Evaluating artisanal fishing of globally threatened sharks and rays in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Sharks and rays are at risk of extinction globally. This reflects low resilience to increasing fishing pressure, exacerbated by habitat loss, climate change, increasing value in a trade and inadequate information leading to limited conservation actions. Artisanal fisheries in the Bay of Bengal of Bangladesh contribute to the high levels of global fishing pressure on elasmobranchs. However, it is one of the most data-poor regions of the world, and the diversity, occurrence and conservation needs of elasmobranchs in this region have not been adequately assessed. This study evaluated elasmobranch diversity, species composition, catch and trade within the artisanal fisheries to address this critical knowledge gap. Findings show that elasmobranch diversity in Bangladesh has previously been underestimated. In this study, over 160000 individual elasmobranchs were recorded through landing site monitoring, comprising 88 species (30 sharks and 58 rays) within 20 families and 35 genera. Of these, 54 are globally threatened according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with ten species listed as Critically Endangered and 22 species listed as Endangered. Almost 98% juvenile catch (69–99% for different species) for large species sand a decline in numbers of large individuals were documented, indicating unsustainable fisheries. Several previously common species were rarely landed, indicating potential population declines. The catch pattern showed seasonality and, in some cases, gear specificity. Overall, Bangladesh was found to be a significant contributor to shark and ray catches and trade in the Bay of Bengal region. Effective monitoring was not observed at the landing sites or processing centres, despite 29 species of elasmobranchs being protected by law, many of which were frequently landed. On this basis, a series of recommendations were provided for improving the conservation status of the elasmobranchs in this region. These include the need for improved taxonomic research, enhanced monitoring of elasmobranch stocks, and the highest protection level for threatened taxa. Alongside political will, enhancing national capacity to manage and rebuild elasmobranch stocks, coordinated regional management measures are essential.

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ВИДИ ПІДРОДИНИ NIMPHALINAE В ЗООЛОГІЧНИХ КОЛЕКЦІЯХ ТЕРНОПІЛЬСЬКОГО НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПЕДАГОГІЧНОГО УНІВЕРСИТЕТУ ІМЕНІ ВОЛОДИМИРА ГНАТЮКА

Scientific Issue Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University. Series: Biology ◽

10.25128/2078-2357.21.1-2.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 81 (1-2) ◽

pp. 14-19

Author(s):

H. M. Holinei ◽

M. Z. Prokopiak ◽

O. V. Roketska ◽

L. O. Shevchyk ◽

M. A. Kryzhanovska

Keyword(s):

Conservation Status ◽

Common Species ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Red List ◽

International Union ◽

Inachis Io ◽

Data Book ◽

Vanessa Atalanta ◽

Number Of Individuals ◽

Zoology Department

The species diversity of the insects of Nimphalinae subfamily (Lepidoptera order), which are stored in the entomological collection of The Botany and Zoology Department of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University were studied. The insects were collected by the students during their teacher training and also by the amateur entomologists during 2000–2020. These insects are in the collections of The Botany and Zoology Department. The species composition of the collected insects was analyzed. There are 202 individuals of Nimphalinae subfamily. Identified insects belong to five genus (Vanessa, Inachis, Agаlis, Polygonia, Nymphalis). The largest number of individuals of this subfamily was calculated (Inachis io –75, Vanessa atalanta – 52, Cynthia cardui – 45). Also 13 individuals of Agаlis urticae and 12 individuals of Polygonia c-album were found. All species of Rhopalocera of European fauna are in The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Most of them are classified as Least Concern (LC). Widespread, numerous and common species of the Nimphalinae subfamily were found in the funds of The Botany and Zoology Department. Identified species belong to the LC category of The IUCN Red List. The Compton tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum) is included in The Red Data Book of Ukraine (2009). Its conservation status is invaluable. Nymphalis vaualbum was not found in the entomological collections of The Botany and Zoology Department of TNPU.

