Endemic plants from the Southern Brazilian Highland Grasslands

Abstract The flora of the subtropical highland grasslands in Southern Brazil, locally known as Campos de Cima da Serra, is within the Atlantic Forest hotspot, and has being highlighted by its richness, having around 25% of endemic plants. Those formations require specific studies to estimate its species richness and to protect its natural resources. This study aimed to map and to analyze the distribution of endemic taxa from these grasslands based on available herbarium collections databases as sources for highlighting important taxonomic groups for future studies. We verified how much of those endemic taxa are inside protected areas, and recognized the most important taxa and areas for future studies. All the data about each endemic taxon was obtained through visiting herbaria, online databases, collecting expeditions and published references. Distribution maps for endemic species were prepared. As the main result, we describe and map the distribution of the endemic flora of this species rich vegetation formation and highlight the threatened taxa as priority for future taxonomic and conservation studies. Our results also point out the central-west of Santa Catarina and central Paraná states as priority areas for future studies considering its high diversity of taxa.

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Checklist of the endemic vascular plants of Paraguay

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.384.1.1 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 384 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

MARÍA DEL CARMEN PEÑA CHOCARRO ◽

JUANA DE EGEA

Keyword(s):

Vascular Plants ◽

Primary Data ◽

Endemic Plants ◽

Voucher Specimens ◽

Herbarium Collections ◽

Endemic Flora

We present a list of endemic plants of Paraguay, which includes 374 taxa from 52 families and 162 genera based on the revision of primary data (herbarium collections). Synonyms, habit, distribution in Paraguay and all the voucher specimens seen or cited in recent bibliographies or in the consulted databases are provided for each taxon. A brief analysis of the diversity and importance of this endemic flora is presented. A list of excluded species, which were considered as endemics in previous publications, is also included.

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Islands in the desert: environmental distribution modelling of endemic flora reveals the extent of Pleistocene tropical relict vegetation in southern Arabia

Annals of Botany ◽

10.1093/aob/mcz085 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 124 (3) ◽

pp. 411-422 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

James S Borrell ◽

Ghudaina Al Issaey ◽

Darach A Lupton ◽

Thomas Starnes ◽

Abdulrahman Al Hinai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Environmental Variables ◽

Narrow Range ◽

Biodiversity Hotspot ◽

Environmental Data ◽

Distribution Data ◽

Endemic Plants ◽

Environmental Niche ◽

Environmental Distribution ◽

Southern Arabia ◽

Endemic Flora

AbstractBackground and AimsSouthern Arabia is a global biodiversity hotspot with a high proportion of endemic desert-adapted plants. Here we examine evidence for a Pleistocene climate refugium in the southern Central Desert of Oman, and its role in driving biogeographical patterns of endemism.MethodsDistribution data for seven narrow-range endemic plants were collected systematically across 195 quadrats, together with incidental and historic records. Important environmental variables relevant to arid coastal areas, including night-time fog and cloud cover, were developed for the study area. Environmental niche models using presence/absence data were built and tuned for each species, and spatial overlap was examined.Key ResultsA region of the Jiddat Al Arkad reported independent high model suitability for all species. Examination of environmental data across southern Oman indicates that the Jiddat Al Arkad displays a regionally unique climate with higher intra-annual stability, due in part to the influence of the southern monsoon. Despite this, the relative importance of environmental variables was highly differentiated among species, suggesting that characteristic variables such as coastal fog are not major cross-species predictors at this scale.ConclusionsThe co-occurrence of a high number of endemic study species within a narrow monsoon-influenced region is indicative of a refugium with low climate change velocity. Combined with climate analysis, our findings provide strong evidence for a southern Arabian Pleistocene refugium in Oman’s Central Desert. We suggest that this refugium has acted as an isolated temperate and mesic island in the desert, resulting in the evolution of these narrow-range endemic flora. Based on the composition of species, this system may represent the northernmost remnant of a continuous belt of mesic vegetation formerly ranging from Africa to Asia, with close links to the flora of East Africa. This has significant implications for future conservation of endemic plants in an arid biodiversity hotspot.

