Misinterpretation of Genomic Data Matters for Endangered Species Listing: The Sub-specific Status of the Peñasco Least Chipmunk (Neotamias minimus atristriatus)

We provide a response to a recently published evaluation of the subspecies status of the Peñasco least chipmunk (Neotamias minimus atristriatus). The work we discuss used exon capture genomic approaches and concluded that their results did not support the distinction of this taxon as a subspecies, with recommendation that it be synonymized with N. m. operarius. We refute the interpretations, conclusions, and taxonomic recommendations of this study, and explain in clearer terms how to interpret genomic analyses for applied management. We identify four broad conceptual issues that led to errant recommendations: (1) interpretation of subspecies and diagnosability, (2) inappropriate use of reciprocal monophyly as a criterion for subspecies, (3) importance of geographic isolation, and (4) error in hypothesis testing and misinterpretation of results. We conclude that the data from this genomic appraisal add to information from prior studies providing strong support for recognition of N. m. atristriatus as a subspecies. Our conclusions have important and immediate implications for the proposed listing of N. m. atristriatus as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Isolated Grauer's gorilla populations differ in diet and gut microbiome

Conservation efforts tend to focus on populations that are genetically differentiated without paying attention to their ecological differentiation. However, isolated populations may be ecologically unique, an important aspect for the design of appropriate conservation measures for endangered species. Here we investigate the interplay between diet and gut microbiome in several geographically isolated and genetically differentiated populations of the critically endangered Grauer's gorilla. We find that dietary and gut microbial profiles are population-specific, likely due to geographic isolation and environmental differences. In addition, social groups within each population also differed in diet and, to a lesser extent, in gut microbial composition and diversity. Individuals at low elevation consumed a larger variety of plant taxa than those at high elevation, consistent with the notion that dietary choice is constrained by food availability that changes with elevation. Despite no detectable correlation between the diet and gut microbiome in richness or evenness, dietary and gut microbial composition covaried significantly. As we did not find evidence for an effect of genetic relatedness on the composition of the gut microbiome of Grauer's gorillas, this pattern is likely a result of long-term social, ecological, and geographic factors acting on both diet and microbiome. These results reveal that isolated and genetically distinct populations of Grauer's gorillas are also ecologically distinct, highlighting the need to dedicate separate conservation efforts for each population.

Origin, early dispersal, domestication and anthropogenic diffusion of Cannabis, with emphasis on Europe and the Iberian Peninsula

Cannabis is among the oldest human domesticates and has been subjected to intensive artificial (human-mediated) selection throughout history to create a wide array of varieties and biotypes for diverse uses, including fibre, food, biofuel, medicine and drugs. This paper briefly reviews the available literature on the taxonomy, evolutionary origin and domestication of this plant, as well as its worldwide dispersal, in both its wild and cultivated forms. Emphasis is placed on Europe and especially on the Iberian Peninsula. Today, it is accepted that Cannabis is a monospecific genus with two subspecies, C. sativa subsp. sativa and C. sativa subsp. indica, originating in Europe and Asia, respectively, by allopatric differentiation after geographic isolation fostered by Pleistocene glacial-interglacial cycles. Palynological and phylogeographic evidence situates the Cannabis ancestor on the NE Tibetan Plateau during the mid-Oligocene. The timing and place of domestication is still a matter of debate between contrasting views that defend single or multiple Neolithic domestication centres situated in different parts of the Eurasian supercontinent, notably central/southeastern China and the Caucasus region. Recent meta-analyses have suggested that wild Cannabis may have already been spread across Europe in the Pleistocene, and its domestication could have occurred during the European Copper/Bronze ages. According to the available reviews and meta-analyses, pre-anthropic dispersal of Cannabis into the Iberian Peninsula seems to have occurred only in postglacial times, and the earlier signs of cultivation date to the Early Medieval Ages. However, the palynological and archaeological evidence used to date is insufficient for a sound assessment, and the development of thorough Iberian databases to address further meta-analysis is essential for more robust conclusions. Some clues are provided for these achievements to be fulfilled.

