scholarly journals Agrobiodiversity and its Conservation in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 14-33
Author(s):  
Bal Krishna Joshi ◽  
Neena Amatya Gorkhali ◽  
Neeta Pradhan ◽  
Krishna Hari Ghimire ◽  
Tek Prasad Gotame ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Aquatic Animal ◽  
Global Marketing ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
On Farm

Nepal is a part of the world’s biodiversity hotspot and ranks the 49th in the world for biodiversity. Agrobiodiversity and its conservation status were studied through literature review, field survey, key informant survey and focus group discussion. Results of field implementation of some good practices and action research were also documented. Among 24,300 total species in the country, 28% are agricultural genetic resources (AGRs), termed as agrobiodiversity. Agrobiodiversity has six components (crops, forages, livestock, aquatic, insects and microorganisms) and four sub-components (domesticated, semi-domesticated, wild relatives and wild edible) in Nepal. Agrobiodiversity on each component exists at agroecosystem, species, variety/breed/biotype/race/strain, genotype and allele levels, within an altitude range from 60 to 5,000 masl. There are 12 agroecosystems supporting 1026 species under crop component, 510 under forage, 35 under livestock, 250 under the aquatic animal, 17 under aquatic plant, 3,500 under insect and 800 under microorganism. An estimated loss of agrobiodiversity is 40%, however, farmers have reported up to 100% loss of AGRs in some areas for a particular species. Conservation of agrobiodiversity has been initiated since 1986. Four strategies namely ex-situ, on-farm, in-situ and breeding have been adopted for conservation and sustainable utilization of AGRs. Eighty good practices including process, methods and actions for managing agrobiodiversity have been in practice and these practices come under five conservation components (sensitization, method and approach, accelerator, value and enabling environment). Within the country, 18,765 accessions of AGRs have been conserved in different kinds of banks. A total of 24,683 accessions of Nepalese crops, forages and microbes have been conserved in different international and foreign genebanks. Some collections are conserved as safety duplication and safety backup in different CGIARs’ banks and World Seed Vault, Korea. Two global databases (GENESYS and EURISCO) have maintained 19,200 Nepalese accessions. Geographical Information System, Climate Analog Tool and biotechnological tools have been applied for better managing AGRs. Many stakeholders need to further concentrate on the conservation and utilization of AGRs. Global marketing of some native AGRs is necessary for sustaining agriculture and attracting young generations as well as conserving them through use.

scholarly journals Sustainable Use of Fig Species Provides Nutrition and Medicine for Ethnic Minority Communities in the Southern Shan State of Myanmar

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aye Mya Mon ◽  
Yinxian Shi ◽  
Pyae Phyo Hein ◽  
Thaung Naing Oo ◽  
Cory W. Whitney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Use Value ◽  
Ethnobotanical Knowledge ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Tropical Regions

Abstract Background: Fig trees are ecological keystone species in many tropical regions and play important roles in the spirituality, nutrition and health for many rural communities. Although the tropical forests in Myanmar contain many fig species, little ethnobotanical knowledge on their uses has been recorded.Information about the uses and conservation related actions of figswould be helpful in development ofstrategic policy for sustainable use and biodiversity conservation of the country. We showcase the rich ethnobotanical knowledge as well as the variety of collection and conservation practices related to figs among five ethnic groups in Southern Shan State. Methods: We performed both key informant and semi-structured interviews with 114 informants from five ethnic groups. Their uses for figs were categorized according to local practices and recipes. Informants were asked about trends in conservation status over the past 10 years and any conservation related customs and practices. Data were analyzed quantitatively by use report (UR) and use value (UV). Results: Informants reported the uses of eight fig species (Ficusauricularta，F.concinna, F. geniculata，F. hispida, F. racemosa, F. religiosa，F. semicordata, and F. virens).F. geniculata and F. virens were most useful (UR = 228) and were used by all five ethnic groups, corresponding to a high use value (UV = 2). Treatments for 16 diseases were reported from seven species. Household consumption, economic, and sacred uses were accompanied by sustainable practices of harvest and protection. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation were practiced especially for highly demanded species (F. geniculata and F. virens), and the sacred fig F. religiosa.Conclusion: Findings suggest that figs are useful for nutrition (all informants) and medicine (13.16% of the informants) in the study area. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation practices help to maintain sustainable utilization of locally important figs. This is an early contribution to the traditional knowledge of edible figs. Although similar uses have been reported in neighboring countries for seven of the fig species, the ethnobotanical use of F. concinna is novel.

scholarly journals The decline and conservation management of the threatened endemic palms of the Mascarene Islands

Oryx ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Maunder ◽  
Wayne Page ◽  
John Mauremootoo ◽  
Richard Payendee ◽  
Yousoof Mungroo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Population Fragmentation ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Mascarene Islands

Abstract The conservation status of the five genera and 11 species of palm endemic to the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius, La Réunion and Rodriques) are reviewed. All species are threatened with extinction; nine taxa are classified as Critically Endangered and four as Endangered on the 2000 IUCN Red List. Two taxa survive as single wild specimens (Hyophorbe amaricaulis and Dictyosperma album var. conjugatum); an additional seven taxa have wild populations of 100 or fewer. Although the historical phase of large-scale forest clearance has passed, the remaining palm populations in the Mascarenes are under threat from the effects of population fragmentation, invasive plants and animals, and high levels of seed predation that prevent natural regeneration. The advantages of in situ management for the recovery of these palm populations are discussed. Without a long-term conservation programme, utilising both in situ and ex situ management, extinction of wild populations will occur.

