scholarly journals Prioritising species of special concern for monitoring in Table Mountain National Park: The challenge of a species-rich, threatened ecosystem

Koedoe ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony G. Rebelo ◽  
Stefanie Freitag ◽  
Chad Cheney ◽  
Melodie A. McGeoch

Conservation requires that species are monitored to ensure the persistence of species and ecosystem processes. In areas with large numbers of threatened species, this can be a major challenge. Here we explore prioritising species of special concern on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, conserved primarily in the Table Mountain National Park. With 307 terrestrial plant and animal species listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List (plus 208 as non-least concern) and 332 endemic to the Peninsula, it is impossible to monitor and manage all species with current resources. At a workshop of conservation managers and ecosystem and taxonomical specialists, 14 variables were incorporated into a simple scoring scheme to develop a priority listing of these species. Despite care to ensure that variables were independent, there was strong autocorrelation amongst biotic versus management variables. There was concern that biotic variables would be masked by management criteria, but this was not the case. We propose that monitoring should focus on as many top-scoring species as resources allow (including volunteers) and that setting a cut-off value for delimiting sensitive species should be eschewed. A major challenge is that many species are typical of lowland ecosystems, which are poorly represented in the national park. Although priority species for monitoring have been identified, this will need to be tempered with the monitoring costs and logistics of implementing the programme.Conservation implications: Owing to the large number of threatened and endemic species in the Cape Peninsula, it is impossible to monitor all species with current resources. Management must focus on ecosystem maintenance as species-focused management will inevitably result in conflict with other threatened species. Monitoring should focus on as many top-scoring species as resources allow. The costs and logistics of a monitoring programme still need to be worked out.

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 139-151
Author(s):  
Nguyen Ai Tam ◽  
Nguyen Van Tay ◽  
Nguyen Thi Kim Yen ◽  
Ha Thang Long

Kon Ka Kinh National Park (KKK NP) is a priority zone for biodiversity protection in Vietnam as well as ASEAN. In order to survey the current fauna species diversity in the southern part of the KKK NP, we conducted camera trapping surveys in 2017, 2018, and 2019. 28 infrared camera traps were set up on elevations between 1041 to 1497 meters. In total, there were 360 days of survey using camera trap. As result, we recorded a total of 27 animal species of those, five species are listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2020). The survey results showed a high richness of wildlife in the southern park region, and it also revealed human disturbance to wildlife in the park. The first-time camera trap was used for surveying wildlife diversity in the southern region of the KKK NP. Conducting camera trap surveys in the whole KKK NP is essential for monitoring and identifying priority areas for wildlife conservation in the national park.


Oryx ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 426-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Kaul ◽  
Hilaluddin ◽  
J.S. Jandrotia ◽  
Philip J.K. McGowan

We conducted a survey in the western Himalaya of India to assess animal extraction patterns. Data on animal species and their extraction patterns, their importance to the respondents, and reasons and methods of hunting were collected using structured questionnaires. Twenty-three species of large mammals and Galliformes were present in the area, 18 of which were hunted around at least one village. Of special concern were several threatened species that were hunted around most villages were they occurred, although the impact of removal on wild populations is not clear. The main reason for hunting was to supplement animal protein, although some animals were also killed for sale of meat and their parts. The establishment of community-managed forests has not had an impact on extraction rates. Assessment of the impact of hunting on the threatened species in particular is urgently required.


2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Xuan Dang ◽  
Nguyen Xuan Nghia

Phong Nha Ke Bang - Hin Nam No Region (PNKB-HNN Region) is one of the world largest limestone conservation landscapes which contains the universal outstanding values on biodiversity and high diversity of flora and fauna. This paper reviewsresults of mammal biodiversity surveys conducted from 1970s to 2017 in PNKB-HNN region to give more comprehensive evaluation of the fauna diversity and conservation significance. The review shows that up to date, 150 mammal species from 32 families and 11 orders have been recorded in PNKN - HNN region. The highest diversity is order Chiroptera(54 species), then follow orders Rodentia (35 species), Carnivora (30 species), Primates (11 species), Artiodactyla (8 species), Soricomorpha (4 species). Other orders (Pholidota, Erinaceomorpha, Lagomorpha, Scandentia and Dermoptera) have only 1-2 species each. PNKB NP alone contains143 species belonging to 32 families and 11 orders while HNN NCA contains 75 species belonging to 32 families and 11 orders. PNKB-HNN region is the home of 56 mammal species of conservation priority including 41 species enlisted in 2017 IUCN Red List, 46 species enlisted in 2007 Vietnam Red Data Book. Out of 41 species enlisted in 2017 IUCN Red List, 3 species are at Critical Endangered category (CR), 9 species at Endangered category (EN), 16 species at Vulnerable category (VU), 10 species are at Near Threatened category (NT) and 3 species are of Deficient Data (DD). Out of 46 species enlisted in Vietnam Red Data Book, 3 species are at CR, 19 species at EN, 21 species at VU, 2species at LR and 1 Species of DD.PNKB NP alone harbors 54 species of conservation priority including 40 globally threatened species, 45 nationally threatened species, 40 species under Governmental Decree No. 32/2006/ND-CP and 24 species under Governmental Decree No. 160/2013/ND-CP. HNN NCA contains 39 species of conservation priority including 32 species enlisted in 2017 IUCN Red List and 34 species enlisted in 2007 Vietnam Red Data Book. The most notable conservation priority species in PNKB-HNN are Hatinh langur Trachypithecus hatinhensis, Red-shanked Douc Pygathrix nemaeus, Laotian Black langur Trachypithecus laotum, Southern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus siki, Malaysian Bear Helarctosmalayanus, Sun Bear Ursus thibetanus, Chinese Serow Capricornis milneedwardsii, Annamite Striped Rabbit Nesolagus timminsii and Laotian Rock RatLaonastes aenigmamus.Moreover, PNKB-HNN region is the only home of Laotian Rock RatLaonastes aenigmamus andLao Limestone RatSaxatilomys paulinae