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The conservation status and population decline of the African penguin deconstructed in space and time

10.1101/2020.01.15.907485 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Richard B. Sherley ◽

Robert J. M. Crawford ◽

Andrew D. de Blocq ◽

Bruce M. Dyer ◽

Deon Geldenhuys ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South African ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Population Decline ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Population Declines ◽

Posterior Density ◽

Conservation Action ◽

Space And Time ◽

African Penguin ◽

Highest Posterior Density

AbstractUnderstanding changes in abundance is crucial for conservation, but population growth rates often vary over space and time. We use 40 years of count data (1979–2019) and Bayesian state-space models to assess the African penguin Spheniscus demersus population under IUCN Red List Criterion A. We deconstruct the overall decline in time and space to identify where urgent conservation action is needed. The global African penguin population met the threshold for Endangered with a high probability (97%), having declined by almost 65% since 1989. An historical low of ~17,900 pairs bred in 2019. Annual declines were faster in the South African population (−4.2%, highest posterior density interval, HPDI: −7.8 to −0.6%) than the Namibian one (−0.3%, HPDI: −3.3 to +2.6%), and since 1999 were almost 10% at South African colonies north of Cape Town. Over the 40-year period, the Eastern Cape colonies went from holding ~25% of the total penguin population to ~40% as numbers decreased more rapidly elsewhere. These changes coincided with an altered abundance and availability of the main prey of African penguins. Our results underline the dynamic nature of population declines in space as well as time and highlight which penguin colonies require urgent conservation attention.

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The Chestnut-banded Plover is an overlooked globally Near Threatened Species

Bird Conservation International ◽

10.1017/s0959270907000779 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 283-293 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rob Simmons ◽

Neil Baker ◽

Rod Braby ◽

Tim Dodman ◽

Oliver Nasirwa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

East Africa ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

World Population ◽

Population Declines ◽

Water Abstraction ◽

Arid Habitat ◽

Suitable Habitats ◽

Iucn Red List Criteria ◽

Near Threatened

AbstractSpecies that show obvious population declines are relatively easy to categorize as globally threatened under IUCN Red List criteria. However, species whose populations are highly concentrated at a few inaccessible sites that are unprotected or habitat-threatened and then disperse are more difficult to pigeon-hole. Here we re-assess the conservation status of one such species – the Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus – that occurs across Africa in specialized, inaccessible and arid habitat. Wetland bird counts from 1991 to the present allow us to determine a new world population estimate of about 17,830 birds. This allows us to determine a new 1% level and we identified only eight sites in southern and East Africa where these plovers congregate in numbers >1% when non-breeding. There are only five other sites that hold more than 100 birds, indicating that the species is not simply widely dispersed across suitable habitats. Simultaneous counts across southern and East Africa indicate that just three sites – Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour in Namibia and Lake Natron in Tanzania – can hold 87% of the world population during non-breeding periods. Since two of these sites are under threat from pollution, siltation and water abstraction, and the eight sites in total comprise just 30% of the area criteria set by IUCN, the bird meets one of the two qualifiers for globally Vulnerable status. Despite this, we cannot detect any long-term declines in population size, partly because of wide variations in population numbers over decadal time periods (itself an IUCN qualifier). It is clear that this bird should move from its present Least Concern status to Near Threatened and conservation measures be enacted at two of the top three sites – Walvis Bay and Lake Natron.

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PARAMETER PERTUMBUHAN HIU MACAN (Galeocerdo cuvier Peron & Lesuer, 1822) DI PERAIRAN SELATAN NUSA TENGGARA BARAT

Jurnal Penelitian Perikanan Indonesia ◽

10.15578/jppi.24.4.2018.253-261 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 253 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Umi Chodrijah ◽

Agus Arifin Sentosa ◽

Prihatiningsih Prihatiningsih

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Indian Ocean ◽

Average Length ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Total Mortality ◽

