scholarly journals Species and habitats of conservation interest in the Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area of the Strait of Sicily: a contribution towards the creation of a Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
PIERPAOLO CONSOLI ◽  
CHIARA ALTOBELLI ◽  
PATRIZIA PERZIA ◽  
MARZIA BO ◽  
ANTONIETTA ROSSO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Remotely Operated Vehicle ◽  
Red Lists ◽  
Strait Of Sicily ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Barcelona Convention ◽  
Iucn Red Lists

In 2015, the Strait of Sicily, which includes several banks, was candidate as a future Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI) by the Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention. In this context, the present study aims to provide the first biological and ecological characterisation of this poorly known area, focusing on habitats and species of conservation concern. Surveys were carried through a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and allowed the identification of 19 habitat types, mostly considered of priority interest by the SPA/BD Protocol of the Barcelona Convention. A total of 269 taxa were also identified, mostly Porifera, Cnidaria and Pisces, among which 115 species are of conservation concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Lists, the Habitats Directive, the Bern Convention, the SPA/BD Protocol and CITES. ROV surveys allowed some interesting observations on poorly known species and habitats. Results underlined that remarkable discrepancies in species conservation status assessment that exist between the several lists of protected species considered. The IUCN Red Lists, although not legally binding for European States, are the most complete, but, in spite of this, the conservation policies in the EU are largely focused on the Habitats Directive, which is really not exhaustive. An exhaustive and legally binding instrument to protect species of conservation concern at European scale is highly recommended. Acquired results could be useful for the delimitation of a future SPAMI or a network of Marine Protected Areas (including the investigated banks) and the identification of zones within them suitable for different area-based management measures. 

scholarly journals Měkkýši přírodní rezervace Hutě a jejího okolí v CHKO Bílé Karpaty [Molluscs of the Hutě Nature Reserve and its surroundings in the White Carpathians PLA]

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 115-122
Author(s):  
Radovan Coufal ◽  
Michal Horsák
Keyword(s):  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Spring Fens ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Eu Habitats Directive ◽  
White Carpathians ◽  
The Eu

The Hutě Nature Reserve is located in the central eastern part of the White Carpathians PLA, near the Žítková village. The reserve protects a preserved and topographically heterogeneous area composed of forest groves, meadows, pastures, and spring fens with a high diversity of submontane and thermophilic plant and animal assemblages. The species composition of molluscs (9 out of 10 ecological groups represented) consists mainly of woodland dwellers, which account for the majority of species diversity (30 spp.; 52%), followed by ubiquitous (9; 16%), hygrophilous (5; 9%), hygrophilous woodland dwellers (4; 7%), aquatic (4; 7%) and open-habitat dwellers (3; 5%). Vertigo moulinsiana (EN), internationally protected under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, Daudebardia brevipes (VU), Ambigolimax nyctelius (NT), Orcula dolium (NT) and Bythinella austriaca (NT) are species of conservation concern. To retain favourable habitat conservation status, the spring fens with V. moulinsiana occurrence must be managed extensively by grazing or mowing, while the forests must remain in a non-intervention regime.

scholarly journals Birds at Santa Bárbara Ecological Station, one of the last Cerrado remnants in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anderson da Silva Lucindo ◽  
Alexsander Zamorano Antunes ◽  
Marina Mitsue Kanashiro ◽  
Manoel Martins Dias
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
The State ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Santa Barbara ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Conservation Concern

In the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, the phytophysiognomy known as Cerrado takes less than 1% of its original cover. Thus, the establishment and management of protected areas are essential to save a significant sample of biodiversity of this environment in the region. The Santa Bárbara Ecological Station is one of the largest protected areas in São Paulo, and one of the few ones to cover a mosaic with most of the vegetation types of Cerrado. This article aims to increase the knowledge of avifauna in the reserve, showing new bird records and evaluating the association of species to their physiognomies. We carried out surveys from 2008 to 2013, which resulted in the record of 226 species, or 246 when in regard to Willis & Oniki’s works (1981, 2003). Twenty-two are regionally threatened, and five globally threatened. Despite showing lower species richness, grasslands stood out because of the number of species of conservation concern. Preventing the densification of woody vegetation and controlling the invasion of alien plants are important management actions for the conservation of the bird assemblages at Santa Bárbara reserve, one of the last open Cerrado remnants in São Paulo.

