Phytogeochemical,geographical and vulnerability study of the Paleosubtropical element <Emphasis Type="Italic">Notholaena marantae</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">marantae</Emphasis> (Sinopteridaceae) at the western edge of its range

Serpentine outcrops are distinct from their background geological context, as they are often isolated from one another, and provide a home to a significant number of rare or endemic taxa. The aim of this study was to assess the Portuguese populations of one such taxon, Notholaena marantae subsp. marantae, including information on its biogeography, habitat, geographical range and conservation status. A detailed study was also made of the endemic association Notholaenetum marantae, a member of the Phagnalo saxatilis-Cheilanthion maderensis alliance, a type of vegetation included in the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/ECC. The distribution of Notholaena marantae was highly fragmented, with two sites accounting for over 50% of the total number of individuals recorded. The presence of N. marantae is associated with that of ultramafic rocks, which show specific geochemical features. The conservation status of the species is a cause for concern. We propose that the species be considered ‘vulnerable’ according to the criteria of the IUCN (2001), and that areas where its populations grow be protected. This study confirms the endemic status of N. marantae subsp. marantae in Portugal and the importance of the conservation of its serpentine habitats.     

Review of the conservation status of the Atlas Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Attacus wardi</Emphasis> Rothschild, 1910 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) from Australia

The conservation status of Attacus wardi, a large iconic moth endemic to north-western Australia, is reviewed based on new data. Available evidence on the spatial distribution, critical habitat and threatening processes suggests the species qualifies as threatened according to IUCN Red List Criteria, and that its conservation status nationally should be revised from Endangered to Vulnerable. The species depends on relatively large patches of wet and dry coastal tropical monsoon forest, and it has the potential to be an important flagship species for the conservation of these ecological communities. Further studies are needed to determine minimum patch size and spatial connectivity among patches to support viable populations of the moth.     

Is the serpentine aster, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Symphyotrichum depauperatum</Emphasis> (Fern.) Nesom,a valid species and actually endemic to eastern serpentine barrens?

Serpentine aster, Symphyotrichum depauperatum (Fern.) Nesom, is the ‘flagship’ species of the eastern serpentine barrens, inhabiting 20 of the 26 remaining occurrences of significant size of this globally rare community type and long recognized as its only known endemic species. Previous studies have called into question both the validity of the taxon and its status as a true endemic of the serpentine barrens. We used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis to compare seven serpentine barrens populations, one alleged diabase glade population, and two populations each of the two species with which S. depauperatum is lumped by some authors. Our analysis supports the validity of S. depauperatum as a distinct species, which grows almost entirely on shallow soils overlying serpentinite bedrock in Pennsylvania and Maryland, but it confirms an earlier hypothesis that S. depauperatum also includes small, disjunct populations on diabase glades in North Carolina.     

Population genomics study for the conservation management of the endangered shrub Abeliophyllum distichum

Natural monuments are IUCN Category III protected areas that play an important role in biodiversity conservation as they provide species refuge and allow species migration. Despite their status, natural monuments are often confined to cultural and fragmented landscapes due to anthropogenic land-use demands. In this population genomic study, we surveyed 11 populations of the endemic shrub Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (Oleaceae), including five natural monument habitats, covering its range-wide distribution in South Korea. Using 2,254 SNPs as markers, our results showed a mean expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.319, with populations in the central distribution showing significantly higher He than those at the periphery. There was no significant heterozygote deficiency and inbreeding among studied populations overall (F_{IS =} ?0.098), except for a single natural monument population (GS-NM147). Population structure and differentiation was moderate to high (F_ST?=?0.196), while recent gene flow between populations appeared weak, which can be attributed to the fragmented distribution and the outcrossing mating system of the heterostylous plant. Based on these findings, we provide suggestions for the population conservation and management of this endangered species.