Origin, Early Dispersal, Domestication and Anthropogenic Diffusion of Cannabis, with Emphasis on Europe and the Iberian Peninsula

Cannabis is among the oldest human domesticates and has been subjected to intensive artificial (human-mediated) selection throughout history to create a wide array of varieties and biotypes for diverse uses, including fibre, food, biofuel, medicine and drugs. This paper briefly reviews the available literature on the taxonomy, evolutionary origin and domestication of this plant, as well as its worldwide dispersal, in both its wild and cultivated forms. Emphasis is placed on Europe and especially on the Iberian Peninsula. Today, it is accepted that Cannabis is a monospecific genus with two subspecies, C. sativa subsp. sativa and C. sativa subsp. indica, originating in Europe and Asia, respectively, by allopatric differentiation after geographic isolation fostered by Pleistocene glacial-interglacial cycles. Palynological and phylogeographic evidence situates the Cannabis ancestor on the NE Tibetan Plateau during the mid-Oligocene. The timing and place of domestication is still a matter of debate between contrasting views that defend single or multiple Neolithic domestication centres situated in different parts of the Eurasian supercontinent, notably central/southeastern China and the Caucasus region. Recent meta-analyses have suggested that wild Cannabis may have already been spread across Europe in the Pleistocene, and its domestication could have occurred during the European Copper/Bronze ages. According to the available reviews and meta-analyses, pre-anthropic dispersal of Cannabis into the Iberian Peninsula seems to have occurred only in postglacial times, and the earlier signs of cultivation date to the Early Medieval Ages. However, the palynological and archaeological evidence used to date is insufficient for a sound assessment, and the development of thorough Iberian databases to address further meta-analysis is essential for more robust conclusions. Some clues are provided for these achievements to be fulfilled.

Lithospheric plate tectonics and mass extinctions of biological species

The merging of lithospheric plates and the formation of supercontinents are considered to be the main causes of global species extinctions within the Earth’s biosphere. Under those conditions, the factor of geographic isolation is diminished and interspecies competition is accelerated, allowing for the survival of the best-adapted species. The divergence of lithospheric plates triggers a new spurt of speciation that surpasses the previous one, as it involves the participation of the winning species.

Flower morphological differentiation and plant-pollinator interactions among sympatric Aframomum species (Zingiberaceae) with floral trumpet type in the tropical African rainforest

Background and aims – Diversification in plant-pollinator interactions based on floral diversity is potentially a mechanism of coexistence in angiosperms. However, besides high floral diversity, some genera seemingly exhibit the same floral type in many of their species. This contradicts some expectations of competitive exclusion. We thus tested on a finer flower morphological scale whether five sympatric Aframomum species (61 spp., Zingiberaceae) in southeastern Gabon exhibiting the same general floral type (trumpet) were differentiated, and whether this resulted in different “pollinator niches”.Material and methods – We carried out a detailed survey measuring 18 flower morphological parameters as well as nectar volume (μl) and sugar concentration (% Brix) on five flowers per species and locality. Furthermore, we observed inflorescence phenology and pollinator activity from 8 am to 4 pm for 12 to 50 hours per species and conducted pollinator exclusion experiments.Key results – This study proves fine-scale flower morphological and resource differentiation within the trumpet floral type. Pollination-relevant parts of the flowers, however, remain constant across species. Our pollinator observations reveal the same broad bee pollinator spectrum for all observed simultaneously flowering sympatric species.Conclusion – As we could not detect a pollinator-based differentiation in the studied sympatric Aframomum species we assume that species boundaries developed randomly by genetic drift during geographic isolation in the past. The trumpet floral type and its pollinator guild, however, were maintained due to similar selection pressures in comparable habitats during isolation and are potentially an advantage for increased pollinator attraction through co-flowering.

Geographic isolation created distinct pelage characters in Finlayson’s squirrel on isolated island offshore of the Indochina Peninsula in Central Vietnam

We found distinct pelage characters in Finlayson’s squirrel (Callosciurus finlaysonii) population, which is endemic to Lao Island of the Cham Islands, located off the coast of central Vietnam. Among squirrels of the ‘C. erythraeus-finlaysonii complex’, which consists of all forms of C. erythraeus and C. finlaysonii, mitochondrial cytochrome-b sequences show that the Lao Island squirrel forms a cluster with C. finlaysonii with external characters of C. erythraeus flavimanus, defined previously as ‘C. finlaysonii morpha flavimanus’. Both squirrel forms, however, differed in pelage colour. This different colouration may have arisen from the effect of geographic isolation.

