Cryptic species of rockfishes (Sebastes: Scorpaenidae) in the southern hemisphere inferred from mitochondrial lineages.

We used mitochondrial DNA sequence variation of Sebastes from the southeastern Pacific and three localities in the South Atlantic to address long-standing systematic and evolutionary issues regarding the number of species in the Southern Hemisphere. Sequences of the hypervariable mitochondrial control region were obtained from 10 specimens of S. capensis from South Africa (n = 5) and from Tristan da Cunha Island (n = 5) and 27 of S. oculatus from Valparaiso, Chile (n = 10), and the Falkland Islands (n = 17). Results of the study include (1) significant levels of genetic differentiation among the sampled populations (phi ST = 0.225, P < .000001), thus indicating limited gene flow; (2) corroboration of the existence of two different lineages of austral Sebastes corresponding to S. capensis and S. oculatus; (3) finding that S. capensis is not restricted to Tristan da Cunha and South Africa, but is widespread across the South Atlantic; (4) the position of S. capensis as the ancestral lineage of the austral Sebastes; (5) the existence of a third evolutionary lineage with high levels of genetic divergence, particularly abundant in the south-western Atlantic, which may be recognized as a third austral species of Sebastes.     

Species delimitation and the origin of populations in island representatives of Phylica (Rhamnaceae)

Abstract Relationships between the closely related island species of Phylica (Rhamnaceae) and a mainland species, P. paniculata , were elucidated using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Parsimony, neighbor joining, and principal coordinate (PCO) analyses indicated that each of the species studied is distinct. AFLPs were also useful in elucidating the genetic relationships and possible infraspecific origins of different island populations in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Phylica nitida on Réunion is likely to have been derived from P. nitida on Mauritius. Although the sampling on New Amsterdam is not extensive, the data are also consistent with the hypothesis that P. arborea on New Amsterdam was derived from a single colonization of P. arborea from Gough Island. Similarly, the Gough Island population appears to have been derived from a single colonization event, but it is so distinct from those on Tristan da Cunha, that there may have been two separate dispersals to Gough and Tristan/Nightingale from different lines of the mainland progenitor. There is also evidence of a recolonization from Gough to Tristan da Cunha. Thus, Phylica arborea is capable of repeated long distance dispersal, up to 8000 km, even though the fruits and seeds are not of a type normally associated with this phenomenon.     

Disturbance and demography of Phylica arborea (Rhamnaceae) on the Tristan-Gough group of islands

Populations of Phylica arborea Thouars, an evergreen tree endemic to six southern oceanic islands, have been depleted by wood gathering and browsing on Amsterdam Island and Tristan da Cunha, and it was feared that introduced rodents were destroying seed and reducing regeneration on uninhabited Gough Island. A comparison of the demography of this species on four islands in the Tristan-Gough group suggests that rodents have little effect on seedling numberS. Regeneration seldom occurs in undisturbed P. Arborea groves: germination and seedling survival appears to be dependent on periodical removal of established trees and understorey vegetation by soil-slips and occasional fireS. Climatic and vegetation differences problably account for the less frequent regeneration at Gough Island relative to that at the Tristan islands.     

Vagrant Antarctic fur seals at the Tristan da Cunha Islands

Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella mainly breed at islands south of the Antarctic Polar Front, but stragglers occasionally occur farther north, with records from Gough Island (40°S, 10°W) in the central South Atlantic Ocean in October/November 2005 and September/October 2009. We report the first record from Tristan da Cunha (37°S, 12°W) in September 2013, and another individual that was observed at Gough Island. Both individuals were lean, lethargic subadult males that were present before the onset of the breeding (pupping) season of the resident populations of subantarctic fur seals Arctocephalus tropicalis.     

