scholarly journals Why are so many Northern European aquatic invertebrates missing in red-listing and how can we improve assessments for those?

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Leidenberger ◽  
Iqram Muhammаd ◽  
Sarah J. Bourlat
Keyword(s):  
Rare Species ◽  
Aquatic Invertebrates ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Swedish West Coast ◽  
Freshwater Molluscs ◽  
Northern European ◽  
Marine Crustaceans ◽  
High Level ◽  
Red Listing ◽  
Occurrence Records

The biodiversity crisis is advancing rapidly. One tool to measure extinction risk is the Red List of Threatened Species which follows the IUCN evaluation criteria (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Many aquatic invertebrates in Northern Europe are completely missing a red listing process and are evaluated as Data Deficient (DD) or Not Evaluated (NE). In our project, we focus on marine crustaceans and freshwater molluscs (Bivalvia). A systematic survey of more than 440 crustacean and 44 molluscan species in 12 Northern European countries shows that while many freshwater bivalve molluscs and marine crustaceans have existing molecular barcodes as well as digital occurrence records in databases (e.g. in GBIF, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility), there exists no evaluation process or regular monitoring for those species and their population status. With such a high level of non-evaluation of species status, species action plans (for single species or multi-taxon approaches) are far away from reality. In general, traditional monitoring methods based on observational surveys are known to be inefficient, costly and time consuming. e-DNA allows us to detect species with a high level of sensitivity as long as those assays are well validated. Molecular occurrence records can be used to detect rare species and to collect population information. In our Swedish project, we are metabarcoding sediment and plankton samples using metazoan and taxon-specific primers to detect threatened aquatic species. During 2019 and 2020, we collected samples at 15 localities in two marine protected areas for marine crustaceans and at 15 different localities for freshwater molluscs at the Swedish west coast. At each location plankton, sediment and traditional aquatic monitoring samples were taken. The idea is to compare how the methods perform in finding rare species, which could improve the data for those groups so they can be evaluated in the next round of red listing (2025) in Sweden. During the entire project, there is an on-going dialogue with stakeholders and experts from the Swedish Species Information Centre, responsible for the red listing process in the country.

scholarly journals Addressing Uncertainties in Machine Learning Predictions of Conservation Status

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barnaby Walker ◽  
Tarciso Leão ◽  
Steven Bachman ◽  
Eve Lucas ◽  
Eimear Nic Lughadha
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Red List ◽  
Learning Models ◽  
Species Occurrence ◽  
Voucher Specimens ◽  
Machine Learning Models ◽  
Occurrence Records

Extinction risk assessments are increasingly important to many stakeholders (Bennun et al. 2017) but there remain large gaps in our knowledge about the status of many species. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2019, hereafter Red List) is the most comprehensive assessment of extinction risk. However, it includes assessments of just 7% of all vascular plants, while 18% of all assessed animals lack sufficient data to assign a conservation status. The wide availability of species occurrence information through digitised natural history collections and aggregators such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), coupled with machine learning methods, provides an opportunity to fill these gaps in our knowledge. Machine learning approaches have already been proposed to guide conservation assessment efforts (Nic Lughadha et al. 2018), assign a conservation status to species with insufficient data for a full assessment (Bland et al. 2014), and predict the number of threatened species across the world (Pelletier et al. 2018). The wide range in sources of species occurrence records can lead to data quality issues, such as missing, imprecise, or mistaken information. These data quality issues may be compounded in databases that aggregate information from multiple sources: many such records derive from field observations (78% for plant species in GBIF; Meyer et al. 2016) largely unsupported by voucher specimens that would allow confirmation or correction of their identification. Even where voucher specimens do exist, different taxonomic or geographic information can be held for a single collection event represented by duplicate specimens deposited in different natural history collections. Tools are available to help clean species occurrence data, but these cannot deal with problems like specimen misidentification, which previous work (Nic Lughadha et al. 2019) has shown to have a large impact on preliminary assessments of conservation status. Machine learning models based on species occurrence records have been reported to predict with high accuracy the conservation status of species. However, given the black-box nature of some of the better machine learning models, it is unclear how well these accuracies apply beyond the data on which the models were trained. Practices for training machine learning models differ between studies, but more interrogation of these models is required if we are to know how much to trust their predictions. To address these problems, we compare predictions made by a machine learning model when trained on specimen occurrence records that have benefitted from minimal or more thorough cleaning, with those based on records from an expert-curated database. We then explore different techniques to interrogate machine learning models and quantify the uncertainty in their predictions.

scholarly journals The commonness of rarity: Global and future distribution of rarity across land plants

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. eaaz0414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Enquist ◽  
Xiao Feng ◽  
Brad Boyle ◽  
Brian Maitner ◽  
Erica A. Newman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Conservation Planning ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Neutral Theory ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Risk Assessments ◽  
Human Land Use ◽  
Species Abundance Distributions

A key feature of life’s diversity is that some species are common but many more are rare. Nonetheless, at global scales, we do not know what fraction of biodiversity consists of rare species. Here, we present the largest compilation of global plant diversity to quantify the fraction of Earth’s plant biodiversity that are rare. A large fraction, ~36.5% of Earth’s ~435,000 plant species, are exceedingly rare. Sampling biases and prominent models, such as neutral theory and the k-niche model, cannot account for the observed prevalence of rarity. Our results indicate that (i) climatically more stable regions have harbored rare species and hence a large fraction of Earth’s plant species via reduced extinction risk but that (ii) climate change and human land use are now disproportionately impacting rare species. Estimates of global species abundance distributions have important implications for risk assessments and conservation planning in this era of rapid global change.

