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Németh A, Mizsei E, Laczkó L, Czabán D, Hegyeli Z, Lengyel S, Csorba G, Sramkó G. Evolutionary history and systematics of European blind mole rats (Rodentia: Spalacidae: Nannospalax): Multilocus phylogeny and species delimitation in a puzzling group. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2024; 190:107958. [PMID: 37914032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Species delimitation is a powerful approach to assist taxonomic decisions in challenging taxa where species boundaries are hard to establish. European taxa of the blind mole rats (genus Nannospalax) display small morphological differences and complex chromosomal evolution at a shallow evolutionary divergence level. Previous analyses led to the recognition of 25 'forms' in their distribution area. We provide a comprehensive framework to improve knowledge on the evolutionary history and revise the taxonomy of European blind mole rats based on samples from all but three of the 25 forms. We sequenced two nuclear-encoded genetic regions and the whole mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for phylogenetic tree reconstructions using concatenation and coalescence-based species-tree estimations. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed that Aegean N. insularis belongs to N. superspecies xanthodon, and that it represents the second known species of this superspecies in Europe. Mainland taxa reached Europe from Asia Minor in two colonisation events corresponding to two superspecies-level taxa: N. superspecies monticola (taxon established herewith) reached Europe c. 2.1 million years ago (Mya) and was followed by N. superspecies leucodon (re-defined herewith) c. 1.5 Mya. Species delimitation allowed the clarification of the taxonomic contents of the above superspecies. N. superspecies monticola contains three species geographically confined to the western periphery of the distribution of blind mole rats, whereas N. superspecies leucodon is more speciose with six species and several additional subspecies. The observed geographic pattern hints at a robust peripatric speciation process and rapid chromosomal evolution. The present treatment is thus regarded as the minimum taxonomic content of each lineage, which can be further refined based on other sources of information such as karyological traits, crossbreeding experiments, etc. The species delimitation models also allowed the recognition of a hitherto unnamed blind mole rat taxon from Albania, described here as a new subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Németh
- Department of Nature Conservation, Zoology and Game Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi u. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; BirdLife Hungary - Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society, Költő u. 21, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edvárd Mizsei
- Department of Ecology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; DRI Conservation Ecology Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Bem tér 18/C, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Levente Laczkó
- Evolutionary Genomics Research Group, Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; HUN-REN-UD Conservation Biology Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | - Zsolt Hegyeli
- Milvus Group Bird and Nature Protection Association, Crinului St. 22, 540343 Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Szabolcs Lengyel
- DRI Conservation Ecology Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Bem tér 18/C, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Csorba
- Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross u. 13, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Sramkó
- Evolutionary Genomics Research Group, Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; HUN-REN-UD Conservation Biology Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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García-Moreno J. Zoonoses in a changing world. Bioscience 2023; 73:711-720. [PMID: 37854892 PMCID: PMC10580970 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals are continuously exposed to pathogens but rarely get infected, because pathogens must overcome barriers to establish successful infections. Ongoing planetary changes affect factors relevant for such infections, such as pathogen pressure and pathogen exposure. The replacement of wildlife with domestic animals shrinks the original host reservoirs, whereas expanding agricultural frontiers lead to increased contact between natural and altered ecosystems, increasing pathogen exposure and reducing the area where the original hosts can live. Climate change alters species' distributions and phenology, pathogens included, resulting in exposure to pathogens that have colonized or recolonized new areas. Globalization leads to unwilling movement of and exposure to pathogens. Because people and domestic animals are overdominant planetwide, there is increased selective pressure for pathogens to infect them. Nature conservation measures can slow down but not fully prevent spillovers. Additional and enhanced surveillance methods in potential spillover hotspots should improve early detection and allow swifter responses to emerging outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime García-Moreno
- Vogelbescherming Nederland, Zeist, Netherlands
- BirdLife, the Netherlands
- ESiLi, Arnhem, the Netherlands
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3
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Gumbs R, Gray CL, Hoffmann M, Molina-Venegas R, Owen NR, Pollock LJ. Conserving avian evolutionary history can effectively safeguard future benefits for people. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh4686. [PMID: 37729417 PMCID: PMC10511189 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh4686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Phylogenetic diversity (PD)-the evolutionary history of a set of species-is conceptually linked to the maintenance of yet-to-be-discovered benefits from biodiversity or "option value." We used global phylogenetic and utilization data for birds to test the PD option value link, under the assumption that the performance of sets of PD-maximizing species at capturing known benefits is analogous to selecting the same species at a point in human history before these benefits were realized. PD performed better than random at capturing utilized bird species across 60% of tests, with performance linked to the phylogenetic dispersion and prevalence of each utilization category. Prioritizing threatened species for conservation by the PD they encapsulate performs comparably to prioritizing by their functional distinctiveness. However, species selected by each metric show low overlap, indicating that we should conserve both components of biodiversity to effectively conserve a variety of uses. Our findings provide empirical support for the link between evolutionary history and benefits for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikki Gumbs
- Conservation and Policy, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK
- Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet DTP, Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Task Force, London, UK
| | - Claudia L Gray
- Conservation and Policy, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK
- IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Task Force, London, UK
| | - Michael Hoffmann
- Conservation and Policy, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Rafael Molina-Venegas
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nisha R Owen
- IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Task Force, London, UK
- On the Edge Conservation, London SW3 2JJ, UK
| | - Laura J Pollock
- IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Task Force, London, UK
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1, Canada
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Gillman L. Calling time on alien plantscapes. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:3539-3544. [PMID: 37272874 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Both urban and rural environments around the globe have become dominated by alien plant species to the extent that plantscapes from one region or country have become difficult to distinguish from many others. This process of plant community homogenisation comes at a cost to cultural identity and undermines people's sense of place. Although invasive alien plant species have received considerable attention in recent decades, issues with non-invasive alien plant species have largely been ignored, and yet they contribute significantly to biotic homogeneity and impose an ever accumulating invasion debt: a debt that increases in proportion with their population sizes. By contrast, an abundance of native species in the places where people live is important for strengthening commitment to biodiversity conservation. Is there therefore sufficient evidence of harm from increasing numbers of non-invasive alien plants to justify local and central governments introducing measures to substantially reduce the proportion of non-invasive aliens in both urban and rural environments?
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Affiliation(s)
- Len Gillman
- Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Morizet-Davis J, Marting Vidaurre NA, Reinmuth E, Rezaei-Chiyaneh E, Schlecht V, Schmidt S, Singh K, Vargas-Carpintero R, Wagner M, von Cossel M. Ecosystem Services at the Farm Level-Overview, Synergies, Trade-Offs, and Stakeholder Analysis. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2200225. [PMID: 37483416 PMCID: PMC10362122 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202200225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The current geological epoch is characterized by anthropogenic activity that greatly impacts on natural ecosystems and their integrity. The complex networks of ecosystem services (ESs) are often ignored because the provision of natural resources, such as food and industrial crops, is mistakenly viewed as an independent process separate from ecosystems and ignoring the impacts on ecosystems. Recently, research has intensified on how to evaluate and manage ES to minimize environmental impacts, but it remains unclear how to balance anthropogenic activity and ecosystem integrity. This paper reviews the main ESs at farm level including provisioning, regulating, habitat, and cultural services. For these ESs, synergies are outlined and evaluated along with the respective practices (e.g., cover- and intercropping) and ES suppliers (e.g., pollinators and biocontrol agents). Further, several farm-level ES trade-offs are discussed along with a proposal for their evaluation. Finally, a framework for stakeholder approaches specific to farm-level ES is put forward, along with an outlook on how existing precision agriculture technologies can be adapted for improved assessment of ES bundles. This is believed to provide a useful framework for both decision makers and stakeholders to facilitate the development of more sustainable and resilient farming systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Morizet-Davis
- Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b) Institute of Crop Science University of Hohenheim 70599 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Nirvana A Marting Vidaurre
- Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b) Institute of Crop Science University of Hohenheim 70599 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Evelyn Reinmuth
- Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b) Institute of Crop Science University of Hohenheim 70599 Stuttgart Germany
| | | | - Valentin Schlecht
- Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b) Institute of Crop Science University of Hohenheim 70599 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Susanne Schmidt
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences University of Queensland The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 QLD Australia
| | - Kripal Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Andong National University Andong 36729 Republic of Korea
| | - Ricardo Vargas-Carpintero
- Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b) Institute of Crop Science University of Hohenheim 70599 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Moritz Wagner
- Department of Applied Ecology Hochschule Geisenheim University 65366 Geisenheim Germany
| | - Moritz von Cossel
- Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b) Institute of Crop Science University of Hohenheim 70599 Stuttgart Germany
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Wise IJ, Borry P. An Ethical Overview of the CRISPR-Based Elimination of Anopheles gambiae to Combat Malaria. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2022; 19:371-380. [PMID: 35175513 PMCID: PMC9463432 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-022-10172-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Approximately a quarter of a billion people around the world suffer from malaria each year. Most cases are located in sub-Saharan Africa where Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes are the principal vectors of this public health problem. With the use of CRISPR-based gene drives, the population of mosquitoes can be modified, eventually causing their extinction. First, we discuss the moral status of the organism and argue that using genetically modified mosquitoes to combat malaria should not be abandoned based on some moral value of A. gambiae. Secondly, we argue that environmental impact studies should be performed to obtain an accurate account of the possible effects of a potential eradication of the organism. However, the risks from the purposeful extinction of A. gambiae should not overtake the benefits of eradicating malaria and risk assessments should be used to determine acceptable risks. Thirdly, we argue that the eventual release of the genetically modified mosquitoes will depend on transparency, community involvement, and cooperation between different nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- India Jane Wise
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law (CBMER), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 Box, 7001 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pascal Borry
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law (CBMER), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 Box, 7001 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Ferraro V, Venturella G, Cirlincione F, Mirabile G, Gargano ML, Colasuonno P. The Checklist of Sicilian Macrofungi: Second Edition. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8060566. [PMID: 35736049 PMCID: PMC9224803 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 30 years after the publication of the first Sicilian checklist of macrofungi, a new updated version is presented here. The census of macromycetes was carried out through periodic observations in different agricultural and forest ecosystems, in urban areas, in public and private gardens, and in botanical gardens. The 1919 infraspecific taxa included in 508 genera belonging to 152 families were collected in the Sicilian territory. Ectomycorrhizal fungi are the most represented ecological category, followed by saprotrophs on wood, saprotrophs on litter, and terricolous saprotrophs. The interest in this rich group of organisms is evidenced by the nutritional and therapeutic value of a high percentage of species. The actions linked to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and The Network for the Study of Mycological Diversity will further increase the number of macrofungi for Sicily in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ferraro
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Bldg. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.F.); (G.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Venturella
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Bldg. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.F.); (G.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Fortunato Cirlincione
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Bldg. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.F.); (G.V.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (M.L.G.); Tel.: +39-09123891234 (M.L.G.)