Bill morphology and diet of a filter-feeding seabird: the broad-billed prion Pachyptila vittata at South Atlantic Gough Island

One hundred and fifty diet samples collected from broad-billed prions Pachyptila vittata at South Atlantic Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha over four years during the breeding season showed that they fed almost exclusively on copepods (0.7–4.1 mm in size), consistent with a bill morphology adapted for filter-feeding. Food is sieved from the surface of the ocean by means of palatal lamellae, of which there are 112–136 on either side, 0.16 mm apart. The filtration area of both rows of lamellae together amounted to 785 mm² and the bill held 4.1 ml of water with a maximally extended mandibular pouch. Both sexes of broad-billed prions look outwardly alike but morphometric measurements proved that males are slightly larger.     

LONG-RANGE MOVEMENTS OF SOUTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES EUBALAENA AUSTRALIS

Abstract: Movements of southern right whales between Gough Island and South Africa, and between Argentina and Tristan da Cunha, southern Brazil, and South Georgia are documented through matching of six photoidentified individuals. These include the resighting of a male in a mid-oceanic locality some 4,424 km away from (and 11 yr after) its last sighting in a coastal area where it had been seen in six of the preceding eight years, a female photographed in mid-Atlantic resighted with a calf in a coastal nursery area 2,769 km away, resightings of females with calves in different nursery areas 2,051 km apart in different years, and the first example of a link between a coastal nursery area and a feeding ground in high latitudes. The possible implications of these movements for estimates of calving interval and survival rate based on resightings in coastal waters are discussed. The potential for intermingling between populations on either side of the South Atlantic seems greater than was previously considered likely from a comparison of animals photographed in coastal waters.     

The fern genus Elaphoglossum section Lepidoglossa (Dryopteridaceae) in Africa,Macaronesia, the mid‐Atlantic and southern Indian Ocean Islands

Elaphoglossum section Lepidoglossa in Africa, Macaronesia (Azores and Madeira), the mid‐Atlantic Ocean Islands (St Helena, Gough and Tristan da Cunha Island groups) and the southern Indian Ocean Islands (Marion and Prince Edward Islands) is reviewed. Fifteen Elaphoglossum species from this region are ascribed to the section. A new species, Elaphoglossum rivularum , confined to the Chimanimani Mountains in eastern Zimbabwe and formerly ascribed to E. kuhnii from West Africa, is described. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 165 , 20–63.     

Review article: The catastrophic impact of invasive mammalian predators on birds of the UK Overseas Territories: a review and synthesis

The UK has sovereignty over 16 Overseas Territories, which hold some of the world’s great seabird colonies and collectively support more endemic and globally threatened bird species than the whole of mainland Europe. Invasive alien mammalian predators have spread throughout most of the Territories, primarily since European expansion in the 16th century. Here we review and synthesize the scale of their impacts, historical and current, actions to reduce and reverse these impacts, and priorities for conservation. Mammalian predators have caused a catastrophic wave of extinctions and reductions in seabird colony size that mark the UKOTs as a major centre of global extinction. Mammal‐induced declines of threatened endemics and seabird colonies continue, with four Critically Endangered endemics on Gough Island (Tristan da Cunha), St Helena and Montserrat directly threatened by invasive alien House Mice Mus musculus, Feral Cats Felis catus and rats Rattus spp. Action to reduce these threats and restore islands has been modest in comparison with other developed countries, although some notable successes have occurred and a large number of ambitious eradication and conservation plans are in preparation. Priority islands for conservation action against mammalian predators include Gough (which according to one published prioritization scheme is the highest‐ranked island in the world for mammal eradication), St Helena and Montserrat, but also on Tristan da Cunha, Pitcairn and the Falkland Islands. Technical, financial and political will is required to push forward and fund the eradication of invasive mammalian predators on these islands, which would significantly reduce extinction risk for a number of globally threatened species.     