Red Listing plants under full national responsibility: Extinction risk and threats in the vascular flora endemic to Italy

2018 ◽  
Vol 224 ◽  
pp. 213-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Orsenigo ◽  
Chiara Montagnani ◽  
Giuseppe Fenu ◽  
Domenico Gargano ◽  
Lorenzo Peruzzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Vascular Flora ◽  
National Responsibility ◽  
Red Listing

Using occurrence data to evaluate extinction reveals a strong resilience of butterflies in a National Park of Southern Europe (Alta Murgia National Park)

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
ROCCO LABADESSA ◽  
GIUSEPPE CAGNETTA ◽  
JEAN-FRANCOIS DESAPHY ◽  
MARCO BONIFACINO ◽  
GIUSEPPE DODARO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Heterogeneous Environments ◽  
European Regions ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Occurrence Data ◽  
Sample Data ◽  
Butterfly Community ◽  
Occurrence Records

Butterflies from southernmost European regions encompass a large fraction of faunistic and genetic diversity but are also at the forefront of extinction risk for climate change. Nevertheless, monitoring schemes aimed at detecting their population trends were only recently established. In this study, we gathered all occurrence records of the 81 species of butterflies recorded for the Alta Murgia National Park (Italy, Apulia), a prime conservation area for butterflies. By using literature, citizen science, and unpublished sample data, we traced potential extinctions since 1966. We also provided a dedicated index to evaluate the potential extinction at the whole community level. We found that among the 29 species recorded before 2009, three were not recovered from 2009 to 2021. Another group of nine species was not recorded in the last five years. However, given the not standardized sampling methodology and the possibility that apparently disappeared species were due to inaccurate identification, we conclude that the butterfly community of the Park is showing a strong resilience. We hypothesize that such resilience may be attributed to the existence of the protected area and the presence of heterogeneous environments, which allow to buffer climatic changes and any other negative anthropic effects. The objective recognition of rare species in the surrounding region of 200 km ray also allowed identifying which species should be considered as prime targets for the conservation of local and regional diversity.

A Comparative Study of the Lichens Occurring on the Geologically Distinctive Mountains Ben Loyal, Ben Hope and Foinaven

1986 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. L. Gilbert ◽  
B. W. Fox
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Major Site ◽  
Low Level ◽  
High Level ◽  
Northern Highlands

AbstractThe lichen floras occurring on high-level quartzite, Moine granulite, syenite and calcareous schist in the northern Highlands of Scotland are compared. Rock mineralogy is of overriding importance in determining the assemblages present, though this factor can be modified by extraneous nutrients. Local climatic conditions favour a cloud zone community dominated by ‘alectorioid’ species, produce stony ablation surfaces at a low level and allow maritime species to grow far inland. Ben Hope, with 34 ‘ rare ’ species recorded, is confirmed as a major site for alpine calcicolous lichens. Lecanora chlorophaeodes Nyl., a species new to Britain, is reported from the summit of Ben Loyal. In contrast, the extremely hard, acid, nutrient-deficient quartzite of Foinaven displayed a flora characterized by a very low species diversity.

Uptake of organic material by aquatic invertebrates. VI. Role of epiflora in apparent uptake of glycine by marine crustaceans

1969 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Anderson ◽  
G. C. Stephens
Keyword(s):  
Organic Material ◽  
Aquatic Invertebrates ◽  
Marine Crustaceans

scholarly journals Reviewing taxonomic bias in a megadiverse country: primary biodiversity data, cultural salience, and scientific interest of South African animals

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Fortunate M. Phaka ◽  
Maarten P.M. Vanhove ◽  
Louis H. du Preez ◽  
Jean Hugé
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
South African ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Scientific Interest ◽  
Biodiversity Data ◽  
Species Occurrence ◽  
Global Biodiversity Information Facility ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Occurrence Records