| | - Giulia Mirabile
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Bldg. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.F.); (G.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Maria Letizia Gargano
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (M.L.G.); Tel.: +39-09123891234 (M.L.G.)
| | - Pasqualina Colasuonno
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy;
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Smyth ERB, Drake DAR. A classification framework for interspecific trade-offs in aquatic ecology. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13762. [PMID: 34057237 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In some cases, wildlife management objectives directed at multiple species can conflict with one another, creating species trade-offs. For managers to effectively identify trade-offs and avoid their undesirable outcomes, they must understand the agents involved and their corresponding interactions. A literature review of interspecific trade-offs within freshwater and marine ecosystems was conducted to illustrate the scope of potential interspecific trade-offs that may occur. We identified common pitfalls that lead to failed recognition of interspecific trade-offs, including, single-species management and limited consideration of the spatial and temporal scale of ecosystems and their management regimes. We devised a classification framework of common interspecific trade-offs within aquatic systems. The classification can help managers determine whether the conflict is species based through direct relationships (i.e., predator-prey, competition, other antagonistic relationships) or indirect relationships involving intermediate species (i.e., conflict-generating species) or whether the conflict is driven by opposing management objectives for species that would otherwise not interact (i.e., nontarget management effects). Once the nature and scope of trade-offs are understood, existing decision-making tools, such as structured decision-making and real-options analysis, can be incorporated to improve the management of aquatic ecosystems. Article Impact Statement: A synthesis of interspecific trade-offs in aquatic ecosystems supports their identification and resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R B Smyth
- Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - D Andrew R Drake
- Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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Johnson MD, Fokar M, Cox RD, Barnes MA. Airborne environmental DNA metabarcoding detects more diversity, with less sampling effort, than a traditional plant community survey. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:218. [PMID: 34872490 PMCID: PMC8647488 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01947-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) research is an emerging field that focuses on the detection of species from their genetic remnants in the air. The majority of studies into airborne eDNA of plants has until now either focused on single species detection, specifically only pollen, or human health impacts, with no previous studies surveying an entire plant community through metabarcoding. We therefore conducted an airborne eDNA metabarcoding survey and compared the results to a traditional plant community survey. Results Over the course of a year, we conducted two traditional transect-based visual plant surveys alongside an airborne eDNA sampling campaign on a short-grass rangeland. We found that airborne eDNA detected more species than the traditional surveying method, although the types of species detected varied based on the method used. Airborne eDNA detected more grasses and forbs with less showy flowers, while the traditional method detected fewer grasses but also detected rarer forbs with large showy flowers. Additionally, we found the airborne eDNA metabarcoding survey required less sampling effort in terms of the time needed to conduct a survey and was able to detect more invasive species than the traditional method. Conclusions Overall, we have demonstrated that airborne eDNA can act as a sensitive and efficient plant community surveying method. Airborne eDNA surveillance has the potential to revolutionize the way plant communities are monitored in general, track changes in plant communities due to climate change and disturbances, and assist with the monitoring of invasive and endangered species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-021-01947-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Johnson
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA.
| | - Mohamed Fokar
- Center for Biotechnology & Genomics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Robert D Cox
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Matthew A Barnes
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
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Comparative Study of Semen Parameters and Hormone Profile in Small-Spotted Catshark ( Scyliorhinus canicula): Aquarium-Housed vs. Wild-Captured. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102884. [PMID: 34679905 PMCID: PMC8532847 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Comprehensive knowledge of chondrichthyan reproductive biology is crucial for the development of reproductive technologies. For that reason, a male reproductive evaluation was performed on the basis of a comparison of samples collected from wild-captured and aquarium-housed small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). Semen quality, sperm morphometry, and reproductive hormones were assessed. The results demonstrate good in vitro semen quality in aquarium-housed sharks, although there was lower plasma testosterone. Abstract Several chondrichthyan species are threatened, and we must increase our knowledge of their reproductive biology in order to establish assisted reproductive protocols for ex situ or in situ endangered species. The small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) is one of the most abundant shark species of the Mediterranean coast and is easy to maintain in aquaria; therefore, it is considered an ideal reproductive model. This study aimed to compare S. canicula male reproductive function in aquarium-housed (n = 7) and wild-captured animals, recently dead (n = 17). Aquarium-housed animals had lower semen volume (p = 0.005) and total sperm number (p = 0.006) than wild-captured animals, but similar sperm concentrations. In terms of sperm parameters, aquarium-housed sharks showed higher total sperm motility (p = 0.004), but no differences were observed regarding sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, or membrane integrity. A morphometric study pointed to a significantly longer head (p = 0.005) and acrosome (p = 0.001) in wild-captured animals. The results of the spermatozoa morphological study of S. canicula were consistent with previous results obtained in other chondrichthyan species. With regard to sex hormones, testosterone levels were significantly lower in aquarium-housed animals (p ≤ 0.001), while similar levels of 17β-estradiol and progesterone were found. In short, the present study provides evidence of good in vitro semen quality in S. canicula housed in an aquarium, underlining their excellent potential for application in reproductive technologies for this and other chondrichthyan species.
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Panitsa M, Kokkoris IP, Kougioumoutzis K, Kontopanou A, Bazos I, Strid A, Dimopoulos P. Linking Taxonomic, Phylogenetic and Functional Plant Diversity with Ecosystem Services of Cliffs and Screes in Greece. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10050992. [PMID: 34067537 PMCID: PMC8156371 DOI: 10.3390/plants10050992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sparsely vegetated habitats of cliffs and screes act as refugia for many regional and local endemic specialized plant taxa most of which have evolved precisely for that type of habitat. The interplay between taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional plant diversity on rock and scree habitats of extreme environmental conditions, enlightens the relations of plant communities and ecosystems and facilitates management planning for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The identification of biodiversity patterns and hotspots (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional) contributes to the integration of the ecosystem services (ES) approach for the mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services (MAES) implementation in Greece and the creation of thematic maps based on the MAES reporting format. The overlap among the protected areas’ network revealed that almost all areas of cliffs and screes of medium, high, and very high taxonomic and phylogenetic plant endemism are included in the Natura 2000 area network. The results of this study provide the baseline information for ES assessments at sparsely vegetated land of cliffs and screes. Our results contribute to the implementation of certain indicators of the national set of MAES indicators in Greece such as (a) floristic diversity and (b) microrefugia of endemic diversity and support of decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Panitsa
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (K.K.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Ioannis P. Kokkoris
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (K.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (K.K.); (A.K.)
- Section of Ecology and Systematics, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece;
| | - Anna Kontopanou
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (K.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Ioannis Bazos
- Section of Ecology and Systematics, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Panayotis Dimopoulos
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (K.K.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (P.D.)