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Co-occurring cryptic species pose challenges for conservation: a case study of the African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemusspp.) in Cameroon

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605314000647 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 49 (4) ◽

pp. 584-590 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Nicole L. Smolensky

Keyword(s):

Cryptic Species ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Taxonomic Revision ◽

Single Species ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Encounter Rates ◽

Distribution Maps ◽

Species Complexes ◽

Threatened Taxa ◽

Population Structures

AbstractThe conservation status of threatened taxa may be obfuscated by the detection of cryptic species complexes, in both vertebrate and invertebrate species. African dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemusspp.) are hunted throughout their range but their conservation status is unknown. Few population assessments have been carried out and there has been a taxonomic revision of the number of species in the genus. The similar morphologies ofOsteolaemus tetraspisandOsteolaemus osbornipose a challenge for conservation in Cameroon, where they are still managed as a single species. Nocturnal spotlight surveys were conducted in three regions during August–November 2010 and December 2011–February 2012 to provide population assessments ofO. tetraspisandO. osborniand raise awareness of the two species in Cameroon. The mean encounter rates ofO. tetraspisandO. osborniwere 1.02 ± SD 1.34 (65 individuals in 39 surveys) and 0.61 ± SD 0.38 (three in four surveys) crocodiles per km, respectively. TheO. tetraspispopulation comprised juveniles predominantly and had a male-biased sex ratio. The fewO. osbornidetected comprised both adults and juveniles. Both species are threatened in Cameroon, based on low encounter rates, young population structures and the threats of habitat loss and hunting pressure. This study provides distribution maps and serves as a baseline to quantify population trends and inform conservation strategies.

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Up on the table mountains in Brazil: new Bromeliaceae and Eriocaulaceae (Poales) from the Pantepui in the Guayana Shield

Plant Ecology and Evolution ◽

10.5091/plecevo.2018.1392 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 151 (1) ◽

pp. 130-141 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Rafael G. Barbosa-Silva ◽

Marcelo Trovó ◽

Gustavo Martinelli ◽

Rafaela Campostrini Forzza

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

South America ◽

Field Trips ◽

Identification Key ◽

Distribution Maps ◽

Guayana Shield ◽

Northern South America ◽

Angiosperm Species ◽

Herbarium Collections ◽

Table Mountains

Background and aims – As “islands in the sky” of northern South America, the isolated ecosystems of the Pantepui province include a distinct flora with high levels of endemism and which are ancestral areas for many angiosperm lineages. About one fifth of Pantepui angiosperm species are distributed in Poales, a highly diverse angiosperm order.Methods – Recent field trips were carried out on two Brazilian tepuis, by foot and helicopter. Herbarium collections were consulted and compared with the proposed new species. Key results – Four new species of Poales, three Navia Schult. & Schult.f. (Bromeliaceae) and one Paepalanthus Mart. (Eriocaulaceae) were found. Descriptions, illustrations, and distribution maps of the new species, as well as an identification key to Brazilian Navia species, are provided.

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Diversity and Distribution of Eulophia in Uganda, East Africa

South Asian Journal of Experimental Biology ◽

10.38150/sajeb.3(5).p242-260 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 3 (5) ◽

pp. 242-260

Author(s):

Mbeiza Mutekanga Norah

Keyword(s):

Major Focus ◽

Field Surveys ◽

Distribution Maps ◽

Makerere University ◽

Distribution Ranges ◽

The Family ◽

Botanical Research ◽

Ground Truthing ◽

Using Data ◽

Herbarium Collections

This paper presents a study of the diversity and distribution of the Genus Eulophia, of the family Orchidaceae, in Uganda. Eulophia comprises varied patterned and coloured flowers; is being hybridized and has a high potential in the horticulture industry. Using data from available databases in Makerere University Institute of Environment and Natural Resources â€ MUIENR (2000), Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and Leapendemics 1995 and from the herbarium collections, together with information from the field surveys of selected wetlands, a checklist, and distribution map were developed. This allowed for mapping of species distribution ranges and identification of areas of high Eulophia species diversity. The distribution maps of this genus are expected to open new avenues of botanical research, and also to make informed decisions on maintenance, restoration or reâ€ introductions in the future. The results show that there are thirty (30) species of Eulophia in Uganda. Their latitude and longitudinal ranges, altitude and habitats where they thrive are presented. Ground truthing for their presence was done with the major focus being in wetlands. From the field surveys, eight species were recorded. The paper concludes by highlighting that despite the rampant alterations in the habitats where Eulophia grows, some still are existent though their numbers are small in each patch. This is a major challenge to continued survival and sustainable management of this species.

