scholarly journals Conserving an Endangered Canid: Assessing Distribution, Habitat Protection, and Connectivity for the Dhole (Cuon alpinus) in Bhutan

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuntsho Thinley ◽  
Rajanathan Rajaratnam ◽  
Jan F. Kamler ◽  
Cheten Wangmo
Keyword(s):  
Species Conservation ◽  
Model Potential ◽  
Range Limit ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Habitat Protection ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Conservation Plan ◽  
Endangered Status ◽  
Specific Species

Most canids face population declines and range contractions worldwide. Although the dhole (Cuon alpinus) is widely distributed across 10 countries in South and Southeast Asia, limited studies exist on this species. Despite its globally “Endangered” status and ecological role as an apex predator, assessments on its distribution are limited to a few landscapes and countries. This explains the lack of a dhole-specific species conservation plan in most range countries, including Bhutan where no current population estimate exists. The species has also recovered from a country-wide poisoning campaign in the 1970s and 80s. In this study, we determine the dhole's distribution pattern and assess the protection and connectivity of dhole habitat in Bhutan. We anticipated dholes to be extant within their habitat well-represented in protected areas (PAs) and biological corridors (BCs). We used 721 georeferenced dhole occurrence records and eight environmental variables in MaxEnt software to model potential dhole distribution and habitat suitability. The model output was overlaid on the spatial layers of PAs and BCs to assess habitat protection and connectivity. As anticipated, we found the dhole widely distributed in all districts, PAs, and BCs in Bhutan. Dholes were recorded at the highest elevation range limit of 4,980 m above sea level, which overlapped with the “Vulnerable” snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Our model identified 72% (27,634 km2) of the country as suitable areas for dholes, of which, 31% (11,899 km2) was highly suitable and 41% (15,735 km2) was moderately suitable. Contrary to our expectation, PAs and BCs encompassed only 29% (8,046 km2) and 12% (3,185 km2) of suitable areas for dholes, respectively. A vast majority of the areas we deemed suitable for dholes currently remain unprotected, thus making dholes more vulnerable to human persecution and local extermination. We recommend adjusting PA boundaries to fully encompass suitable dhole habitat, and also advocate improved livestock husbandry to reduce dhole related livestock predation and minimize conflict, thereby ensuring its long-term survival in Bhutan.

scholarly journals Species conservation profiles of cave-dwelling arthropods from Azores, Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Borges ◽  
Lucas Lamelas-Lopez ◽  
Isabel Amorim ◽  
Anja Danielczak ◽  
Mário Boieiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Arthropod Species ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
The Creation

Azorean volcanic cave biodiversity is under considerable pressure due to ongoing threats of pollution, land use change, touristic activities or climate change. In this contribution, we present the IUCN Red List profiles of 15 cave-adapted arthropod species, endemic to the Azorean archipelago, including species belonging to the speciose genus Trechus (Carabidae), which is represented in Azores by seven species. The objective of this paper is to assess all endemic Azorean cave-adapted species and advise on possible future research and conservation actions critical for the long-term survival of the most endangered species. Most species have a restricted distribution (i.e. occur in one or two caves), very small extent of occurrence (EOO) and a small area of occupancy (AOO). A continuing decline in the number of mature individuals is inferred from the ongoing cave habitat degradation. The two troglobitic species of the homopteran genus Cixius are in great danger of extinction due to major land-use changes in epigean habitats above their known localities. We suggest, as future measures of conservation, the regular monitoring of the species (every five years), the creation of additional protected caves, the limitation of several aggressive activities around the caves (e.g. decreasing pasture intensification) and in some cases the creation of fences in the entrance of the most important caves.

scholarly journals The Beetle (Coleoptera) and True bug (Heteroptera) species pool of the alpine “Pian di Gembro” wetland (Villa di Tirano, Italy) and its conservation

