Rapid Assessment Of Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) Terrestrial Biodiversity

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Taal Volcano ◽  
Ecological Barriers ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Terrestrial Biodiversity

With the exponential rise of human activities in the past decades, majority of studies conducted in Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) are geared towards the conservation and preservation of Lake Taal’s remaining biodiversity. However, the current structure and assemblage of its terrestrial biotic communities remain relatively unstudied. In this study, we conducted biodiversity censuses in the four sites in TVPL to provide baseline information regarding the community structure of the selected study sites. Comparison of the plant diversity in Taal Volcano Crater Island and Romandan Falls within the forested areas of Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas reveal that both sites support remarkably different vegetation, with the former supporting a smaller floral diversity. The fairly small number of animal samples present difficulty in providing conclusive findings to the wildlife structure of the two study sites. However, the presence of 11 animal species exhibit valuable results in determining the ecological status of TVPL. It is deduced that several ecological barriers exist between the sites, which is attributed to their unique terrestrial biota.

A Preliminary Assessment on the Herpetofaunal Diversity of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL), Batangas Philippines

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Ecological Community ◽  
Preliminary Assessment ◽  
Taal Volcano ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Frog Species ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Study Sites

The Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) encompasses a prehistoric volcano caldera that caters to many documented endemic species. Although regarded as a unique area with the potential to house a diverse ecological community, biodiversity research in TVPL is still found wanting. The present paper aims to provide baseline information and increase research interests on the herpetofaunal diversity of TVPL, in light of its many undocumented terrestrial faunal species. Twelve study sites within the municipalities of Tanauan, Mataasnakahoy, and Balete were visited during survey trips from May to November 2015. A combination of transect and opportunistic sampling techniques were utilized, with morphometric data and sexual maturity recorded for each specimen collected. This preliminary survey provided 24 newly documented species of amphibians and reptiles occurring within TVPL. A total 10 frog species (from families Bufonidae, Ceratobatrachidae, Microhylidae, Dicroglossidae, Ranidae, and Rhacophoridae) and 14 reptile species (from families Agamidae, Gekkonidae, Scincidae, Varanidae, Acrochordidae, Colubridae, Elapidae, and Tryonychidae) were documented. Of the reptiles recorded, 3 are endemic species and widespread throughout the Philippines: Gekko mindorensis, Hydrosaurus pustulatus, and Draco spilopterus. Also recorded were the Philippine endemic frogs Kaloula picta and Limnonectes woodworthi along with the Luzon endemics Platymantis mimulus and Varanus marmoratus. The species-effort curve of amphibians showed a distinct plateau whereas the species-effort curve of reptiles has shown an increasing trend suggesting that additional sampling efforts should be done in the area to further increase knowledge of the TVPL herpetofaunal diversity.

DETECTION OF XENOBIOTIC SUBSTANCES IN MUTE SWANS’ (CYGNUS OLOR) BLOOD

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta STANKEVIČIŪTĖ ◽  
Solveiga Marija BARKAUSKAITĖ ◽  
Gediminas BRAZAITIS
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Wild Animal ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Cygnus Olor ◽  
Ecological Scale ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Mute Swans

During recent years the attention towards the effects of xenobiotic substances on wild nature has been steadily increasing. Literature reviews have revealed that active hormone-disintegrating substances might affect the reproduction of some wild animal species. Research shows anomalies of reproduction and development in various animal groups such as birds, fish, invertebrates and reptiles. Species inhabiting water and its surroundings cause the highest concern. Due to insufficient baseline information it is difficult to determine the extent of the problem in these wild populations on an ecological scale. The research described in this article is the first attempt to analyse xenobiotic substances and evaluate possible accumulation of pharmaceuticals in animals higher up in the food chain in Lithuania. This research tests new methods for to analyse for xenobiotics substances, which might be used in the future. Blood samples of 7 swans were examined using liquid chromatography, however, no xenobiotics were detected. Negative results do not eliminate the necessity for further investigate of larger samples, other species or to search for non-pharmaceutical xenobiotics.

scholarly journals The Use of Biological Indices for the Assessment of the River Quality (Ruda River, Poland)

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneta Spyra ◽  
Justyna Kubicka ◽  
Małgorzata Strzelec
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Benthic Invertebrates ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Human Pressure ◽  
Dam Reservoir ◽  
River Quality ◽  
Water Field ◽  
Study Sites