Ancient DNA elucidates the controversy about the flightless island hens (Gallinula sp.) of Tristan da Cunha

A persistent controversy surrounds the flightless island hen of Tristan da Cunha, Gallinula nesiotis. Some believe that it became extinct by the end of the 19th century. Others suppose that it still inhabits Tristan. There is no consensus about Gallinula comeri, the name introduced for the flightless moorhen from the nearby island of Gough. On the basis of DNA sequencing of both recently collected and historical material, we conclude that G. nesiotis and G. comeri are different taxa, that G. nesiotis indeed became extinct, and that G. comeri now inhabits both islands. This study confirms that among gallinules seemingly radical adaptations (such as the loss of flight) can readily evolve in parallel on different islands, while conspicuous changes in other morphological characters fail to occur.     

Cryptic speciation and population differentiation in the yellow-nosed albatross species complex

The two species of yellow-nosed albatross, Atlantic (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) and Indian (T. carteri), are morphologically similar, but they differ in breeding behaviour and distribution. Both species are listed as endangered by the IUCN due to the limited number of breeding sites, threats from introduced predators and diseases, and impact of commercial fishing. We quantified genetic variation between and within the two species. Using nuclear (microsatellites and two nuclear sequences) and mitochondrial (control region) markers, we analysed 354 samples from four breeding islands (Atlantic: Nightingale, Inaccessible, and Gough; Indian: Amsterdam) and bycatch samples from South Africa and New Zealand. In addition to all markers separating the two species, nuclear markers showed Atlantic yellow-nosed albatrosses from Gough Island are genetically distinct from those breeding at Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands in the Tristan da Cunha archipelago. Nuclear markers confirmed that all bycatch samples were Indian yellow-nosed albatrosses, however, the bycatch birds from South Africa and New Zealand were distinct from each other and from birds breeding on Amsterdam Island, suggesting colony specific dispersal at sea. Our study supports the current recognition of two yellow-nosed albatross species and recognises genetically distinct groups of both Atlantic and Indian yellow-nosed albatross breeding on different islands, which is important for their conservation and management.

     

On Udvardy's Insulantarctica province: a test from the weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea)

'The scattered islands of the southern, cold ocean have clear affinities with one another . . . They are the basis for my Insulantarctica province.'
Udvardy, 1987, p. 190
Analyses of the distributional patterns of weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) from several Subantarctic islands, namely, Campbell, Auckland, Snares, Antipodes, Chatham, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego, Tristan da Cunha, Inaccessible, Nightingale, Gough, Marion, Prince Edward, Crozet, Kerguelen, and Heard, as well as South America and New Zealand, were carried out in order to determine their historical relationships, and to test the validity of Udvardy's (1987 ) Insulantarctica province. Three parsimony analyses of endemicity (PAE) considering (a) only species, (b) only supraspecific taxa, and (c) species and supraspecific taxa together, were undertaken. The following four groups emerged from the analyses: (1) New Zealand with the Snares, Auckland, Campbell, and Chatham Is., where New Zealand is the sister area to the Chatham Is., and the Auckland Is. are the sister area to Campbell I.; (2) South America with the Falkland Is. and Tierra del Fuego, where South America and Tierra del Fuego together are the sister area to the Falkland Is.; (3) Tristan da Cunha-Gough group, with the islands following the sequence Gough, Tristan da Cunha, Inaccessible, and Nightingale Is.; and (4) Kerguelen, Heard, Crozet, Marion, and Prince Edward Is., with Kerguelen and Heard Is. being sister areas, and Marion and Prince Edward Is. together being the sister area to the Crozet Is. It is concluded that the weevil fauna does not support the existence of an Insulantarctica province; the similarities among the different Subantarctic islands are due more to similar environmental conditions rather than to a common history.     

PREY SELECTION AND TEMPORAL VARIATION IN THE DIET OF SUBANTARCTIC SKUAS AT INACCESSIBLE ISLAND,TRISTAN DA CUNHA

Ryan, P.G., & Moloney, C.L. 1991. Prey selection and temporal variation in the diet of Subantarctic Skuas at Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha. Ostrich 62:52-58.