2011 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Montagna ◽  
Giuseppe Carlo Lozzia ◽  
Johann Baumgärtner ◽  
Carlo Andreis ◽  
Anna Giorgi
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Species Pool ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
Sampling Program ◽  
Specific Species

he C oleoptera and Heteroptera species pool was investigated in the “Pian di Gembro” wetland (Villa di T irano, Sondrio, Italy). T he wetland consists of a bog and its surroundings, referred to as wetland components, that are both subjected to a diversified intermediate management regime (DIMR). T he application of the DIMR for plant species conservation resulted in the establishment of 11 wetland zones with a characteristic vegetation. In a three year sampling program, 997 C oleoptera and Heteroptera representing 141 species from 14 families were collected. Among these species, 64 species share both wetland components, 11 are restricted to the bog and 63 were found in the surroundings only. Among the species pool there were 23 tyrphophile taxa and only one tyrphobiont. With the exception of one zone, all zones are inhabited by zone-specific species. By taking into account both the general species pool and the pool of species of particular interest to conservationists, only one zone can be considered as redundant since it is inhabited by species that occur also in other zones. Hence, all the zones, with one exception, are effective for species pool conservation. The existing DIMR implemented for plant species conservation is also effective for conserving the species pool of C oleoptera and Heteroptera.

scholarly journals Human preferences for species conservation: Animal charisma trumps endangered status

2017 ◽  
Vol 206 ◽  
pp. 263-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agathe Colléony ◽  
Susan Clayton ◽  
Denis Couvet ◽  
Michel Saint Jalme ◽  
Anne-Caroline Prévot
Keyword(s):  
Species Conservation ◽  
Endangered Status

A new endemic psyllid genus, Stevekenia gen. nov. (Hemiptera: Psylloidea, Triozidae), from the Hawaiian Islands with two new and rare species on threatened host plants in the endemic genus Nothocestrum (Solanaceae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4286 (3) ◽  
pp. 370 ◽  
Author(s):  
DIANA M. PERCY
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Hawaiian Islands ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Endemic Genus ◽  
Endangered Status

A new endemic psyllid genus from the Hawaiian Islands, Stevekenia gen. nov., is described. Two new species, both single island endemics, feed on host plants in the endemic genus Nothocestrum (Solanaceae). Stevekenia nothocestri sp. nov. is found on Nothocestrum longifolium on the island of Oahu and Stevekenia aiea sp. nov. is found on N. peltatum on the island of Kauai. The host plants are montane rainforest species and both are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In particular, N. peltatum, which is endemic to the island of Kauai, is considered critically endangered, and therefore a similarly endangered status for these host-specific insects is likely. Only a few specimens of each Stevekenia species have been found, suggesting occurrence at low abundance. The host plants survive either as isolated individuals or small fragmented populations, which may already constitute less than the required critical host plant density for the long term survival of this psyllid genus. Unique morphological characters distinguish Stevekenia from other Hawaiian genera, and the placement of this genus within Triozidae is discussed. Mitochondrial DNA barcodes for the new species are provided. 

scholarly journals The Critically Endangered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus strykeri found in the Salween River Basin, China

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yin Yang ◽  
Ying-Ping Tian ◽  
Chen-Xiang He ◽  
Zhipang Huang ◽  
Shao-Hua Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Infrared Camera ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Transect Sampling ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Disturbed Forest ◽  
Endangered Status ◽  
Salween River

AbstractThe Myanmar snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus strykeri was discovered in 2010 on the western slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains in the Irrawaddy River basin in Myanmar and subsequently in the same river basin in China, in 2011. Based on 2 years of surveying the remote and little disturbed forest of the Gaoligong Mountains National Nature Reserve in China, with outline transect sampling and infrared camera monitoring, a breeding group comprising > 70 individuals was found on the eastern slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains in the Salween River Basin. Given the Critically Endangered status of this primate (a total of < 950 individuals are estimated to remain in the wild), efforts to protect the relatively undisturbed habitat of this newly discovered population and to prevent hunting are essential for the long-term survival of this species.

