Floristic relationships of the woody component in rocky outcrops savanna areas in Central Brazil

Rocky outcrops usually have a peculiar vegetation which differs from that of the surrounding vegetation matrix. In Brazil, a savanna type (cerrado rupestre) is particularly characterized by rocky outcrops and is one of eleven vegetation types which occur throughout Cerrado biome. It has been scarcely studied in detail. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the phytogeographical patterns of the woody species in ten areas of the rocky outcrop savanna in the Brazilian Central Plateau. The difference in spatial distribution of the species was assessed through indicator species and CCA ordination analyses. Ten indicator species showed significantly different distribution. The first axis of the ordination showed association with the edaphic gradient, based on maximum temperature, pH and physical properties of the soils (eigenvalue 0.63). The second axis showed an eigenvalue 0.46, associated with poor rainfall and land declivity. It appears that the woody flora of the rocky outcrop savanna areas of the Brazilian Central Plateau is relatively homogeneous, with low β diversity. Apparently, the size of the woody species populations is what distinguishes the ten investigated areas. Therefore, initiatives and actions for the Cerrado biome conservation must consider not only the size of the protected areas but also that of the populations to be protected, especially the woody species on rocky outcrops.     

Foraging behavior and spatial use of a rock specialist: the southern vizcacha (Lagidium viscacia), and the exotic European hare (Lepus europaeus) in rocky outcrops of northwestern Patagonia, Argentina

The southern vizcacha (Lagidium viscacia) and the exotic European hare (Lepus europaeus) are two medium-sized herbivores that inhabit rocky outcrops in Patagonian steppe. These species overlap in diet and spatial use at medium distances from rocky outcrops in summer. We evaluated the spatial use through feces distribution in winter and determined seasonal foraging intensity in relation to the distances from rocky outcrops in order to elucidate how these herbivores use food and spatial resources in food scarcity periods. The vizcacha utilized the habitat close to rocky outcrops (<40 m) independent of season, while the hare exploited the space more widely, especially distances >40 m. However, in winter, at medium distances from rocky outcrops, there was partial spatial overlap because hares' activities were closer to rocky outcrops. Foraging intensity increased significantly in areas used by the vizcacha closer to rocky outcrops when food availability decreased, and the grasses Stipa speciosa, Poa sp., and Festuca pallescens were strongly foraged. In contrast, foraging intensity showed no changes in further distances to rocky outcrops and more use by the hare. The spatial and feeding behavior of the vizcacha, restricted to vicinity of rocky outcrops, showed high vulnerability to food availability changes. In resource scarcity situations, the spatial opportunistic behavior of the hare and the overlap in diet with the vizcacha constitutes a threat to this native herbivore. It is necessary to monitor populations of hare, since high densities could lead to food competition, impacting the small colonies of the southern vizcacha.     

Annual production of moss layer in dark coniferous forests of Ket-Chulym forest district (by the example of moss <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hylocomium splendens</Emphasis>)

The biological production of the moss layer was analyzed in dark coniferous stands in progressive succession in the southern taiga in West Siberia. The rate of organic matter production by mosses changed from 15–22.2 g/(m² y) in 50–90-year-old fir forests to 51.6 g/(m² y) in 170-year-old mixed Siberian pine-spruce-fir stands. In forest phytocenosis that were formed with species replacement (after cuttings with understory clearing), the annual moss production (net primary production) ranged from 2.8 to 20.6 g/(m² y). The annual moss cover production amounted to 35–36% of the moss photosynthetic biomass irrespective of the type of native stand progressive succession and the stand age.     

