scholarly journals Conservation biology of threatened Mediterranean chasmophytes: The case of Asperula naufraga endemic to Zakynthos island (Ionian islands, Greece)

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Thalassini Valli ◽  
Vassiliki Lila Koumandou ◽  
Gregoris Iatrou ◽  
Marios Andreou ◽  
Vasileios Papasotiropoulos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Current Conservation ◽  
Ionian Islands ◽  
Small Population Size ◽  
Area Of Occupancy

Asperula naufraga is a rare and threatened obligate chasmophyte, endemic to Zakynthos island (Ionian islands, Greece). In this study, we provide a combined approach (including monitoring of demographic and reproductive parameters and study of genetic diversity) to assess the current conservation status of the species and to estimate its future extinction risk. The five subpopulations of A. naufraga were monitored for five years (2014–2018). Population size markedly fluctuated between 68–130 mature individuals during the monitoring period. The extent of occurrence (EOO) was estimated at 28.7 km2 and the area of occupancy (AOO) was 8 km2. Stage-structure recordings were similar for all subpopulations, characterized by high proportions of adult and senescent individuals, following a common pattern, which has been observed in other cliff-dwelling plants. Preliminary genetic analysis with SSRs markers revealed low heterozygosity within subpopulations and significant departure from H-W equilibrium, which combined with small population size suggest increased threat of genetic diversity loss. Our results indicate that the species should be placed in the Critically Endangered (CR) IUCN threat category, while according to Population Viability Analysis results its extinction risk increases to 47.8% in the next 50 years. The small population size combined with large fluctuations in its size, low recruitment and low genetic diversity, indicate the need of undertaking effective in situ and ex situ conservation measures.

scholarly journals Conservation of Micromeria browiczii (Lamiaceae), Endemic to Zakynthos Island (Ionian Islands, Greece)

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 778
Author(s):  
Anna-Thalassini Valli ◽  
Christos Chondrogiannis ◽  
George Grammatikopoulos ◽  
Gregoris Iatrou ◽  
Panayiotis Trigas
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Modern Biology ◽  
Annual Fluctuation ◽  
Ionian Islands ◽  
The Mediterranean

The massive decline in biodiversity due to anthropogenic threats has led to the emergence of conservation as one of the central goals in modern biology. Conservation strategies are urgently needed for addressing the ongoing loss of plant diversity. The Mediterranean basin, and especially the Mediterranean islands, host numerous rare and threatened plants in need of urgent conservation actions. In this study, we assess the current conservation status of Micromeria browiczii, a local endemic to Zakynthos Island (Ionian Islands, Greece), and estimate its future risk of extinction by compiling and assessing scientific information on geographical distribution, population dynamics and reproductive biology. The population size and the geographical distribution of the species were monitored for five years. The current population of the species consists of 15 subpopulations. Considerable annual fluctuation of population size was detected. The species is assessed as Endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature threat categories. According to population viability analysis results, its extinction risk was estimated to be 5.6% over the next 50 years, when six of the fifteen subpopulations (40%) might become extinct. The investigation of certain aspects of the species’ biology yielded important data necessary to identify critical aspects for its survival and to propose conservation measures.

Evaluating the conservation status of the Black-fronted Francolin Pternistis atrifrons

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
KAI GEDEON ◽  
DENNIS RÖDDER ◽  
CHEMERE ZEWDIE ◽  
TILL TÖPFER
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Current Conservation ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Iucn Red List Criteria

SummaryThe occurrence of the Black-fronted Francolin Pternistis atrifrons is restricted to a tiny area in southern Ethiopia. Based on field studies from 2012 to 2014, we modelled the range and estimated the population size of the species in order to evaluate its current conservation status. Annual mean temperature (relatively low) and precipitation (relatively high) proved to be key factors for the probability of its occurrence. The modelled range is 1,286 km2 (“extent of occurrence” according to the IUCN Red List criteria). However, only about one third of the modelled range is actually populated by the Black-fronted Francolin. This area, around 385 km2, corresponds to the IUCN’s “area of occupancy”. The total population size is estimated at 1,100 to 2,100 mature individuals. Thus, we conclude that the species should be classified as Endangered, criteria: A2c+B1ab(i,iii,v) + B2ab(i,iii,v); population trend: decreasing. This means that the Black-fronted Francolin is one of Africa’s most endangered galliforms. Major threats are range and habitat losses due to agricultural expansion, grazing pressure, commercial firewood and timber exploitation, and hunting. Furthermore, expected climate changes in south-east Ethiopia (higher temperatures, less precipitation) could further exacerbate these threats. We propose urgent conservation actions, including the extension of the currently projected Borana National Park.

scholarly journals No reduction in genetic diversity of Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) in Tatra Mountains despite high fragmentation and small population size

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1433-1445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Artur Dzialuk ◽  
Igor Chybicki ◽  
Roman Gout ◽  
Tomasz Mączka ◽  
Peter Fleischer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Size ◽  
No Reduction ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Tatra Mountains ◽  
Pinus Cembra ◽  
Stone Pine ◽  
Small Population Size ◽  
Swiss Stone Pine

scholarly journals Investigating the status of Cinnamomum chago (Lauraceae), a plant species with an extremely small population endemic to Yunnan, China