Public preferences for species conservation: choosing between lethal control, habitat protection and no action

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
MICHELLE L. LUTE ◽  
SHAHZEEN Z. ATTARI
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Public Preferences ◽  
Habitat Protection ◽  
Lethal Control ◽  
Moral Principles ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Management Policies ◽  
Multiple Levels

SUMMARYDespite increasing support for conservation efforts, humans exert strong negative forces on nature and disagree over the management of these effects. Conflicts over conservation policy may reflect evolving opinions about how people ought to conserve species and whether to intervene in various processes. To understand public preferences for conservation in the USA, we measured support for various strategies in five case studies, where we pitted one species against another in simplified but realistic scenarios. Among our online convenience sample of 1040 participants, we found the majority of participants favoured habitat protection in all but one case, and there was little acceptance of lethal control across all cases. The results reveal that habitat protection preferences positively relate to considerations of moral principles and ecosystems and negatively relate to economic and practical considerations. Older, conservative and male participants were less likely to support habitat protection and more likely to support no action. The results suggest broad support for holistic nature conservation that benefits both people and nature and highlight areas where current wildlife management may not align with public preferences. Controversy may continue until wildlife management policies are consistent with societal values and address moral and ecosystem considerations at multiple levels.

scholarly journals Novel Predators and Naïve Prey: How Introduced Mammals Shape Behaviours and Populations of New Zealand Lizards

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Joanne Marie Hoare
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Predator Detection ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Invasive Mammals

<p>Biotas that evolved in isolation from mammalian predators are susceptible to degradation due to recent human-mediated introductions of mammals. However, behavioural, morphological and life historical adaptations of prey to novel mammalian predators can allow prey to persist in mammal-invaded areas. Lizards in New Zealand are an ideal group for exploring the effects of invasive mammals on vertebrate prey because: (1) the ca. 80 endemic species evolved without mammals as a major influence for 80 my, (2) mammalian introductions during the past 2000 y have differentially affected lizard species, and (3) some species coexist with mammals on the mainland as well as occurring on mammal-free offshore islands. I tested three hypotheses: (1) lizard populations that have persisted on New Zealand’s mainland are no longer declining in the presence of introduced mammalian predators, (2) introduced mammals induce behavioural shifts in native lizards, and (3) lizard behavioural patterns and chemosensory predator detection abilities vary according to exposure to introduced mammals. Trends in capture rates of five sympatric native lizard populations over a 23 year (1984-2006) period demonstrate that not all lizard populations that have persisted thus far on New Zealand’s mainland have stabilised in numbers. Large, nocturnal and terrestrial species remain highly vulnerable at mainland sites. Introduced kiore, Rattus exulans, induce behavioural changes in Duvaucel’s geckos, Hoplodactylus duvaucelii. A radio telemetric study demonstrated that geckos start reverting to natural use of habitats within six months of kiore eradication. Activity patterns of common geckos, H. maculatus, and common skinks, Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma, in laboratory trials are also correlated with their exposure to mammalian predators. Lizard activity (time spent moving) increases relative to freeze behaviour with greater exposure to mammals. However, specific antipredator behaviours are not elicited by chemical cues of either native (tuatara, Sphenodon spp) or introduced (ship rat, R. rattus) predators. Lizard populations may persist by changing their behaviours in the presence of invasive mammals. However, the continued declines of particularly vulnerable mainland lizard taxa suggest that mammal-induced behavioural shifts may only slow population declines rather than enabling long-term survival. Eradicating pest mammals from offshore islands has proven effective at restoring both populations and behaviours of native lizards, but lizard populations on the mainland also deserve conservation priority. Research directed at understanding the synergistic effects of invasive species that are causing continued lizard population declines and mammal-proof fencing to protect the most vulnerable mainland populations from extinction are both urgently required.</p>

scholarly journals Long-term declines of wader populations at the Tagus estuary, Portugal: a response to global or local factors?

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
TERESA CATRY ◽  
JOSÉ A. ALVES ◽  
JOANA ANDRADE ◽  
HELDER COSTA ◽  
MARIA P. DIAS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legal Protection ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Tagus Estuary ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
East Atlantic ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
The Past ◽  
Atlantic Flyway ◽  
East Atlantic Flyway

SummaryMigratory wader populations face global threats, mainly related to increasing rates of habitat loss and disturbance driven by human activities. To a large extent, the long-term survival of these populations requires the conservation of networks of sites along their migratory flyways. The Tagus estuary, Portugal, is among the most important wetlands for waders in the East Atlantic Flyway. Annual winter wader counts have been carried in this wetland since 1975 and a monthly roost-monitoring programme was implemented in 2007. Wintering populations of three out of the five most abundant species, DunlinCalidris alpina, Grey PloverPluvialis squatarolaand RedshankTringa totanus, showed significant population declines over the past three decades, which are most likely due to the loss and degradation of roost sites as a result of increasing human activity. The situation is unlikely to improve, as a high proportion of the wintering waders use roost sites that are situated in highly urbanised areas with no legal protection. The use of different roost sites by waders is highly variable both temporally and spatially, thus emphasizing the need for a network of good quality roost sites. Additionally, during migration, 60–80% of all the waders of the Tagus estuary concentrate at a single refuge, thus increasing the risk for wader populations during these periods.