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Faith DP. Valuation and Appreciation of Biodiversity: The “Maintenance of Options” Provided by the Variety of Life. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.635670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
“Nature’s contributions to people” (NCP) is an important expansion beyond the standard ecosystem services framework, particularly as a pathway to better address global/regional biodiversity values. NCP18, “maintenance of options,” refers broadly to the capacity of ecosystems, habitats, species, or genotypes to keep options open to support a good quality of life. “Biodiversity,” interpreted as living variation, is an important, but under-appreciated, aspect of “maintenance of options.” IPBES refers to “the “option values of biodiversity,” that is, the value of maintaining living variation in order to provide possible future uses and benefits.” IPBES assessments include biodiversity option value, and use phylogenetic diversity (PD) as an indicator of change in status of NCP18. At the same time, IPBES notes the need for greater appreciation of option values of biodiversity. Popular ecosystem services framings forget the long history of consideration of these global benefits of biotic diversity to humanity, and their normative links. Popular ecological definitions mean that many current valuations of “biodiversity” neglect the benefits of biodiversity-as-variety. Economic valuations of “biodiversity” typically have focused on ecosystem aspects, not variety; related ecosystems framings value “biodiversity” with a focus on those critical elements relating to functioning of ecosystems. Greater appreciation of biodiversity option value and NCP18 may depend on clearer messaging from academia, better highlighting of the link between biodiversity and intergenerational justice, and greater communication of stories of past surprising discoveries of benefits from species that highlight biodiversity as an ongoing source of future benefits. An important pathway for better appreciation of insurance and investment benefits of variety is to understand and communicate the reasons why we value these benefits from variety. Biodiversity-as-variety is valued because we care about the welfare of future generations.
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Williams BA, Watson JE, Butchart SH, Ward M, Brooks TM, Butt N, Bolam FC, Stuart SN, Mair L, McGowan PJK, Gregory R, Hilton‐Taylor C, Mallon D, Harrison I, Simmonds JS. A robust goal is needed for species in the Post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Conserv Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke A. Williams
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - James E.M. Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Wildlife Conservation Society Global Conservation Program Bronx New York
| | - Stuart H.M. Butchart
- BirdLife International Cambridge UK
- Department of Zoology Cambridge University Cambridge UK
| | - Michelle Ward
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Thomas M. Brooks
- IUCN Gland Switzerland
- World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) University of the Philippines Los Baños Laguna Philippines
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania Hobart Australia
| | - Nathalie Butt
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Friederike C. Bolam
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Simon N. Stuart
- Synchronicity Earth London UK
- A Rocha International London UK
| | - Louise Mair
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Philip J. K. McGowan
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Richard Gregory
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science The Lodge Sandy Bedfordshire UK
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment Centre for Biodiversity & Environment Research, University College London London UK
| | | | - David Mallon
- Division of Biology and Conservation Ecology Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Ian Harrison
- IUCN Gland Switzerland
- Conservation International Arlington, Virginia
| | - Jeremy S. Simmonds
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
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14
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Kindergarten Children’s Perception about the Ecological Roles of Living Organisms. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12229565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Young children will inherit the biosphere; therefore, it is crucial that they recognize the importance of all living organisms based on their intrinsic value and ecosystem function, not only on their “cuteness”. However, children’s knowledge about the interdependence among organisms has been little investigated. We interviewed 56 kindergarten children (5–6 years old) in Norway. The aim of the study was to investigate their perception of the importance for nature of six organisms, representing different trophic levels of food webs (producers, consumers, decomposers) and providing different ecosystem services (production, decomposition, and pollination). There was no difference in ranking between sexes or between ordinary and farm-based kindergartens. Bumblebees and earthworms were perceived as the most important organisms, followed by squirrel, trees, and wolf. None of the children recognized the ecological role of mushrooms. Our results show that, although upon completing kindergarten many children had gained an early understanding of the role of different organisms in nature, they missed the importance of plants and fungi. Kindergarten children’s “fungi blindness” might reflect a neglect of the public for this extremely important, diverse, and dominating taxon. We should therefore put more emphasis in raising awareness about the interdependence among trophic levels in food webs.
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15
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Onah IE, Sumner S. DNA barcodes and new primers for nature's pest controllers: the social wasps. Genome 2020; 64:581-590. [PMID: 33170730 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2019-0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Globally, biodiversity is declining because of anthropogenic pressures, and this could lead to extinction of some species before they are discovered. The loss of insect taxa is of prime concern, given recent reports of significant declines in the populations of many taxa across the globe. Efforts to document biodiversity have met with several challenges, amongst which are the difficulties in using morphological features to discriminate species, especially in insects. DNA barcoding is a rapid and reliable method for species identification and discovery but choosing appropriate primers to amplify the barcode region without co-amplifying contaminants remains a key challenge. We developed and tested a set of primers for PCR amplification of the DNA barcode region of the COI gene in polistine wasps. We tested their efficacy in 36 species of vespid wasps, and the solitary wasp Zethus miniatus Saussure. Samples were obtained from Africa, Americas, Asia, and Europe. The polistine-specific primers successfully amplified the barcode region for all polistines tested, without amplifying any Wolbachia present; they also worked with many species from the other Vespidae wasp subfamilies. The new primers are valuable for the discovery and accurate documentation of polistine wasps in the four continents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikechukwu Eugene Onah
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.,Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Seirian Sumner
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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16
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Bolam FC, Mair L, Angelico M, Brooks TM, Burgman M, Hermes C, Hoffmann M, Martin RW, McGowan PJ, Rodrigues AS, Rondinini C, Westrip JR, Wheatley H, Bedolla‐Guzmán Y, Calzada J, Child MF, Cranswick PA, Dickman CR, Fessl B, Fisher DO, Garnett ST, Groombridge JJ, Johnson CN, Kennerley RJ, King SR, Lamoreux JF, Lees AC, Lens L, Mahood SP, Mallon DP, Meijaard E, Méndez‐Sánchez F, Percequillo AR, Regan TJ, Renjifo LM, Rivers MC, Roach NS, Roxburgh L, Safford RJ, Salaman P, Squires T, Vázquez‐Domínguez E, Visconti P, Woinarski JC, Young RP, Butchart SH. How many bird and mammal extinctions has recent conservation action prevented? Conserv Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Friederike C. Bolam
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Louise Mair
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Marco Angelico
- Global Mammal Assessment Program, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Thomas M. Brooks
- IUCN Gland Switzerland
- World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) University of The Philippines Los Baños Laguna Philippines
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip J.K. McGowan
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Ana S.L. Rodrigues
- CEFE Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ. Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France
| | - Carlo Rondinini
- Global Mammal Assessment Program, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - James R.S. Westrip
- Global Species Programme IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Cambridge UK
| | | | | | - Javier Calzada
- Department of Integrated Sciences University of Huelva Huelva Spain
| | - Matthew F. Child
- South African National Biodiversity Institute Pretoria South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| | | | - Christopher R. Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney Australia
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Program Brisbane Australia
| | - Birgit Fessl
- Charles Darwin Research Station Charles Darwin Foundation Galapagos Ecuador
| | - Diana O. Fisher
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Program Brisbane Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Australia
| | - Jim J. Groombridge
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Christopher N. Johnson
- School of Natural Sciences and ARC Centre for Australian Biodiversity & Heritage University of Tasmania Tasmania Australia
| | | | - Sarah R.B. King
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado
| | | | - Alexander C. Lees
- Department of Natural Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology Cornell University Ithaca New York
| | - Luc Lens
- Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Simon P. Mahood
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Australia
- Wildlife Conservation Society Phnom Penh Cambodia
| | - David P. Mallon
- Department of Natural Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- IUCN Species Survival Commission Gland Switzerland
| | - Erik Meijaard
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury UK
- Borneo Futures Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam
| | - Federico Méndez‐Sánchez
- Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas, A.C. Ensenada Baja California, Mexico
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. La Paz Baja California, Mexico
| | | | - Tracey J. Regan
- The Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Environment Land Water and Planning Heidelberg Victoria Australia
- School of BioSciences University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Luis Miguel Renjifo
- Department of Ecology and Territory Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá Colombia
| | | | - Nicolette S. Roach
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas
- Global Wildlife Conservation Austin Texas
| | | | | | | | - Tom Squires
- Department of Natural Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Ella Vázquez‐Domínguez
- Departamento de Ecología de la Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ecología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Mexico City Mexico
| | - Piero Visconti
- International Institute for Applied System Analysis Laxenburg Austria
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research University College London London UK
| | - John C.Z. Woinarski
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Program Brisbane Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Australia
| | | | - Stuart H.M. Butchart
- BirdLife International Cambridge UK
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
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17
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Pironon S, Borrell JS, Ondo I, Douglas R, Phillips C, Khoury CK, Kantar MB, Fumia N, Soto Gomez M, Viruel J, Govaerts R, Forest F, Antonelli A. Toward Unifying Global Hotspots of Wild and Domesticated Biodiversity. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E1128. [PMID: 32878166 PMCID: PMC7569820 DOI: 10.3390/plants9091128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Global biodiversity hotspots are areas containing high levels of species richness, endemism and threat. Similarly, regions of agriculturally relevant diversity have been identified where many domesticated plants and animals originated, and co-occurred with their wild ancestors and relatives. The agro-biodiversity in these regions has, likewise, often been considered threatened. Biodiversity and agro-biodiversity hotspots partly overlap, but their geographic intricacies have rarely been investigated together. Here we review the history of these two concepts and explore their geographic relationship by analysing global distribution and human use data for all plants, and for major crops and associated wild relatives. We highlight a geographic continuum between agro-biodiversity hotspots that contain high richness in species that are intensively used and well known by humanity (i.e., major crops and most viewed species on Wikipedia) and biodiversity hotspots encompassing species that are less heavily used and documented (i.e., crop wild relatives and species lacking information on Wikipedia). Our contribution highlights the key considerations needed for further developing a unifying concept of agro-biodiversity hotspots that encompasses multiple facets of diversity (including genetic and phylogenetic) and the linkage with overall biodiversity. This integration will ultimately enhance our understanding of the geography of human-plant interactions and help guide the preservation of nature and its contributions to people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Pironon
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW93AQ, UK; (J.S.B.); (I.O.); (R.D.); (J.V.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (A.A.)