     

The narrow endemic Scrophularia valdesii Ortega-Olivencia & Devesa (Scrophulariaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula: an evaluation of its conservation status

The aim of this study is to determine the conservation status of Scrophularia valdesii Ortega-Olivencia & Devesa, a threatened narrow endemism of the Duero Basin (central-western Spain and north-eastern Portugal, Lusitan Duriensean biogeographical sector), by using the IUCN (2001) IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: version 3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commision. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. The species is listed as threatened in several Spanish compilatory works on threatened flora, such as `The Spanish Red List of Vascular Flora' and the `Atlas and Red Book of Threatened Vascular Flora of Spain', although it does not figure as such in any Portuguese document. Here we report detailed studies of its distribution, and assess its current conservation status with respect to this, the sizes of its populations, and the threats it faces. Our estimation of the size of the Iberian populations was based on our own census data from those sites at which we found the species. All censuses were performed by direct counting of all potentially reproductive individuals. Fourteen populations were found, and the total members thought to exist are 161, with a highly fragmented distribution on the Spanish–Portuguese border along the valley of the River Duero. Exhaustive bibliographical and field surveys were carried out and herbarium specimens housed in several herbaria were revised in order to determine the Extent of Occurrence and the Area of Occupancy. Based on our data, the species is classifiable as Critically Endangered and Endangered in Portugal and Spain, respectively. The risk of local population extinction is high due to its typically small local population sizes and suitable conservation strategies should be developed in order to preserve the species.     

Silene rothmaleri P. Silva (Caryophyllaceae), a rare, fragmented but genetically diverse species

Silene rothmaleri is an endemic Portuguese species considered extinct until 1992, when it was rediscovered in the wild with a highly fragmented distribution. These rare plants occur along the southwestern Portuguese coast in small populations, which in addition to phenological differences that occur along the north–south gradient could create a pattern of genetic isolation. To evaluate the degree of genetic diversity and estimate the relationship between population fragmentation and genetic variability, we analysed the five known populations of S. rothmaleri using random amplified polymorphic DNA. Degree of polymorphism and Shannon Index of phenotypic diversity revealed high levels of diversity, found mainly within populations. PCo and cluster analysis revealed a distinct north–south cline, which was confirmed by spatial autocorrelation (Mantel) analysis. This indicates the existence of gene flow between small nearby populations and its insufficiency between widely separated populations. Levels of gene flow (Nm) estimated from the Shannon Index reveal a pattern consistent with a larger past distribution that went through a period of contraction and lack of gene flow followed by population differentiation. The central and largest population probably acts as a core of genetic variability inherited as a relict from a larger and more diverse ancestral population.     

Adaptive management as a tool to improve the conservation of endemic floras: the case of Sicily, Malta and their satellite islands

The presence of endemic species is among the fundamental criteria for characterizing the biodiversity of a territory. Analyzing species richness, extinction level and distribution drivers is an important preliminary step to set conservation priorities and test environmental policies. This study applied the concept of adaptive management to develop strategies for the conservation of endemic floras by considering, as a case study, Sicily, Malta and their neighboring small islands. Adaptive management can be defined as the systematic acquisition and application of reliable information to improve management over time. The development of adaptive conservation strategies aimed preliminary: (1) to quantify endemic plant diversity; (2) to assess the current IUCN knowledge; (3) to analyze the spatial patterns of species distribution in relation to number of colonized habitats, preferential habitats, altitudinal range, and bedrock; (4) to assess whether Natura 2000 network contributed significantly to increase the overlap between endemic distributional areas and protected surface. Strictly Sicilian endemics were 202 taxa amounting to 7.0 % of the whole native flora (c. 2900 taxa). The current picture of extinction risk is still incomplete because over 50 % of endemics were never assessed or assessed with old IUCN criteria. The spatial range size of endemics depended by 40 % on bedrock, and altitudinal and niche breadth. Habitat type did not influence the range size of endemics. The overlap between endemic distributional areas and protected surface increased from 41.3 to 63.3 % with Natura 2000. Adaptive management needs measurable goals to test the progressive improvement of conservation strategies over time, and the reduction in threatened species may be considered as an indicator of successful conservation outcomes. Feedback plays an important role in the periodic revision of biodiversity assessment, distribution modeling, and environmental management, which are fundamental to predict conservation outcomes in the face of extreme uncertainty. In particular, the exhaustive knowledge of the IUCN status is a primary step to implement adaptive measures of conservation, especially as regards endemic floras that are potentially more vulnerable to large-scale or unpredictable and stochastic threats.     