Managing rock outcrops to improve biodiversity conservation in Australian agricultural landscapes

Summary  Rocky outcrops are prominent geological features in agricultural landscapes worldwide. Reptiles are a major component of these habitats and some species are restricted to, and more abundant on, rocky outcrops than in remnant vegetation. Rock outcrops are important to reptiles because they provide resources that are often limited in the surrounding landscape (e.g. micro-gradients in climatic conditions, basking- and retreat-sites). However, there is a knowledge gap in the literature addressing the conservation value of small, rocky outcrops. Management may be necessary to reverse habitat degradation in these systems. We identify four key areas of management that need to be addressed to improve outcrop habitat values and enhance biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes. Specific actions involve: (i) protecting outcrops from processes that cause damage to rock microhabitat, (ii) monitoring and managing changes in vegetation structure to maintain thermally suitable environments, (iii) applying integrated pest animal control and (iv) improving matrix management to enhance inselberg function and landscape connectivity. Further research is required to evaluate the efficacy of different management regimes on outcrop biota. We hope this paper will provide the stimulus for land managers to incorporate rocky outcrops in future biodiversity conservation programmes.     

Changes in the ranges of pasture ixodid ticks of the genus Ixodes Latr., 1795 (Parasitiformes, Ixodidae) in West Siberia

The distribution pattern of two tick species, Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes pavlovskyi, in the plain part of West Siberia is analyzed. The exact northern range boundary of I. persulcatus in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area is determined based on long-term data on the population density of adult and immature ticks (1960–2011). The shift of the southern boundary of the species range in West Siberia as related to anthropogenic transformation (reforestation measures, reduced or stopped sanitary forest cutting, road construction, etc.) is demonstrated. The specific traits of distribution of the taiga tick I. persulcatus in some localities of Southwest Siberia are analyzed. The modern state of the tick population in the areas co-inhabited by the two species is characterized. The possible reasons of changes in the structure of tick communities toward complete prevalence of I. pavlovskyi in recreational zones of Novosibirsk and Tomsk are discussed. The most significant changes in the distribution pattern of these two tick species in West Siberia seem to have occurred after 1990. During this period, the local stable populations of the taiga tick to the south of its main range in West Siberia (within Omsk and Novosibirsk provinces) were formed, the pattern of its distribution on the right bank of the Ob River (Novosibirsk Province) and in the Tom River valley (Tomsk Province) changed, whereas I. pavlovskyi became the dominant species.     

Ecogeographical characteristics of the seed-bearing capacity and natural regeneration of pine on the fire-sites in pine forests of Transbaikalia

The paper presents the results of the studying of the parameters of post-fire structure and seed-bearing capacity of tree stands, factors of surface medium (thickness of burnt duff, projective cover of herb and moss vegetation) as well as number, vitality, and age structure of self-seeded Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and accompanying small-leaved species in the Lower Selenga pine forest massif of the forest-steppe in Southwestern Transbaikalia. The seed harvests were 1.5–2 times higher than in the geographically replacing forest types in the forest-steppe of West Siberia, and vitality of the undergrowth of the pine under the canopy of fire-affected stands was extremely low. It is shown that the pine reforests successfully on the fire-sites in the zone of insemination from the forest walls and on the thin fire-sites in the cowberry-rhododendron pine forests, where it is 2–3 times more abundant than in forest-steppe of the West Siberia. The reforestation is insufficient on the fire-sites in the bearberry-lichen pine forests.     

Does native bromeliads represent important breeding sites for Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) in urbanized areas?

This study evaluates the importance of native bromeliads growing on rocky outcrops interspersed with urbanized areas as breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti (L.) in Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Oviposition traps were installed in backyards of houses in two separate zones. In the first zone houses were up to 50 m away from the rocky outcrops, while in the second zone they were at least at 200 m from the rocky outcrops. Aedes aegypti was significantly more abundant in the latter zone. The finding was that rocky outcrops with native bromeliads, even with the greater availability of potential breeding sites, do not play an important role as breeding sites for A. aegypti. This conclusion supports the hypothesis that the macrobiota of native bromeliads plays an important role in the natural control of A. aegypti. Besides, the interspecific competition between species of mosquitoes and the attractiveness of bromeliads could also be important factors.     

