae over the abaxial leaf surface, and sparse but elongated fusoid cells in the mesophyll of WA specimens) and in niche patterns. The anatomical/micromorphological characters suggest environmental adaptations to the Amazonian and ‘restinga’ forests, respectively. We therefore propose the segregation of the WA populations into a new species, Piresia tenella sp. nov. We provide a formal description, photographs, a line illustration, a distribution map and discussion of the conservation status for the new species.

scholarly journals Threatened flora from the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil: Arecaceae

Hoehnea ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Alves Elias ◽  
Joanna Marie Tucker Lima ◽  
Robson dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
The State ◽  
Conservation Assessment ◽  
Global Biodiversity Information Facility ◽  
Santa Catarina ◽  
Palm Species ◽  
Risk Of Extinction

ABSTRACT Palms (Arecaceae) are key elements that contribute to the forest biodiversity of the State of Santa Catarina. However, the official List of Endangered Flora Species of that State is incomplete, including only two Arecaceae species (Butia catarinensis Noblick & Lorenzi and B. eriospatha (Mart. Ex Drude) Becc.). Within this context, this study proposes a revision of the Official List of Arecaceae for Santa Catarina, based on the assessment of the conservation status made for each of the State’s native palm species. To assess the conservation status of the palm species in Santa Catarina, important sources on species distribution were used, including the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), a compilation of previously published, herbarium information, field observations, and data from the Floristic and Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina (IFFSC). Information for each species was imported into GeoCAT software (Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool). All 11 native palm species of Santa Catarina were evaluated. Ten species were considered at risk of extinction according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. This large number of palm species at risk of extinction calls attention to the urgent need for updates of the Official List of Endangered Species in the State.

A new critically endangered species of Angraecum (Orchidaceae) endemic to the island of Mauritius, Indian Ocean

Phytotaxa ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 222 (3) ◽  
pp. 211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques Fournel ◽  
Claire Micheneau ◽  
Claudia Baider
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Red List ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Invasive Alien Plants ◽  
International Union ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Critically Endangered Species ◽  
A New Species

Angraecum jeannineanum, a new species endemic to Mauritius, is described and its ecology and conservation status are discussed. Angraecum jeannineanum differs from A. cadetii, which is the morphologically most closely related species, as follows: (i) leaves are smaller, thicker and darker green, (ii) inflorescences and flowers are thinner and smaller, (iii) flowers are more greenish and non-fleshy. Angraecum jeannineanum belongs to Angraecum section Hadrangis, endemic to the Mascarenes, which also includes A. bracteosum, A. cadetii and A. striatum. An updated key for the section is provided. The species should be considered as Critically Endangered (CR) according to the Red List Criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This assessment is based on the highly restricted species distribution, small population size, and habitat sustaining degradation by invasive alien plants and animals.

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