Scirpus radicans (Cyperaceae), a newly-discovered native species in Lithuania: population, habitats and threats

A previously unrecorded native species, Scirpus radicans (Cyperaceae), was discovered in the southern part of Lithuania in 2020. Although this species has a large distribution area in other parts of Eurasia, it is currently recognised as threatened in many European countries. Recordings of S. radicans in Lithuania had been expected, as these plants do occur or have been reported to occur in neighbouring regions. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of S. radicans in southern Lithuania, to determine the occupied areas and the size of populations, to study their capacity of vegetative reproduction, their habitats and associated plant communities, as well as to perform an assessment of the species' conservation status within the country. We studied S. radicans populations at two sites on the shores of Lake Pabezninkai and of Lake Netečius in the Varėna District (southern Lithuania), from August to October 2020. A total of 993 individuals of S. radicans were counted and their stands comprised 0.73 ha. The density of individuals in the studied plots ranged from 0.02 to 0.78 plants/m2. Only 0.5% of individuals at Lake Pabezninkai and 20.7% of individuals at Lake Netečius were at the stage of generative reproduction. Individuals at the stage of vegetative reproduction comprised 56.4%, whereas generative individuals amounted to 1.7% of all studied plants. One to seven stolons developed per plant and the mean number of rosettes per stolon was 2.8 ± 1.2. Potentially, a total of ca. 2860 rosettes could be expected from all individuals of the studied plots, but the actual realised rate of vegetative reproduction is unknown. A more detailed study of the reproductive capacities of S. radicans would be required for better understanding the causes of the lately observed decrease of this species in most of the countries of Central Europe. Our analysis of the associated plant communities has enabled us to confirm the presence of a Scirpetus radicantis Nowiński 1930 association previously not recorded in Lithuania. By assessing S. radicans in accordance with the IUCN Criteria, we conclude that this species should be classified as endangered (EN) in Lithuania. Based on this assessment, we propose to include this species on the list of legally protected species of Lithuania. Conservation of shallow lakes with sandy or muddy shores and with significant natural fluctuations of the water level is the main measure for ensuring the survival of S. radicans, as well as other rare and endangered species adapted to such a type of habitat.

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Research on a Biodiversity Conservation Value Assessment Method Based on Habitat Suitability of Species: A Case Study in Gansu Province, China

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13063007 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 3007

Author(s):

Xiaojiong Zhao ◽

Jian Wang ◽

Junde Su ◽

Wei Sun ◽

Haoxian Meng

Keyword(s):

Ecosystem Services ◽

Endangered Species ◽

Biodiversity Conservation ◽

Gansu Province ◽

Distribution Area ◽

Suitable Habitat ◽

Conservation Value ◽

Value Assessment ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Rare And Endangered

Quantitative assessment and evaluation of ecological parameters and biodiversity conservation are prime concerns for long-term conservation of rare and endangered species and their associated habitats in any ecological region. In this study, Gansu Province, a biodiversity hotspot, was chosen as the research area. We predicted the distribution patterns of suitable habitats for rare and endangered species. The replacement cost method was adopted to calculate the conservation value of rare and endangered species. The suitable habitat distribution area of rare and endangered wild animals reached 351,607.76 km2 (without overlapping area), while that of plants reached 72,988.12 km2 (without overlapping area). The conservation value of rare and endangered wildlife is US $1670.00 million. The high-value areas are mostly concentrated in the south and north of Gansu Province. The conservation value of rare and endangered wild plants is US $56,920.00 million. The high-value areas are mostly concentrated south of Gansu Province. The conservation value is US $58,590.00 million a year, and its distribution trend is gradually decreasing from northeast to southwest, with the highest in the forest area south of Gansu Province, followed by the Qilian Mountain area in the north. These results are of great significance for future improvement of the evaluation index system of ecosystem services and the development of ecosystem services and management strategies.

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Features of the water regime of aboriginal and introduced species of the genus Iris L. in the Southern Ural

Agrarian Bulletin of the ◽

10.32417/1997-4868-2021-210-07-2-15 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 210 (07) ◽

pp. 2-15

Author(s):

Liliya Beksheneva ◽

Antonina Reut

Keyword(s):

Introduced Species ◽

Water Scarcity ◽

Native Species ◽

Water Regime ◽

Meteorological Factors ◽

Botanical Garden ◽

Mode I ◽

Native Flora ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Rare And Endangered