| | - James S. Borrell
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW93AQ, UK; (J.S.B.); (I.O.); (R.D.); (J.V.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Ian Ondo
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW93AQ, UK; (J.S.B.); (I.O.); (R.D.); (J.V.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Ruben Douglas
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW93AQ, UK; (J.S.B.); (I.O.); (R.D.); (J.V.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (A.A.)
| | | | - Colin K. Khoury
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali 6713, Colombia;
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
| | - Michael B. Kantar
- Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (M.B.K.); (N.F.)
| | - Nathan Fumia
- Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (M.B.K.); (N.F.)
| | - Marybel Soto Gomez
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z4, Canada;
- UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Juan Viruel
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW93AQ, UK; (J.S.B.); (I.O.); (R.D.); (J.V.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Rafael Govaerts
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW93AQ, UK; (J.S.B.); (I.O.); (R.D.); (J.V.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Félix Forest
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW93AQ, UK; (J.S.B.); (I.O.); (R.D.); (J.V.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Alexandre Antonelli
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW93AQ, UK; (J.S.B.); (I.O.); (R.D.); (J.V.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (A.A.)
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden
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18
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Akçakaya HR, Rodrigues ASL, Keith DA, Milner-Gulland EJ, Sanderson EW, Hedges S, Mallon DP, Grace MK, Long B, Meijaard E, Stephenson PJ. Assessing ecological function in the context of species recovery. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:561-571. [PMID: 31621946 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Species interactions matter to conservation. Setting an ambitious recovery target for a species requires considering the size, density, and demographic structure of its populations such that they fulfill the interactions, roles, and functions of the species in the ecosystems in which they are embedded. A recently proposed framework for an International Union for Conservation of Nature Green List of Species formalizes this requirement by defining a fully recovered species in terms of representation, viability, and functionality. Defining and quantifying ecological function from the viewpoint of species recovery is challenging in concept and application, but also an opportunity to insert ecological theory into conservation practice. We propose 2 complementary approaches to assessing a species' ecological functions: confirmation (listing interactions of the species, identifying ecological processes and other species involved in these interactions, and quantifying the extent to which the species contributes to the identified ecological process) and elimination (inferring functionality by ruling out symptoms of reduced functionality, analogous to the red-list approach that focuses on symptoms of reduced viability). Despite the challenges, incorporation of functionality into species recovery planning is possible in most cases and it is essential to a conservation vision that goes beyond preventing extinctions and aims to restore a species to levels beyond what is required for its viability. This vision focuses on conservation and recovery at the species level and sees species as embedded in ecosystems, influencing and being influenced by the processes in those ecosystems. Thus, it connects and integrates conservation at the species and ecosystem levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Resit Akçakaya
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, U.S.A
- IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, 1196, Switzerland
| | - Ana S L Rodrigues
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS - Univ. de Montpellier - Univ. Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - David A Keith
- IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, 1196, Switzerland
- Centre for Ecosystem Sciences, School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, 43 Bridge Street, Hurstville, NSW, 2220, Australia
| | - E J Milner-Gulland
- Department of Zoology and Merton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6BW, U.K
| | - Eric W Sanderson
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, 10460, U.S.A
| | - Simon Hedges
- IUCN SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group, Gland, 1196, Switzerland
- IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group, Gland, 1196, Switzerland
- IUCN SSC Canid Specialist Group, Gland, 1196, Switzerland
- Asian Arks, D/A University of Sumatera Utara, Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia
| | - David P Mallon
- Division of Biology and Conservation Ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, U.K
- IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group, Gland, 1196, Switzerland
| | - Molly K Grace
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6BW, U.K
| | - Barney Long
- Global Wildlife Conservation, 1250 24th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20037, U.S.A
| | - Erik Meijaard
- IUCN SSC Wild Pig Specialist Group, Gland, 1196, Switzerland
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Decision, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - P J Stephenson
- Ecosystem Management Group, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
- IUCN SSC Species Monitoring Specialist Group, Gland, 1196, Switzerland
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19
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Barends JM, Pietersen DW, Zambatis G, Tye DR, Maritz B. Sampling bias in reptile occurrence data for the Kruger National Park. KOEDOE: AFRICAN PROTECTED AREA CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.4102/koedoe.v62i1.1579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
o effectively conserve and manage species, it is important to (1) understand how they are spatially distributed across the globe at both broad and fine spatial resolutions and (2) elucidate the determinants of these distributions. However, information pertaining to the distributions of many species remains poor as occurrence data are often scarce or collected with varying motivations, making the resulting patterns susceptible to sampling bias. Exacerbating an already limited quantity of occurrence data with an assortment of biases hinders their effectiveness for research, thus making it important to identify and understand the biases present within species occurrence data sets. We quantitatively assessed occurrence records of 126 reptile species occurring in the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, to quantify the severity of sampling bias within this data set. We collated a data set of 7118 occurrence records from museum, literature and citizen science sources and analysed these at a biologically relevant spatial resolution of 1 km × 1 km. As a result of logistical challenges associated with sampling in KNP, approximately 92% of KNP is data deficient for reptile occurrences at the 1 km × 1 km resolution. Additionally, the spatial coverage of available occurrences varied at species and family levels, and the majority of occurrence records were strongly associated with publicly accessible human infrastructure. Furthermore, we found that sampled areas within KNP were not necessarily ecologically representative of KNP as a whole, suggesting that areas of unique environmental space remain to be sampled. Our findings highlight the need for substantially greater sampling effort for reptiles across KNP and emphasise the need to carefully consider the sampling biases within existing data should these be used for conservation management decision-making. Modelling species distributions could potentially serve as a short-term solution, but a concomitant increase in surveys across the park is needed.Conservation implications: The sampling biases present within KNP reptile occurrence data inhibit the inference of fine-scale species distributions within and across the park, which limits the usage of these data towards meaningfully informing conservation management decisions as applicable to reptile species in KNP.
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Consorte-McCrea A, Fernandez A, Bainbridge A, Moss A, Prévot AC, Clayton S, Glikman JA, Johansson M, López-Bao JV, Bath A, Frank B, Marchini S. Large carnivores and zoos as catalysts for engaging the public in the protection of biodiversity. NATURE CONSERVATION 2019. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.37.39501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Addressing the biodiversity crisis requires renewed collaborative approaches. Large carnivores are ambassador species, and as such they can aid the protection of a wide range of species, including evolutionarily distinct and threatened ones, while being popular for conservation marketing. However, conflicts between carnivores and people present a considerable challenge to biodiversity conservation. Our cross disciplinary essay brings together original research to discuss key issues in the conservation of large carnivores as keystone species for biodiversity rich, healthy ecosystems. Our findings suggest the need to promote coexistence through challenging ‘wilderness’ myths; to consider coexistence/conflict as a continuum; to include varied interest groups in decision making; to address fear through positive mediated experiences, and to explore further partnerships with zoos. As wide-reaching institutions visited by over 700 million people/year worldwide, zoos combine knowledge, emotion and social context creating ideal conditions for the development of care towards nature, pro-environmental behaviors and long-term connections between visitors and carnivores. Based on current research, we provide evidence that large carnivores and zoos are both powerful catalysts for public engagement with biodiversity conservation, recognizing barriers and suggesting future ways to collaborate to address biodiversity loss.