A second species in the endemic New Caledonian genus Gastrolepis (Stemonuraceae) and its implications for the conservation status of high‐altitude maquis vegetation: coherent application of the IUCN Red List criteria is urgently needed in New Caledonia

A new species in the previously monotypic, endemic New Caledonian genus Gastrolepis (Stemonuraceae) is described. Gastrolepis alticola differs from G. austrocaledonica by its shorter and thicker petioles, strongly coriaceous leaves with revolute margins, shorter inflorescences, and pubescent corollas. The new species is further distinguished by its ecology, occurring only in high‐altitude maquis on two massifs in southern New Caledonia, Mt. Kouakoué and the Montagne des Sources. Gastrolepis alticola is assigned a preliminary conservation status of ‘Endangered’ using the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List criteria. Comparison of the IUCN threat status for the 19 species endemic to this distinctive, restricted vegetation type reveals a striking lack of consistency and underscores the need for a reassessment of the entire New Caledonian flora. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 157 , 775–783.     

A conservation assessment of the freshwater crabs of southern Africa (Brachyura: Potamonautidae)

Recent taxonomic revisions of the freshwater crabs of southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe) allow accurate depictions of their diversity, distribution patterns and conservation status. The southern African region is home to nineteen species of freshwater crabs all belonging to the genus Potamonautes (family Potamonautidae). These crabs show high levels of species endemism (84%) to the southern African region and to the country of South Africa (74%). The conservation status of each species is assessed using the IUCN (2003) Red List criteria, based on detailed compilations of the majority of known specimens. The results indicate that one species should be considered vulnerable, fifteen species least concern and three species data deficient. The results have been utilized by the IUCN for Red Lists, and may prove useful when developing a conservation strategy for southern Africa’s endemic freshwater crab fauna.     

Response to De Silva et al. (2007): Endemic freshwater finfish of Asia: distribution and conservation status

De Silva et al . (2007) present an overview of the distribution and conservation status of the endemic freshwater fish of Asia. Within that review they use data from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ (2006) to conduct an analysis of the conservation status of those endemic fish species. Their analysis is incorrect and provides a very misleading impression of the level of threat to Asian freshwater fish and to freshwater fish at the global scale. The errors stem from a misinterpretation of the data presented on the IUCN Red List. The sources of errors are discussed below and the opportunity is taken to clarify what the information on the IUCN Red List represents.     

Extinction threat evaluation of endemic fig trees of New Caledonia: Priority assessment for taxonomy and conservation with herbarium collections

This article focuses on the relationship between priority-setting in conservation and in taxonomy. A simple and generally applicable scheme is presented based on prior quantitative extinction threat evaluation. In the main part of the study we describe the assessment of the herbarium voucher collection date time series of 21 endemic fig tree species of Ficus sect. Oreosycea (Moraceae). The fig tree assessment is then compared with the available IUCN Red List data and with the collection information on two other groups of endemic tree radiations in New Caledonia: ebonies of Diospyros sect. Maba (Ebenaceae) and the Iguanura palm lineage (Arecaceae). We find a remarkably low level of extinction threat evident in Ficus but a pronounced need to differentiate between true species rarity and putative rarity of potential taxonomic artifacts. To this end it is proposed how such numerical evaluations can be used to set future priorities for the assessment or validation of the taxonomic and conservation status of taxa. The limitations and implications of the evaluation are discussed and relevant criteria for a meaningful analysis of collection records are listed. Finally, putting our results on woody plants into perspective, we briefly review the general conservation situation and outlook of New Caledonia, acknowledging both its high conservation priority and potential. Abbreviations: Note that different IUCN threat category classifications have been in use during the last decade and that some of the cited categories and their abbreviations have changed (IUCN 1994, 2001).     

