Una nuova stazione di Dianthus glacialis Haenke ssp. glacialis nel Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio,in Val di Cedech (Valfurva – Lombardia)

Abstract

A new station of Dianthus glacialis Haenke ssp. glacialis, on the Stelvio National Park in Cedech Valley (Valfurva-Lombardy). – The author refers to a new station of Dianthus glacialis Haenke ssp. glacialis on the Stelvio National Park in Cedech Valley, 2700 m. Many specimens collected have very short stems (f. reducta f. nova) in comparison with the forma normale which has the stems 1–5 (10) cm long. Examination of the soil characteristics of the station suggests the possibility that the plant grows in this station rich in limestone, since it is protected from the limestone by a certain stratum of organic matter.     

Two new Dematiaceous Hyphomycetes from humid tropic forest litter

Abstract

Two Dematiaceous Hyphomycetes, Beltraniella lyrata and Beltraniopsis fabularis, found on tropical forest litter in the Tai National Park in Ivory Coast are proposed as new species and described.     

Two new tree ferns (Cyatheaceae) from southern Ecuador

Two new species ofCyathea are described,C. obnoxia andC. plicata, from the vicinity of Podocarpus National Park in the Provinces Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe, Ecuador.     

A wingless alpine stonefly from New Zealand,and further information on genus Holcoperla (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae)

Abstract

Holcoperla magna n.sp. is described and figured from material collected on Headlong Peak, Mt Aspiring National Park. New information is given on H. angularis (Wisely) and H. jacksoni McLellan, and the 3 species are compared. Larvae designated as type specimens of H. angularis are shown to be Apteryoperla monticola Wisely.     

Gradient analysis of the distribution of a fungal disease of Cornus florida in the southern Appalachian Mountains,Tennessee

Abstract: Based on 115 samples collected throughout the western portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, southern Appalachian Mts., and on spatial data derived in a GIS (Geographical Information System), the distribution of the disease dogwood anthracnose affecting Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), caused by the fungus Discula destructiva in this portion of the Park was assessed, and factors contributing to the disease's severity were identified through correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The degree of infection varies considerably locally, and is influenced by elevation, slope curvature, slope position, and potential soil moisture. However, the abundance of C. florida (stem density) alone explains 25 % of the variation in disease severity. Factors contributing to disease severity do not change significantly between disturbed and undisturbed sites. The highest mortality rates are restricted to dense stands in damp, sheltered sites at low slope positions, implying that surviving populations of flowering dogwood may represent a biased genetic subset of the original population.     

Cuatro especies nuevas de <Emphasis Type="Italic">Telipogon</Emphasis> (Orchidaceae) de los bosques montanos de Bolivia

Four new species of Telipogon are described and illustrated: T. cotapatensis, T. juan-torrezii, T. oliganthus and T. pubescens. All were collected from the montane forest of Cotapata National Park, Nor Yungas Province, Department of La Paz, Bolivia.     

Mecranium juddii (Melastomataceae: Miconieae), a new species from the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti

Mecranium juddii is described and illustrated. It is known only from 1650–1700 m elevation in the Ravine du Sud on the northern slopes of Morne Formon in Macaya National Park, Haiti.Mecranium juddii is a member of theM. multiflorum complex and is phenetically most similar toM. revolutum andM. alpestre, which differ fromM. juddii in stem indumentum or leaf size and shape.     

Genetic Characteristics and Prognosis for Existence of the European Bison Free-Living Population Created in the Orlovskoe Poles'e National Park

We present preliminary data on genetic aspects of preserving viability of the free-living population of European bison (Bison bonasus L.) created in the Orlovskoe Poles'e National Park.     

Isospora leptopogoni n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the sepia-capped flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus Tschudi, 1846 (Passeriformes: Rhynchocyclidae) in South America

Coccidian protozoan species recorded from flycatchers are few, but they have been described with a certain frequency in recent years. In this context, the present study describes a new Isospora sp. from sepia-capped flycatchers Leptopogon amaurocephalus Tschudi, 1846 captured in the Itatiaia National Park and in a reforestation area which is about 60 km away from the park boundaries, in addition to providing a molecular identification via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. Isospora leptopogoni n. sp. has oöcysts that are subspheroidal to ovoidal, measuring on average 22.0 × 19.7 μm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall, c.1.7 μm thick. The micropyle is delicate or inconspicuous. Oöcyst residuum is absent, but one to three polar granules are present. Sporocysts are lemon-shaped, measuring on average 14.7 × 9.3 μm, with a knob-like Stieda body and a rectangular to rounded sub-Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of compactly bounded granules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies and nucleus. Isospora leptopogoni is different from other Isospora spp. mainly due to its lemon-shaped sporocysts, the presence of micropyle and details of Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Phylogenetic analysis placed I. leptopogoni close to other Isospora spp. recorded from phylogenetically related hosts and from the same biogeographic region. Finally, the recurrent finding of this coccidian species in the same L. amaurocephalus specimen in a specific locality in the Itatiaia National Park suggests that the dispersion of I. leptopogoni needs continuous transmissions between susceptible passerines as the area of movement of each L. amaurocephalus specimen appears to be quite small.

