From the headwaters to the Iguassu Falls: Inventory of the ichthyofauna in the Iguassu River basin shows increasing percentages of nonnative species

Knowledge of the ichthyofauna of a hydrographic basin is the minimum necessary condition for the implementation of any measures for the exploration, management or preservation of water and fishing resources. Despite its relevance, the number of fish species across the Iguassu River basin is still uncertain. Thus, the objective of this study was to compile the fish species that occur in the extensive stretch of the basin above the Iguassu Falls. In addition, we recorded the level of threat of extinction for native species, the origin of nonnative species, and their main vectors of introduction. To achieve this goal, a survey was carried out through consultations with ichthyological collections as well as online databases. Also, a literature review was conducted using the search platforms Thomson Reuters, SciELO and Elsevier’s ScienceDirect to locate all articles published by March 2020 that addressed the topic “ichthyofauna in the Iguassu River basin”. The survey compiled a total of 133 fish species distributed in nine orders, 29 families and 72 genera. Seventy-nine fish species were recorded that occur throughout the entire length of the basin, 119 species that occur in the hydrographic units of the middle and lower Iguassu River (40 exclusive) and 93 species that occur in the hydrographic unit of the upper Iguassu River (14 exclusive). The endemism rate shown here for the Iguassu River basin (approximately 69%) contrasts with the 40 nonnative fish species recorded (approximately 30% of the total species in the basin). Successive impoundments, reductions in habitat quality and the increase in the number of nonnative species are the main threats to native species, especially to the endemic species; approximately 20% of these species were listed in some category of threat of extinction. We emphasize that constant monitoring of ichthyofauna is necessary to discover putatively undescribed species, as well as for the application of management strategies to mitigate the negative effects and promote the control of the spread of nonnative species.

Alien and cryptogenic Foraminifera in the Mediterranean Sea: A revision of taxa as part of the EU 2020 Marine Strategy Framework Directive

The human-mediated translocation of marine alien species beyond their natural ranges started as early as people began navigating the sea and is of growing concern to nature conservation. The Mediterranean Sea is among the most severely affected areas by biological invasions, a phenomenon that has been fostered by the opening and recent extension of the Suez Canal, the transport and release of ballast water, aquaculture and aquarium trade, ichthyochory and other active or passive dispersal mechanisms. The increase of marine invasions has stimulated considerable research, but for some important groups, in particular microorganisms, data are still limited. In this paper we have reviewed the current status of marine alien foraminifera in the Mediterranean Sea. Our survey includes a comrephensive taxonomic revision of previously recognized alien taxa, and new information obtained from the fossil record and from molecular studies. Our survey and reexamination of alien benthic foraminifera yielded a total of 43 validly recognized species and two species of cryptogenic taxa and reduces the number of previous recordings. The revised list includes both larger symbiont-bearing and smaller benthic foraminifera, including 16 hyaline-perforate, 3 agglutinated and 24 porcelaneous taxa. The vast majority of alien foraminifera recorded so far have become established in the Eastern and Central Mediterranean Sea, indicative for translocation and introduction via the Suez Canal pathway. Only one species, Amphistegina lobifera, causes significant ecological impacts and fulfills the criteria to be considered as an invasive alien. This species is a prolific carbonate producer, and displays extreme forms of ecosystem invasibility with capabilities to reduce native diversity and species richness. The proliferation and rates of recently observed range extensions, track contemporary sea surface temperature increases, provide strong support for previous species distribution models, and corroborate findings that rising water temperatures, global climate change and the extension of climate belts are major drivers fueling the latitudinal range expansion of larger symbiont-bearing and smaller epiphytic foraminifera. Intensified efforts to study alien foraminifera on a molecular level, in dated cores and in ballast water are required to trace their source of origin, to identify vectors of introduction and to verify their status as true aliens.

PASTORALISTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON AN INVASIVE ALIEN PLANT PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS AND ITS MANAGEMENT CONTROL IN SIMANJIRO DISTRICT, TANZANIA

The Maasai pastoralist community resides in Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania. As a pastoralist community they are largely dependent on rangelands as a source of forage for their livestock. However, plant invasions are threatening rangeland productivity, displacing valuable forage species, leading to a reduction in livestock populations. The noxious weed Parthenium hysterophorus has recently been established in Simanjiro District and may pose a significant threat to livelihoods if effective control strategies are not put in place. This study was therefore conducted to determine pastoralists’ understanding of P. hysterophorus in Simanjiro District, Tanzania. Semi-structured and open-ended questionnaires were used to collect information on, among others, the date of introduction, means of spread, area coverage, effects of P. hysterophorus on livestock health and management control for P. hysterophorus. Pastoralists were unaware of when P. hysterophorus was introduced although they mentioned vehicles, people and livestock to be the main vectors of introduction and spread. They confirmed that P. hysterophorus has little/some expanding its range since it was first noticed at the beginning of this decade. Furthermore, most pastoralists were not aware of the effects of Parthenium weed in livestock although few reported it causing distasteful and less milk and diarrhoea after consuming the weed. There were no major efforts in place to control Parthenium weed. Therefore, efforts need to be made to motivate pastoralists through community awareness campaigns to impart knowledge on how to control P. hysterophorus to promote rangeland productivity. Also, community awareness the impacts of the weed on their livestock and human health.

