scholarly journals Atmospheric Pathways and Distance Range Analysis of Castanea Pollen Transport in Southern Spain

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1092
Author(s):  
Rocío López-Orozco ◽  
Miguel Ángel Hernández-Ceballos ◽  
Carmen Galán ◽  
Herminia García-Mozo
Keyword(s):  
Long Range ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Castanea Sativa ◽  
Southern Spain ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Pollen Transport ◽  
Pollen Concentrations

The sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is the only native species of this genus in Europe, where it faces various threats that are causing a severe decrease in populations, with the resulting loss of genetic diversity. In the Iberian Peninsula, it is of high economic and ecological importance, being well represented, especially in northern areas, whilst it is limited to isolated populations in medium-range mountains in southern Spain (Andalusia region). Taking advantage of this fragmented distribution, this study analyzes the dynamics of atmospheric transport of Castanea pollen through Andalusia region in order to obtain a better understanding of the pollination pathways as a key aspect of the floral biology of this partially anemophilous species. The aerobiological characteristics of this species are also of special interest since its pollen has been recognized as allergenic. Pollen transport pathways were studied by applying back-trajectories analysis together with aerobiological, phenological, land cover, and meteorological data. The results reveal that airborne Castanea pollen concentrations recorded in the city of Cordoba, in the center of Andalusia region, reach medium- and even long-range distances. The backward-trajectory analysis indicates that most of the pollen data detected outside the Castanea flowering season were related to westerly slow and easterly airflows. Furthermore, some of the case studies analyzed indicate the presence of southerly airflow patterns, which could influence medium- and long-range transport events from chestnut populations further south, even from those located in north African mountains. The integrated analysis of the results offers us better knowledge of the cross-pollination pathways of this endangered species, which help us to understand its genetic flows, as a basis for designing conservation strategies for this highly fragmented species in southern Spain.

scholarly journals Short communication: Functional genetic diversity of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) populations from southern Spain

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. eSC06 ◽  
Author(s):  
María I. Cuestas ◽  
Claudia Mattioni ◽  
Luis M. Martín ◽  
Enrique Vargas-Osuna ◽  
Marcello Cherubini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Expressed Sequence Tag ◽  
Castanea Sativa ◽  
Southern Spain ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Bud Burst ◽  
Castanea Sativa Mill ◽  
Adaptive Genetic Variability ◽  
Expressed Sequence ◽  
Simple Sequence

Aim of the study: To evaluate the adaptive genetic variability of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) populations from southern Spain in relation to bud burst and water stress.Area of study: Andalusia (southern Spain) where many chestnut groves were progressively abandoned and have become ‘naturalized’.Material and methods: A total of 126 chestnut trees from eight populations were assessed by means of nine genic microsatellite loci (expressed sequence tag simple sequence repeat markers) related to bud burst and water stress.Main results: Significant differences in genetic diversity were detected within and among populations, not found with neutral microsatellite markers. The structure analysis indicated the presence of two different gene pools.Research highlights: These results could contribute to the development of conservation strategies for this species in southern areas exposed to the effects of climate change. The genetic diversity of these populations could be useful in minimizing this risk and other predictable factors related to global change.

scholarly journals Unusually high birch (Betula spp.) pollen concentrations in Poland in 2016 related to long-range transport (LRT) and the regional pollen occurrence

Aerobiologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Myszkowska ◽  
Katarzyna Piotrowicz ◽  
Monika Ziemianin ◽  
Maximilian Bastl ◽  
Uwe Berger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Range ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Birch Pollen ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Long Range Transport ◽  
Synoptic Situation ◽  
Phenological Data ◽  
Full Flowering ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
Range Transport