Flora and vegetation of rocky outcrops/cliffs near the Hyrcanian forest timberline in the Mazandaran mountains,northern Iran

Due to their numerous endemic/sub‐endemic and rare plant species, rocky outcrops and cliffs, particularly those occurring at the timberline and forest/steppe ecotones of the Hyrcanian area, are considered as among the most important and fragile ecosystems in Iran. As a representative of such ecosystems, one of the last remnants of relatively undisturbed timberline and ecotone areas of the central Hyrcanian region was selected for phytogeographical, floristic and vegetation analyses. The flora and vegetation of rocky outcrops and crevices at altitudes of 2500–3000 m a.s.l. was surveyed by 40 relevés of 25 m² surface area. A total of 215 vascular plants belonging to 55 families and 150 genera were identified in the different vegetation types. Hemicrytophytes (55.8%) were the dominant life form and Euro–Siberian/Irano–Turanian biregional plants (28.2%) were the most common chorotype at the study sites. A phytogeographical analysis indicated that Euro–Siberian elements (including Hyrcanian endemics) precede other uniregional chorotypes in the timberline and upper‐mountain parts of the central Hyrcanian area. The Caucasus, an important biodiversity hotspot close to Iran, has a considerable number of taxa in common with the Irano–Turanian floristic regions. Five vegetation types were identified using a modified TWINSPAN procedure and subsequently analysed by indirect gradient analysis applying both species‐related (species richness, life form and phytogeographical elements) and topographic/bedrocks features of the studied relevés. The analysis revealed that the vegetation of the area is mainly affected by altitude, heat index, northness, slope inclination and bedrock features.     

Hidden secrets of the Northern Adriatic: “Tegnúe”, peculiar reefs

Research carried out over the last 40 years has underlined the scientific importance of the rocky outcrops scattered on the Northern Adriatic Sea bed sometimes referred to as “tegnúe”. The zoobenthic biocenoses developing over these peculiar geological formations are as extraordinary as they are unique. A study carried out for an entire year in two sampling stations, at different distances from the coast, revealed a very high number of zoobenthic species, including those which have now become rare and are therefore protected in Italian seas. The water turbidity of the northern Adriatic Sea greatly reduces the quantity of light reaching these outcrops, limiting the activity of autotrophic organisms only to sciaphilous genera. Thus, the most represented trophic categories of zoobenthos are suspension, especially filter feeders. Biodiversity values calculated for the communities of these particular reefs are far higher than normally found in the soft seabed in nearby areas, but even higher than in other coralligenous outcrops in other marine ecosystem in the world. The ecological role played by the tegnúe in the Northern Adriatic is extraordinary because as well as being true oases of biodiversity, they are areas naturally protected against bottom trawl-fishing. Thus, they offer shelter and reproduction sites for a number of fish and invertebrate species, including some under stress due to severe fishing pressure.     

重庆中梁山不同石漠化生境中石生南亚毛灰藓斑块的空间分布格局

基于重庆市中梁山喀斯特(Karst)地区3种不同石漠化生境(潜在石漠化、轻度石漠化和中度石漠化)中0.75 hm2样地的数据,以石生南亚毛灰藓(Homomallium simlaense)的3种斑块(小斑块、中斑块和大斑块)为研究对象,运用点格局O-ring的单变量和双变量统计方法对斑块空间格局以及斑块间的关联性进行生态学特性与形成过程分析,取得以下结果。(1)南亚毛灰藓总斑块数量关系为轻度石漠化潜在石漠化中度石漠化;在3种石漠化生境中,各种类型的斑块均呈现出小斑块中斑块大斑块的数量变化。(2)小斑块和中斑块在小尺度上主要为聚集分布,其它尺度上为随机分布;大斑块在整个尺度上都呈随机分布。(3)中斑块与小斑块在3种生境中均在小尺度上有显著的关联性;大斑块与中斑块仅在潜在石漠化生境中的小尺度上有关联性,其它斑块间在不同生境与尺度上均无关联性。(4)环境因子中坡度和石缝数对斑块的分布起很大作用,但是相对湿度是影响分布的主要因子。(5)在相对湿度和郁闭度胁迫方面,小斑块和中斑块随环境胁迫增大而趋于聚集分布。研究结果表明,苔藓斑块大小及其分布式样在石漠化地区裸露岩石的生态恢复中具有重要指示意义。     