GOOD PRACTICES OF ON-FARM/IN SITU CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF TROPICAL FRUIT TREE DIVERSITY IN THAILAND

2014 ◽  
pp. 261-265
Author(s):  
S. Somsri ◽  
P. Sripinta ◽  
T. Nimkingrat ◽  
S. Changprasert ◽  
M. Issarakraisila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Fruit Tree ◽  
Tree Diversity ◽  
Tropical Fruit ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
On Farm

Climatic indices for determining risks to the distribution and maintenance of Quercus emoryi Torr. (Fagaceae) in Mexico

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria de Jesus Torres-Meza ◽  
Alma Delia Baez-Gonzalez ◽  
Jose Luis Ramos-Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Species Conservation ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Climate Indices ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Climate Variables ◽  
Quercus Emoryi ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
At Risk Populations ◽  
Weather Stations

Mexico is one of the two centres of diversification of oaks (Quercus spp.) in the world, with 161 species, 66% of which are endemic. The local-scale analysis of trends in climate variables, using climate indices, can be useful in estimating both the potential benefits and risks presented by climate to oak populations. Since the minimum January temperature is an important limiting factor in the distribution of Quercus emoryi Torr. in Mexico, this study analysed trends in this variable in the area of distribution of the species and identified the populations likely to be affected by them. The RClimDex 1.0 software was used to analyse trends of nine climate indices related to minimum temperature recorded in 14 weather stations in the area of the species’ potential distribution in Mexico. Data from five stations showed significant trends related to an increase in minimum January temperature, whereas data from seven stations showed trends of a decrease in this variable. Populations of the species, mainly in the ecoregion containing piedmonts and plains with grassland, scrubland and forests in the Cuauhtemoc region in Chihuahua state, and Cuencame and Canatlan regions in Durango state, could be affected by these trends. The information on at-risk populations may be used for in situ and ex situ species conservation programs.

scholarly journals New island record and conservation status of Puerto Rican Bank endemic plant species, Ruehssia woodburyana (Acev.-Rodr.) Goyder, comb. nov., formally transferred from Marsdenia

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Bárrios ◽  
José Sustache ◽  
David Goyder ◽  
Martin Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fires ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
British Virgin Islands ◽  
Area Of Occupancy

Thought to be endemic to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Ruehssia woodburyana (Apocynaceae) was recently discovered at a single location on Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands. Despite an increase in the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, this species meta-population is very limited with a total of 37 individuals known in the wild. The largest subpopulation, on Mona Island, has only 26 individuals. The species suitable habitat is experiencing a continuing decline due to urban development, grazing by feral ungulates and human-induced forest fires. Conservation action is urgently needed and should be directed towards establishing genetically representative ex situ collections, such as seed for long term storage and live material for propagation. This species is evaluated as Critically Endangered (CR), based on Criteria C2a(i)+D, according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (version 3.1) and guidelines (Subcommittee IUCN Standards and Petitions 2016). Extensive and regular surveys to the region enable the discovery of new plant records for different countries and islands. In this paper, we record a new island record for Ruehssia woodburyana on Norman Island, in the British Virgin Islands and discuss the species conservation status. Marsdenia woodburyana is transferred to the genus Ruehssia to reflect the resurrection of that genus for species of Marsdenia native to the New World.

scholarly journals Copulatory behavior of Knuckles pygmy lizard (Cophotis dumbara)

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-130
Author(s):  
H.D.C. Soysa ◽  
U.S.B. Hettige ◽  
M.G. Cooray ◽  
D.R. Vidanapathirane
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Ex Situ Conservation ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Copulatory Behavior ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Reproductive Behaviors ◽  
The World

Nearly one in every five species of reptiles in the world is threatened with extinction and thus is conservation dependent. In order to develop effective and targeted species conservation strategies, detailed information on their distribution, systematics and ecology are necessary. Information such as the natural history and in-situ reproductive behaviors would be crucial for highly threatened species that require ex-situ conservation measures. Agamid lizards are a major component of the global reptile diversity and a significant number are threatened due to habitat loss and other threats such as smuggling.