More than 2 500 prey items of Subantarctic Skuas Cuthuructa anturcricu were identified from regurgitated pellets collected at a roost of non-breeding skuas during summer 1989–90 at West Point, Inaccessible'Is-land. Most prey items (96,5%) were birds, primarily burrow-nesting procellariiforms. Sixteen bird species were recorfed in the diet, but five secies accounted for 94,6% of identifiable prey remains: Whitebellied Storm Petrel Fieettu grullariu (53,5%), Whitefaced Storm Petrel Pelugodrorna marina 15,1%), Broad-billed Prion Pacaptilu vittutu (14,0%), Great Shearwater Puffinus gruvis (7,3%), and Iommon Diving Petrel Pelecunoids urinutrix (4,7%). Petrel chicks were important in the diet, particularly Great Shearwaters. The main non-avian prey were fish and goose barnacles Lepas sp., but their importance may have been underestimated. The remains of a rat Rattus sp. presumably were derived from the neighbouring island of Tristan da Cunha; rats are not known to occur on Inaccessible Island. Prey size affected seabird availability to skuas, and dietary composition vaned throughout the summer in relation to seabird breeding cycles. Both these factors reduce the value of skua diet as an indicator of the relative abundances of burrow-nesting petrels. There was no correlation between skua diet and estimates of breeding bird abundance, but this may be a consequence of studying non-breeding skuas. Subantarctic Skua diet in 1989–90 was similar to that recorded in previous years, with consistent seasonal trends between years.     

SYSTEMATIC NOTES ON BIRDS OF THE CAPE PROVINCE: PART III.—PARISOMA SUBCAERULEUM (Vieillot): PART IV.—ANTHUS RICHARDI (Vieillot): PART V.—GALERIDA MAGNIROSTRIS Stephens

Fraser, M. W. 1984. Foods of Subantarctic Skuas on Inaccessible Island. Ostrich 55: 192–195.

Analysis of over 140 prey remains and 500 pellets of Subantarctic Skuas Catharacta antarctica collected from a site on Inaccessible Island. Tristan da Cunha, between October 1982 and January 1983 showed that 13 species of bird and one invertebrate were taken. Storm Petrels (Oceanitidae) made up 52% of the items recorded, Broadbilled Prions Pachyptila vittata 21%, and Common Diving Petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix 15%. Landbirds were rarely taken.     

Shallow water rissoiform gastropods from Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean, with records of species from Gough Island

Shallow water rissoiform gastropods collected by the Norwegian Scientific Expedition (1937-1938) to Tristan da Cunha are described. The fauna consists of Powellisefia cf. philomelae (Watson) (Rissoidae), three new species of Eatoniella, E. trochiformisa, E. lineuta , and E. tristanensis (Eatoniellidae). two new species of Onoba, O. crassicordara and O. tristanensis (Rissoidae) and Rissoella cf. irma (Bartsch) (Rissoellidae). A small collection from Cough Island is also described, containing three species referred to Onoha , one of which is described as new. O. merelinoides , and a species of Eutoniella. The biogeographie relationships of the fauna are briefly discussed.     

Late Cenozoic diversification of the austral genus Lagenophora (Astereae,Asteraceae)

Lagenophora (Astereae, Asteraceae) has 14 species in New Zealand, Australia, Asia, southern South America, Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha. Phylogenetic relationships in Lagenophora were inferred using nuclear and plastid DNA regions. Reconstruction of spatio‐temporal evolution was estimated using parsimony, Bayesian inference and likelihood methods, a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock and ancestral area and habitat reconstructions. Our results support a narrow taxonomic concept of Lagenophora including only a core group of species with one clade diversifying in New Zealand and another in South America. The split between the New Zealand and South American Lagenophora dates from 11.2 Mya [6.1–17.4 95% highest posterior density (HPD)]. The inferred ancestral habitats were openings in beech forest and subalpine tussockland. The biogeographical analyses infer a complex ancestral area for Lagenophora involving New Zealand and southern South America. Thus, the estimated divergence times and biogeographical reconstructions provide circumstantial evidence that Antarctica may have served as a corridor for migration until the expansion of the continental ice during the late Cenozoic. The extant distribution of Lagenophora reflects a complex history that could also have involved direct long‐distance dispersal across southern oceans. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 177 , 78–95.     