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21
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Rosani U, Domeneghetti S, Gerdol M, Pallavicini A, Venier P. Expansion and loss events characterized the occurrence of MIF-like genes in bivalves. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 93:39-49. [PMID: 31306763 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) dynamically connects innate and adaptive immune systems in vertebrate animals, allowing highly orchestrated systemic responses to various insults. The occurrence of MIF-like genes in non-vertebrate organisms suggests its origin from an ancestral metazoan gene, whose function is still a matter of debate. In the present work, by analyzing available genomic and transcriptomic data from bivalve mollusks, we identified 137 MIF-like sequences, which were classified into three types, based on phylogeny and conservation of key residues: MIF, D-DT, and the lineage-specific type MDL. Comparative genomics revealed syntenic conservation of homologous genes at the family level, the loss of D-DT in the Ostreidae family as well as the expansion of MIF-like genes in the Mytilidae family, possibly underpinning the neofunctionalization of duplicated gene copies. In M. galloprovincialis, MIF and one D-DT were mostly expressed in haemocytes and mantle rim of untreated animals, while D-DT paralogs often showed very limited expression, suggesting an accessory role or their persistence as relict genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Rosani
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121, Padova, Italy; AWI Alfred Wegener Institute, Coastal Ecology, Hafenstraße 43, 25992, List auf Sylt, Germany.
| | - Stefania Domeneghetti
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Gerdol
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via L. Giorgeri 5, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alberto Pallavicini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via L. Giorgeri 5, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Venier
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121, Padova, Italy.
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22
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Molina JR, Zamora R, Rodríguez Y Silva F. The role of flagship species in the economic valuation of wildfire impacts: An application to two Mediterranean protected areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 675:520-530. [PMID: 31030158 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Disturbance events play an important role in ecosystem services management and species biodiversity. In this sense, species biodiversity may constitute a large proportion of the total ecosystem value, mainly in natural protected areas. The present research proposes a methodology for the economic valuation of flagship species; the value of charismatic species was estimated using two complementary approaches based on recovery programs and contingent valuation method (CVM). While recovery programs approach is related to government expenditure, CVM is associated with survey results according to the society's willingness to pay. There are significant differences between both approaches as flagship species are highly valued by the society. In this sense, a difference of 43.75% on the species value can be found depending on the scenario of CVM (all respondents or only affirmative respondents). Our research was done on the integration of economic tools and wildfire severity of two burned areas in order to evaluate the effects caused in their habitat and, as a consequence, in the food chain. The results obtained from both the studied areas emphasized the importance of wildfire impacts on flagship species (209,619.08-445,495.88 € from Doñana wildfire and 634.68-5792.98 € from Segura wildfire) which are often omitted in valuation reports. The use of Geographic Information Systems helps to identify flagship species impacts per unit area (74.89-159.17 €/ha from Doñana wildfire and 0.76-6.98 €/ha from Segura wildfire) and to prioritize restoration activities on the most susceptible areas. This methodology could be extrapolated to any territory and spatial resolution based on the revision of the questionnaires regarding flagship species. The availability of cartography of flagship species´ susceptibility could play a critical role in budget optimization and the decision-making process on restoration planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Molina
- Department of Forest Engineering, University of Córdoba, Edificio Leonardo da Vinci-Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - R Zamora
- Department of Forest Engineering, University of Córdoba, Edificio Leonardo da Vinci-Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - F Rodríguez Y Silva
- Department of Forest Engineering, University of Córdoba, Edificio Leonardo da Vinci-Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
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23
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Devos Y, Munns WR, Forbes VE, Maltby L, Stenseke M, Brussaard L, Streissl F, Hardy A. Applying ecosystem services for pre-market environmental risk assessments of regulated stressors. EFSA J 2019; 17:e170705. [PMID: 32626442 PMCID: PMC7015505 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecosystem services (ES) are the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems. Investigating the environment through an ES framework has gained wide acceptance in the international scientific community and is applied by policymakers to protect biodiversity and safeguard the sustainability of ecosystems. This approach can enhance the ecological and societal relevance of pre‐market/prospective environmental risk assessments (ERAs) of regulated stressors by: (1) informing the derivation of operational protection goals; (2) enabling the integration of environmental and human health risk assessments; (3) facilitating horizontal integration of policies and regulations; (4) leading to more comprehensive and consistent environmental protection; (5) articulating the utility of, and trade‐offs involved in, environmental decisions; and (6) enhancing the transparency of risk assessment results and the decisions based upon them. Realisation of these advantages will require challenges that impede acceptance of an ES approach to be overcome. Particularly, there is concern that, if biodiversity only matters to the extent that it benefits humans, the intrinsic value of nature is ignored. Moreover, our understanding of linkages among ecological components and the processes that ultimately deliver ES is incomplete, valuing ES is complex, and there is no standard ES lexicon and limited familiarity with the approach. To help overcome these challenges, we encourage: (1) further research to establish biodiversity–ES relationships; (2) the development of approaches that (i) quantitatively translate responses to chemical stressors by organisms and groups of organisms to ES delivery across different spatial and temporal scales, (ii) measure cultural ES and ease their integration into ES valuations, and (iii) appropriately value changes in ES delivery so that trade‐offs among different management options can be assessed; (3) the establishment of a standard ES lexicon; and (4) building capacity in ES science and how to apply ES to ERAs. These development needs should not prevent movement towards implementation of an ES approach in ERAs, as the advantages we perceive of using this approach render it more than worthwhile to tackle those challenges. Society and the environment stand to benefit from this shift in how we conduct the ERA of regulated stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Devos
- GMO Unit European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Italy
| | - Wayne R Munns
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) United States of America
| | - Valery E Forbes
- College of Biological Sciences University of Minnesota United States of America
| | - Lorraine Maltby
- Department of Animal and Plant Science University of Sheffield United Kingdom
| | - Marie Stenseke
- Unit for Human Geography Department of Economy and Society School of Economics Business and Law University of Gothenburg Sweden
| | | | - Franz Streissl
- Pesticides Unit European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Italy
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Véron S, Saito V, Padilla-García N, Forest F, Bertheau Y. The Use of Phylogenetic Diversity in Conservation Biology and Community Ecology: A Common Base but Different Approaches. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1086/703580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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25
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Maire E, Villéger S, Graham NAJ, Hoey AS, Cinner J, Ferse SCA, Aliaume C, Booth DJ, Feary DA, Kulbicki M, Sandin SA, Vigliola L, Mouillot D. Community-wide scan identifies fish species associated with coral reef services across the Indo-Pacific. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.1167. [PMID: 30051872 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining whether many functionally complementary species or only a subset of key species are necessary to maintain ecosystem functioning and services is a critical question in community ecology and biodiversity conservation. Identifying such key species remains challenging, especially in the tropics where many species co-occur and can potentially support the same or different processes. Here, we developed a new community-wide scan (CWS) approach, analogous to the genome-wide scan, to identify fish species that significantly contribute, beyond the socio-environmental and species richness effects, to the biomass and coral cover on Indo-Pacific reefs. We found that only a limited set of species (51 out of approx. 400, approx. 13%), belonging to various functional groups and evolutionary lineages, are strongly and positively associated with fish biomass and live coral cover. Many of these species have not previously been identified as functionally important, and thus may be involved in unknown, yet important, biological mechanisms that help sustain healthy and productive coral reefs. CWS has the potential to reveal species that are key to ecosystem functioning and services and to guide management strategies as well as new experiments to decipher underlying causal ecological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Maire
- MARBEC, UMR IRD-CNRS-UM-IFREMER 9190, Université Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier Cedex, France .,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Sébastien Villéger
- MARBEC, UMR IRD-CNRS-UM-IFREMER 9190, Université Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier Cedex, France
| | | | - Andrew S Hoey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Joshua Cinner
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Sebastian C A Ferse
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstrasse 6, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Catherine Aliaume
- MARBEC, UMR IRD-CNRS-UM-IFREMER 9190, Université Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier Cedex, France
| | - David J Booth
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - David A Feary
- Ecology and Evolution Group, School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Michel Kulbicki
- UMR Entropie, Labex Corail, -IRD, Université de Perpignan, 66000 Perpignan, France
| | - Stuart A Sandin
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Laurent Vigliola
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR IRD-UR-CNRS ENTROPIE, Laboratoire d'Excellence LABEX CORAIL, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, UMR IRD-CNRS-UM-IFREMER 9190, Université Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier Cedex, France.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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26
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Demos TC, Webala PW, Bartonjo M, Patterson BD. Hidden Diversity of African Yellow House Bats (Vespertilionidae, Scotophilus): Insights From Multilocus Phylogenetics and Lineage Delimitation. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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27
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McGowan PJ, Mair L, Symes A, Westrip JR, Wheatley H, Brook S, Burton J, King S, McShea WJ, Moehlman PD, Smith AT, Wheeler JC, Butchart SH. Tracking trends in the extinction risk of wild relatives of domesticated species to assess progress against global biodiversity targets. Conserv Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J.K. McGowan
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Louise Mair
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Andrew Symes
- BirdLife International; David Attenborough Building; Cambridge UK
| | | | - Hannah Wheatley
- BirdLife International; David Attenborough Building; Cambridge UK
| | - Sarah Brook
- IUCN/SSC Deer Specialist Group; c/o Wildlife Conservation Society; Phenom Penh Cambodia
| | - James Burton
- IUCN/SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group; c/o Chester Zoo; Chester UK
| | - Sarah King