Landing Site ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Tiger Shark ◽

Galeocerdo Cuvier ◽

Total Length

Hiu macan (Galeocerdo cuvier Peron & Lesuer, 1822) merupakan predator puncak yang ditandai dengan sebaran yang luas dan ukurannya lebih besar. Spesies hiu ini masuk dalam famili Carcharhinidae yang banyak tertangkap di perairan Samudera Hindia. Status konservasi jenis ini masuk dalam Daftar merah IUCN dan hampir terancam (NT) serta informasi tentang biologi khususnya parameter pertumbuhan spesies ini masih sangat terbatas.Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mendapatkan informasi parameter pertumbuhan hiu macan di perairan Samudera Hindia bagian Selatan Nusa Tenggara Barat. Penelitian dilakukan di tempat pendaratan ikan Tanjung Luar, Lombok Timur pada bulan Januari sampai dengan Desember 2016. Pengamatan meliputi panjang total tubuh dan jenis kelamin yang dilakukan dengan pengukuran dan pengamatan langsung secara visual di lapangan. Hasil penelitian terhadap 808 ekor ikan contoh menunjukkan bahwa kisaran panjang total untuk hiu macan (Galeocerdo cuvier) terdistribusi pada ukuran antara 116 - 400 cmTL dengan panjang rata-rata 242,8 cm TL serta modus pada ukuran 240 cmTL. Perbandingan kelamin ikan hiu macan jantan dan betina dalam keadaan tidak seimbang, dengan jumlah jantan lebih besar. Estimasi panjang asimtotik (L∞) sebesar 420 cmTL dengan laju pertumbuhan (K) 0,260/tahun, laju kematian total (Z) 1,10/tahun, laju kematian alamiah (M) 0,35/tahun serta laju kematian akibat penangkapan (F) 0,75/tahun. Estimasi laju eksploitasi sudah mengarah kepada penangkapan yang berlebih (E = 0,68) oleh karena itu perlu dilakukan tindakan pengelolaan agar pemanfaatannya tetap lestari.Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier Peron & Lesuer, 1822) were widely held in the depths of the Indian Ocean. Its conservation status was on the IUCN Red List and was near threatened (NT). The purpose of this study was to obtain the parameters of growth in the South off West Nusa Tenggara waters. The study was conducted at Tanjung Luar landing site, East Lombok in January until December 2016. The observation included total length and sex with visual measurement and observation in the field. The results of the study showed the number of 808 individues that the total length range for tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) caught in Indian Ocean waters landed on Tanjung Luar was distributed on a size between 116-400 cmTL with an average length of 242.8 cmTL and a mode at 240 cmTL. The sex ratio of male and female tiger sharks was in an unbalanced state, with larger females. Estimation of asymptotic length (L∞) of 420 cmTL with growth rate (K) 0.260 / year, total mortality rate (Z) 1.10 / year, natural mortality rate (M) 0.35 / year and mortality rate due to arrest (F) 0.75 / year. Estimation of the rate of exploitation has led to overfishing (E = 0.68) therefore it was necessary to take regulatory and management measures to ensure sustainable utilization.

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The state of breeding birds in Greece: trends, threats, and implications for conservation

Bird Conservation International ◽

10.1017/s0959270920000568 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

DIMITRIOS VAVYLIS ◽

ANASTASIOS BOUNAS ◽

GEORGIOS KARRIS ◽

KOSTAS A. TRIANTIS

Keyword(s):

Population Change ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Global Scale ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Red List ◽

Breeding Birds ◽

Ecosystem Functions ◽

Population Declines ◽

Population Size Estimates ◽

Declining Populations

Summary Birds are suffering from steep population declines on a global scale and they are one of the few taxonomic groups for which these declines are well documented by long-term monitoring data. This study provides a synthesis of the status of the breeding birds of Greece. To this aim, we retrieved population size estimates from six sources spanning 22 years (1992–2014) and calculated species’ trends in Greece. Using the IUCN Red List assessments for each species we assessed whether ecological traits including habitat and diet preferences were associated with species’ trends and conservation status in Europe and determined major threats affecting birds in Greece. Moreover, we assessed the importance of Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in terms of declining trigger species. Results showed that almost one fifth of the breeding birds in Greece have declining populations. Raptors were found to be the most threatened group of birds whereas the highest declines by dietary group were observed in scavengers, with 60% of species showing a decreasing trend. The most common threats were those that cause habitat alteration and degradation as well as more direct effects such as poisoning. Our results suggest that restoration of habitat and ecosystem functions along with the management of protected areas and improvement of legislation should be the main conservation actions undertaken and pinpointed the IBAs where they should be prioritized for implementation. Finally, further research, especially on specific drivers of population change, along with further examination of current and past population trends, will increase the power and accuracy of future regional Red List assessments especially concerning the breeding species for which the country bears the greatest responsibility.