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
FX. Sudaryanto ◽  
Jusup Subagja ◽  
Satyawan Pudyatmoko ◽  
Cut Sugandawaty Djohan

Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi Stresemann, 1912) is endemic bird to the Bali Island. Since 1966, Bali Starling has been categoried as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and the Indonesian Government Regulation No. 7 of 1999 on Preservation of Fauna and Flora. Conservation of Bali Starling has been done in the Bali Barat National Park, but has not succeeded yet. Therefore, starting in 2006 the conservation of the Bali Starling is also done in the Nusa Penida Islands, Klungkung Regency. To examine the successful of conservation of Bali Starling in Nusa Penida Islands, need the studies as follows: How is the distribution of Bali Starling? This research aims to study the success of conservation of Bali Starling in Nusa Penida Island. Specifically, the purpose of this research were to study distribution of Bali Starling. Materials and methods used in this research was known from questioned to the people in the area, and also conducted exploration. Distribution of Bali Starling in 2006 was only in three locations, and being expanded in 2015 there were at least in 12 locations. Keywords:     Bali Starling, Leucopsar rothschildi, Nusa Penida Island, Bali,distribution  


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 12235 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. R. Sreekumar ◽  
S. Nikhil ◽  
K. G. Ajay ◽  
P. O. Nameer

 In a study on the diversity and abundance of butterflies of montane forests of Eravikulam National Park in the Western Ghats, southern India, 85 species of butterflies belonging to six families were recorded.  This include eight species of butterflies that are endemic to the Western Ghats and one Near-Threatened species according to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.  The family Nymphalidae, the brush-footed butterflies, was the major group of butterflies seen in the montane forests of Eravikulam National Park.  


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6478
Author(s):  
Amemarlita Matos ◽  
Laura Barraza ◽  
Isabel Ruiz-Mallén

This study is based on ethnographic research that analyzes how traditional knowledge and local beliefs on biodiversity conservation relates to the local ability to adapt and be resilient to climatic changes in two communities around Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique: Nhanfisse in the buffer zone and Muanandimae in the core area. A total of 78 semi-structured interviews with heads of households were conducted. We found that both communities carried out practices and held beliefs associated with conservation, such as protecting trees and animal species considered sacred or perceived as beneficial for human life in terms of water provision and agricultural production. In addition to traditional ceremonies that respond to extreme climatic events such as drought and flood, other adaptation strategies used by the communities include moving to neighboring areas in search of better living conditions and using forest products in times of scarcity. We discuss that the management of the park should be agreed on, in a shared way, between local communities and conservation agents to ensure that these areas continue to perform the ecological, subsistence, and spiritual functions required. Our research results contribute to a better understanding of local adaptation dynamics towards extreme climatic events and improvement of management strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard S. Gashururu ◽  
Samuel M. Githigia ◽  
Methode N. Gasana ◽  
Richard Habimana ◽  
Ndichu Maingi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Glossina (tsetse flies) biologically transmit trypanosomes that infect both humans and animals. Knowledge of their distribution patterns is a key element to better understand the transmission dynamics of trypanosomosis. Tsetse distribution in Rwanda has not been well enough documented, and little is known on their current distribution. This study determined the current spatial distribution, abundance, diversity, and seasonal variations of tsetse flies in and around the Akagera National Park. Methods A longitudinal stratified sampling following the seasons was used. Biconical traps were deployed in 55 sites for 6 consecutive days of each study month from May 2018 to June 2019 and emptied every 48 h. Flies were identified using FAO keys, and the number of flies per trap day (FTD) was used to determine the apparent density. Pearson chi-square (χ2) and parametrical tests (t-test and ANOVA) were used to determine the variations between the variables. The significance (p < 0.05) at 95% confidence interval was considered. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between tsetse occurrence and the associated predictors. Results A total of 39,516 tsetse flies were collected, of which 73.4 and 26.6% were from inside Akagera NP and the interface area, respectively. Female flies accounted for 61.3 while 38.7% were males. Two species were identified, i.e. G. pallidipes [n = 29,121, 7.4 flies/trap/day (FTD)] and G. morsitans centralis (n = 10,395; 2.6 FTD). The statistical difference in numbers was significant between the two species (p = 0.000). The flies were more abundant during the wet season (15.8 FTD) than the dry season (4.2 FTD). Large numbers of flies were trapped around the swamp areas (69.1 FTD) inside the park and in Nyagatare District (11.2 FTD) at the interface. Glossina morsitans was 0.218 times less likely to occur outside the park. The chance of co-existing between the two species reduced outside the protected area (0.021 times). Conclusions The occurrence of Glossina seems to be limited to the protected Akagera NP and a narrow band of its surrounding areas. This finding will be crucial to design appropriate control strategies. Glossina pallidipes was found in higher numbers and therefore is conceivably the most important vector of trypanosomosis. Regional coordinated control and regular monitoring of Glossina distribution are recommended. Graphic Abstract


Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Riley A. Pollom ◽  
Gina M. Ralph ◽  
Caroline M. Pollock ◽  
Amanda C.J. Vincent

Abstract Few marine taxa have been comprehensively assessed for their conservation status, despite heavy pressures from fishing, habitat degradation and climate change. Here we report on the first global assessment of extinction risk for 300 species of syngnathiform fishes known as of 2017, using the IUCN Red List criteria. This order of bony teleosts is dominated by seahorses, pipefishes and seadragons (family Syngnathidae). It also includes trumpetfishes (Aulostomidae), shrimpfishes (Centriscidae), cornetfishes (Fistulariidae) and ghost pipefishes (Solenostomidae). At least 6% are threatened, but data suggest a mid-point estimate of 7.9% and an upper bound of 38%. Most of the threatened species are seahorses (Hippocampus spp.: 14/42 species, with an additional 17 that are Data Deficient) or freshwater pipefishes of the genus Microphis (2/18 species, with seven additional that are Data Deficient). Two species are Near Threatened. Nearly one-third of syngnathiformes (97 species) are Data Deficient and could potentially be threatened, requiring further field research and evaluation. Most species (61%) were, however, evaluated as Least Concern. Primary threats to syngnathids are (1) overexploitation, primarily by non-selective fisheries, for which most assessments were determined by criterion A (Hippocampus) and/or (2) habitat loss and degradation, for which assessments were determined by criterion B (Microphis and some Hippocampus). Threatened species occurred in most regions but more are found in East and South-east Asia and in South African estuaries. Vital conservation action for syngnathids, including constraining fisheries, particularly non-selective extraction, and habitat protection and rehabilitation, will benefit many other aquatic species.


2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (49) ◽  
pp. 14079-14084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haipeng Li ◽  
Jinggong Xiang-Yu ◽  
Guangyi Dai ◽  
Zhili Gu ◽  
Chen Ming ◽  
...  

Accelerated losses of biodiversity are a hallmark of the current era. Large declines of population size have been widely observed and currently 22,176 species are threatened by extinction. The time at which a threatened species began rapid population decline (RPD) and the rate of RPD provide important clues about the driving forces of population decline and anticipated extinction time. However, these parameters remain unknown for the vast majority of threatened species. Here we analyzed the genetic diversity data of nuclear and mitochondrial loci of 2,764 vertebrate species and found that the mean genetic diversity is lower in threatened species than in related nonthreatened species. Our coalescence-based modeling suggests that in many threatened species the RPD began ∼123 y ago (a 95% confidence interval of 20–260 y). This estimated date coincides with widespread industrialization and a profound change in global living ecosystems over the past two centuries. On average the population size declined by ∼25% every 10 y in a threatened species, and the population size was reduced to ∼5% of its ancestral size. Moreover, the ancestral size of threatened species was, on average, ∼22% smaller than that of nonthreatened species. Because the time period of RPD is short, the cumulative effect of RPD on genetic diversity is still not strong, so that the smaller ancestral size of threatened species may be the major cause of their reduced genetic diversity; RPD explains 24.1–37.5% of the difference in genetic diversity between threatened and nonthreatened species.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth A. Polidoro ◽  
Cristiane T. Elfes ◽  
Jonnell C. Sanciangco ◽  
Helen Pippard ◽  
Kent E. Carpenter

Given the economic and cultural dependence on the marine environment in Oceania and a rapidly expanding human population, many marine species populations are in decline and may be vulnerable to extinction from a number of local and regional threats. IUCN Red List assessments, a widely used system for quantifying threats to species and assessing species extinction risk, have been completed for 1190 marine species in Oceania to date, including all known species of corals, mangroves, seagrasses, sea snakes, marine mammals, sea birds, sea turtles, sharks, and rays present in Oceania, plus all species in five important perciform fish groups. Many of the species in these groups are threatened by the modification or destruction of coastal habitats, overfishing from direct or indirect exploitation, pollution, and other ecological or environmental changes associated with climate change. Spatial analyses of threatened species highlight priority areas for both site- and species-specific conservation action. Although increased knowledge and use of newly available IUCN Red List assessments for marine species can greatly improve conservation priorities for marine species in Oceania, many important fish groups are still in urgent need of assessment.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document