Abstract. The article presents the results of an experimental assessment of the peculiarities of the water regime of 9 species of the genus Iris L. growing in the South-Ural Botanical Garden-Institute UFRC RAS (I. sibirica L., I. pseudacorus L. ‒ species of native flora, I. aphylla L., I. biglumis Vahl., I. lacteal Pall., I. orientalis Mill., I. ruthenica Ker-Gawl., I. setosa Pall., I. spuria L. ‒ introduced species). The purpose is a comparative evaluation of the main parameters of the water regime within the generic complex and depending on the detection of meteorological factors in different phenological periods. Methods. Studies were performed in growing periods 2019–2020’s physiological using conventional techniques (artificial saturation method and wilting). Made a detailed analysis of daily and seasonal dynamics of the water regime of the three parameters: the total water content, water-holding capacity, water scarcity. Typical forest species Convallaria majalis L. was investigated for a comparative analysis of water regime indicators. Results. The similarities and differences in the peculiarities of the water regime were established between the studied species, the dependence of the indicators on meteorological conditions was revealed. According to the type of water regime cultivars were divided into four groups: a flexible water-quiet mode ‒ I. pseudacorus, flexible water-tight mode ‒ I. sibirica, I. ruthenica, stably-calm water mode ‒ I. aphylla, I. biglumis, I. setosa, stably-tight water mode ‒ I. spuria, I. lactea, I. orientalis. Among the studied parameters of water scarcity was the most dependent on meteorological factors. Scientific novelty. The study helps to identify ecological and physiological adaptations of exotic species in comparison with the native species that could become the basis for assessing the prospects of growing in the culture and conservation of rare and endangered species.

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New rules or old concepts? The golden jackal (Canis aureus) and its legal status in Central Europe

European Journal of Wildlife Research ◽

10.1007/s10344-020-01454-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer Hatlauf ◽

Kathrin Bayer ◽

Arie Trouwborst ◽

Klaus Hackländer

Keyword(s):

Central Europe ◽

Native Species ◽

Legal Status ◽

Local Level ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Species Conservation ◽

Golden Jackal ◽

Current Conservation ◽

Canis Aureus ◽

Legal Obligations

AbstractConflicts have emerged due to range expansions of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) across Europe, characterized by their international conservation status and perceived impacts on livestock and native prey species. Most countries in Central Europe do not yet include the golden jackal in their national list of occurring, native species. Nevertheless, legal obligations arise as soon as golden jackals colonize a particular country. Legal implications of this range expansion were described in past studies from an international perspective. However, they left out specifics on the legal status within any particular country. Therefore, we examine the actual legal status within Central European countries, exemplifying the diverse federal and provincial laws. In particular, we assess the current conservation and hunting laws in Austria’s provinces and discuss them in the context of neighbouring countries to analyse implications for relevant authorities. We found substantial contrasts not only among provinces but also between direct neighbouring countries, impeding efforts for transboundary species conservation and leading to complications regarding the management of this species. Improved procedures for collecting records and hunting-bag data appear necessary for future species assessment on a European level and management on a local level. We recommend a more unified legal system but adjusted to actual golden jackal presence on the regional and cross-border level, combined assessment, or similar management strategies to minimize conflicts, reduce persecution, and clarify legal obligations.

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Overview of the translocation of rupestrian ferruginous fields of Capão Xavier mine to the Serra do Rola Moça State Park, Minas Gerais – Brazil

Web Ecology ◽

10.5194/we-16-93-2016 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 93-96

Author(s):

Alessandra F. Fernandes ◽

Ana C. Maia ◽

Juan F. S. Monteiro ◽

João N. Condé ◽

Mauro Martins

Keyword(s):

Native Species ◽

Minas Gerais ◽

Surrounding Area ◽

Espinhaço Range ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Iron Quadrangle ◽

Floristic Analysis ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Mining Regions ◽

Brazilian Biodiversity

Abstract. The identification of priority areas for the conservation of Brazilian biodiversity and the application of prompt practical measures are essential for an effective environmental management. The Serra do Rola Moça State Park, located in the Iron Quadrangle, on the southern end of the Espinhaço Range, in Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a region that is home to the rupestrian ferruginous fields or canga vegetation, a still poorly studied vegetation, rich in endemic, rare, and endangered species. The aim of this work is to contribute to the understanding of the rupestrian ferruginous fields, providing a floristic analysis, a quantification of species richness, and survival (vegetative growth in laboratory conditions, the production of nursery saplings and the management of the areas) of translocated species from the Capão Xavier mine pit to the park. The species presented belong mainly to the Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, Myrtaceae, Velloziaceae, Bromeliaceae, Orchidaceae, and Solanaceae families. Nowadays, the surrounding area of the administrative headquarters of the park shelters around 10 000 individuals and about 15 000 in other areas of the park. In the rescue and transposition of saplings, there was a loss of less than 31.29 % of the individuals directly introduced to the planting area, while only 10 % of the saplings grown in the nursery were lost. The knowledge acquired about the viability of the studied species, their spread, and conservation indicates the possibility of nursery breeding of some of the native species and their use in the recovery of areas in mining regions.

