scholarly journals South Africa’s Red List of Terrestrial Ecosystems (RLEs)

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1048
Author(s):  
Andrew Skowno ◽  
Maphale Monyeki
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Threat Status ◽  
Statutory Protection ◽  
Ecosystem Level

Ecosystem level indicators are emerging as important pillars of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity; at the same time, the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (RLEs) is experiencing rapid global uptake. We applied a systematic RLE assessment to 456 terrestrial ecosystems in South Africa between 2017 and 2021. What sets South Africa apart in this endeavour is that an independently formulated ecosystem threat status indicator was developed between 2004 and 2008 and the list of threatened ecosystems (effectively a proto RLE) was integrated into the national environmental regulatory framework in 2011. Through this, Critically Endangered and Endangered types were afforded a form of statutory protection through increased regulation of land-use change activities. We describe the transition to the IUCN RLE framework and focus on both the technical steps of incorporating the best available data into a credible assessment, and the unique social and legal processes to ensure that the biodiversity conservation sector in South Africa understood and supported the proposed replacement of the existing list of threatened ecosystems (2011) with the RLE (2021). We discuss the policy development steps required in South Africa, and the pros and cons of maintaining a legislative link for RLE implementation.

scholarly journals A practical guide to the application of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems criteria

2015 ◽  
Vol 370 (1662) ◽  
pp. 20140003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Paul Rodríguez ◽  
David A. Keith ◽  
Kathryn M. Rodríguez-Clark ◽  
Nicholas J. Murray ◽  
Emily Nicholson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Global Risk ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
The Status ◽  
Practice Methods

The newly developed IUCN Red List of Ecosystems is part of a growing toolbox for assessing risks to biodiversity, which addresses ecosystems and their functioning. The Red List of Ecosystems standard allows systematic assessment of all freshwater, marine, terrestrial and subterranean ecosystem types in terms of their global risk of collapse. In addition, the Red List of Ecosystems categories and criteria provide a technical base for assessments of ecosystem status at the regional, national, or subnational level. While the Red List of Ecosystems criteria were designed to be widely applicable by scientists and practitioners, guidelines are needed to ensure they are implemented in a standardized manner to reduce epistemic uncertainties and allow robust comparisons among ecosystems and over time. We review the intended application of the Red List of Ecosystems assessment process, summarize ‘best-practice’ methods for ecosystem assessments and outline approaches to ensure operational rigour of assessments. The Red List of Ecosystems will inform priority setting for ecosystem types worldwide, and strengthen capacity to report on progress towards the Aichi Targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity. When integrated with other IUCN knowledge products, such as the World Database of Protected Areas/Protected Planet, Key Biodiversity Areas and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Red List of Ecosystems will contribute to providing the most complete global measure of the status of biodiversity yet achieved.

scholarly journals Prevalence of sustainable and unsustainable use of wild species inferred from the IUCN Red List

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie M.E. Marsh ◽  
Michael Hoffmann ◽  
Neil D. Burgess ◽  
Thomas M. Brooks ◽  
Daniel W.S. Challender ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Species ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

AbstractUnsustainable exploitation of wild species represents a serious threat to biodiversity and to the livelihoods of local communities and indigenous peoples. However, managed, sustainable use has the potential to forestall extinctions, aid recovery, and meet human needs. Here, we infer current prevalence of unsustainable and sustainable biological resource use among species groups; research to date has focused on the former with little consideration of the latter. We analyzed species-level data for 30,923 species from 13 taxonomic groups comprehensively assessed on the IUCN Red List. Our results demonstrate the broad taxonomic prevalence of use, with 40% of species (10,098 of 25,009 from 10 taxonomic groups with adequate data) documented as being used. The main purposes of use are pets, display animals and horticulture, and human consumption. Use is often biologically unsustainable: intentional use is currently considered to be contributing to elevated extinction risk for more than one quarter of all threatened or Near Threatened (NT) species (2,752 – 2,848 of 9,753 species). Of the species used and traded, intentional use threatens 16% (1,597 – 1,631 of 10,098 species). However, 36% of species that are used (3,651 of 10,098 species) have either stable or improving population trends and do not have biological use documented as a threat, including 172 threatened or NT species. It is not yet inferable whether use of the remaining 48% of species is sustainable; we make suggestions for improving use-related Red List data to elucidate this. Around a third of species that have use documented as a threat are not currently receiving any species management actions that directly address this threat. Our findings on the prevalence of sustainable and unsustainable use, and variation across taxa, are important for informing international policymaking, including IPBES, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.Article impact statementUse is likely unsustainable for 16%, likely sustainable for 36%, and undetermined for 48% of ~10,000 wild species analyzed on the Red List.