Scientific collaboration for early detection of invaders results in a significant update on estimated range: lessons from Stenothoe georgiana Bynum & Fox 1977

Detection of new non-indigenous species is often delayed when taxonomically challenging taxa are involved, such as small-sized marine organisms. The present study highlights the relevance of scientific cooperation in the early detection of the invader amphipod Stenothoe georgiana. Originally described from North Carolina (USA), the species was recently found in Chile and the Western Mediterranean. Here, we provide the first record of the species in Macaronesia, Atlantic coasts of continental Europe, North Africa and Australia, and extend its known distribution along the Mediterranean coast. Just like other small crustaceans, shipping (including recreational boating) and aquaculture are probably the main vectors of introduction and secondary spread for this amphipod species. This case of S. georgiana sheds light on the importance of promoting taxonomical knowledge, and building multidisciplinary expertise networks that ensure an effective spread of alien species information. We also encourage the implementation of standardized monitoring methodologies to facilitate early detection of small mobile invaders.

UKRAINE IN "GREEN" TRANSFORMATIONS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR OF EASTERN PARTNERSHIP COUNTRIES: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Topicality. Viklikni new world economy stipulated the necessity of modernization of economic development of countries for providing of constancy through �green� growth. An urgent problem is development of patterns of �green� growth for the countries of then soviet space. As well as before there is a necessity of increase of potential of these countries for an ecologization agricultural a sector; development of system long-term measures of, which significant in connection with sharpening of ecological problems; expansion of access is to �green� technologies and investments and transmission of practical experience of management the interested countries and organizations. A decision requires estimation of the state of realization of �green� direction of development of agrarian sphere of economy in the context of the European requirements of point-of-sale exchange and location Ukraine in the system of intergovernmental partnership by the estimation of the European system of indexes of �green� growth and possibility of its application in domestic practice, as an informative government and monitoring of the productivity of resource base of agrosphere base. Aim and tasks. A research purpose is an estimation of realization of �green� a vector growth in the agricultural sphere of economy of countries of East partnership by system of the offered indicators and location Ukraine in the context of the European policy of neighbourhood and strengthening of relations of countries after next thematic platforms is the proper management and stability in agricultural sphere, economic integration and approaching, guard of environment. Realization of purpose stipulated the decision of scientifically research tasks: ground the necessity of forming of change of agricultural paradigm for the countries of East Europe, to analyse the tendencies of introduction of �green� growth, to lead to expedience of the use of indexes of �green� growth, statistical measurings considered within the limits of national methodology. Research results. As a result of analysis the degree of readiness of countries is set to deep integration, main vectors of introduction of �green� growth in the countries of East partnership from ES, the European measuring of �green� growth is resulted in the agrarian sphere of economy, grounded requirement to the national system of statistical account of �green� transformations at agro sphere. Conclusion. An ecological factor became the inalienable constituent of the economy growing, but by the not source of growth. The key indicators of �green� growth are plugged in the major documents of development of country, but they do not settle accounts for lack of the proper standards of statistics and account. It stipulates impossibility of leadthrough of comparative analysis of development of countries in comparison with regional and world results. Taking into account realities, effectively to manage ES of not be able transformations of economy of countries-partners. For this reason an orientation on �green� growth is will of country and its step to realization of modern calls. The place of Ukraine changed in the processes of �green� transformations, but by the state on 2017 Ukraine can be considered a leader. Ukraine found out liking of transition for more �green�, effective and proof economy, activations of efforts for adaptations to the changes of climate and softening of their consequences, and also to the decision of ecological problems in the agrarian sphere of economy. Preparation of plans of quality management of earths, authentication of agro ecological risks, lead through of strategic ecological estimations and estimations of influence on the environment of agro ecological projects, improvement of statistical information and access to ecological information it is possible to examine as key steps of eco-oriented growth development ofagricultural sphere in Ukraine. Can be drawn on research results as analytical and informative basis for subsequent scientific developments in the field of estimation of influence of �green� transformations on steady development agrarian a sector in the countries of East partnership.