喀斯特石漠化区苔藓植物物种多样性变化

为了揭示喀斯特石漠化地区苔藓植物的物种多样性,通过野外实地调查对贵州喀斯特地区不同程度石漠化区域苔藓植物进行研究。结果表明,苔藓的科、属、种数量随着石漠化程度加剧而下降,其中,强度石漠化的科数最少且显著低于其他三种石漠化类型,比潜在、轻度、中度石漠化地区苔藓科数分别降低70.00%、57.14%、33.33%;轻度石漠化地区的真藓科、青藓科、丛藓科、曲尾藓科等包含属数较多,占总属数34.62%;Shannon-Wiener指数和Simpson指数变化基本一致,随石漠化程度加剧而下降,其中苔藓植物在潜在石漠化地区Shannon-Wiener指数为1.9393,高于其他三种石漠化区域,比强度石漠化区高43.97%,Simpson指数以轻度石漠化过渡到中度石漠化地区物种丰富度下降最快,下降26.73%;潜在石漠化区较其他三个区域拥有更高的苔藓数量。说明苔藓植物的分布和石漠化程度密切相关,随着石漠化程度加重,苔藓植物的科、属、种总数均有不同程度下降。     

Nurse rocks influence forest expansion over native grassland in southern Brazil

Questions: Do small rocky outcrops favor forest plant colonization and establishment in grasslands? If so, what are the potential mechanisms involved in this process? Location: Araucaria forest and Campos grassland mosaic in southern Brazilian highlands (29°29′S, 50°12′W). Methods: We collected data on the density of forest woody species in plots located on rocky outcrops and in open fields subject to different management regimes. We evaluated the influence of outcrops on the density of forest plants ≤60‐cm tall, and the effects of other environmental variables and of site on plant density; we also used information on diaspore traits of the species to discuss the way in which plants disperse to the outcrops. Results: Rocky outcrops harbored a significantly higher density of forest plants than open fields, irrespective of site effect, and rock height was the best predictor for plant density on outcrops. Diaspores of all recorded species possess characteristics associated with dispersal by birds or mammals or by both. Conclusions: Small rocky outcrops markedly influence forest expansion by acting as perches for vertebrate dispersers and as nurse objects and safe sites for plants. Forest expansion starting in small outcrops possibly occurs as follows: perching of dispersers and increase of seed rain on rocks, promotion of better conditions of establishment for forest plants by nurse rocks, protection of plants sensitive to grazing and fire, and nucleation of forest vegetation.     

Lichen biota of West Siberia

The author has surveyed the diversity of lichen biota of West Siberia and distribution of lichens over its two geographic parts: the West Siberian Plain and the mountain frame in the south of West Siberia. The diversity of lichen biota in entire West Siberia is currently estimated at 1845 species in 325 genera and 95 families. The diversity of the West Siberian Plain is estimated at 1421 species in 271 genera and 86 families, and that of the southern mountains of West Siberia, at 1682 species in 312 genera and 94 families.     

Species composition of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) and possibility of the West Nile virus natural foci formation in the South of Western Siberia

In 2004 June-July collections of mosquito adults and small mammals were carried out in two areas of Novosibirsk Region (forest-steppe and steppe zones), where the West Nile virus (WNV) was for the first time recorded in birds with different migration status in 2002-2004. Seventeen species of mosquitoes were found; significant changes in their species composition and abundance, as compared with latest faunistic studies made in the sixties-seventies of the last century, are revealed. WNV markers (antigen, RNA) are found in small mammals; highly sensitive to the WNV replication mosquito species are also found. These facts allow supposing a possibility of the formation of stable West Nile virus natural foci in the South of Western Siberia, under conditions of forest-steppe and steppe zones.     