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Nest survival patterns in Eurasian Bittern: effect of nest age, time and habitat variables

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.2047 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. e2047 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Marcin Polak

Keyword(s):

Survival Rate ◽

Endangered Species ◽

Nest Survival ◽

Species Conservation ◽

High Water ◽

Water Levels ◽

Vegetation Density ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Habitat Variables

Determining the key factors affecting the reproductive success of nesting birds is crucial in order to better understand the population dynamics of endangered species and to introduce effective conservation programmes for them. Inhabiting a variety of wetland habitats, aquatic birds actively select safe nesting sites so as to protect their nests against predators. The main aim of the present work was to assess the effect of temporal and habitat variables on the daily nest survival rate of Eurasian Bitterns colonizing semi--natural fishpond habitat in eastern Poland. MARK software was used for the modelling. Eurasian Bittern nests were most vulnerable to depredation at the beginning of the breeding season. This was probably because the reedbed vegetation at this time was not yet dense enough to effectively conceal the nests. There was a positive relationship between nest age and the daily survival rate. Two of the habitat variables analysed were of the greatest significance: water depth and vegetation density. In the Eurasian Bittern population studied here, nests built over deep water and in dense vegetation had the best chances of survival. The results of this work may be useful in the preparation of plans for the conservation and management of populations of this rare and endangered species. Conservation and restoration efforts that attempt to maintain high water levels will be especially beneficial to this avian species that is dependent on wetland ecosystems for breeding.

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Effects of allelopathy and competition for nutrients and water on the survival and growth of plant species in a natural Dacrydium forest

Canadian Journal of Forest Research ◽

10.1139/cjfr-2021-0049 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chunyan Wu ◽

Yongfu Chen ◽

David GrenierHéon

Keyword(s):

Plant Species ◽

Resource Availability ◽

Native Species ◽

Early Stage ◽

Natural Forests ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Rate Of Increase ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Survival And Growth ◽

Species Specific

A comprehensive understanding of allelopathy and resource availability mechanisms is critical for protecting rare and endangered species, biodiversity and ecosystems. We treated 20 major plant species with a gradient of three aqueous extracts of Dacrydium pierrei litter and irrigation/nutrients to compare the relative importance of allelopathy and resource availability on roots, stem growth and seed germination using bioassays. The results showed that the height, ground diameter and aboveground biomass of individuals increased more quickly in the early stage, and rate of increase tends to slow down in the later. The allelopathy was species specific (inhibitory, neutral or promotive), and the survival rate and growth rate of saplings changed significantly along a resource treatment gradient (P< 0.05), indicating that the native species diversity was reduced by lower or higher resource availability in natural forests. The effect of allelopathy on trees was relatively weak during the treatments, and that of resource availability was relatively strong. Resource availability is relatively more important than allelopathy in mediating the reduction in plant biodiversity. Therefore, water and nutrient availability and the species and number of allelochemicals released by plants have substantial influences on the survival and growth of plant species in a natural Dacrydium forest.

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Originalities of Willow of Salix atrocinerea Brot. in Mediterranean Europe

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12198019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (19) ◽

pp. 8019

Author(s):

Mauro Raposo ◽

Ricardo Quinto-Canas ◽

Ana Cano-Ortiz ◽

Giovanni Spampinato ◽

Carlos Pinto Gomes

Keyword(s):

Cluster Analysis ◽

Plant Communities ◽

Riparian Vegetation ◽

Statistical Treatment ◽

Legal Protection ◽

Habitats Directive ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Mediterranean Europe ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Multivariate Cluster