Biogeography,rarity and endemism in Cineraria (Asteraceae–Senecioneae)

The biogeography of Cineraria (Asteraceae, Senecioneae) is assessed using a chorological approach in terms of its distribution, centres of diversity and endemism. Rare species are identified and categorised according to Rabinowitz's criteria and causes for rarity in the genus are investigated. The conservation status of the species is assessed according to IUCN criteria for Red List categories and compared to levels of rarity. The main phytogeographic affinity of Cineraria is Afromontane in association with seven recognised centres of endemism in South Africa, four in tropical Africa, in Ethiopia and in Madagascar. Fifteen species are endemic and six are near‐endemic to a specific centre of endemism or mountain range. Seventy four percent of Cineraria spp. are endemic to southern Africa with the centre of diversity in the KwaZulu‐Natal Midlands, South Africa. The rarest species number 11; of these eight are endangered or vulnerable according to IUCN Red Data Criteria and three are data deficient. Causes of rarity in Cineraria are related to narrow habitat specificity, notably soil or rock type and/or altitudinal range. Paired comparisons of the 11 rarest and commonest species reveal no convincing causal links to morphological, reproductive or life history strategy attributes in Cineraria. © 2009 University of the Witwatersrand, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 160 , 130–148.     

Conservation Status of a Recently Described Endemic Land Snail,Candidula coudensis,from the Iberian Peninsula

We assessed the distribution, population size and conservation status of Candidula coudensis, a recently described endemic land snail from Portugal. From March 2013 to April 2014, surveys were carried out in the region where the species was described. We found an extent of occurrence larger than originally described, but still quite small (13.5 km²). The species was found mainly in olive groves, although it occurred in a variety of other habitats with limestone soils, including grasslands, scrublands and stone walls. Minimum population estimate ranged from 110,000–311,000 individuals. The main identified potential threats to the species include wildfires, pesticides and quarrying. Following the application of IUCN criteria, we advise a conservation status of either “Least Concern” or “Near-threatened” under criterion D (restricted population).     

Population status and distribution modelling of the critically endangered riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis)

The riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis) is one of the most endangered mammals in the world due to fragmentation of its habitat in the semi‐arid Karoo region of South Africa, to which it is endemic. It is an umbrella conservation species for the riparian shrubland associated with the seasonal drainage system of the Karoo, where its presence is an indicator of ecosystem health. In this study, we analysed historical survey data to derive an improved assessment of the current B. monticularis population status and distribution. Geospatial analysis was conducted using geographical information systems, and distribution modelling was performed using Maxent. Extent of occurrence for the species is 54,227 km², and area of occupancy is 2943 km². Estimates of 157–207 mature individuals confirm an alarmingly small species population size, and it appears that no subpopulation has >50 mature individuals. Our findings thus support the continued classification of this species as ‘critically endangered’ under IUCN Red List criteria. However, with most remaining habitat occurring outside of protected areas, and with habitat loss being exacerbated by climate change, a viable conservation plan remains elusive.     

Mussaenda epiphytica sp. nov. (Rubiaceae), an epiphytic shrub from cloud forest of the Bakossi Mts,western Cameroon

Mussaenda epiphytica Cheek is described as a new species, remarkable for being a cloud forest canopy epiphytic shrub in a genus of terrestial climbers and straggling shrubs. Attention is drawn to its adaptations to the epiphytic habit. The species appears to be endemic to the submontane evergreen forests of the Bakossi Mts, including Mt Kupe, in Cameroon. Its conservation status is assessed as ‘Vulnerable’ using IUCN criteria.     