scholarly journals A simple method for assessing preliminary conservation status of plants at a national level: a case study using the ferns of El Salvador

Oryx ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 523-528
Author(s):  
Sandra Knapp ◽  
Jorge Monterrosa Salomón
Keyword(s):  
El Salvador ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
National Level ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Forest Habitats

AbstractAssessments of conservation status are usually carried out on a global scale but national priorities often necessitate a more focused approach. Using a typology of rarity first articulated in the early 1980s by Deborah Rabinowitz, coupled with presence/absence from protected areas, preliminary conservation status at the national level was assessed for 397 species of ferns and fern allies from El Salvador in Central America. Of these, 43 lacked sufficient data, 175 were considered not of conservation concern, 106 were considered to be at risk and 73 to be threatened. The majority of the threatened species were from cloud or montane forest habitats but aquatics and species restricted to pine–oak forests are also rare and occur outside protected areas. The utility of this simple methodology is discussed and the importance of field studies by local experts with local knowledge emphasized.

Genetic Evidence Confirms the Presence of Pygmy Rabbits in Colorado

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-123
Author(s):  
Wendy A. Estes-Zumpf ◽  
Shane E. Zumpf ◽  
Janet L. Rachlow ◽  
Jennifer R. Adams ◽  
Lisette P. Waits
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Species Identification ◽  
Great Basin ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Pygmy Rabbit ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Trained Observers ◽  
Pygmy Rabbits

Abstract The pygmy rabbit Brachylagus idahoensis is a sagebrush-obligate species of conservation concern that occurs in the Great Basin and adjacent intermountain areas in the western United States. The species is not known to occur in Colorado, despite proximity to existing populations of pygmy rabbits in Wyoming. We provide the first documentation of the pygmy rabbit in Colorado. Fecal pellets diagnostic of pygmy rabbits were collected in the Vermillion Bluffs area of northwestern Colorado. Samples from 16 pellet clusters were collected for species identification via genetic analyses, and we were able to extract and amplify sufficient DNA from 7 of 16 pellet samples. All seven samples were identified as originating from pygmy rabbits based on a species-specific mitochondrial DNA fragment analysis test. To verify species identification, we also sequenced 225 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b region from all seven pellet samples. Presence of pygmy rabbits was confirmed from three locations separated by 2.4–7.7 km and pellets represented both adult and juvenile rabbits. Based on the sparseness of burrows in the area, density of pygmy rabbits in the area likely is low; however, systematic surveys by trained observers are needed to delineate the range and density of this species in Colorado. Given the conservation concern for pygmy rabbits across their current range, the newly confirmed presence of this species suggests that assessment of their conservation status in Colorado is warranted.

scholarly journals A checklist of the amphibians and reptiles of Sinaloa, Mexico with a conservation status summary and comparisons with neighboring states

ZooKeys ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 931 ◽  
pp. 85-114
Author(s):  
Julio A. Lemos-Espinal ◽  
Geoffrey R. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
National Scale ◽  
Sierra Madre Occidental ◽  
Or Management ◽  
Environmental Vulnerability ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Sierra Madre ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Tropical Lowlands

Sinaloa possesses a rich biota with unique characteristics due to its proximity to the northern deserts, the tropical lowlands of the south, and the temperate environments of the western slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico. However, threats to its environment makes understanding the biological diversity of Sinaloa crucial. A checklist of the amphibians and reptiles has been generated, and the conservation status of Sinaloa’s herpetofauna summarized with the aim of understanding the potential conservation or management needs. Sinaloa has 159 species of amphibians and reptiles, including 39 species of amphibians and 120 species of reptiles. The herpetofauna of Sinaloa has relatively few species of conservation concern at a global and national scale (IUCN and SEMARNAT lists), but Environmental Vulnerability Scores suggest that there might be greater conservation concerns for the Sinaloa herpetofauna. Families of particular conservation concern include Craugastoridae, Eleutherodactylidae, Ambystomatidae, Crocodylidae, Dactyloidae, Eublepharidae, Helodermatidae, Iguanidae, Phrynosomatidae, Phyllodactylidae, Colubridae, Natricidae, Viperidae, Cheloniidae, and Dermochelyidae.