Willow communities (genus Salix) occurring in Mediterranean Europe are presented, showing, through statistical treatment with multivariate cluster analysis, the separation of the different plant communities and their sintaxonomic affiliation. Six willow communities have been identified, whose formations include a set of plants with high heritage value. We highlight plants with legal protection status (Annex IV and II of the Habitats Directive-92/43/EEC), endemic, rare, and endangered species such as Salix salviifolia subsp. australis, Cheirolophus uliginosus, Euphorbia uliginosa and Leuzea longifolia. Therefore, two new willow communities are proposed for the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. The first dominated by Salix atrocinerea, Frangulo baticae-Salicetum atrocinereae ass. nova of ribatagan distribution, under acid substrates, thermomediterranean to lower mesomediterranean, dry to sub-humid. The second, dominated by the endemic Salix salviifolia subsp. australis, Clematis flammulae-Salicetum australis distributed in the Algarve, developing on neutral-basic substrates, exclusively thermomediterranous, dry to sub-humid. In both cases, there are presented on their own floristic serial, ecology, and substitution steps. A new hygrophytic meadows was also identified dominated by Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinaceae, Cheirolopho uliginosii-Molinietum arundinaceae ass. new hoc loco, which lives on substrates rich in organic matter, exclusive to the Ribatagano Sector. Through the deepening of knowledge about the composition and dynamics of riparian vegetation, it is possible to adapt management methods to sustain and protect these important edafo-hygrophilic systems in the Mediterranean.

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When misconceptions impede best practices: evidence supports biological control of invasive Phragmites

Biological Invasions ◽

10.1007/s10530-019-02166-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 873-883 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bernd Blossey ◽

Stacy B. Endriss ◽

Richard Casagrande ◽

Patrick Häfliger ◽

Hariet Hinz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Control ◽

North America ◽

Native Species ◽

Large Scale ◽

Control Program ◽

Advisory Group ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Technical Advisory Group ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Management Alternatives

AbstractDevelopment of a biological control program for invasive Phagmites australis australis in North America required 20 years of careful research, and consideration of management alternatives. A recent paper by Kiviat et al. (Biol Invasions 21:2529–2541, 2019. 10.1007/s10530-019-02014-9) articulates opposition to this biocontrol program and questions the ethics and thoroughness of the researchers. Here we address inaccuracies and misleading statements presented in Kiviat et al. (2019), followed by a brief overview of why biological control targeting Phragmites in North America can be implemented safely with little risk to native species. Similar to our colleagues, we are very concerned about the risks invasive Phragmites represent to North American habitats. But to protect those habitats and the species, including P. australis americanus, we come to a different decision regarding biological control. Current management techniques have not been able to reverse the invasiveness of P. australis australis, threats to native rare and endangered species continue, and large-scale herbicide campaigns are not only costly, but also represent threats to non-target species. We see implementation of biocontrol as the best hope for managing one of the most problematic invasive plants in North America. After extensive review, our petition to release two host specific stem miners was approved by The Technical Advisory Group for the Release of Biological Control Agents in the US and Canadian federal authorities.

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Non-invasive genetics can help find rare species: a case study with Rhinolophus mehelyi and R. euryale (Rhinolophidae: Chiroptera) in Western Europe

Mammalia ◽

10.1515/mammalia-2013-0040 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 78 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Sébastien J. Puechmaille ◽

Emma C. Teeling

Keyword(s):

Species Identification ◽

Western Europe ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Identification Problems ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Special Concern ◽

Taxonomic Groups

AbstractThe reliability of species identification is of primary importance as much of biodiversity studies, ecology, legislation, and conservation are based on this taxonomic level. Species identification problems can obscure the conservation status, especially for rare and endangered species, which are of special concern for conservation. This problem is especially significant for some taxonomic groups such as chiropterans, as many monitoring programs are run during the hibernation season when animals should not be disturbed, hence not handled. In the present study, we used

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Dioscorea flabellispina (Dioscoreaceae), a new endangered species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.231.1.9 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 231 (1) ◽

pp. 89

Author(s):

Ricardo Sousa Couto ◽

Rosana Conrado Lopes ◽

João Marcelo Alvarenga Braga

Keyword(s):

Endangered Species ◽

Invasive Alien Species ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Atlantic Rainforest ◽

Southeastern Brazil ◽

Morphological Description ◽

Rare And Endangered Species ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Rare And Endangered ◽

Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Dioscorea flabellispina is endemic to small, low elevation fragments of the Atlantic Rainforest in southeastern Brazil, occurring on rocky outcrops in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo. Based on the number and form of thorns present on the stem (5–8 thorns with a fan-like form at the node), this new species is easily recognizable morphologically and possesses characteristics unique to the Neotropical Dioscorea. Presenting only a few individuals in each population, this rare and endangered species is only known from three sites surrounded by a vegetation matrix degraded by human impact and overrun by invasive alien species. Dioscorea flabellispina does not occur in any officially protected area in Brazil, placing the species at increased risk. Herein we present the morphological description of this species, including a discussion of its ecology, distribution, and conservation status.

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