     

A new yellow-flowered species of Cuphea (Lythraceae) from Bolivia

Cuphea luteola is described from cerrado vegetation in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, eastern Bolivia. It is assigned to sectionEuandra subsectionOidemation and is distinguished by yellow flowers, linear uninerved leaves, and the inner surface of the floral tube pilose and without vesicles. Several species of the subsection share one or more characters withC. luteola, but none are closely similar.     

Dos especies nuevas de <Emphasis Type="Italic">Borreria</Emphasis> (Rubiaceae), un nuevo registro de <Emphasis Type="Italic">Declieuxia</Emphasis> y observaciones taxonómicas

Two new species of Borreria are described: the first, Borreria johnwoodii from the Campo Cerrado area of the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park; the second, Borreria siberiana from the cloud forest of the Yungas, between 2600 and 3100 m above sea level. Declieuxia cordigera is recorded for the first time from Bolivia. Borreria nectarifera is shown to be synonymous with B. eryngioides var. affinis.     

Two new species of Mimosa (Fabaceae) endemic to Bolivia

Two new species ofMimosa are described:M. woodii (sect.Mimosa), from the central Andean valleys of Bolivia, andM. suberosa (sect.Habbasia), from Serranía Huanchaca in the Noel Kempff National Park in the north east of Santa Cruz Department in eastern Bolivia. The affinities of each are discussed, their distributions mapped, and both species are illustrated.     

Ricerche sulla specializzazione tra funghi saprotrofi e matrici vegetali

Abstract

Survey on specialization between saprotrophic fungi and vegetables matrices. - The relationships between some saprotrophic fungi and their natural matrices, collected in the Tai National Park (Ivory Coast) are investigated. The data seem to confirm a sort of specialization of the above mentioned orgamisms (18 Dematiaceous Hyphomycetes) on the different species composing the litter layer (10 matrices) as a result of various environmental factors.     

Indopottia zanderi (Bryophyta,Pottiaceae) gen. et sp. nov. from the Western Ghats of India

Abstract

Indopottia zanderi, a new genus and species of the Pottiaceae, is described from the Silent Valley National Park in the Western Ghats in Peninsular India. The distinctive features of Indopottia are the leaf cells being weakly convex on both surfaces, costal stereid-band semicircular in cross-section, guide cells rounded-ovate or semicircular, seta short and operculum very long. The affinities of the allied genera, Ganguleea, Tortula and Weisiopsis, are discussed. The new genus Indopottia may be placed in the tribe Hyophileae.     

Evaluating rainstorm hazard prevention and mitigation capability in mountainous ecological scenic areas: A case study of the Qinling Mountains,China

Abstract

Mountainous areas have become tourism hotspots in recent years, at the same time, some tourism safety issues have been revealed. To study rainstorm hazard prevention and mitigation capabilities, four representative scenic areas in the Qinling Mountains of China were selected as research foci for this study. The similar weight method and the unascertained measure model were used to establish an evaluation index, and the weights of indices at all levels were determined. Rainstorm hazard prevention and mitigation capabilities in the four scenic areas and on defferent slopes were then evaluated quantitatively. The results found that : according to the rainstorm hazard prevention and mitigation capabilities, the rankings of these scenic areas from high to low were Taibai Mountain National Forest Park, Cuihua Mountain National Geopark, Huayang Scenic Area, and Jinsixia National Forest Park. The rainstorm hazard prevention and mitigation capability on the north of the Qinling Mountains were higher than on the south slope, and the difference was relatively large. Rainstorm hazard prevention and mitigation capabilities on the eastern and western Qinling Mountains were more similar. These conclusions could provide a reference for regional rainstorm hazard prevention and mitigation measures, as well as sustainable development.     

A new Acisanthera (Melastomataceae: Melastomeae) from Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Bolivia

Acisanthera leptalea, a new species known only from Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Bolivia, is described, illustrated, and compared with its presumed closest relatives,A. hedyotidea andA. tetramera, and five other species known from Bolivia. It is assigned to sectionDicrananthera which now comprises three species characterized by sessile or subsessile leaves, 4-merous solitary flowers, and bilocular ovaries.     