Declines in populations of Australia's endemic tropical rainforest frogs

1994 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Richards ◽  
Keith R. McDonald ◽  
Ross A. Alford
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Rainforest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Inorganic Ions ◽  
Tropical Rainforests ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Frog Species ◽  
History Of

Comparisons of present and past occurrences suggest that populations of six frog species endemic to the tropical rainforests of northern Queensland have declined during the past ten years. Most declines have occurred at high altitudes in the southern portions of the tropical rainforest. An extensive survey conducted during the summer of 1991-1992 did not locate any individuals of two upland species, Litoria nyakalensis and Taudactylus rheophilus. Another upland species, T. acutirostris, which formerly was widely distributed, appears to have declined in rainforests south of the Daintree River. Three species (Litoria nannotis, L. rheocola and Nyctimystes dayi) were absent from most upland sites south of the Daintree River, but were common at lowland sites and at all sites north of the Daintree River. Aspects of water chemistry, including inorganic ions, heavy metals, and pesticide residues, were analysed for many sites. These analyses failed to identify any abnormalities that might have contributed to frog declines. Declines appear to be unrelated to the history of forestry or mining at sites, or to low rainfall in wet seasons. Levels of habitat disturbance by feral pigs appear to have increased at some sites in recent years and, either by this disturbance or through direct predation, feral pigs may have contributed to declines in some populations. However, pigs are unlikely to be the sole cause of frog population declines. Once declines have occurred, fragmentation of rainforest habitats may prevent recolonization from adjacent sites. Until causal agents associated with declines can be identified, management strategies to ensure the long-term survival of these species must involve protection of the riparian habitats in which they occur.

scholarly journals Amphibian Declines in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: Toads with Protection from Bacterial Disease

1997 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 81-98
Author(s):  
Jeremy Hawk ◽  
Charles Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Amphibian Declines ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Endangered Status ◽  
Abundance And Distribution

During the past forty years, biologists have become increasingly concerned about the decline and disappearance of various amphibian species throughout the world (Wyman 1990, Wake 1991). An example of an amphibian decline in western North America is that of the Boreal Toad (Bufo boreas). A previously widespread and abundant species, the Boreal Toad has undergone large population declines and is now a candidate for threatened and endangered status in the eastern half of its range (Stebbins and Cohen 1995, Federal Register 1995). Decreases in Boreal Toad abundance and distribution have been observed in Colorado, eastern Wyoming, and eastern Utah (Com et al. 1989). From 1971-82, eleven Boreal Toad populations disappeared from the West Elk Mountains of Colorado (Carey 1993). During this eleven-year period, numerous individuals were observed exhibiting symptoms of redleg, a well­documented disease in amphibians caused by the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila (Russel 1898, Emerson and Norris 1905, Kulp and Borden 1942, Reed and Toner 1942, Dusi 1949, Hunsaker and Potter 1960, Hird et. al. 1981, Nyman 1986, Carey 1993). This disease was considered responsible for the decline and ultimate extinction of these eleven toad populations. These extinctions led Carey to propose a hypothesis regarding the disease process which is stated as follows: (1) Some environmental factor or synergistic effects of more than one factor changes sufficiently to cause sublethal "stress;" (2) This stress directly causes suppression of the immune system, or indirectly causes immunosuppression by effecting elevated secretion of adrenal cortical hormones; (3) Immunosuppression, coupled with the apparent effect of cold body temperatures on the ability of immune systems of ectothermic animals to fight disease, leads to infection by Aeromonas or other infectious agents, and to subsequent death of individuals and extinction of populations.

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