A new forest dwelling button spider from South Africa (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4700 (4) ◽  
pp. 584-600
Author(s):  
B.M.O.G. WRIGHT ◽  
C. D. WRIGHT ◽  
C.L. SOLE ◽  
R. LYLE ◽  
R. TIPPETT ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Ventral Surface ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
African Species ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Coi Barcoding ◽  
Sand Forest ◽  
New Forest ◽  
Data Deficient

The medically important spider genus Latrodectus Walckenaer 1805, commonly referred to as “button spiders” in South Africa, is represented by six species in the country. Using morphology and the COI barcoding gene we describe a new forest dwelling species, Latrodectus umbukwane n. sp. Wright, Wright, Lyle and Engelbrecht. Females have red markings on both the ventral and posterior dorsal surfaces of the abdomen, parallel spermathecae and three loops of the copulatory ducts. Males have an embolus with four loops and diagnostic white markings on the ventral surface of the abdomen that darken with age. Egg sacs are smooth, large, and bright purple when freshly laid, turning shiny grey with time. Latrodectus umbukwane n. sp. is known only from sand forest vegetation types in northern Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A predicted geographic distribution for this species is provided based on cartographic mapping of known habitat and altitudinal preference, from which area of occupancy (AOO; 698 km2) and extent of occurrence (EOO; 4963 km2) were calculated to assess potential IUCN Red List status. Due to the uncertainty of the distribution of this species, a Red List status of Data Deficient (DD) is recommended. An updated key to the southern African species of Latrodectus is provided. 

scholarly journals The Dynamics of Changes in the Amphibian (Amphibia) Population Size in the Masurian Landscape Park Monitoring Results of Spring Migration Monitoring from the Years 2011–2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 8-16
Author(s):  
Wojciech Gotkiewicz ◽  
Krzysztof Wittbrodt ◽  
Ewa Dragańska
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Spring Migration ◽  
Clear Correlation ◽  
Population Changes ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Dynamics Of Population

Abstract The study presents the results of nine-year-long monitoring of the population size of amphibians (Amphibia) as one of the indicator communities used to assess the biological diversity level. The study was conducted in the Masurian Landscape Park located in Warmińsko-MazurskieVoivodeship. The obtained results demonstrated that 13 out of the 18 domestic amphibian species occurred in the area selected for research activities, including the species entered in the IUCN Red List. No clear correlation was found between the dynamics of population changes and the environmental, primarily climatic, determinants.

scholarly journals Using Red List Indices to measure progress towards the 2010 target and beyond

2005 ◽  
Vol 360 (1454) ◽  
pp. 255-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.H.M Butchart ◽  
A.J Stattersfield ◽  
J Baillie ◽  
L.A Bennun ◽  
S.N Stuart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Relative Rate ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
World Conservation ◽  
Threat Status ◽  
2010 Target ◽  
Stratified Sample ◽  
Objective System ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List is widely recognized as the most authoritative and objective system for classifying species by their risk of extinction. Red List Indices (RLIs) illustrate the relative rate at which a particular set of species change in overall threat status (i.e. projected relative extinction-risk), based on population and range size and trends as quantified by Red List categories. RLIs can be calculated for any representative set of species that has been fully assessed at least twice. They are based on the number of species in each Red List category, and the number changing categories between assessments as a result of genuine improvement or deterioration in status. RLIs show a fairly coarse level of resolution, but for fully assessed taxonomic groups they are highly representative, being based on information from a high proportion of species worldwide. The RLI for the world's birds shows that that their overall threat status has deteriorated steadily during the years 1988–2004 in all biogeographic realms and ecosystems. A preliminary RLI for amphibians for 1980–2004 shows similar rates of decline. RLIs are in development for other groups. In addition, a sampled index is being developed, based on a stratified sample of species from all major taxonomic groups, realms and ecosystems. This will provide extinction-risk trends that are more representative of all biodiversity.

Notes on the genus Callitriche (Plantaginaceae) in South Africa

Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 317 (3) ◽  
pp. 219 ◽  
Author(s):  
RICHARD V. LANSDOWN ◽  
RENE GLEN ◽  
GUSTAVO HASSEMER
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Western Cape Province ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
The Status

Historically there has been confusion over the status and identification of Callitriche species in South Africa. Review of herbarium specimens and fieldwork have enabled confirmation of the presence of C. deflexa as a naturalised species in this country and confirmed that C. compressa and specimens named as C. bolusii are conspecific. Field surveys showed that C. compressa still occurs in the areas from which most historic collections were made with no evidence of a decline, it is widespread but local in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces and extends into eastern Western Cape Province. However because it is known from only five widely scattered sites, it is classed as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List. We also typify here the names C. compressa and C. deflexa.

scholarly journals Evaluating invasion risk for freshwater fishes in South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean M. Marr ◽  
Bruce R. Ellender ◽  
Darragh J. Woodford ◽  
Mhairi E. Alexander ◽  
Ryan J. Wasserman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Rapid Screening ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Invasion Risk ◽  
Introduction Pathways