scholarly journals Plant agrobiodiversity conservation and use in intensive farming systems: N-Italy as a case study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Canella ◽  
Nicola M.G. Ardenghi ◽  
Jonas V. Müller ◽  
Graziano Rossi ◽  
Filippo Guzzon
Keyword(s):  
Ex Situ Conservation ◽  
Plant Genetic Resources ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Genetic Erosion ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Crop Diversity ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Neglected Crops ◽  
On Farm

Abstract Northern Italy is an area particularly suitable for the cultivation of different crops. It used to be characterized by a high agrobiodiversity. However, it is estimated that over the last decades, this area experienced a genetic erosion of more than 95%, resulting in the loss of many traditional plant genetic resources (PGR). Nevertheless, recent surveys found an unexpectedly high agrobiodiversity which remains. The presented study aims to provide a complete overview of plant agrobiodiversity (in terms of crop landraces, old cultivars and neglected crops) in northern Italy using a mixed approach of literature research and ethnobotanical field surveys. This paper is a fundamental step towards putting in place successful on farm and ex situ conservation measures in the study area. 811 entities were found, of which 27 were identified as neglected crops, 377 as landraces (plus 124 doubtful landraces) and 99 as old cultivars (plus 184 doubtful old cultivars). 248 entities were here recorded for the first time through field surveys. It clearly emerges that by using an ethnobotanical approach, several PGR can still be found in the study area especially in small farms and home gardens. We describe hotspots of crop diversity and areas in which there is still a lack of knowledge of local agrobiodiversity. Only 43% of the PGR recorded are conserved long-term in seed banks, underlying the fact that great efforts are needed to ensure the ex situ conservation of PGR in northern Italy. Careful interventions are needed to enhance the on-farm conservation status of the crop diversity reported here by enhancing its demand and its accessibility.

scholarly journals Conservation Gaps in Traditional Vegetables Native to Europe and Fennoscandia

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 340
Author(s):  
Kauê de Sousa ◽  
Svein Øivind Solberg
Keyword(s):  
Food System ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Priority Score ◽  
Global Databases ◽  
Healthy Diets

Vegetables are rich in vitamins and other micronutrients and are important crops for healthy diets and diversification of the food system, and many traditional (also termed underutilized or indigenous) species may play a role. The current study analyzed 35 vegetables with a European region of diversity with the effort to map the conservation status in Fennoscandia and beyond. We mapped georeferenced occurrences and current genebank holdings based on global databases and conducted conservation gaps analysis based on representativeness scores in situ and ex situ. Out of the 35 target species, 19 got at a high priority score for further conservation initiatives, while another 14 species got a medium priority score. We identified a pattern where traditional vegetables are poorly represented in genebank holdings. This corresponds well to a lack of attention in the scientific community measured in number of published papers. Considering the grand challenges ahead in terms of climate change, population growth and demand for sustainability, traditional vegetables deserve greater attention. Our contribution is to provide a basis for conservation priorities among the identified vegetables species native to Fennoscandia.

scholarly journals Possibilities and reality of on-farm conservation

2010 ◽  
Vol 46 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. S60-S64 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Holubec ◽  
T. Vymyslický ◽  
F. Paprštein
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Nature Protection ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
On Farm Conservation ◽  
Set Up ◽  
On Farm

Conservation of crops is based on <I>ex situ </I>collection into gene banks. Additionally, crop’s wild relatives can be conserved <I>in situ</I>, and landraces and obsolete cultivars also can be conserved using the on-farm method. The definition and methodology of on-farm conservation is discussed. On-farm conservation has been set up in the Czech Republic as model examples in several institutions dealing with nature protection, education, cultural conservation, as well as by some private farmers. Problems, plus positive and negative experiences are presented. On-farm conservation in open-air-museums in the natur (skansens) as well as in the national parks, seem to be suitable ways forward for the Czech Republic.

scholarly journals Conservation and behavior of Africa’s “Big Five”

2014 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 486-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Caro ◽  
Jason Riggio
Keyword(s):  
Big Five ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Flagship Species ◽  
African Species ◽  
In The Wild

Abstract We examine the conservation status of Africa’s “Big Five”: lion, leopard, buffalo, black and white rhinoceros and elephant, and the role of behavioral knowledge in their conservation. Efforts to conserve these flagship species consist of in situ conservation, captive breeding and reintroductions. With a few exceptions, we find limited evidence that knowledge of behavior informs conservation programs targeted at these species. For management in the wild, knowledge of infanticide and ranging can provide guidelines for realistic hunting quotas and corridors between protected areas, respectively. For ex situ and reintroduction programs, behavioral knowledge is chiefly focused on improved animal husbandry. Despite a formidable understanding of these species’ behavior, the practicalities of using such knowledge may be diminished because exploitation of these species is so forceful and the bulk of efforts aimed at conserving these species (and indeed most other African species) are primarily in situ where behaviorally driven interventions are limited. Our comparative findings suggest that behavior has been of rather narrow use in the conservation of these flagship species [Current Zoology 60 (4): 486–499, 2014].

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