Abstract In 2016, the highest birch (Betula spp.) pollen concentrations were recorded in Kraków (Poland) since the beginning of pollen observations in 1991. The aim of this study was to ascertain the reason for this phenomenon, taking the local sources of pollen in Poland and long-range transport (LRT) episodes associated with the pollen influx from other European countries into account. Three periods of higher pollen concentrations in Kraków in 2016 were investigated with the use of pollen data, phenological data, meteorological data and the HYSPLIT numerical model to calculate trajectories up to 4 days back (96 h) at the selected Polish sites. From 5 to 8 April, the birch pollen concentrations increased in Kraków up to 4000 Pollen/m3, although no full flowering of birch trees in the city was observed. The synoptic situation with air masses advection from the South as well as backward trajectories and the general birch pollen occurrence in Europe confirm that pollen was transported mainly from Serbia, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, into Poland. The second analyzed period (13–14 April) was related largely to the local flowering of birches, while the third one in May (6–7 May) mostly resulted from the birch pollen transport from Fennoscandia and the Baltic countries. Unusual high pollen concentrations at the beginning of the pollen season can augment the symptomatic burden of birch pollen allergy sufferers and should be considered during therapy. Such incidents also affect the estimation of pollen seasons timing and severity. Graphical Abstract

scholarly journals Using non-invasive sampling methods to determine the prevalence and distribution of Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus in a remnant koala population with conservation importance

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faye Wedrowicz ◽  
Jennifer Mosse ◽  
Wendy Wright ◽  
Fiona E. Hogan
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
The South ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Urogenital Infection ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Chlamydia Pecorum ◽  
Genetic Sampling ◽  
Pathogen Prevalence ◽  
Koala Retrovirus

Context Pathogenic infections are an important consideration for the conservation of native species, but obtaining such data from wild populations can be expensive and difficult. Two pathogens have been implicated in the decline of some koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations: urogenital infection with Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus subgroup A (KoRV-A). Pathogen data for a wild koala population of conservation importance in South Gippsland, Victoria are essentially absent. Aims This study uses non-invasive sampling of koala scats to provide prevalence and genotype data for C. pecorum and KoRV-A in the South Gippsland koala population, and compares pathogen prevalence between wild koalas and koalas in rescue shelters. Methods C. pecorum and KoRV-A provirus were detected by PCR of DNA isolated from scats collected in the field. Pathogen genetic variation was investigated using DNA sequencing of the C. pecorum ompA and KoRV-A env genes. Key results C. pecorum and KoRV-A were detected in 61% and 27% of wild South Gippsland individuals tested, respectively. KoRV-A infection tended to be higher in shelter koalas compared with wild koalas. In contrast with other Victorian koala populations sampled, greater pathogen diversity was present in South Gippsland. Conclusions In the South Gippsland koala population, C. pecorum is widespread and common whereas KoRV appears less prevalent than previously thought. Further work exploring the dynamics of these pathogens in South Gippsland koalas is warranted and may help inform future conservation strategies for this important population. Implications Non-invasive genetic sampling from scats is a powerful method for obtaining data regarding pathogen prevalence and diversity in wildlife. The use of non-invasive methods for the study of pathogens may help fill research gaps in a way that would be difficult or expensive to achieve using traditional methods.

Network-based analysis reveals differences in plant assembly between the native and the invaded ranges.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura del Rio-Hortega ◽  
Irene Martín-Forés ◽  
Isabel Castro ◽  
José M. de Miguel ◽  
Belén Acosta-Gallo
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Community Assemblage ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Mediterranean Grasslands ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Detection Strategies

Associated with the introduction of exotic species in a new area, interactions with other native species within the recipient community occur, reshaping the original community and resulting in a unique assemblage. Yet, the differences in community assemblage between native and invaded ranges remain unclear. Mediterranean grasslands provide an excellent scenario to study community assembly following transcontinental naturalisation of plant species. Here we compared the community resemblance of plant communities in Mediterranean grasslands from both the native (Spain) and invaded (Chile) ranges. We used a novel approach based on network analysis applied to co-occurrence analysis in plant communities, allowing us to study the coexistence of native and alien species in central Chile. This useful methodology is presented as a step forward in invasion ecology studies and conservation strategies. We found that community structure differed between the native and the invaded range, with naturalised species displaying more significant interactions and playing a key role within the invaded community. In addition, alien species displayed positive interactions among them within the communities in the invaded range. Alien species acting like keystones within the Chilean grassland communities might exacerbate the threat posed by biological invasions for the native biodiversity assets. We suggest controlling the spread of the alien species identified as keystones and developing early detection strategies in surrounding areas as management guidelines.

