New Localities, Distribution and Habitat Modeling of the Critically Endangered Sri Lankan Frog Nannophrys marmorata

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
Kanishka D. B. Ukuwela ◽  
Imesh Nuwan Bandara ◽  
H. K. Sameera De Zoysa ◽  
U. A. L. Deshan Rupasinghe ◽  
Rajnish P. G. Vandercone
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Habitat Modeling ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Critically Endangered Species ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
New Localities

Nannophrys marmorata is a critically endangered species of frog known only from a few locations in the Knuckles Conservation Forest (KCF) in the Knuckles mountain range of Sri Lanka. Here, we report new localities outside its known range in the KCF and examine the distribution of N. marmorata providing the most extensive distribution map for this species. Furthermore, using the distribution information, we model the fundamental ecological niche of this species through Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) to predict suitable habitats and fine-scale distribution patterns. ENM predicted eastern slopes of the Knuckles mountain range in central Sri Lanka as areas with high habitat suitability (suitability 75%) for N. marmorata. Predicted Extent of Occurrence for N. marmorata was 831 km2 and predicted Area of Occupancy was 275 km2. We discuss these findings in light of conservation for this species threatened with extinction.

scholarly journals New localities and distribution models inform the conservation status of the endangered lizard Anolis guamuhaya (Squamata: Dactyloidae) in central Cuba

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-33
Author(s):  
Tomás M. Rodríguez-Cabrera ◽  
Javier Torres ◽  
Carlos A. Mancina ◽  
Ruben Marrero ◽  
Yasel U. Alfonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
New Records ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Niche Modeling ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
New Localities ◽  
Iucn Criteria

New localities and distribution models inform the conservation status of the endangered lizard Anolis guamuhaya (Squamata: Dactyloidae) from central Cuba. Anolis guamuhaya is known from seven localities restricted to the Guamuhaya Massif in central Cuba and is always associated with mountane ecosystems above 300 m a.s.l. Previous evaluations of the conservation status of the species based on the estimated number of mature individuals have categorized the anole as Endangered. Eight new records of A. guamuhaya are provided here. These double the number of known localities, and two represent the first records of the species in lowland areas, apart from the Guamuhaya Massif. The new records extend the elevational range of the species from 15 m to above 1000 m. We used ecological niche modeling based on all of the locality records, along with what we considered the most appropriate IUCN criteria according to the available information (Criterion B) to reevaluate the conservation status of the species. These new records of A. guamuhaya increase its area of occupancy up to a total of 60 km2 , and its extent of occurrence up to 648 km2 . Despite this increase in geographic range, the species meets the IUCN criteria in the category of Endangered. We used ecological niche modeling to predict possible trends for the species under differing scenarios of global climate change, all of which portend a drastic reduction in area climatically suitable for A. guamuhaya.

Where have all the sawfishes gone? Perspectives on declines of these Critically Endangered species in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshay Tanna ◽  
Daniel Fernando ◽  
Ramajeyam Gobiraj ◽  
Buddhi M. Pathirana ◽  
Sahan Thilakaratna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Critically Endangered Species

scholarly journals Ecological Niche Models of Four Hard Tick Genera (Ixodidae) in Mexico

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilio Clarke-Crespo ◽  
Claudia N. Moreno-Arzate ◽  
Carlos A. López-González
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Hard Tick ◽  
Ecological Niche Models ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Public Health Decision ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Niche Models

Ticks are vectors of a large number of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, and in recent years, they have participated in the rise of multiple infectious outbreaks around the world. Studies have proposed that temperature and precipitation are the main variables that limit the geographical distribution of ticks. The analysis of environmental constraints with ecological niche modeling (ENM) techniques can improve our ability to identify suitable areas for emergence events. Algorithms used in this study showed different distributional patterns for each tick genera; the environmental suitability for Amblyomma includes warm and humid localities below 1000 m above the sea level, while Ixodes is mainly associated with ecosystems with high vegetation cover. Dermacentor and Rhipicephalus genus presented wider distribution patterns; the first includes species that are well adapted to resist desiccation, whereas the latter includes generalist species that are mostly associated with domestic hosts in Mexico. Ecological niche models have proven to be useful in estimating the geographic distribution of many taxa of ticks. Despite our limited knowledge of tick’s diversity, ENM can improve our understanding of the dynamics of vector-borne diseases and can assist public health decision-making processes.