- IUCN/SSC Equid Specialist Group and Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Warner College of Natural Resources; Colorado State University; Fort Collins Colorado
| | - William J. McShea
- IUCN/SSC Deer Specialist Group, c/o Conservation Ecology Center; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; Front Royal Virginia
| | - Patricia D. Moehlman
- IUCN/SSC Equid Specialist Group; EcoHealth Alliance; New York New York
- Consortium for Environmental Research and Conservation; Columbia University; New York New York
| | - Andrew T. Smith
- IUCN/SSC Lagomorph Specialist Group, c/o School of Life Sciences; Arizona State University; Tempe Arizona
| | - Jane C. Wheeler
- IUCN/SSC South American Camelid Specialist Group; c/o CONOPA-Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo de Camélidos Sudamericanos; Salamanca Lima Peru
| | - Stuart H.M. Butchart
- BirdLife International; David Attenborough Building; Cambridge UK
- Department of Zoology; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
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Wei W, Swaisgood RR, Dai Q, Yang Z, Yuan S, Owen MA, Pilfold NW, Yang X, Gu X, Zhou H, Han H, Zhang J, Hong M, Zhang Z. Giant panda distributional and habitat‐use shifts in a changing landscape. Conserv Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Ronald R. Swaisgood
- Division of Recovery EcologyInstitute for Conservation Research Escondido California
| | - Qiang Dai
- Chengdu Institute of BiologyChinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu China
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Shibin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Megan A. Owen
- Division of Recovery EcologyInstitute for Conservation Research Escondido California
| | - Nicholas W. Pilfold
- Division of Recovery EcologyInstitute for Conservation Research Escondido California
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Wildlife Conservation DivisionSichuan Forestry Bureau Chengdu China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Wildlife Conservation DivisionSichuan Forestry Bureau Chengdu China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Mingsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
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29
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Abstract
Driven by limited resources and a sense of urgency, the prioritization of species for conservation has been a persistent concern in conservation science. Gymnosperms (comprising ginkgo, conifers, cycads, and gnetophytes) are one of the most threatened groups of living organisms, with 40% of the species at high risk of extinction, about twice as many as the most recent estimates for all plants (i.e. 21.4%). This high proportion of species facing extinction highlights the urgent action required to secure their future through an objective prioritization approach. The Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) method rapidly ranks species based on their evolutionary distinctiveness and the extinction risks they face. EDGE is applied to gymnosperms using a phylogenetic tree comprising DNA sequence data for 85% of gymnosperm species (923 out of 1090 species), to which the 167 missing species were added, and IUCN Red List assessments available for 92% of species. The effect of different extinction probability transformations and the handling of IUCN data deficient species on the resulting rankings is investigated. Although top entries in our ranking comprise species that were expected to score well (e.g. Wollemia nobilis, Ginkgo biloba), many were unexpected (e.g. Araucaria araucana). These results highlight the necessity of using approaches that integrate evolutionary information in conservation science.
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30
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Pomerantz A, Peñafiel N, Arteaga A, Bustamante L, Pichardo F, Coloma LA, Barrio-Amorós CL, Salazar-Valenzuela D, Prost S. Real-time DNA barcoding in a rainforest using nanopore sequencing: opportunities for rapid biodiversity assessments and local capacity building. Gigascience 2018; 7:4958980. [PMID: 29617771 PMCID: PMC5905381 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giy033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Advancements in portable scientific instruments provide promising avenues to expedite field work in order to understand the diverse array of organisms that inhabit our planet. Here, we tested the feasibility for in situ molecular analyses of endemic fauna using a portable laboratory fitting within a single backpack in one of the world's most imperiled biodiversity hotspots, the Ecuadorian Chocó rainforest. We used portable equipment, including the MinION nanopore sequencer (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and the miniPCR (miniPCR), to perform DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction amplification, and real-time DNA barcoding of reptile specimens in the field. Findings We demonstrate that nanopore sequencing can be implemented in a remote tropical forest to quickly and accurately identify species using DNA barcoding, as we generated consensus sequences for species resolution with an accuracy of >99% in less than 24 hours after collecting specimens. The flexibility of our mobile laboratory further allowed us to generate sequence information at the Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica in Quito for rare, endangered, and undescribed species. This includes the recently rediscovered Jambato toad, which was thought to be extinct for 28 years. Sequences generated on the MinION required as few as 30 reads to achieve high accuracy relative to Sanger sequencing, and with further multiplexing of samples, nanopore sequencing can become a cost-effective approach for rapid and portable DNA barcoding. Conclusions Overall, we establish how mobile laboratories and nanopore sequencing can help to accelerate species identification in remote areas to aid in conservation efforts and be applied to research facilities in developing countries. This opens up possibilities for biodiversity studies by promoting local research capacity building, teaching nonspecialists and students about the environment, tackling wildlife crime, and promoting conservation via research-focused ecotourism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Pomerantz
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nicolás Peñafiel
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb) e Ingeniería en Biodiversidad y Recursos Genéticos, Facultad de Ciencias de Medio Ambiente, Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alejandro Arteaga
- Richard Gilder Graduate School, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA
- Department of Herpetology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA
- Tropical Herping, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Luis A Coloma
- Centro Jambatu de Investigación y Conservación de Anfibios, Fundación Otonga, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - David Salazar-Valenzuela
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb) e Ingeniería en Biodiversidad y Recursos Genéticos, Facultad de Ciencias de Medio Ambiente, Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Stefan Prost
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Program for Conservation Genomics, Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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31
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D'agata S, Vigliola L, Graham NAJ, Wantiez L, Parravicini V, Villéger S, Mou-Tham G, Frolla P, Friedlander AM, Kulbicki M, Mouillot D. Unexpected high vulnerability of functions in wilderness areas: evidence from coral reef fishes. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.0128. [PMID: 27928042 PMCID: PMC5204136 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High species richness is thought to support the delivery of multiple ecosystem functions and services under changing environments. Yet, some species might perform unique functional roles while others are redundant. Thus, the benefits of high species richness in maintaining ecosystem functioning are uncertain if functions have little redundancy, potentially leading to high vulnerability of functions. We studied the natural propensity of assemblages to be functionally buffered against loss prior to fishing activities, using functional trait combinations, in coral reef fish assemblages across unfished wilderness areas of the Indo-Pacific: Chagos Archipelago, New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Fish functional diversity in these wilderness areas is highly vulnerable to fishing, explained by species- and abundance-based redundancy packed into a small combination of traits, leaving most other trait combinations (60%) sensitive to fishing, with no redundancy. Functional vulnerability peaks for mobile and sedentary top predators, and large species in general. Functional vulnerability decreases for certain functional entities in New Caledonia, where overall functional redundancy was higher. Uncovering these baseline patterns of functional vulnerability can offer early warning signals of the damaging effects from fishing, and may serve as baselines to guide precautionary and even proactive conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie D'agata
- MARBEC, UMR IRD-CNRS-UM-IFREMER 9190, Université Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier Cedex, France .,ENTROPIE, UMR IRD-UR-CNRS 9220, Laboratoire d'Excellence LABEX CORAIL, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Laurent Vigliola
- ENTROPIE, UMR IRD-UR-CNRS 9220, Laboratoire d'Excellence LABEX CORAIL, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - Nicholas A J Graham
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.,Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Laurent Wantiez
- Université de Nouvelle Calédonie-Laboratoire « LIVE » EA4243, BP R4-98851, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Valeriano Parravicini
- Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, USR 3278 EPHE-CNRS-UPVD CRIOBE, University of Perpignan, 66860 Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Sébastien Villéger
- MARBEC, UMR IRD-CNRS-UM-IFREMER 9190, Université Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier Cedex, France
| | - Gerard Mou-Tham
- ENTROPIE, UMR IRD-UR-CNRS 9220, Laboratoire d'Excellence LABEX CORAIL, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - Philippe Frolla
- Entreprise Générale de Logistique Environnementale (EGLE SARL), Tribu de Fatanaoué, 98833 Voh-Temala, New Caledonia
| | - Alan M Friedlander
- Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, University of Hawaii, 2538 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.,Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, 1145 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - Michel Kulbicki
- ENTROPIE, UMR IRD-UR-CNRS 9220, Laboratoire d'Excellence LABEX CORAIL, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, University of Perpignan, 66860 Perpignan Cedex 9, France
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, UMR IRD-CNRS-UM-IFREMER 9190, Université Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier Cedex, France.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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32
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Shanee S, Shanee N, Monteferri B, Allgas N, Alarcon Pardo A, Horwich RH. Protected area coverage of threatened vertebrates and ecoregions in Peru: Comparison of communal, private and state reserves. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 202:12-20. [PMID: 28715677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Protected areas (PAs) are a conservation mainstay and arguably the most effective conservation strategy for species protection. As a 'megadiverse' country, Peru is a priority for conservation actions. Peruvian legislation allows for the creation of state PAs and private/communal PAs. Using publicly available species distribution and protected area data sets we evaluated the coverage of Threatened terrestrial vertebrate species distributions and ecoregions provided by both kinds of PA in Peru. Peru's state PA system covers 217,879 km2 and private/communal PAs cover 16,588 km2. Of the 462 species of Threatened and Data Deficient species we evaluated, 75% had distributions that overlapped with at least one PA but only 53% had ≥10% of their distributions within PAs, with inclusion much reduced at higher coverage targets. Of the species we evaluated, 118 species are only found in national PAs and 29 species only found in private/communal PAs. Of the 17 terrestrial ecoregions found in Peru all are represented in PAs; the national PA system included coverage of 16 and private/communal PAs protect 13. One ecoregion is only protected in private/communal PAs, whereas four are only covered in national PAs. Our results show the important role private/communal PAs can play in the protection of ecological diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Shanee
- Neotropical Primate Conservation, Manchester, UK; Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, Lima, Peru; Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.