Black Bass Diversity: Multidisciplinary Science for Conservation

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Southern United States ◽  
Physical Habitat ◽  
River Watershed ◽  
Black Bass ◽  
Redeye Bass

<em>Abstract</em>.—Rivers and streams of the southern United States contain more than 1,800 aquatic species, 500 of which are regionally endemic. At present, 34% of the fish species and 90% of the mussel species in peril nationwide are found in these systems. Declines in these imperiled species are due to many factors, including hydrologic alteration, degraded water quality, loss of instream and watershed connectivity, physical habitat degradation, and the negative effects of nonindigenous species (e.g., predation on, competition with, and hybridization with native forms). In addition, this situation is exacerbated through human population growth, competing water demands, land-use changes, and other interrelated issues. If unchecked, these issues will likely continue to contribute to the imperilment and loss of native species in the region. Of the nine described species and subspecies of black bass, six are endemic to the southern United States: Guadalupe Bass <em>Micropterus treculii</em>, Shoal Bass <em>M. cataractae</em>, Redeye Bass <em>M. coosae</em>, Florida Bass <em>M. floridanus</em>, Alabama Bass <em>M. henshalli</em>, and Suwannee Bass <em>M. notius</em>. In addition, undescribed species and subspecies also exist and all are in need of conservation measures to prevent them from becoming imperiled. In an effort to focus and coordinate actions to support the long-term persistence of endemic black bass populations, local, state, and federal agencies, universities, nongovernmental organizations, and corporations from across the region joined with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to form the Native Black Bass Initiative (NBBI). The NBBI provides regional conservation strategies, objectives, and targets to restore and preserve functional processes in those watersheds that support natural habitat conditions and sustainable populations of endemic black bass and other native fishes of the region. Initial actions implemented through the NBBI focus on addressing the conservation needs of Guadalupe Bass in streams of the Edwards Plateau ecoregion of Texas, Redeye Bass in the Savannah River watershed of Georgia and South Carolina, and Shoal Bass populations in the Apalachicola River watershed of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

scholarly journals The climatic rhythm and blooms of cyanobacteria in a tropical reservoir in São Paulo, Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Ogashawara ◽  
JA Zavattini ◽  
JG Tundisi
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Polar Front ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Cyanobacterial Blooms ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Tropical Reservoir

The present study sought to develop a methodology to analyse water quality based on the concepts and methods of climate and climatology. Accordingly, we attempted to relate hydro- and limnometeorological techniques and methodologies to a rhythmic analysis technique developed within the context of the Brazilian geographical climatology. Our goal was to assess and analyse cyanobacterial blooms, the main index of water quality for the reservoirs of the “Alto Tietê” Basin and, consequently, the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, an area of high environmental complexity due to its high degree of development and high population density. The meteorological data used were collected by the Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of São Paulo meteorological station, and the limnological data were collected through the Hydrological Monitoring System implemented by SABESP in the Billings and Guarapiranga Reservoirs and the laboratory of the same entity. The rhythmic and integrated analysis showed that the process of cyanobacterial blooms is dependent on a combination of meteorological factors as temperature and wind intensity that may disrupt the stability of the reservoir, providing the conditions necessary for the development of cyanobacteria during the stabilisation process. The pace of the Atlantic Polar Front Entrance during the winter in São Paulo is a limiting factor for the growth of cyanobacteria because of their high frequency, thus maintaining the balance of the reservoir throughout this period. The weather types those could cause a instability in the water column were: Cold Front entrance (66.67%), conflict between masses (22.22%) and the Tropical Instability Line (11.11%). The possibility for prevention and forecasting periods advise when these reservoirs should not be used, mainly with regard to recreational activities.