Oryx ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 470-473
Author(s):  
Xue Zhang ◽  
Xiong-Li Zhou ◽  
Yuan-Huan Liu ◽  
Jin-Qiu Mo ◽  
Li-Qin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Status ◽  
Management And Conservation

AbstractCinnamomum chago is a woody species of the family Lauraceae endemic to Yunnan province, China, previously known from only one location, and categorized as a Plant Species with Extremely Small Population. We surveyed to determine the distribution and population size of C. chago, characterize its habitat, identify any threats, assess its conservation status, and provide guidelines for its management and conservation. During 2014–2017 we found only 64 mature C. chago, in five locations. These small, fragmented populations occur along Lancang River in Dali Prefecture at altitudes of 2,200–2,400 m. The species' extent of occurrence is c. 923 km2, with an area of occupancy of c. 60 km2. The habitat of the species has been degraded by expansion of pastoral activities and deforestation. We recommend categorization of C. chago as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, prevention of the collection of seeds and wood of the species, protection and monitoring, and ex situ propagation for future reintroductions.

scholarly journals Small population size and extremely low levels of genetic diversity in island populations of the platypus,Ornithorhynchus anatinus

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 844-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise Furlan ◽  
J. Stoklosa ◽  
J. Griffiths ◽  
N. Gust ◽  
R. Ellis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Small Population Size ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Low Levels

Evolutionary genetics of small populations

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Frankham ◽  
Jonathan D. Ballou ◽  
Katherine Ralls ◽  
Mark D. B. Eldridge ◽  
Michele R. Dudash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Evolutionary Genetics ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Small Populations ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
Evolutionary Genetic ◽  
Loss Of Genetic Diversity ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Genetic management of fragmented populations involves the application of evolutionary genetic theory and knowledge to alleviate problems due to inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity in small population fragments. Populations evolve through the effects of mutation, natural selection, chance (genetic drift) and gene flow (migration). Large outbreeding, sexually reproducing populations typically contain substantial genetic diversity, while small populations typically contain reduced levels. Genetic impacts of small population size on inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity and population differentiation are determined by the genetically effective population size, which is usually much smaller than the number of individuals.

scholarly journals An assessment of the distribution, population size and conservation status of the Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner Automolus rufipectus: a Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta endemic

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
ESTEBAN BOTERO-DELGADILLO ◽  
NICHOLAS BAYLY ◽  
CAMILA GÓMEZ ◽  
PAULO C. PULGARÍN-R. ◽  
CARLOS ANDRÉS PÁEZ
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Environmental Niche ◽  
Coffee Plantations ◽  
Habitat Transformation ◽  
Elevation Range ◽  
Area Of Occupancy

SummaryThe Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner Automolus rufipectus is one of 19 endemic bird species found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM) in northern Colombia but until recently it was considered a sub-species of the Ruddy Foliage-gleaner Automolus rubiginosus. Consequently, published information on its distribution and ecology is lacking, and while it is classified as near- threatened, this designation was based on limited quantitative data. To improve our knowledge of the Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner’s geographical distribution, elevation range, population density, habitat use and conservation status, we analysed both historical and recent site locality records and carried out variable distance transects within forested habitats and shade coffee plantations. We modelled the environmental niche of the species and subsequently estimated its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, as well as population size. Our results consistently showed that the distribution of the Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner is more restricted than previously considered, both geographically and by elevation (we redefine elevation range as 600–1,875 m). This suggests that the species is more at risk of habitat transformation and combined with our estimates of population size (< 10,000 individuals), it is likely that the species will be uplisted to a higher threat category. More positively, and contrary to published accounts, we found that approximately 40% of the species’ range lies within protected areas. Nevertheless, we recommend the implementation of strategies to maintain forest cover on the western flank of the SNSM and further research to better define the species’ habitat needs and population dynamics.

Eumops floridanus (Chiroptera: Molossidae)

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1009) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
Jessica M Vannatta ◽  
Jeffery A Gore ◽  
Verity L Mathis ◽  
Brian D Carver
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Population Size ◽  
The United States ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Small Population Size ◽  
Restricted Distribution ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Fish And Wildlife Service

Abstract Eumops floridanus (Allen, 1932) is a molossid commonly called the Florida bonneted bat or the Florida mastiff bat. Eumops floridanus is the largest species of bat in Florida and is one of 16 species in the genus Eumops. With one of the smallest distributions of any bat in the United States, it is endemic to southern peninsular Florida where it roosts in cavities of live and dead trees and man-made structures. Eumops floridanus was formerly classified as a subspecies of E. glaucinus but has been elevated to species level based on morphology. Due primarily to its restricted distribution, small population size, and the continued loss of habitat, E. floridanus is federally listed as “Endangered” (EN) by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

scholarly journals Clipperton Atoll as a model to study small marine populations: Endemism and the genomic consequences of small population size

PLoS ONE ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. e0198901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L. Crane ◽  
Juliette Tariel ◽  
Jennifer E. Caselle ◽  
Alan M. Friedlander ◽  
D. Ross Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Small Population Size
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document