| | - Noga Shanee
- Neotropical Primate Conservation, Manchester, UK; Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, Lima, Peru
| | - Bruno Monteferri
- Conservamos por Naturaleza, Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental, Lima, Peru
| | - Nestor Allgas
- Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, Lima, Peru
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33
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Lewis PM, Burns GL, Jones D. Response and Responsibility: Humans as apex predators and ethical actors in a changing societal environment. FOOD WEBS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Litter Accumulation and Nutrient Content of Roadside Plant Communities in Sichuan Basin, China. PLANTS 2017; 6:plants6030036. [PMID: 28867780 PMCID: PMC5620592 DOI: 10.3390/plants6030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
It is widely recognized that feedbacks exist between plant litter and plant community species composition, but this relationship is difficult to interpret over heterogeneous conditions typical of modified environments such as roadways. Given the need to expedite natural recovery of disturbed areas through restoration interventions, we characterized litter accumulation and nutrient content (i.e., organic carbon, total N, and P) and quantified their association with key plant species. Plant species cover and litter characteristics were sampled at 18 successional forest plant communities along major roadways in Sichuan Basin, western China. Variation in litter across communities was assessed with principal component analysis (PCA) and species with the highest correlation to PCA axes were determined with Pearson’s r coefficients. Plant communities with the longest time since road construction (i.e., 70 years) were distinctly different in litter total N and organic carbon compared to plant communities with a shorter disturbance history. We encountered 59 plant species across sampling plots, but only four rare species (i.e., frequency < 5) were strongly correlated with litter characteristics (p < 0.01); none of which were the most abundant where they occurred. These results highlight the importance of site-specific factors (i.e., geographic location, disturbance age) regulating plant litter across heavily disturbed landscapes and how litter characteristics and rare plant species are correlated.
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Abstract
Studying and protecting each and every living species on Earth is a major challenge of the 21st century. Yet, most species remain unknown or unstudied, while others attract most of the public, scientific and government attention. Although known to be detrimental, this taxonomic bias continues to be pervasive in the scientific literature, but is still poorly studied and understood. Here, we used 626 million occurrences from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the biggest biodiversity data portal, to characterize the taxonomic bias in biodiversity data. We also investigated how societal preferences and taxonomic research relate to biodiversity data gathering. For each species belonging to 24 taxonomic classes, we used the number of publications from Web of Science and the number of web pages from Bing searches to approximate research activity and societal preferences. Our results show that societal preferences, rather than research activity, strongly correlate with taxonomic bias, which lead us to assert that scientists should advertise less charismatic species and develop societal initiatives (e.g. citizen science) that specifically target neglected organisms. Ensuring that biodiversity is representatively sampled while this is still possible is an urgent prerequisite for achieving efficient conservation plans and a global understanding of our surrounding environment.
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Ravaschiere A, Cutler C, Edleson K, Halem Z, Magun H, Meckler F, Cox R. Quantification of heat shock protein 70 and acetylcholinesterase over a time course suggests environmental adaptation in a foundational molluscan species. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 142:222-229. [PMID: 28412626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Waterways in urban areas often act as repositories for sewage, industrial waste, and environmental contaminants. In response, inhabitants of these watersheds undergo physiological adaptations specific to their respective environments. Effects of these stressors can be assayed by quantification of various well-documented biomarkers in sentinel species such as the Atlantic Ribbed mussel, Geukensia demissa, a native to the Bronx River Estuary, Bronx, NY, USA. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is a universally expressed biomarker for an array of environmental stressors including toxins and low dissolved oxygen. To better understand the mechanisms by which organisms tolerate their contaminated environments, we monitored the constitutive and heat shock-induced levels of two proteins: Hsp70 and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in natural populations of G. demissa from differentially impacted sites: the Bronx River and Greenwich Cove estuaries. We show that G. demissa from the Bronx River exhibits a higher level of constitutive Hsp70, and launches a more rapid and robust heat shock response than does its Greenwich Cove counterpart. In addition, AChE levels are recovered more quickly in Bronx River mussels. Based on response pattern investigations from heat stress as well as constitutive expression, we suggest that the Hsp70/AChE chaperone/client relationship exemplifies the unique adaptive mechanisms utilized by organisms in order to tolerate environmentally impacted habitats. Results from this study offer important insights from an ecological perspective into the molecular and cellular basis of stress response and provide valuable information regarding adaptation to the increased demands of challenging environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Ravaschiere
- Lisman Laboratories, Riverdale Country School, 5250 Fieldston Rd., Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Caroline Cutler
- Lisman Laboratories, Riverdale Country School, 5250 Fieldston Rd., Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Kristi Edleson
- Lisman Laboratories, Riverdale Country School, 5250 Fieldston Rd., Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Zachery Halem
- Lisman Laboratories, Riverdale Country School, 5250 Fieldston Rd., Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Henry Magun
- Lisman Laboratories, Riverdale Country School, 5250 Fieldston Rd., Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Fred Meckler
- Lisman Laboratories, Riverdale Country School, 5250 Fieldston Rd., Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Rachel Cox
- Lisman Laboratories, Riverdale Country School, 5250 Fieldston Rd., Bronx, NY 10471, USA.
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37
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Ethics and Responsibility in Wildlife Tourism: Lessons from Compassionate Conservation in the Anthropocene. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-55574-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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38
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Funk SM, Conde D, Lamoreux J, Fa JE. Meeting the Aichi targets: Pushing for zero extinction conservation. AMBIO 2017; 46:443-455. [PMID: 28144903 PMCID: PMC5385670 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0892-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective protection of the ~19 000 IUCN-listed threatened species has never been more pressing. Ensuring the survival of the most vulnerable and irreplaceable taxa and places, such as those identified by the Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) species and their associated sites (AZEs&s), is an excellent opportunity to achieve the Aichi 2020 Targets T11 (protected areas) and T12 (preventing species extinctions). AZE taxa have small, single-site populations that are especially vulnerable to human-induced extinctions, particularly for the many amphibians. We show that AZEs&s can be protected feasibly and cost-effectively, but action is urgent. We argue that the Alliance, whose initial main aim was to identify AZEs&s, must be followed up by a second-generation initiative that directs and co-ordinates AZE conservation activities on the ground. The prominent role of zoos, conservation NGOs, and governmental institutions provides a combination of all-encompassing knowhow that can, if properly steered, maximize the long-term survival of AZEs&s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan M. Funk
- Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional, Universidad de La Frontera, Piso 4, Av Alemania 0458, Temuco, Chile
- Nature Heritage, St. Lawrence, Jersey
| | - Dalia Conde
- Department of Biology, Max Planck Odense Center, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
- Species 360, 7900 International DriveSuite 1040, Bloomington, MN 55425 USA
| | | | - Julia E. Fa
- Division of Biology and Conservation Ecology, School of Science & The Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints Building, All Saints, Manchester, M15 6BH UK
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Ockleford C, Adriaanse P, Berny P, Brock T, Duquesne S, Grilli S, Hernandez-Jerez AF, Bennekou SH, Klein M, Kuhl T, Laskowski R, Machera K, Pelkonen O, Pieper S, Stemmer M, Sundh I, Teodorovic I, Tiktak A, Topping CJ, Wolterink G, Craig P, de Jong F, Manachini B, Sousa P, Swarowsky K, Auteri D, Arena M, Rob S. Scientific Opinion addressing the state of the science on risk assessment of plant protection products for in-soil organisms. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04690. [PMID: 32625401 PMCID: PMC7009882 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Following a request from EFSA, the Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues developed an opinion on the science behind the risk assessment of plant protection products for in-soil organisms. The current risk assessment scheme is reviewed, taking into account new regulatory frameworks and scientific developments. Proposals are made for specific protection goals for in-soil organisms being key drivers for relevant ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes such as nutrient cycling, soil structure, pest control and biodiversity. Considering the time-scales and biological processes related to the dispersal of the majority of in-soil organisms compared to terrestrial non-target arthropods living above soil, the Panel proposes that in-soil environmental risk assessments are made at in- and off-field scale considering field boundary levels. A new testing strategy which takes into account the relevant exposure routes for in-soil organisms and the potential direct and indirect effects is proposed. In order to address species recovery and long-term impacts of PPPs, the use of population models is also proposed.