Seabirds attending bottom long-line fishing off southeastern Brazil

Flocks of seabirds attending commercial bottom long-line fishing operations on the coastal shelf off southeastern Brazil show a greater species diversity during the summer than the winter (16 v 9 species), although the number of birds per flock tended to be greater during the cold season. During the summer, the Spectacled Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis conspi-cillata was the commonest species, followed by the Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis, Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea, skuas Stercorarius spp. and the Yellow-nosed Albatross Diomedea chlororhynchus. During the winter, the White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequin-octialis, Yellow-nosed Albatross and Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophrys were jointly the commonest species. Marked differences in the relative abundance of species were observed between the different sampling periods, probably because of migratory movements but also because of seasonal shifts of the sea currents and the influence of cold fronts. Waters off southeastern Brazil are important feeding areas for some seabird populations nesting in the Tristan da Cunha and Gough group, especially for nonbreeding Spectacled Petrels and post-breeding Yellow-nosed Albatrosses.     

7. SHORT NOTES FROM MEMBERS

Cooper, J., Ross, G. J. B. &; Shaughnessy, P. D. 1978. Seasonal and spatial distribution of Rockhopper Penguins ashore in South Africa. Ostrich 49:40-44. There are 30 records of Rockhopper Penguins Eudyptes chrysocome ashore in South Africa. Both the southern subspecies E.c. chrysocome, and the northern subspecies E.c. moseleyi have been recorded. The northern subspecies has occurred more frequently. Most records are of moulting juveniles in January and February. Records of adult birds are more scattered throughout the year. Rockhopper Penguins in South Africa have been recorded only south of 30S. Birds of the northern subspecies probably originate from South Atlantic islands (Tristan da Cunha group and Gough). Birds of the southern subspecies are probably from the Prince Edward Islands.     

Spatial and temporal predictability of the parasite community structure of a benthic marine fish along its distributional range

The search for consistent patterns of organisation in parasite communities remains a central theme in parasite community ecology. However, to date, much evidence comes from studies without replication in both space and time; when replicate communities are examined, repeatable patterns are rarely observed. Here we determine, using nested subset analyses, whether the infracommunities of ectoparasites and endoparasites of a benthic marine fish (Sebastes capensis) show non-random structure. Then we examine the spatial repeatability of parasite community structure across the host's distribution in the southern Pacific, and the temporal repeatability of ectoparasite community structure from one locality. In total, 537 fish were captured from different latitudes (between 11 degrees S and 52 degrees S) along the Pacific coast of South America; a further 122 specimens were captured in two other years from one of the sampling localities, Valdivia (40 degrees S). In spite of variation in fish sizes among samples, fish size generally did not correlate with either ecto- or endoparasite species richness. The ecto- and endoparasite species richness of the component communities were also not correlated with fish sample size across the nine localities. Significant nested patterns were found in the ectoparasite communities of S. capensis at all eight localities, except at latitude 52 degrees S. Significant nested patterns were also found in the endoparasite infracommunities of S. capensis at seven of the nine localities, the exceptions being those from latitudes 11 degrees S and 20 degrees S. On a temporal scale, significant nestedness was observed in the ectoparasite infracommunities of S. capensis during each of the 3 years of sampling at Valdivia. In general, the same parasite species are responsible for the repeatability of nested patterns, though their importance varies among localities. The spatial and temporal predictability of the parasite community structure in S. capensis may be associated with the fish's benthic habitat and territorial behavior, suggesting that host biology may be a key determinant of the structure of parasite communities.