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What is the Best Available Science?: Conservation Status of Two California Desert Vertebrates

10.1101/342048 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Adam G. Clause ◽

Christopher J. Norment ◽

Laura Cunningham ◽

Kevin Emmerich ◽

Nicholas G. Buckmaster ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Flash Flood ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Scientific Progress ◽

Flood Damage ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Population Declines ◽

Technical Literature ◽

Management Actions ◽

Use Context ◽

Status Assessment

AbstractScientific progress depends on evidence-based research, and reliance on accurate scholarship is essential when making management decisions for imperiled species. However, erroneous claims are sometimes perpetuated in the scientific and technical literature, which can complicate policy and regulatory judgments. The literature associated with two enigmatic California desert vertebrates, the Panamint alligator lizardElgaria panamintinaand the Inyo Mountains salamanderBatrachoseps campi, exemplifies this problem. We produced a comprehensive threat analysis and status assessment for these species, which are both under review for possible listing under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA). Despite uncertainties and limited data, we find that many sources contain factual errors about the status of these two species, particularly the original petition that advocated for ESA listing. Although localized declines may have gone undetected, no evidence exists of population declines, population extirpation, or population-scale habitat conversion forE. panamintina. However, there is evidence of recent flash flood damage to some occupiedB. campihabitat, which has possibly led to population declines at those localities. Contrary to inaccurate statements by some authors, all known populations of both species occur exclusively on federal lands, and numerous populations have likely benefited from recent federal management targeted at reducing known threats. Of the 12 threats that we identified for one or both species, only three currently appear to be serious: water diversions, climate change, and flash floods. The remaining threats are neither widespread nor severe, despite numerous contrary yet poorly supported statements in the literature. We thus evaluate the contemporary conservation status of both species as relatively secure, althoughB. campiis more at-risk compared toE. panamintina. This conclusion is independently supported by a recent review. Nonetheless, ongoing stewardship of these species in a multi-use context by federal agencies remains vital, and we identify several priority management actions and research needs for both species. We also recommend updated determinations on the IUCN Red List, and the Species of Conservation Concern list of the Inyo National Forest. To maximize the quality and effectiveness of conservation planning, we urge government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individual scientists to maintain high standards of scholarship and decision-making.

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Declines in Common and Migratory Breeding Landbird Species in South Korea Over the Past Two Decades

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution ◽

10.3389/fevo.2021.627765 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Hankyu Kim ◽

Yongwon Mo ◽

Chang-Yong Choi ◽

Brenda C. McComb ◽

Matthew G. Betts

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

South Korea ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Legal Protection ◽

Common Species ◽

Population Trends ◽

Population Declines ◽

Long Distance ◽

Declining Species

Population declines in terrestrial bird species have been reported across temperate regions in the world and are attributed to habitat loss, climate change, or other direct mortality sources. North American and European studies indicate that long-distance migrants, common species, and species associated with grasslands and agricultural lands are declining at the greatest rates. However, data from East Asia on avian population trends and associated drivers are extremely sparse. We modeled changes in occupancy of 52 common breeding landbird species in South Korea between 1997–2005 and 2013–2019. Thirty-eight percent of the species showed evidence of declines, and seven of these were declining severely (46–95%). Occupancy of Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata) populations have dropped the most precipitously over the study period. Among declining species, long-distance migrants (9/20) and common species (14/20) showed more rapid declines than other groups. Declines of five species were associated with climate change, and two species appeared to be affected by land-cover change. However, causes of change in occupancy of other species (46/52) remains cryptic. Based on our results, we suggest an immediate re-evaluation of species’ conservation status and legal protection levels for seven severely declining species in South Korea, and a dedicated survey design and analysis effort for the continued monitoring landbird populations. Because many species exhibiting declines migrate from beyond national boundaries, international collaborations will be required to better quantify population trends across the full annual cycle, and to understand mechanisms for these declines.