scholarly journals Potential distribution and conservation of the Colobosauroides carvalhoi Soares and Caramaschi, 1998: a rare and endemic lizard of Northeast Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 686-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. C. Magalhães-Júnior ◽  
G. J. B. Moura ◽  
L. B. Ribeiro ◽  
S. M. Azevedo-Júnior
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Ecological Niche Model ◽  
Niche Model ◽  
Species Population ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Occurrence Records

Abstract Ecological niche modeling has contributed to the investigation of the geographical distribution and conservation of rare or little recorded species. Therefore, we studied the known and potential distributions of Colobosauroides carvalhoi Soares and Caramaschi 1998 and discuss the implications for its conservation. Data were obtained by manual collections made in quarterly samplings in three different regions, considering the regions with occurrence records and surrounding areas. The known distribution was determined by occurrence records and literature data, and potential distribution was estimated with an ecological niche model by the MaxEnt algorithm. Twenty-five specimens were collected exclusively in forest formations of Caatinga and Caatinga-Cerrado. Our data corroborated the relative rarity of C. carvalhoi and reflected the biogeographical history of the group, where it is restricted to forest formations with milder environmental conditions. The occurrence records indicated new records of C. carvalhoi, but the known distribution value is compatible with a restricted distribution. The ecological niche model estimated few areas with environmental suitability for the species and corroborated the restricted and relict distribution patterns. Finally, the known and potential distribution values were compatible with criteria for threatened species. These results suggest a worrisome scenario for C. carvalhoi conservation. However, the limited data about the species population do not allow the proper definition of its conservation status. Therefore, we suggest using potential distribution values with alternative criteria for redefining the conservation status of C. carvalhoi and the development of new studies that support a better assessment of its conservation aspects.

scholarly journals Status assessment of the Critically Endangered Azores Bullfinch Pyrrhula murina

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
RICARDO S. CEIA ◽  
JAIME A. RAMOS ◽  
RUBEN H. HELENO ◽  
GEOFF M. HILTON ◽  
TIAGO A. MARQUES
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Distance Sampling ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Laurel Forest ◽  
Area Of Occupancy

SummaryThe Azores Bullfinch is endemic to the island of São Miguel (Azores, Portugal). Its status was uplisted to Critically Endangered in 2005 on the basis of an extremely small and declining population that was considered to be restricted to a very small mountain range (43 km2), in a single location, within which the spread of invasive plants constituted a threat to habitat quality. Nevertheless, information was mostly inferred, or the product of, non-systematic studies. In order to carry out a complete assessment of the conservation status we analysed: (i) population trend, calculated from annual monitoring 1991–2008, (ii) population size, and (iii) range size, obtaining estimates in a single morning study in 2008 involving the simultaneous participation of 48 observers. Contrary to previous inferences, the population is no longer decreasing, although quality of laurel forest habitat continues to decline due to the persistent threat of invasive species. Population size (mean ± SE) was estimated at 1,064 ± 304 individuals using distance sampling methods, although the estimate was very sensitive to the survey method used. Range size estimates (extent of occurrence and area of occupancy) were 144 km2 and 83 km2 respectively. Given the present information, we propose the downlisting of Azores Bullfinch to Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Age structure and body size of a critically endangered species, Acanthodactylus harranensis (Squamata: Lacertidae) and its demography