Pouzolzia saxophila sp. nov. (Urticaceae tribe Boehmerieae) from Bahia,Brazil

The paper supplements a taxonomic revision of the New World species of Pouzolzia by Wilmot‐Dear and Friis in 1996 and a supplement in 2011 with an additional new species. Here another new species of Pouzolzia, P. saxophila Friis, Wilmot‐Dear & A. K. Monro, is described from a restricted area of xerophytic scrub vegetation on rocky outcrops in the Boa Nova National Park, Bahia, Brazil. The new species is somewhat similar to P. pringlei, a Mexican endemic, and to P. amambaiensis from the Brazil–Paraguay border, but also to the widespread Asiatic P. zeylanica. However, the similarities with these species are probably due to adaptation to similar dry habitats on rocky outcrops.     

黔西北石漠化地区两栖动物多样性及其生境选择

对两栖动物多样性及其生境选择的调查, 可为两栖动物的保护提供基础性资料。我们于2018年9-10月、2019年3-8月对贵州省毕节市撒拉溪石漠化综合治理示范区30个研究样方的两栖动物进行了调查, 共观察到两栖动物5,688只, 隶属2目6科9属10种。采用Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Margalef丰富度指数、Pielou均匀度指数等分析了不同等级石漠化区域中的两栖动物物种多样性, 采用Sorenson相似性系数、聚类分析等方法分析了群落的相似性与差异性。结果显示: (1)云南小狭口蛙(Glyphoglossus yunnanensis)为优势种, 贵州疣螈(Tylototriton kweichowensis)、红点齿蟾(Oreolalax rhodostigmatus)、中华蟾蜍(Bufo gargarizans)、华西雨蛙(Hyla annectans)和昭觉林蛙(Rana chaochiaoensis)为常见种, 粗皮姬蛙(Microhyla butleri)、沼水蛙(Hylarana guentheri)、筠连臭蛙(Odorrana junlianensis)和威宁蛙(Rana weiningensis)为稀有种。(2)无石漠化区域与潜在石漠化区域两栖动物物种数、个体数以及生境类型较之其他3个等级石漠化区域更为丰富, 多样性指数、丰富度指数以无石漠化区域为最大。(3)无石漠化区域和潜在石漠化区域之间、无石漠化区域和潜在石漠化区域分别与其他3个等级石漠化区域之间表现出较强的差异性。研究表明, 喀斯特地区石漠化导致的生境差异是两栖动物分布差异的重要原因, 加强石漠化的生态治理是喀斯特地区保护两栖动物的重要途径。     

Utilized and potentially utilizable seaweeds on the Namibian coast: biogeography and accessibility

Of the 1500 km coast of Namibia, only 80 km is predominantly rocky, the remaining 1420 km being sandy with only minor rocky outcrops. At present two species are utilized, Gracilaria verrucosa for agar and Laminaria schinzii for human consumption. Other potentially utilizable seaweeds occurring on the coast are Ecklonia maxima for alginates, Suhria vittata for agar, Gigartina radula, G. stiriata and Aeodes orbitosa for carrageenans and Porphyra capensis for human consumption. Laminaria schinzii also can be used for alginate production. Due to the diamond-mining areas around the 80 km rocky area at Luderitz (26° 39 S), only 20 km are accessible; hence, at present the seaweeds are being exploited almost to their full potential. The species currently not being utilized could be used, however, to support the industry that already exists at Luderitz. To increase production, access to the diamond areas would have to be gained or a cultivation program initiated.     