Background: South Africa, as a signatory of the Convention on Biological Diversity, has an obligation to identify, prioritise and manage invasive species and their introduction pathways. However, this requires knowledge of the introduction pathways, factors influencing establishment success, invasive potential, current distributions and ecological impacts. Objectives: To evaluate the Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK) to predict the invasion risk posed by fish species proposed for introduction into South Africa. Method: FISK assessments were compiled for species whose invasion status in South Africa was known. A Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to calibrate the FISK for South Africa. The calibrated FISK was used to evaluate the risk that three species recently proposed for importation for aquaculture could become invasive in South Africa. Results: A FISK score of 14 was identified as the threshold to delineate between species that could become invasive in South Africa and those that are unlikely to become invasive. Of the three species evaluated, Silurus glanis had a high risk of becoming invasive in South Africa, Lates calcarifer was likely to be invasive and Oncorhynchus tshawytscha was unlikely to be invasive in South Africa. Conclusion: FISK was demonstrated to be a useful risk assessment tool to evaluate the invasion risk posed by species proposed for use in aquaculture. For the large number of fish imported for the pet trade, a rapid screening assessment to flag potentially high risk species was recommended prior to a full FISK assessment for flagged species.

scholarly journals Czerwona lista porostów zagrożonych w Górach Świętokrzyskich [Red List of threatened lichens in the Świętokrzyskie Mts.]

2014 ◽  
Vol 91 ◽  
pp. 143-158
Author(s):  
Stanisław Cieśliński ◽  
Anna Łubek
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Saprobic Fungi ◽  
Iucn Red List Categories ◽  
Threat Status ◽  
Lichen Biota ◽  
The Status ◽  
Świętokrzyski National Park ◽  
Data Deficient

The first regional list of threatened lichens and allied fungi is presented. The list is a result of investigation studies in the Świętokrzyskie Mts. including Świętokrzyski National Park in Central Poland. The status of threat to the lichen and allied fungi species listed has been determined according to the IUCN Red List Categories in version 3.1 (2001). The data obtained were compared with historical ones. Changes of the species main frequency were used as an additional indicator of their threat status. The Red List includes 313 taxa of lichens, lichenicolous and saprobic fungi, which constitute 66% of the Świętokrzyskie Mts. of the local lichen biota and 19.5% of Polish biota. The status of threatened biota has the following categories: Regionally Extinct (RE) - 85 taxa, Critically Endangered (CR) - 57, Endangered (EN) - 36, Vulnerable (VU) - 38, Near Threatened (NT) - 29, Least Concern (LC) - 17 and Data Deficient (DD) - 51. Lichens belonging to RE and CR categories constitute together 30% of the local biota.

scholarly journals Czerwona lista porostów zagrożonych w Gorcach [Red List of threatened lichens in Gorce Mts.]

2014 ◽  
Vol 91 ◽  
pp. 159-176
Author(s):  
Paweł Czarnota
Keyword(s):  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Saprobic Fungi ◽  
Iucn Red List Categories ◽  
Threat Status ◽  
Lichen Biota ◽  
The Status ◽  
Red List Categories ◽  
Data Deficient ◽  
Near Threatened

The first regional list of threatened lichens and allied fungi is presented. The list is a result of investigation studies in the Gorce Mts. (Beskidy Zachodnie range in Karpaty Zachodnie range). The status of threat to the lichen and allied fungi species used has been determined according to the IUCN Red List Categories in version 3.1 (2001). The data obtained were compared with historical ones. Changes of the species main frequency were used as an additional indicator of their threat status. The Red List includes 367 taxa of lichens, lichenicolous and saprobic fungi, which constitute ca 67% of the Gorce Mts. total lichen biota and 22.9% of Polish biota. The status of threatened biota has the following categories: Regionally Extinct (RE) - 83 taxa, Critically Endangered (CR) - 61, En-dangered (EN) - 49, Vulnerable (VU) - 50, Near Threatened (NT) - 23, Least Concern (LC) -11 and Data Deficient (DD) - 90. The most threatened are obligatory forest epiphytes growing almost exclusively on old spruce <em>Picea abies</em> and beech <em>Fagus sylvatica</em> trees.

scholarly journals The First Record of Intestinal Ciliates from the Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra) in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 149-155
Author(s):  
Olga Kornilova ◽  
Klara Tsushko ◽  
Ludmila Chistyakova
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Wild Population ◽  
First Record ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
First Report ◽  
Ciliate Species ◽  
The World ◽  
First Time

This paper is a first report on species of endosymbiotic ciliates (Litostomatea, Trichostomatia) inhabiting the intestine of zebras in South Africa. Ciliates from Mountain Zebra were investigated for the first time in the world. The wild population of mountain zebras in general and the Cape Mountain Zebra subspecies in particular is low in numbers: this species is included as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. Approximately 15 species of trichostome ciliates from 9 different genera were found in the samples collected from wild zebras in Western Cape, South Africa. Some of the ciliate species are also common to horses and other equids, while others are unique for zebras. The ciliates of Triplumaria genus common to elephants and rhinoceroses, and the species Blepharosphaera ceratotherii previously described in rhinoceroses were found in equids for the first time.

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