Taxonomic bias, resulting in some taxa receiving more attention than others, has been shown to persist throughout history. Such bias in primary biodiversity data needs to be addressed because the data are vital to environmental management. This study reviews taxonomic bias in South African primary biodiversity data obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The focus was specifically on animal classes, and regression analysis was used to assess the influence of scientific interest and cultural salience on taxonomic bias. A higher resolution analysis of the two explanatory variables’ influence on taxonomic bias is conducted using a generalised linear model on a subset of herpetofaunal families from the focal classes. Furthermore, the potential effects of cultural salience and scientific interest on a taxon’s extinction risk are investigated. The findings show that taxonomic bias in South Africa’s primary biodiversity data has similarities with global scale taxonomic bias. Among animal classes, there is strong bias towards birds while classes such as Polychaeta and Maxillopoda are under-represented. Cultural salience has a stronger influence on taxonomic bias than scientific interest. It is, however, unclear how these explanatory variables may influence the extinction risk of taxa. We recommend that taxonomic bias can be reduced if primary biodiversity data collection has a range of targets that guide (but do not limit) accumulation of species occurrence records per habitat. Within this range, a lower target of species occurrence records accommodates species that are difficult to detect. The upper target means occurrence records for any species are less urgent but nonetheless useful and thus data collection efforts can focus on species with fewer occurrence records.

Conservation ecology of birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong, a Key Biodiversity Area on Mindanao Island, the Philippines

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 18110-18121
Author(s):  
Arturo G. Gracia Jr. ◽  
Alma B. Mohagan ◽  
Janezel C. Burlat ◽  
Welfredo L. Yu Jr. ◽  
Janine Mondalo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
High Level

The identification of key areas for conservation and protection according to science-based evidence is an important component to circumvent the negative impacts of environmental changes within geopolitical territories and across the globe.  Priority areas for biodiversity played an important role to ensure the protection of many species particularly those that are unique and threatened.  There are more than 200 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the Philippines, yet many important research and biodiversity data are either unpublished or unconsolidated.  Birds are commonly studied indicators for KBA identification due to their high species richness, diversity, and sensitivity to forest ecosystems.  By combining data from past and present surveys, we accounted for a total of 148 bird species of 51 families, with 20 new records from recent field surveys.  Our analysis showed a high level of endemism within Mt. Hilong-hilong with 36% Philippine endemic, 14% restricted to Mindanao faunal region and 11% migrant. In terms of conservation, 8% of the species were considered in threatened categories.  The species richness and endemism were higher in lowland to mid-elevation areas compared to higher elevation areas of the KBA.  Endemism (i.e., Mindanao endemic) and increasing body mass were important determinants of binary extinction risk for bird species in Mt. Hilong-hilong.  The high biodiversity in Mt. Hilong-hilong indicates an example of the vital role of KBAs in preserving nationally and globally important bird species.  Lastly, we emphasise the importance of collaboration and integrating past and present information to synthesise relevant information to complement ongoing conservation efforts in Mt. Hilong-hilong and other key habitats in the Philippines.

scholarly journals Understanding rarity: A review of recent conceptual advances and implications for conservation of rare species

2012 ◽  
Vol 88 (02) ◽  
pp. 165-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Ronnie Drever ◽  
Mark C. Drever ◽  
Darren J.H. Sleep
Keyword(s):  
Rare Species ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Ecological Value ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Geographic Range Size ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Viable Population ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Available Information

Rare species carry a connotation of uniqueness, of being especially valuable, and of heightened extinction risk. We review the literature regarding rare species and link rarity and risk concepts to jurisdictional rarity and how to allocate conservation efforts to rare species gone long undetected. Conservation actions for rare species should be prioritized based on best available information of population trends and thresholds of minimum viable population or geographic range size. For species rare in some geopolitical jurisdictions but common elsewhere, we recommend prioritizing conservation action by assessing beyond jurisdictional boundaries to assess stewardship responsibility relative to the global distribution and at-risk status of the species in question. For making the thorny decision about when to stop managing or monitoring a long-undetected rare species, it may be optimal to continue conservation efforts for a long time, especially if the species has considerable social, economic or ecological value. Recent advances based on theories of optimality provide a replicable and transparent process upon which these decisions can be based.

scholarly journals Synchrony and perturbation transmission in trophic metacommunities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Quévreux ◽  
Matthieu Barbier ◽  
Michel Loreau
Keyword(s):  
Rare Species ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Food Chains ◽  
Biomass Distribution ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Small Perturbations ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Species Responses

AbstractIn a world where natural habitats are ever more fragmented, the dynamics of meta-communities is essential to properly understand species responses to perturbations. If species’ populations fluctuate asynchronously, the risk of their simultaneous extinction is low, thus reducing the species’ regional extinction risk. We propose a metacommunity model consisting of two food chains connected by dispersal to study the transmission of small perturbations affecting populations in the vicinity of an equilibrium. We show that perturbing a species in one patch can lead to asynchrony between patches if the perturbed species is not the most affected by dispersal. Dispersal affects rare species the most, thus making biomass distribution critical to understand the response of trophic metacommunities to perturbations. We further partition the effect of each perturbation on species synchrony when several independent perturbations are applied. Our approach allows disentangling and predicting the responses of simple trophic metacommunities to perturbations, thus providing a theoretical foundation for future studies considering more complex spatial ecological systems.

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