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Stimulating Academic Optimism

Advances in Early Childhood and K-12 Education - Challenges and Opportunities in Global Approaches to Education ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-9775-9.ch010 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 178-203

Author(s):

Anugamini Priya Srivastava ◽

Uta M. Stelson

Keyword(s):

Student Achievement ◽

English Language ◽

School Effectiveness ◽

Economic Status ◽

Academic Optimism ◽

Future Research ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Future Studies ◽

Online Databases ◽

Developed Nations

This study attempts to provide the bibliography and future agenda of a school attribute: academic optimism. Academic optimism refers to a tool used in the hands of school teachers to attain student achievement which can help side-line their socio-economic status. In other words, it explains teachers' belief in self, colleagues, and students in order to manage change in student outcomes. The study evaluates the different taxonomies used within the concept of academic optimism through a comprehensive review of existing literature located in different databases. However, only English language full-text articles available in online databases between the periods of 2000-2019 were considered in this study. The result provided significant lines for future studies that can be conducted in this area by examining publications in 39 journals and 19 countries. Since the topic was considered as key school attribute to achieve student achievement and school effectiveness, this study provides the contextual gaps where future studies can be conducted. The result indicated that most of the research underlying the selected papers on the topic was conducted in developed nations rather than developing nations. The current analysis will contribute understanding in two ways: first it adds value to highlight the conceptual gap available in the literature; second, the gaps identified will pave the way for future research. Practically, this study provides ways for policy makers and other constituents involved in education to design their academic curriculum and motivate their faculty to remain academically optimistic.

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Taxonomic Synopsis of the genus Chamaecrista (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Goiás, Brazil

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.427.3.1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 427 (3) ◽

pp. 131-185

Author(s):

ALESSANDRO OLIVEIRA DE SOUZA ◽

GWILYM PETER LEWIS ◽

MARCOS JOSÉ DA SILVA

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Conservation Status ◽

The State ◽

Identification Key ◽

Distribution Maps ◽

Northern Portion ◽

Herbarium Collections

Chamaecrista is one of the largest genera of Leguminosae subfamily Caesalpinioideae and comprises 330 species, of these, 222 species are present in the Phytogeographic Cerrado Domain in Brazil. The taxonomy of the genus in Brazil continues to need study. Here we present a taxonomic synopsis of Chamaecrista for the Chapada dos Veadeiros (CV) region, which is located in the northern portion of the state of Goiás, Brazil. Fieldwork was carried out in the area between 2010 and 2018; we also reviewed the literature and about 1500 herbarium collections to build the synopsis of species presented here. We record 65 species (71 taxa) of Chamaecrista occurring in the CV, corresponding to 60% of the species registered for the state of Goiás; 49 species at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (CVNP), 27 and 19 are endemic to the state of Goiás and the studied area respectively. An identification key and distribution maps, as well as comments on morphology and conservation status are presented, together with photograhs of the species in the field.

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Updated Checklist of Vascular Plants Endemic to Mongolia

Diversity ◽

10.3390/d13120619 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 619

Author(s):

Shukherdorj Baasanmunkh ◽

Magsar Urgamal ◽

Batlai Oyuntsetseg ◽

Alisa Grabovskaya-Borodina ◽

Khurelpurev Oyundelger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vascular Plants ◽