AbstractRecognition of the deteriorating conditions of rivers worldwide has called for increased efforts to improve the ecological quality of impacted river systems. This is particularly important in areas that have suffered from a significant impact of human pressure on the ecological status of water. Field studies were conducted in the Ruda River in an area that had undergone anthropogenic disturbances. The objectives of our survey were to test the biological metrics based on benthic macroinvertebrates at four study sites. Spring and autumn surveys of benthic invertebrates indicated that based on the BMWP and BMWP(PL) indices, water quality was higher in comparison with the value of Multimetric index at all of the sites that were studied. Our results revealed that the water quality was higher at the study sites that are located above the dam reservoir based on both the chemical and biological parameters. This study also indicated that both spring and autumn constitute appropriate periods for carrying out monitoring studies. The values of multimeric index indicated the same water quality (except for site 1) in both sampling periods. Anthropogenic transformations of a riverbed influence the flora and fauna and affect the ecological status of rivers.

scholarly journals Strong differentiation between amphibian communities on two adjacent mountains in the Upper Rio Pastaza watershed of Ecuador, with descriptions of two new species of terrestrial frogs

ZooKeys ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 1081 ◽  
pp. 35-87
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig ◽  
Carolina Reyes-Puig ◽  
Daniela Franco-Mena ◽  
Lou Jost ◽  
Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Cloud Forest ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Cryptic Diversity ◽  
Upper Eyelid ◽  
Hind Limbs ◽  
Ecological Corridor ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Amphibian Communities

We present the results of herpetological surveys in two adjacent mountains where the EcoMinga Foundation protects the cloud forest in the Upper Rio Pastaza watershed, in the Llanganates Sangay Ecological Corridor in Ecuador. A rapid assessment of the amphibian communities of the study sites reveals a diverse and heterogeneous composition, dominated by terrestrial frogs from the genus Pristimantis. We also identify a cryptic diversity with a significant number of candidate new species. We describe two new species of terrestrial frogs of the genus Pristimantis. Pristimantis maryanneaesp. nov. is characterised by not having tympanum externally visible and having 2–3 subconical tubercles in the upper eyelid; and Pristimantis burtoniorumsp. nov. is characterised by the presence of red colouration in hidden surfaces of the hind-limbs, tubercles on the upper eyelid, interorbital tubercle and a row of rounded tubercles along the snout to the tip and a pale red venter with dark brown mottled pattern. Our samples from the two Reserves do not share species between them, so the proportion of shared species seems to be relatively low. In addition, we highlight the importance of updating the knowledge of amphibians that are restricted to this important conservation region and comment about the threats and composition of the amphibian communities on the eastern slopes of the Upper Rio Pastaza watershed.

scholarly journals Floral diversity assessment of the buffer zones and vicinity of the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), Davao Oriental: basis for inclusion to protected area zone

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Buffer Zones ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Diversity Assessment ◽  
Study Support ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Trees And Shrubs ◽  
Sampling Plot ◽  
Ferns And Lycophytes

In 2016, municipal ordinances to expand the protected area of the MHRWS were issued with the aim of protecting and preserving the remaining biodiversity of the buffer zones and to strengthen the core zone. The municipal ordinances however, have limitations and do not guarantee legal promulgation. Hence, this study is on the gathering of complete and concrete floral data so that these expansion sites will become part of the protected area and encompassed in legal promulgations. Botanical fieldworks conducted from Oct to Dec 2017 were carried out in five study sites of the MHRWS expansion sites using 40 20 x 20 m sampling plot with a distance of 20 m between plots and opportunistic transect walk techniques. The study disclosed 228 taxa of plants, of these, 74 species were ferns and lycophytes, 6 species of gymnosperms, 30 species of herbs and vines and 118 species were trees and shrubs. There were three new records of ferns and lycophytes increasing the number of species to 155. There are 13 (5.7%) threatened species, 22 (9.6%) and endemic species. Findings suggest that species in each site are unique and maybe attributed to the vegetation present, elevation variations of the different sampling sites and anthropogenic activities. The proposed expansion sites harbor diverse threatened and plants deserving protection and conservation efforts. Results of this study support the contention that the expansion sites, which are included in the municipal ordinances, be part of the official protected area.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Correlation Between Ecological Status and Location Environment by Cultivated Land Restoration Type of Geumgang Riverine Ecobelt