Aphyllophorales Della Riserva Naturale Integrale di Sasso Fratino (Forlì), Italia

Abstract

The author deals with the results of a research on the presence of Aphyllophorales in Sasso Fratino Forest, an Integral Natural Reserve, inside the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. The research started in 1987 and till now 171 wood-inhabiting species have been collected. Some of them are new to the Italian mycoflora: Antrodiella fissiliformis, Ceriporia alachuana, Laeticorticium meridioroseum, Parvobasidium cretatum, Pycnoporellus fulgens, while some other must be considered very rare species in Italy: Ganoderma carnosum, Lobulicium occultum, Stereum insignitum, Trechispora echynocystis.     

FRESHWATER FISH OF THE ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK

Summary

This study aimed to determine the distribution and relative abundance of freshwater fish in the Addo Elephant National Park. A total of 1578 fish specimens of 12 species were collected during surveys carried out in the Sundays River and four tributaries during 1996 and 1997. The redfin minnow Pseudobarbus afer comprised 81.6% of the total catch. Length frequency analysis of P. afer populations indicated recent successful recruitment in several rivers. Differences between rivers in the concentrations of dissolved and suspended solids and pH are possible reasons for different species complements. These surveys show the distribution of P. afer and Barbus aeneus in the Eastern Cape Province to be wider than previously reported. Management action is required to minimise opportunities for further establishment and spread of alien and translocated fish species and to conserve indigenous fish assemblages within the Park.     

Proposte Per La Tutela Di Alcune Aree,Di Particolare Interesse Geobotanico,Nel Parco Nazionale Del Circeo

Abstract

Proposals for the protection of some areas, of particular geobotanical interest, in the Circeo National Park. — The Circeo National Park is located south of Rome in the province of Latina. Its area is about 7.445 hectares. It is characterised by three neatly differentiated environments: the calcareous massive of Mt. Circeo, the State Forest of Sabaudia and the littoral dune. The Park's vegetation is threatened by numerous dangers. These are caused by the progressive building expansion in act on Mt. Circeo as well as on the littoral dune; by the introduction of various alien species, particularly in parks and gardens, which contaminate the local flora; by the afflux of picnickers who converge mainly on the dune; by pasture allowed in the State Forest; by the building of a road which cuts in half the southern slope of Mt. Circeo; by the exploitation of a stone-mine on Mt. Circeo. In order to preserve, at least partially, the vegetation from such threats, the Author proposes that five areas should be fenced and declared « Integral protected area ». Three areas are included in the State Forest, one on Mt. Circeo and the other on the dune. The total area is about 583 hectares. These areas comprise the most interesting aspects of the natural vegetation of the Park and groups of introduced arboreal plants (Pinus and Eucalyptus) of particular technical interest. The establishment of these reserves will have a scientific as well as an experimental aim. In such reserves all human activities should be prohibited with the exception of some cultural interventions on the introduced species. The areas of the State Forest include a nucleus of forest of Quercus cerris; a mesohygrophilous cenosis in which Quercus pedunculata predominate, with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus oxycarpa; a scrubby heath with Erica arborea, Erica scoparia and Myrtus communis, with specimen of Quercus pseudo-suber; a small prairie abundant with annual species; a plot of Eucaliptus grandis. The area of Mt. Circeo include large patches of maquis and wood-maquis (macchia and macchia-foresta), alophilous cenosis, rocky plant communities, and other facies of Mediterranean vegetation with specimen of Chamaerops humilis. The area of the dune is variegated with patches of maquis on sandy soil, swamp cenosis, fragments of mesohygrophilous vegetation, and small nuclei of introduced species. The Author suggests some executive norms in order to provide full protection of the proposed areas as well as the environment of the Park. He favours a solution by which the State should acquire both areas of the dune and of the Mt. Circeo, and also suggests particular bonds for the defense of the natural vegetation of the State Forest. In the forest, in fact, no plants of Quercus pedunculata, Quercus suber, Quercus ilex, Quercus pseudo-suber, Cytisus laburnum, Acer campestre and Tilia europaea should be utilised. Finally the Author advises against the introduction in the forest of species alien to the local flora and the destruction, except in particular cases, of the underwood.     

Lion (Panthera leo) home ranges and livestock conflicts in Waza National Park, Cameroon

An isolated population of approximately 50 lions (Panthera leo L.) in Waza National Park, Cameroon, caused considerable damage to livestock. Home range sizes of five collared lions were assessed, the mean was very large: 630 km². The lions differed in their stock raiding behaviour, with two male habitual problem animals, one female nonproblem animal and two female seasonal problem animals that left the Park in the wet season. Together, they were inferred to kill over 100 heads of cattle annually.