喀斯特石漠化区典型生境下石生苔藓的固土持水作用

为探究喀斯特石漠化区典型生境下石生苔藓植物的固土持水能力及影响因素,在其石生苔藓分布和形态特征基础上,深入探讨了不同生境下石生苔藓的固土持水效应。结果表明：（1）生境对石生苔藓植物的固土持水能力影响显著。草地中的宽叶真藓（Bryum funkii）固土量最高,为8.85×10³ kg/hm²,裸地中的美灰藓（Eurohypnum leptothallum）持水量最高,其最高持水量是自身干重的14倍。石生苔藓植物在裸地和草地中表现出较高的固土率,而在乔木林与草地下具有较好的持水率。（2）苔藓类型对固土持水能力存在显著性的影响。4种石生苔藓植物的固土率高低为宽叶真藓>尖叶对齿藓原变种（Didymodon constrictus var.constrictus）>卷叶湿地藓（Hyophila involuta）>美灰藓,且差异显著;4种苔藓植物的持水率强弱为美灰藓>宽叶真藓>卷叶湿地藓>尖叶对齿藓原变种。（3）石生苔藓植物的固土持水能力受自身功能性状和立地环境的综合影响,苔藓植物的固土率与干重存在显著的正相关关系,其持水量与干重和生物量间具有显著的正相关关系。综上,从固土持水和生态修复的角度出发,应加强裸地和草地两种生境的石漠化治理力度;可考虑将宽叶真藓和美灰藓作为喀斯特岩面生态恢复的先锋苔藓,其能有效解决喀斯特区石漠化大面积基岩裸露问题,提高喀斯特区水土保持效益。     

Changes in plant species diversity of aquatic ecosystems in the agricultural landscape in West Poland in the last 30 years

The aim of this study was to diagnose changes in species composition and their dynamics caused by human impact in aquatic and marsh vegetation in the contemporary agricultural landscape. The most serious threat was an increase in the nitrogen content of surface waters and groundwater which had resulted from the intensive management of the surrounding areas. Floristic data were collected in a lake, peaty pools and a drainage ditch within agricultural areas in the Wielkopolska region (West Poland) in 2006–2007, and compared with data from 1976–1980. The species richness had significantly increased and the shares of sociological and geographical–historical groups had changed clearly. This was reflected in an increase in the synanthropization index from 32.6 to 48.5. All the changes resulted from human impact, which had caused the acceleration of eutrophication in the water bodies. The natural plant succession, especially in the reed beds and sedge communities, was also accelerated due to human pressure. The vascular plant species richness in aquatic and marsh habitats increased by 40, because 15 species had disappeared and 55 new had appeared. However, six moss and four stonewort species had disappeared and only three new moss species were found. The increase in species richness did not raise the natural value of the flora, because the new species group is composed mainly of synanthropic species: native (apophytes) and alien, whereas all the lost species are endangered and rare native species (spontaneophytes), which occur only in natural or seminatural conditions. On the local scale, as species richness increases, plant communities lose their natural value. As an effect of synanthropization the stenotopic species disappear, while the widespread species spread even more. The increase in species richness is a consequence of appearance of species with a wide ecological scale that are not typical for aquatic ecosystems in patches of emergent vegetation. Finally, the species diversity of the whole landscape declines.     

Vegetation of the McDonald Islands, sub-Antarctic

The McDonald Islands (53°03^′S, 72°36^′E) are situated in the southern Indian Ocean, approximately 43 km west of Heard Island. These sub-Antarctic islands comprise McDonald Island itself, measuring ca.1 × 2 km, and two much smaller rocky outcrops, Flat Island and Meyer Rock. Five species of vascular plant occur on the islands. Only four species of moss were found, no hepatics, and eight species of lichen, together with algal and fungal species. Phanerogamic vegetation, comprising grassland and cushion-carpet herbfield, covers about one-third of the main island. Elsewhere, vegetation is absent or restricted to cryptogamic species. The distribution and occurrence of vegetation are strongly influenced by salt deposition, exposure to wind, substrate stability and biotic influences, particularly the very large assemblages of sea birds. The species-depauperate McDonald Islands are unique and have suffered negligible human impact. A management plan has been prepared; its implementation will be assisted by the information in this paper. The islands' protection will be further enhanced by an affirmative final decision on the current proposal for World Heritage Listing of Heard and the McDonald Islands. Received: 15 November 1996 / Accepted: 24 March 1997