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-401
Author(s):  
Soo-Dong Lee ◽  
Seung-Jun Back ◽  
Hyun-Kyung Kang
Keyword(s):  
Animal Ecology ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Plant Ecology ◽  
Paddy Fields ◽  
Cultivated Land ◽  
Artificial Wetland ◽  
Positive Effect

Background and objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the ecological status of six areas around Geumgang River that used to be farmlands before they were restored as a riverine ecobelt. This study aims to analyze the correlation between the location environment and ecological status of the sites to identify the environmental factors affecting them. Methods: The sites are classified into four types according to restoration: terraced paddy fields, flat paddy fields, artificial wetland, and landscape forest. The survey items were divided into land use status, plant ecology, and animal ecology. Results: In terms of plant ecology, terraced paddy fields showed favorable naturality with the rate of native species above 90% and the naturalization index below 10%. In terms of animal ecology, the total number of species found in these areas was biggest in terraced paddy fields, followed by flat paddy fields, artificial wetland, and landscape forest. Regarding species diversity, terraced paddy fields also showed abundant species with an average of 1.05 to 1.09. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the forest area around the sites had the most significant effect on species diversity. The grassland and open water area showed a positive correlation with the total number of animal species and the number of dragonflies, confirming that the marshy grassland had a positive effect. As the cultivated land and urbanized area around the sites increased, it had a negative effect on the distribution of native species and the number of animal species that appeared, and a positive effect on the naturalization index. Conclusion: It is necessary to establish preemption and restoration plans for sites such as grasslands adjacent to the forest and terraced paddy fields in order to promote resilience of the diverse species returning to the purchased lands.

scholarly journals Metal Distribution and Sediment Quality Variation across Sediment Depths of a Subtropical Ramsar Declared Wetland

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2779
Author(s):  
Tatenda Dalu ◽  
Rolindela Tshivhase ◽  
Ross N. Cuthbert ◽  
Florence M. Murungweni ◽  
Ryan J. Wasserman
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
General Management ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
High Enrichment ◽  
Effect Level ◽  
Sediment Metals ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Pearson Correlations ◽  
Quality Variation

The study of wetlands is particularly important as these systems act as natural water purifiers and thus can act as sinks for contaminated particles. Wetland sediments are important as they provide an indication of potential contamination across temporal and spatial scales. The current study aimed to investigate the distributions of selected metals and nutrients in different sites in relation to sediment depth, and identify relationships among sediment metals. Significant differences in nutrient (i.e., N, P) and metal (i.e., K, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, B) concentrations were found across study sites, whereas nutrients (i.e., N, P) and metals (i.e., Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn) were significantly different with sediment depths. When compared against Canadian sediment standards, most of the assessed metals were within the “no effect” level across the different sites and depths. The K, Ca, and Mg concentration showed extreme contamination across all sites and depths. The enrichment factor values for K, Ca, and Mg showed extremely high enrichment levels for all sites and sediment depths. The Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and B concentration showed mostly background enrichment levels. All sediments across the different sites and sediment depths indicated deterioration of sediment quality. Pearson correlations suggest that most metals might have originated in a similar source as that of Mn and B, owing to a lack of significant differences. These results provide baseline information for the general management of the Nylsvley Wetland in relation to sediment metal pollution. The specific sources of metal contaminants also require further elucidation to further inform management efforts.

Modern Methods of Rapid Assessment of the Ecological Status of Marine Areas In Situ with Vertical Sounding

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-19
Author(s):  
Natal'ya Lyamina ◽  
M. Kosovskaya ◽  
A. Lyamin ◽  
S. Kosovskaya
Keyword(s):  
Marine Environment ◽  
Light Emission ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Marine Ecosystems ◽  
Ecological Condition ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Formation Mechanisms ◽  
The Impact