IUCN Red List assessment of the Cape Verde endemic flora: towards a global strategy for plant conservation in Macaronesia

We review the conservation status and threats to the endemic vascular flora of the Cape Verde islands, mostly based on the past two decades of collecting, literature review and herbarium specimens. The application of IUCN Red List criteria and categories using RAMAS software reveals that 78% of the endemic plants are threatened (29.3% Critically Endangered, 41.3% Endangered, 7.6% Vulnerable). Most of these endemics have a limited geographical range, and half of them have Areas of Occupancy and Extents of Occurrence of < 20 and 200 km², respectively. Our data show that, over the last two decades, the Cape Verde vascular plants have become more threatened and their conservation status has declined, mostly as a consequence of the increase in exotic species, habitat degradation and human disturbance. This paper presents the first comprehensive IUCN Red List data review for the plants endemic to Cape Verde, thus providing an important step towards the recognition and conservation of its threatened endemic flora at the national and global level. It also fills a knowledge gap, as it represents the first thorough assessment of the conservation status of the entire endemic flora of a Macaronesian archipelago.     

Vulnerable island carnivores: the endangered endemic dwarf procyonids from Cozumel Island

Insular carnivores represent some of the most critically threatened species, but also the least known. To evaluate the conservation status of these species, thorough abundance estimates are urgently required. To better understand the population biology and conservation status of the endemic and threatened pygmy raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus) and dwarf coati (Nasua nelsoni) on Cozumel Island, Mexico, we worked island-wide to identify the presence of these species, and for the pygmy raccoon we studied several populations in depth during 2001–2003. On Cozumel, trapping was conducted for >6,600 trap nights in 19 locations of varying habitat types. A total of 96 pygmy raccoons (47 males and 49 females) and a single adult, male dwarf coati (N. nelsoni) were captured. Estimated total annual pygmy raccoon population size ± SE was 80 ± 26.1, resulting in an average density of 22 ± 5.1 raccoons/km² for the three small sites where the animals persist. Based in part on the findings of this study that indicate these species have a restricted range and small population numbers, the IUCN recently changed the listing of the pygmy raccoon to Critically Endangered from Endangered. In contrast, the status of the dwarf coati (Endangered) has not been changed, although the taxon is in eminent danger of extinction and in need of immediate conservation action.     

Conservation Assessment of Guaiacum sanctum and Guaiacum coulteri: Historic Distribution and Future Trends in Mexico

Guaiacum sanctum and Guaiacum coulteri are long‐lived Mesoamerican timber tree species heavily exploited throughout their range and considered to be at risk of extinction. Both species are included on the IUCN Red List and on CITES Appendix II, but there has been no formal assessment of the conservation status of either species. We used ecological niche modeling and rapid assessments of local density and population size structure to provide such evaluations. For the year 2000, we estimated geographic range sizes for G. sanctum and G. coulteri of 95,422 and 130,973 km², respectively. The main core remaining habitat for G. sanctum occurs in Campeche State (Yucatan Peninsula), where populations exhibit high adult abundance and profuse regeneration. Several areas along the Mexican Pacific coast remain with suitable habitat for G. coulteri. Guaiacum coulteri is at greater risk as only 1.3 percent of its current habitat is protected, which contrasts with the 13.2 percent of current habitat protected for G. sanctum. We projected that available habitat for G. sanctum and G. coulteri will decline by a further 30–50 percent by 2020 if estimated habitat loss rates continue. We suggest that under the IUCN criteria, the conservation status of G. sanctum and G. coulteri should be updated to near threatened and vulnerable, respectively. Additionally, we conclude that the amount of protected habitat needs to be increased to safeguard both species. Our study provides a quantitative basis for updating the conservation status of both species and illustrates an assessment framework that could be applied to other threatened tree species.