Conservation strategies for Africa's large mammals

2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 459 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Hanks
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Sustainable Land Use ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
African Mammals ◽  
Wide Range

Africa’s large mammals are conserved for their aesthetic, scientific and economic values. Many of these species face a gloomy future precipitated by a combination of factors directly and indirectly influenced by the activities of man, including habitat loss, overexploitation, poor management of designated protected areas, and the vulnerability of small isolated populations. Africa’s designated protected areas and biodiversity hotspots are also under threat, highlighting the importance of embracing community participation to address accelerating poverty and malnutrition. Innovative strategies are required for the conservation of Africa’s mammals, such as the integration of a wide range of species in the production landscape, including the farming community. Transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) have been established with the combined objectives of conserving biodiversity, creating new jobs in the tourism and wildlife industry, and promoting a culture of peace. These areas extend far beyond traditional national parks, providing opportunities for integrating large mammals into sustainable land-use practices, at the same time as addressing some of the continent’s more pressing socioeconomic needs. Research on African mammals will inevitably have to change direction to accommodate the growing threats and changed circumstances. Priorities will include the identification of corridors associated with TFCA establishment, the determination of the economic value of certain species in consumptive use programmes, research on contraception as a management option in restricted areas, and further work on the indirect use value of species. There will also be worthwhile opportunities to be pursued with ex situ conservation programmes, but these need to be focussed more efficiently.

scholarly journals Spatial Structure and Genetic Variation of a Mangrove Species (Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh) in the Farasan Archipelago

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1287
Author(s):  
Rahmah N. Al-Qthanin ◽  
Samah A. Alharbi
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Avicennia Marina ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Mangrove Species ◽  
Population Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Sea Currents

Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh is distributed in patches along the Farasan archipelago coast and is the most common mangrove species in the Red Sea. However, to date, no studies have been directed towards understanding its genetic variation in the Farasan archipelago. In this investigation, genetic variations within and among natural populations of Avicennia marina in the Farasan archipelago were studied using 15 microsatellite markers. The study found 142 alleles on 15 loci in nine populations. The observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity values were 0.351 and 0.391, respectively, which are much lower than those of earlier studies on A. marina in the Arabian Gulf. An inbreeding effect from self-pollination might explain its heterozygote deficiency. Population genetic differentiation (FST = 0.301) was similar to other mangrove species. Our findings suggest that the sea current direction and coastal geomorphology might affect genetic dispersal of A. marina. The more isolated populations with fewer connections by sea currents exhibited lower genetic variation and differentiation between populations. The genetic clustering of populations fell into three main groups—Group 1 (populations of Farasan Alkabir Island), Group 2 (populations of Sajid Island), and Group 3 (mix of one population of Farasan Alkabir Island and a population of Zifaf Island). More genetic variation and less genetic differentiation occurred when the population was not isolated and had a direct connection with sea currents. Both of these factors contributed to limited propagule dispersal and produced significant structures among the population. It is expected that the results of this research will be useful in determining policy and species-conservation strategies and in the rehabilitation of A. marina mangrove stands on the Farasan islands in an effort to save this significant natural resource.

A.L.I.E.N. databases: addressing the lack in establishment of non-natives databases

Crustaceana ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 87 (10) ◽  
pp. 1192-1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. James ◽  
J. James ◽  
F. Slater ◽  
J. James ◽  
F. Slater ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Data Exchange ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Decapod Crustaceans ◽  
Ecological Problems ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Native Crayfish ◽  
National Databases

Among the principal threats to the conservation of global biodiversity are biological invasions. To monitor their range expansion and develop control programmes, comprehensive, national species’ databases need to be created and maintained. This is particularly important for invaders that are known to cause broad and significant ecological problems, such as decapod crustaceans, in particular crayfish. Initiatives such as the U.K. National Biodiversity Network have recognised the need to promote data exchange and are a valuable resource for collating individual survey records. However, for these data to be used efficiently for research and/or management purposes they need to be combined into national databases. This is challenging and time consuming as individual data-sets are typically in different formats. Here, we compile 25 459 non-native and native crayfish records (reported between 1870 and 2013) from England, Wales and Scotland into one database, CrayBase. Such national databases will help facilitate risk assessments for non-native species and promote conservation strategies for indigenous species by identifying populations under the greatest threat from invasives.

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