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40
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Morelli F, Tryjanowski P. The dark side of the “redundancy hypothesis” and ecosystem assessment. ECOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecocom.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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41
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Estimating economic losses to tourism in Africa from the illegal killing of elephants. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13379. [PMID: 27802262 PMCID: PMC5097124 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent surveys suggest tens of thousands of elephants are being poached annually across Africa, putting the two species at risk across much of their range. Although the financial motivations for ivory poaching are clear, the economic benefits of elephant conservation are poorly understood. We use Bayesian statistical modelling of tourist visits to protected areas, to quantify the lost economic benefits that poached elephants would have delivered to African countries via tourism. Our results show these figures are substantial (∼USD $25 million annually), and that the lost benefits exceed the anti-poaching costs necessary to stop elephant declines across the continent's savannah areas, although not currently in the forests of central Africa. Furthermore, elephant conservation in savannah protected areas has net positive economic returns comparable to investments in sectors such as education and infrastructure. Even from a tourism perspective alone, increased elephant conservation is therefore a wise investment by governments in these regions. An ongoing elephant poaching crisis is threatening not only elephant populations but also the local economies that rely on nature-based tourism. Here, Naidoo and colleagues use an economic model to estimate the financial contribution of elephants to tourism and the possible consequences of their loss.
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42
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Veron S, Penone C, Clergeau P, Costa GC, Oliveira BF, São-Pedro VA, Pavoine S. Integrating data-deficient species in analyses of evolutionary history loss. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:8502-8514. [PMID: 28031802 PMCID: PMC5167052 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in measuring loss of phylogenetic diversity and evolutionary distinctiveness which together depict the evolutionary history of conservation interest. Those losses are assessed through the evolutionary relationships between species and species threat status or extinction probabilities. Yet, available information is not always sufficient to quantify the threat status of species that are then classified as data deficient. Data‐deficient species are a crucial issue as they cause incomplete assessments of the loss of phylogenetic diversity and evolutionary distinctiveness. We aimed to explore the potential bias caused by data‐deficient species in estimating four widely used indices: HEDGE, EDGE, PDloss, and Expected PDloss. Second, we tested four different widely applicable and multitaxa imputation methods and their potential to minimize the bias for those four indices. Two methods are based on a best‐ vs. worst‐case extinction scenarios, one is based on the frequency distribution of threat status within a taxonomic group and one is based on correlates of extinction risks. We showed that data‐deficient species led to important bias in predictions of evolutionary history loss (especially high underestimation when they were removed). This issue was particularly important when data‐deficient species tended to be clustered in the tree of life. The imputation method based on correlates of extinction risks, especially geographic range size, had the best performance and enabled us to improve risk assessments. Solving threat status of DD species can fundamentally change our understanding of loss of phylogenetic diversity. We found that this loss could be substantially higher than previously found in amphibians, squamate reptiles, and carnivores. We also identified species that are of high priority for the conservation of evolutionary distinctiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Veron
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR7204) Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC CP51, 55-61 rue Buffon 75005 Paris France
| | | | - Philippe Clergeau
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR7204) Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC CP51, 55-61 rue Buffon 75005 Paris France
| | - Gabriel C Costa
- Laboratório de Biogeografia e Macroecologia Departamento de Ecologia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Natal Brazil
| | - Brunno F Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biogeografia e Macroecologia Departamento de Ecologia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Natal Brazil
| | - Vinícius A São-Pedro
- Laboratório de Biogeografia e Macroecologia Departamento de Ecologia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Natal Brazil; Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial Departamento de Fisiologia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Natal Brazil
| | - Sandrine Pavoine
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR7204) Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC CP51, 55-61 rue Buffon 75005 Paris France
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43
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Veron S, Clergeau P, Pavoine S. Loss and conservation of evolutionary history in the Mediterranean Basin. BMC Ecol 2016; 16:43. [PMID: 27717355 PMCID: PMC5055673 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-016-0099-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phylogenetic diversity and evolutionary distinctiveness are highly valuable components of biodiversity, but they are rarely considered in conservation practices. Focusing on a biodiversity hotspot, the Mediterranean Basin, we aimed to identify those areas where evolutionary history is highly threatened and range-restricted in the region. Using null models, we first compared the spatial distributions of three indices: two measured threatened evolutionary history-Expected PDloss and Heightened Evolutionary distinctiveness and Global Endangerment-and one measured endemic evolutionary history-Biogeographically Evolutionary Distinctiveness. We focused on three vertebrate groups with high proportions of endemic, threatened species: amphibians, squamates and terrestrial mammals. Second, we estimated the spatial overlap of hotspots of threatened and endemic evolutionary history within the network of protected areas under several conservation scenarios. RESULTS Areas that concentrate evolutionary history of conservation interest greatly differed among taxa and indices, although a large proportion of hotspots were identified in the Maghreb, in the East of the Mediterranean Basin as well as in islands. We found that, in a minimum conservation scenario, there was a significant proportion of hotspots for amphibians and squamates that were protected but not for terrestrial mammals. However, in a strong conservation scenario, only few hotspots overlapped with protected areas and they were significantly less protected than in a model where hotspots were chosen randomly. CONCLUSIONS Some sites concentrate highly threatened and range-restricted evolutionary history of the Mediterranean basin and their conservation could be much improved. These sites are relevant for conservation studies aimed at designing new conservation actions to preserve evolutionary history and the option values it represents.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Veron
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR7204), Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC, CP51, 43-61 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - P Clergeau
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR7204), Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC, CP51, 43-61 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - S Pavoine
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR7204), Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC, CP51, 43-61 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
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44
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Boerema A, Rebelo AJ, Bodi MB, Esler KJ, Meire P. Are ecosystem services adequately quantified? J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Boerema
- Department of Biology; Ecosystem Management Research Group (ECOBE); University of Antwerp; Universiteitsplein 1C Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
| | - Alanna J. Rebelo
- Department of Biology; Ecosystem Management Research Group (ECOBE); University of Antwerp; Universiteitsplein 1C Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology; Stellenbosch University; JS Marais Building, Victoria Street 7600 Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Merche B. Bodi
- Department of Biology; Ecosystem Management Research Group (ECOBE); University of Antwerp; Universiteitsplein 1C Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
| | - Karen J. Esler
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology; Stellenbosch University; JS Marais Building, Victoria Street 7600 Stellenbosch South Africa
- Centre for Invasion Biology (C.I.B); Private Bag X01, Matieland 7602 Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Patrick Meire
- Department of Biology; Ecosystem Management Research Group (ECOBE); University of Antwerp; Universiteitsplein 1C Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
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45
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Martin-Wintle MS, Shepherdson D, Zhang G, Zhang H, Li D, Zhou X, Li R, Swaisgood RR. Free mate choice enhances conservation breeding in the endangered giant panda. Nat Commun 2015; 6:10125. [PMID: 26670381 PMCID: PMC4682106 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation breeding programmes have become an increasingly important tool to save endangered species, yet despite the allocation of significant resources, efforts to create self-sustaining populations have met with limited success. The iconic giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) embodies the struggles associated with ex situ species conservation. Here we show that behavioural mate preferences in giant pandas predict reproductive outcomes. Giant pandas paired with preferred partners have significantly higher copulation and birth rates. Reproductive rates increase further when both partners show mutual preference for one another. If managers were to incorporate mate preferences more fully into breeding management, the production of giant panda offspring for China's reintroduction programme might be greatly expedited. When extended to the increasing numbers of species dependent on ex situ conservation breeding to avoid extinction, our findings highlight that mate preference and other aspects of informed behavioural management could make the difference between success and failure of these programmes. Ex situ conservation breeding programmes for endangered species are expensive, and not always guaranteed to succeed. Here, Martin-Wintle et al. show that when captive giant pandas are given the opportunity to choose their preferred mate, copulation and birth rates increase significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan S Martin-Wintle
- Division of Applied Animal Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027, USA.,PDXWildlife, 9233 SW Brier Pl., Portland, Oregon 97219, USA.,Biology Department, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Avenue, SRTC rm 246, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA.,Conservation Division, Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon 97221-9704, USA
| | - David Shepherdson
- Biology Department, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Avenue, SRTC rm 246, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA.,Conservation Division, Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon 97221-9704, USA
| | - Guiquan Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan 623006, PR China
| | - Hemin Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan 623006, PR China
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan 623006, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan 623006, PR China
| | - Rengui Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan 623006, PR China
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Division of Applied Animal Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027, USA
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