The study of marine ecosystems’ spatial structuring, interaction of these ecosystems’ various components and investigation of their heterogeneity formation mechanisms are among the most important problems of modern hydro ecology. Bioluminescence as manifestation of an organism vital activity in the form of electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum is the most important ecological and optical factor of the marine environment. The impact of biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors can significantly change the characteristics of aquatic organisms’ light emission. It is of immediate interest to assess the marine ecosystems’ current state on bioluminescence field’s parameters variability, as it can serve as a sensitive indicator for the degree of plankton organisms’ resistance to the effect of pollutants, and as an express indicator for marine environment’s local and regional pollution. Has been demonstrated the possibility of using the modern probing hydro-biological complex «Salpa-MA» with computer processing of the measured information for the rapid assessment of coastal waters’ ecological condition. This complex allows in a short time in marine environment to obtain synchronous integrated assessments of biotic and abiotic factors, and using laboratory processing of obtained data to reveal marine organisms’ functional linkages with environmental factors, and identify the features of these organisms development.

scholarly journals Hantavirus infections in The Netherlands: epidemiology and disease

1995 ◽  
Vol 114 (2) ◽  
pp. 373-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Groen ◽  
M. N. Gerding ◽  
J. G. M. Jordans ◽  
J. P. Clement ◽  
J. H. M. Nieuwenhuijs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Domestic Animal ◽  
Clethrionomys Glareolus ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Animal Reservoir ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Transplant Patients ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Laboratory Workers

SummaryA serological survey for the prevalence of hantavirus infections in The Netherlands was carried out on > 10000 sera, from selected human populations, and different feral and domestic animal species. Hantavirus-specific antibodies were found in about 1% of patients suspected of acute leptospirosis, 10% of patients with acute nephropathia, and in less than 0·1% haemodialysis and renal transplant patients. Among individuals with a suspected occupational risk, 6% of animal trappers, 4% of forestry workers, 2% of laboratory workers and 0·4% of farmers were seropositive. The majority of the seropositive individuals lived in rural and forested areas. The main animal reservoir of the infection was shown to be the red bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings seen in serologically confirmed human cases were similar to those associated with nephropathia epidemica.

scholarly journals Estimation of Environmental Sustainability of the Landscape of the Basin Western Bug Rivers In Volyn Region

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Quantitative Assessment ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Ecological Stability ◽  
Land Drainage ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Balanced Structure ◽  
The Stability

Purpose. Determination of ecological stability of landscapes of the basin of the Western Bug River and its tributaries in Volyn region. Methods. Comparative-geographical, analytical, generalization, systematization, calculation of ecological stability of the landscape on the basis of the method of E. Clementova, V. Heinig. Results. The calculation of the quantitative assessment of the ecological stability of the landscapes in the basins of the Western Bug tributaries revealed that the KESL1 index of the Pischadka, Neretva and the Zolotoha River ranges from 1.3 to 1.6. That making basin landscapes conditionally stable. River Studyanka and Luga range from 0,027 to 0,026, which testifies them to the unstable structure of the landscapes of the basin with pronounced instability. It is established that in the landscapes of the basin of the Western Bug River of Volyn Region, their ecologically balanced structure is predominant at the KESL1 1.04 index. This is due to the structure of the lands of the basin, where agricultural (arable land) cause a big loading and destabilized landscapes occupies in most of the area. The largest plots of arable land occupy the sub basins of the rivers Studyanka and Luga, and the smallest ones in the sub basins of the Neretva, Zolotukha and Gapa rivers, which is due to the significant forested areas of the basin. The qualitative assessment of ecological stability of the landscape is characterized by the coefficient of ecological stability of the biotechnical elements of the entire landscape of the K ESL2. Calculations of KESL2 showed that the landscape structure of the basin of the Western Bug River in the Volyn region is slightly stable and the index is 0.48. The KESL2 coefficients of the Studyanka and Lug lakes are 0.21 and 0.23 respectively, and characterize them as unstable geosystems. The structure of the landscapes of the basins of the Peschadka and Kopayevka rivers for KESL2 - (0,95 - 0,67) is stable. Consequently, intensive settlement of land, drainage of marshes, deforestation violated the integrity of landscapes led to their denaturalization. Particularly significant changes occurred in the southern part of the basin. Conclusions. As a result of the calculations of the quantitative assessment of the ecological stability of landscapes (KESL1), the landscapes of the basin of the Western Bug River in the Volyn region are conditionally stable. And according to the indicators of qualitative assessment of ecological stability of the landscape (KESL2), they are characterized as low-static geosystems. In general, determining the stability of the landscape is important for assessing the ecological situation of the basin of the Western Bug River, since it fully reflects the overall ecological status of the river basin.

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