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Giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis density and abundance in Llanos Orientales de Colombia in the Orinoco basin

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605320000058 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Germán Garrote ◽

Beyker Castañeda ◽

Jose Manuel Escobar ◽

Laura Pérez ◽

Brayan Marín ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South America ◽

Population Size ◽

20Th Century ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Species Conservation ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Red List ◽

Recreational Fishing ◽

Pteronura Brasiliensis ◽

Direct Counts

Abstract The giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis, categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, was once widely distributed throughout South America. By the middle of the 20th century the giant otter had become locally extinct along the main rivers of the Orinoco basin. Although some populations seem to have recovered, the paucity of information available does not permit a full evaluation of the species' conservation status. The objective of this study was to estimate the abundance and density of the giant otter population along the Orinoco river in the municipality of Puerto Carreño, Vichada, Colombia, where there is important commercial and recreational fishing. Thirty-nine linear km were surveyed, repeatedly, with a total of 315 km of surveys. Population size was estimated by direct counts of individuals. All individuals detected were photographed and identified individually from their throat pelage patterns. In total, 30 otters were identified, giving a minimum density of 0.77 individuals per km, one of the highest reported for the species in Colombia. Given the high density in this well-developed area, our results highlight the importance of this population for the conservation of the species.

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Global extinction risk for seahorses, pipefishes and their near relatives (Syngnathiformes)

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605320000782 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Riley A. Pollom ◽

Gina M. Ralph ◽

Caroline M. Pollock ◽

Amanda C.J. Vincent

Keyword(s):

Threatened Species ◽

Habitat Degradation ◽

Extinction Risk ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Field Research ◽

Selective Extraction ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Point Estimate ◽

Conservation Action ◽

Data Deficient

Abstract Few marine taxa have been comprehensively assessed for their conservation status, despite heavy pressures from fishing, habitat degradation and climate change. Here we report on the first global assessment of extinction risk for 300 species of syngnathiform fishes known as of 2017, using the IUCN Red List criteria. This order of bony teleosts is dominated by seahorses, pipefishes and seadragons (family Syngnathidae). It also includes trumpetfishes (Aulostomidae), shrimpfishes (Centriscidae), cornetfishes (Fistulariidae) and ghost pipefishes (Solenostomidae). At least 6% are threatened, but data suggest a mid-point estimate of 7.9% and an upper bound of 38%. Most of the threatened species are seahorses (Hippocampus spp.: 14/42 species, with an additional 17 that are Data Deficient) or freshwater pipefishes of the genus Microphis (2/18 species, with seven additional that are Data Deficient). Two species are Near Threatened. Nearly one-third of syngnathiformes (97 species) are Data Deficient and could potentially be threatened, requiring further field research and evaluation. Most species (61%) were, however, evaluated as Least Concern. Primary threats to syngnathids are (1) overexploitation, primarily by non-selective fisheries, for which most assessments were determined by criterion A (Hippocampus) and/or (2) habitat loss and degradation, for which assessments were determined by criterion B (Microphis and some Hippocampus). Threatened species occurred in most regions but more are found in East and South-east Asia and in South African estuaries. Vital conservation action for syngnathids, including constraining fisheries, particularly non-selective extraction, and habitat protection and rehabilitation, will benefit many other aquatic species.

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Assessment of the rarity and conservation status of the Colombian endemic brown hairy dwarf porcupine Coendou vestitus

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605319001029 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

María M. Torres-Martínez ◽

Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves ◽

Elkin A. Noguera-Urbano ◽

Fernando C. Passos

Keyword(s):

Small Body ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Natural Habitat ◽

Habitat Type ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Red List ◽

Small Range ◽

Minimum Convex Polygon ◽

Area Of Occupancy ◽

Species Rarity

Abstract The brown hairy dwarf porcupine Coendou vestitus is a poorly studied Andean species endemic to Colombia. Its current Red List category is contradictory: globally it is categorized as Data Deficient but in Colombia it is categorized as Vulnerable. This contradiction has limited the implementation of conservation programmes. We evaluate the level of rarity of the species and provide consolidated information for a new assessment of its Red List status. We reviewed literature, photographs, and voucher specimens in natural history collections. Using the confirmed records, we estimated the extent of occurrence (EOO) based on the minimum convex polygon and the area of occupancy (AOO) summing the area of grid squares occupied by the species. We found that C. vestitus is very rare, with a small range, low estimated population density, occurrence in only one habitat type and small body size. The species has an EOO of 3,323 km2 and an AOO of 24 km2, based on six confirmed localities, all on the western slopes of the Eastern Cordillera, in the central Andean region of Colombia. Based on the species' rarity, restricted distribution, and threats to its natural habitat, we recommend its categorization as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This will help delineate research and conservation efforts for this porcupine, which has a highly restricted range and inhabits the threatened Andean forest.

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