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-431
Author(s):  
Nurettin Beşer ◽  
Çetin Ilgaz ◽  
Yusuf Kumlutaş ◽  
Aziz Avcı ◽  
Kamil Candan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Age Structure ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Critically Endangered Species ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Abstract Within reptiles, lizards cover less area across the globe than snakes do. One out of every seven known species of lizards in the world is found only in its type locality. Acanthodactylus harranensis Baran, Kumlutaş, Lanza, Sindaco, Ilgaz, Avcı & Crucitti, 2005, is one of these species. It is an endemic lizard species in Turkey with a very small area of occupancy and is listed in the critically endangered category (CR) by the IUCN. Here we document the age structure and body size of A. harranensis using skeletochronological methods for the first time and aim to point out current problems and contribute to an understanding of its demography. The mean age of males was found to be significantly higher than that of females. The maximum life span was 10 years in males while it was 9 years in females. The 8-year-old age group contained a higher number of individuals than any other age group. The mean snout-vent length of specimens was not significantly different between the sexes. As in many other lizards, A. harranensis exhibits a low-level male-biased sexual dimorphism. Acanthodactylus harranensis also displayed a considerably bigger body size than other studied lacertids from Şanlıurfa province. The data presented in this study may contribute to future conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Ecological niche modeling of the sympatric giant and red pandas on a mountain-range scale

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 2127-2141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dunwu Qi ◽  
Yibo Hu ◽  
Xiaodong Gu ◽  
Ming Li ◽  
Fuwen Wei
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
Niche Modeling ◽  
Mountain Range

scholarly journals New distribution records of the critically endangered frog Telmatobufo bullocki Schmidt, 1952 (Anura: Calyptocephalellidae) in southern Chile

Check List ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 428
Author(s):  
Felipe E. Rabanal ◽  
Virginia Moreno-Puig
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Southern Chile ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Private Forestry ◽  
New Localities ◽  
Central South ◽  
New Distribution

In an effort to assess the current geographic distribution of the critically endangered frog Telmatobufo bullocki Schmidt, 1952, we conducted several field surveys in the Nahuelbuta mountain range in central-south Chile. We surveyed historic localities cited in the literature, and potential new localities in private forestry areas. Telmatobufo bullocki was found in six localities: four historic and two new. The discovery of new populations and the confirmation of the persistence of the species in at least four historic localities open new perspectives for the conservation of this threatened species.

scholarly journals The morpho-genetic and ecological niche analyses reveal the existence of climatically restricted Cycas zeylanica complex in Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asanka Mudannayake ◽  
Lahiru Ranaweera ◽  
Preminda Samaraweera ◽  
Suneth Sooriyapathirana ◽  
Anoma Perera
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Morphological Diversity ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Multiple Introductions ◽  
Reproductive Structures ◽  
Other World

AbstractTaxonomy and phylogenesis of Sri Lankan cycad species of the subsection Rumphiae has not been fully resolved and therefore, we conducted an island-wide survey of cycads of the subsection to assess their morphological or genetic variations while exploring the phylogenetic relationship between Sri Lankan Rumphiae and other world cycad species. Further, we assessed the possible distribution of the species in the region through climatic profiling, using maximum entropy modeling approach. We analyzed 21 variable morphological features in collected specimens and used the polymorphism of trnH-psbA locus to understand the phylogeny. The distance tree drawn from the principal component analysis revealed a significant variation in female reproductive structures. The maximum likelihood tree separated Sri Lankan Cycas zeylanica to a well-supported unigeneric clade (bootstrap = 96, posterior probability = 100) with shallow divergence. Ecological niche modeling supported the existence of Cycas zeylanica in South East Asia and in southern Western Ghats in India in addition to the Wet Zone of Sri Lanka. We rename the taxa as Cycas zeylanica complex based on the observed high morphological diversity of female reproductive structures which might have ascended due to multiple introductions of South East Asian cycads by long distance dispersal of seeds through sea currents.

scholarly journals From the past to the future – glacial refugia, current distribution patterns and future potential range changes of Diodonopsis (Orchidaceae) representatives

Lankesteriana ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Kolanowsca ◽  
Max Rykaczewski
Keyword(s):  
Last Glacial Maximum ◽  
Current Distribution ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Glacial Refugia ◽  
Niche Modeling ◽  
Potential Range ◽  
The Past ◽  
Future Potential

The distribution patterns of Neotropical orchid genus Diodonopsis were analysed and the location of its glacial refugia was reconstructed. The possible changes in the coverage of suitable niches of Diodonopsis representatives were evaluated using three different scenarios. The results of ecological niche modeling indicated that the range of studied taxa is in regression since last glacial maximum. The climatic niches of three Diodonopsis species are well separated.

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