scholarly journals A checklist of the reptiles and amphibians found in protected areas along the South African Wild Coast, with notes on conservation implications

Koedoe ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan A. Venter ◽  
Werner Conradie
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
South African ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Novel Species ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Grid Cell ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Conservation Concern

We surveyed six protected areas along the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, to determine general herpetofaunal diversity as well as the representation of species of special conservation concern. Visual encounter survey methods and standard Y-shape trap arrays were used to conduct surveys from 2011 to 2013. A total of 59 species (22 amphibians and 37 reptiles) were recorded. A number of previously unknown populations of threatened species and one potential novel species were discovered in these protected areas, and the known ranges of several other species were extended. A total of 243 quarter-degree grid-cell unit records were documented, of which 90 (23% amphibians and 50% reptiles) represented the first records for the area. Amphibian and reptile diversity increased along the coast and a number of species of conservation concern were well represented in current protected areas. Our study provides a comprehensive amphibian and reptile checklist for an under-sampled region and highlights the importance of baseline data for improving conservation management.Conservation implications: Small protected areas play an important role in conserving a number of threatened herpetofaunal species along the Wild Coast. The region is currently under significant and increasing pressure from anthropogenic-induced environmental degradation, which affects biodiversity and subsequently the local inhabitants. The information presented here represents an important baseline for future conservation management.

scholarly journals Terrestrial Molluscs of the Tsyr-Pripyat Area in Volyn (Northern Ukraine): the First Findings of the Threatened Snail Vertigo Moulinsiana in Mainland Ukraine

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-258
Author(s):  
I. Balashov ◽  
M. Yarotskaya ◽  
J. Filatova ◽  
I. Starichenko ◽  
V. Kovalov
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
National Level ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Red Lists ◽  
The Crimea ◽  
The Eu

Abstract 26 species of terrestrial molluscs were found in the studied area, including the rare and globally threatened Vertigo moulinsiana that is listed in “Habitats Directive” of the EU and in numerous red lists. Until now it was known in Ukraine only by one population in the Crimea that became extinct in 2014. Its conservation status, taking threats into account, is considered to be “Critically Endangered” on the national level in Ukraine. The characteristics of the phytocenoses to which it is restricted and the associated molluscan faunas are discussed.

The importance of protected and unprotected areas for colony occupancy and colony size in White-necked Picathartes Picathartes gymnocephalus in and around Gola Rainforest National Park, Sierra Leone

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
MALCOLM BURGESS ◽  
ANNIKA HILLERS ◽  
DENIS BANNAH ◽  
SULLAY MOHAMED ◽  
MOHAMED SWARAY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Colony Size ◽  
National Park ◽  
Rock Surface ◽  
Tropical Biodiversity ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Disturbed Areas ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Conservation Concern

SummaryMost attention on tropical biodiversity conservation has focussed on protected areas. Recognising and enhancing the value of biodiversity outside, as well as inside, protected areas is increasingly important given recognition that biodiversity targets will not be met through protected areas alone. We investigated the extent to which protection influences colony occupancy and colony size of a species of conservation concern, the rock-nesting White-necked Picathartes Picathartes gymnocephalus. We used mixed models to compare long term trends at 42 colonies located both inside and outside a protected area of forest, Gola Rainforest National Park, and considered colonies further inside the boundary as being better protected. Colony occupation was primarily predicted by the level of protection, with occupation highest within protected areas, but was not different between colonies situated close to or far from the boundary. Mean colony occupation was consistently high in protected areas, and lower in unprotected areas. The surface area of colony rocks was also an important predictor with larger rock faces having a higher probability of occupancy. Our best models also included distance to forested habitat, presence of cleared forest and evidence of hunting as less important predictors. Over the eight-year study, after controlling for rock surface area, active colony size declined significantly. However, declines were only significant in colonies in unprotected forest, whilst colonies located within protected areas were buffered from significant decline. Together this suggests colony occupancy and the number of active nests are influenced by protection and human disturbance. Although a lack of demographic and population dynamic work on picathartes prevents identifying mechanisms, we show that despite unprotected colonies having lower occupancy and fewer active nests they can persist in human altered and disturbed areas, partly because larger traditionally used rocks remain important nesting sites.

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