A Slice of Tourism: The Nature, Dimensions and Geographies of International Golf Tourism in New Zealand

<p>Tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world and for New Zealand it is the most important industry along with dairy. Of the 2.5 million tourists who visit New Zealand each year, it is estimated that around 65,000 (3%) of visitors will play at least one game of golf while in the country. New Zealand’s profile as a golfing destination has increased in recent years and now boasts a number of the worlds top ranked courses. This, along with the low cost of playing golf in New Zealand has made it an attractive golfing destination. This thesis aims to gain a greater insight into the nature and dimensions of the golf tourism industry in New Zealand and of those who visit. This research was conducted through a range of interviews with 19 stakeholders in the golf tourism industry, as well as a golfer’s questionnaire to which 44 international visitors responded. This research has found that international golf tourism plays an important role for many golf courses throughout New Zealand and the number of visitors is on the rise. These visitors tend to be wealthier and spend more money than the average tourist during their stay and so the benefits of increasing this market go beyond what is spent on the golf course alone. However, New Zealand must first overcome a number of barriers if international golf tourism is to reach its full potential. The key barriers to growth are New Zealand’s geographic isolation, the large distances between New Zealand’s top courses, competition from other golfing destinations and a lack of marketing to increase the awareness of New Zealand as a golfing destination.</p>

A Slice of Tourism: The Nature, Dimensions and Geographies of International Golf Tourism in New Zealand

<p>Tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world and for New Zealand it is the most important industry along with dairy. Of the 2.5 million tourists who visit New Zealand each year, it is estimated that around 65,000 (3%) of visitors will play at least one game of golf while in the country. New Zealand’s profile as a golfing destination has increased in recent years and now boasts a number of the worlds top ranked courses. This, along with the low cost of playing golf in New Zealand has made it an attractive golfing destination. This thesis aims to gain a greater insight into the nature and dimensions of the golf tourism industry in New Zealand and of those who visit. This research was conducted through a range of interviews with 19 stakeholders in the golf tourism industry, as well as a golfer’s questionnaire to which 44 international visitors responded. This research has found that international golf tourism plays an important role for many golf courses throughout New Zealand and the number of visitors is on the rise. These visitors tend to be wealthier and spend more money than the average tourist during their stay and so the benefits of increasing this market go beyond what is spent on the golf course alone. However, New Zealand must first overcome a number of barriers if international golf tourism is to reach its full potential. The key barriers to growth are New Zealand’s geographic isolation, the large distances between New Zealand’s top courses, competition from other golfing destinations and a lack of marketing to increase the awareness of New Zealand as a golfing destination.</p>

Differences in microhabitat and morphology of two sympatric congeneric species Palaquium maliliensis and Palaquium obovatum in the education forest of Hasanuddin University

Two species of Palaquium (P. maliliensis and P. obovatum) were found coexist in same habitat in the educational forest of Hasanuddin University (Unhas). Two or more species are living in a habitat could be formed from similar parent through genetic isolation process without geographic isolation and was classified as sympatric congeneric species. So far, sympatric congeneric species is still controversial among researchers. Based on this case, the purpose of this study was to determine the microhabitat and morphological differences between the two species. The methods of the study were conducted by purposively selecting 21 samples of P. maliliensis and 20 samples of P. obovatum at the tree level. In each samples found, the microhabitat characteristics (topographic position and slope) and morphological characteristics (leaf, buttress root, and morphological in general) were observed. Morphological measurement data were analyzed with correlation test for intra-species variable and real difference test for inter-species variable. This study concluded that the slope was one of the major microhabitat factors that has driven the process of sympatric speciation between P. maliliensis and P. obovatum. In morphological characteristics, differences between P. maliliensis and P. obovatum appeared in the form of leaves.