Growth Form ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Type Specimen ◽

Field Observations ◽

Type Specimens ◽

Central Mongolia ◽

Endemic Taxon ◽

Voucher Specimens ◽

Herbarium Collections

The aim of the present study is to update the checklist of vascular plants endemic to Mongolia using previous checklists, publications, herbarium collections, and field observations. The revised checklist includes 102 endemic taxa (95 species, five subspecies, and two nothospecies) from 43 genera and 19 families. The majority of endemic taxa were distributed in western and central Mongolia, and high endemic species richness was identified in four phytogeographical regions, namely Mongolian Altai, Khangai, Dzungarian Gobi, and Gobi Altai, which harbor 49, 27, 20, and 16 endemic taxa, respectively. For each endemic taxon, we compiled information about growth form, conservation status (if already assessed), phytogeographical distribution, and voucher specimens. Data on each taxon’s type specimen were also collected, and the majority of the type specimens were accessioned at the LE (58 taxa), MW (20 taxa), and UBA (7 taxa) herbaria.

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The bank of swimming organisms at the micron scale (BOSO-Micro)

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0252291 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. e0252291

Author(s):

Marcos F. Velho Rodrigues ◽

Maciej Lisicki ◽

Eric Lauga

Keyword(s):

Experimental Data ◽

Reynolds Number ◽

Fluid Mechanics ◽

Raw Material ◽

Future Studies ◽

Biophysical Models ◽

Aqueous Environments ◽

Dynamical Parameters ◽

Taxonomic Groups ◽

Surrounding Fluid

Unicellular microscopic organisms living in aqueous environments outnumber all other creatures on Earth. A large proportion of them are able to self-propel in fluids with a vast diversity of swimming gaits and motility patterns. In this paper we present a biophysical survey of the available experimental data produced to date on the characteristics of motile behaviour in unicellular microswimmers. We assemble from the available literature empirical data on the motility of four broad categories of organisms: bacteria (and archaea), flagellated eukaryotes, spermatozoa and ciliates. Whenever possible, we gather the following biological, morphological, kinematic and dynamical parameters: species, geometry and size of the organisms, swimming speeds, actuation frequencies, actuation amplitudes, number of flagella and properties of the surrounding fluid. We then organise the data using the established fluid mechanics principles for propulsion at low Reynolds number. Specifically, we use theoretical biophysical models for the locomotion of cells within the same taxonomic groups of organisms as a means of rationalising the raw material we have assembled, while demonstrating the variability for organisms of different species within the same group. The material gathered in our work is an attempt to summarise the available experimental data in the field, providing a convenient and practical reference point for future studies.

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Can we predict the distribution of heathland butterflies with heathland bird data?

Animal Biology ◽

10.1163/157075609x454962 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 59 (3) ◽

pp. 335-349

Author(s):

Luc De Bruyn ◽

Henk Sierdsema ◽

Hans Van Dyck ◽

Chris van Swaay ◽

Glenn Vermeersch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

The Netherlands ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Distribution Data ◽

Focal Region ◽

Operating Characteristics ◽

Distribution Maps ◽

Model Sets ◽

Combined Models ◽

Taxonomic Groups ◽

Better Than

AbstractNational or regional conservation strategies are usually based on available species distribution maps. However, very few taxonomic groups achieve a full coverage of the focal region. Distribution data of well-mapped taxonomic groups could help predict the distribution of less well-mapped groups and thus fill gaps in distribution maps. Here, we predict the distribution of five heathland butterflies in Flanders (north Belgium) using typical heathland bird distribution data as predictor variables. We compare predictions with those using only biotope or a combination of both biotope and bird data as variables. In addition, we test the transferability of 'bird', biotope and combined models to the Netherlands, an ecologically similar region. Transferability was tested in three separate sandy regions in the Netherlands at different distances from the region in which the models were built. For each of the five heathland butterflies, we applied logistic regressions on ten random model sets and tested the models on ten random evaluation sets within Flanders. We used the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) plots to estimate model accuracy. Overall, bird models performed significantly better than biotope models but were not significantly different from the combined models in Flanders. In the Netherlands, the transferred biotope and the combined models performed better than the transferred 'bird models'. We conclude that on a local scale, birds can, to some extent, serve as proxies for biotope quality, but that biotope models are more robust when transferred to another region.

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