Hitch-hikers of the sea: concurrent morphological and molecular identification of Symplegma brakenhielmi (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) in the western Mediterranean Sea

We report here one of the first records of the non-indigenous colonial ascidian Symplegma brakenhielmi (Michaelsen, 1904) in the western Mediterranean Sea. Colonies of this invasive species have been collected in 2014 and 2018 along North-eastern Sardinia coasts (Olbia, Italy). Further colonies have been observed in 2016 in the Mar Piccolo basin (Gulf of Taranto, Italy). Both areas are strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities such as commercial shipping and aquaculture, suggesting these human-mediated pathways the most likely vectors of introduction. In both areas, the colonies present two different color phenotypes, the yellow and the red type, with the yellow coloration never found before in the Mediterranean Sea. Morphological and DNA barcode analyses of the collected specimens show that both these color types belong to the same species. Phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses based on the DNA barcode confirm our identification as S. brakenhielmi, but also indicate a surprisingly high similarity with published sequences of other two species, including the co-generic species Symplegma rubra Monniot, 1972. Morphological and molecular examination of a large number of samples of these species would be need in the near future to clarify this issue.

First report, based on morpho-anatomical data, of the green alga Pseudocodium okinawense (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) in the Mediterranean Sea

The green alga Pseudocodium okinawense is reported for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea. The collection of this species from a 54-m depth on a sandy-mud bottom on August 2017 near Kalkan, Turkey, also represents the first report of the genus Pseudocodium from the Mediterranean. The species was previously reported from southern Japan (type locality, Okinawa), Indonesia, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea. Oil tankers and the several permanent/semi-permanent man-made structures are the likely vectors of introduction.

Update on the ichthyofauna of the Piquiri River basin, Paraná, Brazil: a conservation priority area

Knowledge of the fish species in river basins is among the minimum requirements for the management of water and fish resources. Therefore, the aim of this study was to update the fish species composition of the Piquiri River basin, upper Paraná River basin. Data were gathered from recent information published in specialized literature and records for ichthyology collections. This update reports the occurrence of 152 fish species distributed in 8 orders, 31 families, and 89 genera. Non-native species accounted for 20% of all species, and the construction of the Itaipu Power Plant and its fish ladder were the main vectors of introduction. Three percent of the species were endangered, and 11% were classified as migratory. The Piquiri River basin harbors a large number of species, some of which are rare, endangered, migratory, endemic, and even unknown by science. Because of this, maintaining the integrity of this river basin will support the persistence of regional biodiversity.

Presence of the tunicate Asterocarpa humilis on ship hulls and aquaculture facilities in the coast of the Biobío Region, south central Chile

Non-native ascidians are important members of the fouling community associated with artificial substrata and man-made structures. Being efficient fouling species, they are easily spread by human-mediated transports (e.g., with aquaculture trade and maritime transports). This is exemplified by the ascidian Asterocarpa humilis which displays a wide distribution in the Southern Hemisphere and has been recently reported in the Northern Hemisphere (NW Europe). In continental Chile, its first report dates back from 2000 for the locality of Antofagasta (23°S). Although there was no evidence about the vectors of introduction and spread, nor the source, some authors suggested maritime transport by ship hulls and aquaculture devices as putative introduction pathways and vectors. In the present study, we report for the first time the presence of A. humilis on the hull of an international ship in a commercial port in Concepción bay (36°S), south central Chile. We also found one individual associated to a seashell farm, 70 km far from Concepción bay. Further individuals were subsequently identified within Concepción bay: one juvenile settled upon international harbor pilings and a dozen individuals along aquaculture seashell longlines. For the first specimens sampled, species identification was ascertained using both morphological criteria and molecular barcoding, using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and a nuclear gene (ribosomal RNA 18S). The nuclear 18S gene and the mitochondrial gene COI clearly assigned the specimens to A. humilis, confirming our morphological identification. Two haplotypes were obtained with COI corresponding to haplotypes previously obtained with European and Northern Chilean specimens. The present study thus reports for the first time the presence of A. humilis in the Araucanian ecoregion, documenting the apparent expansion of this non-native tunicate in Chile over 2,000 km, spanning over three ecoregions. In addition we reveal the potential implication of the international maritime transport as a vector of spread of this species along the Eastern Pacific coast, and the putative role of aquaculture facilities in promoting local establishments of non-native tunicates.

From effective biocontrol agent to successful invader: the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as an example of good ideas that could go wrong

The use of biological control agents to control pests is an alternative to pesticides and a tool to manage invasive alien species. However, biocontrol agents can themselves become invasive species under certain conditions. The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is a native Asian biocontrol agent that has become a successful invader. We reviewed articles containing “Harmonia axyridis” to gather information on its presence and surveyed entomologists researching Coccinellidae around the world to investigate further insights about the current distribution, vectors of introduction, habitat use and threats this species pose. The harlequin ladybird has established populations in at least 59 countries outside its native range. Twenty six percent of the surveyed scientists considered it a potential threat to native Coccinellidae. Published studies and scientists suggestAdalia bipunctata, native to Europe, is under the highest risk of population declines. Strict policies should be incorporated to prevent its arrival to non-invaded areas and to prevent further expansion range. Managing invasive species is a key priority to prevent biodiversity loss and promote ecosystem services.