Predicting the distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Encephalartos latifrons</Emphasis>, a critically endangered cycad in South Africa

This study evaluates how a modelling approach to determine areas of suitable habitat for the Critically Endangered Albany cycad Encephalartos latifrons can assist in systematic conservation planning for this and other rare and threatened cycads. A map distinguishing suitable from unsuitable habitat for E. latifrons was produced and important environmental predictors (climate, geology, topography and vegetation) influencing the suitable habitat were estimated. The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modelling technique was chosen for this study as it has consistently performed well compared with alternative modelling methods and is also an appropriate model choice when the sample size is small and locality records are relatively few. Predicted habitat suitability showed that some locations chosen for translocation and restoration of E. latifrons specimens are not suitable. This revealed that modelling suitable habitat can guide relocation and regeneration of E. latifrons and perhaps other threatened cycads with restricted distributions and few locality records. The species distribution model constructed for E. latifrons is the first reported habitat model for a Critically Endangered cycad in South Africa. The results may be incorporated into conservation planning and structured decision-making about translocations and restoration programmes involving vulnerable cycads, which are among the most threatened organisms globally.     

Establishment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anolis sagrei</Emphasis> on Bermuda represents a novel ecological threat to Critically Endangered Bermuda skinks (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Plestiodon longirostris</Emphasis>)

Bermuda is an isolated, oceanic island with only one endemic terrestrial vertebrate, the Critically Endangered Bermuda skink (Plestiodon longirostris; Squamata, Scincidae). Major declines in P. longirostris populations have been caused primarily by habitat loss and mortality via invasive species (e.g., predation from birds and cats) and human waste products (e.g., trapped in discarded bottles). However, biotic interactions and interspecific competition with invasive lizards have also been identified as potentially detrimental to P. longisrostris populations. Here, we provide the first occurrence records of a highly invasive lizard, the Cuban brown anole (Anolis sagrei), on Bermuda. We assess the brown anole’s diet, habitat use, morphology, and island-wide distribution for comparison to the native skink, P. longirostris. Results of this study indicate that A. sagrei in Bermuda are highly terrestrial (>60% of all lizards observed on the ground vs. in trees) and forage primarily on terrestrial invertebrates. These data indicate substantial ecological overlap with the exclusively-terrestrial P. longirostris. This is in contrast to the other established non-native lizards on Bermuda, which are principally arboreal and have successfully coexisted with P. longirostris for >60 years. At present, the geographic distributions of A. sagrei and P. longirostris do not overlap. However, all extant skink populations are within several kilometers of brown anole populations (with the nearest being <0.5 km). The extensive overlap in ecological niche between the Bermuda skink and the invasive brown anole will likely present a serious conservation threat if contact is made. This study is exceptional in providing clear in situ ecological data which predict a conservation threat of an established invasive species to a Critically Endangered island endemic prior to coexistence. Continued monitoring of this situation as P. longirostris and A. sagrei inevitably come into contact will allow these a priori hypotheses of conservation risk via ecological overlap to be tested.     

Investigating the genetic diversity and differentiation patterns in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penstemon scariosus</Emphasis> species complex under different sample sizes using AFLPs and SSRs

Habitat fragmentation due to anthropogenic activities is the major cause of biodiversity loss. Endemic and narrowly distributed species are the most susceptible to habitat degradation. Penstemon scariosus is one of many species whose natural habitat is vulnerable to industrialization. All varieties of P. scariosus (P. scariosus var. albifluvis, P. scariosus var. cyanomontanus, P. scariosus var. garrettii, P. scariosus var. scariosus) have small distribution ranges, but only P. scariosus var. albifluvis is being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. We used eight microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) loci and two amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations to investigate the population genetic structure and diversity of P. scariosus varieties. Moreover, we compared the utility of the two marker systems in conservation genetics and estimated an appropriate sample size in population genetic studies. Genetic differentiation among populations based on F_st ranged from low to moderate (F_st?=?0.056–0.157) and from moderate to high when estimated with D_es (D_es?=?0.15–0.32). Also, AMOVA analysis shows that most of the genetic variation is within populations. Inbreeding coefficients (F_is) were high in all varieties (0.20–0.56). The Bayesian analysis, STRUCTURE, identified three clusters from SSR data and four clusters from AFLPs. Clusters were not consistent between marker systems and did not represent the current taxonomy. MEMGENE revealed that a high proportion of the genetic variation is due to geographic distance (R²?=?0.38, P?=?0.001). Comparing the genetic measurements from AFLPs and SSRs, we found that AFLP results were more accurate than SSR results across sample size when populations were larger than 25 individuals. As sample size decreases, the estimates become less stable in both AFLP and SSR datasets. Finally, this study provides insight into the population genetic structure of these varieties, which could be used in conservation efforts.     

Post-breeding densities,population sizes and lake size partitioning of loon species in western Chukotka,Russia

Loons (family Gaviidae) breed in small ponds and lakes across Arctic landscapes and are high level predators in the lake ecosystems. As such, they may serve as sentinel species, warning humans of alterations in habitat and ecosystem integrity in a region that is undergoing vast change due to climate warming. Here, we characterized the abundance and habitat use of four arctic breeding species of loons in the plains and surrounding mountains of western Chukotka, Russia. Loon surveys were conducted on foot and by boat from 2009–2015. Loon species differed in their use of the four lacustrine habitat types within the study area. In yedoma habitat, the yellow-billed loon (Gavia. adamsii) was the most abundant (0.593 birds/km²); on fluvial plain habitat, Pacific loons (G. pacifica) outnumbered other loons (0.701 birds/km²); mountain valleys were inhabited similarly by pacifica (0.354 birds/km²) and red-throated loons (G.stellata; 0.307); and maritime tundra was used only by pacifica (1.13) and Arctic loons (G. arctica; 0.553). G. adamsii was not observed in mountain valleys or maritime tundra. Mountainous portions of rivers were predominantly occupied by stellata and pacifica, and lowland rivers by stellata, pacifica and arctica. There was a significant difference in the size of lakes occupied by the four congeners. The largest loon, adamsii, occupied the largest lakes (0.69 km²), 80% larger than lakes utilized by pacifica (0.39 km²) and arctica (0.38 km²), and 35 times larger than stellata (0.02 km²). Most lakes were occupied by a single loon species (125/162, 77.2%).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Magnolia brasiliensis</Emphasis> (Magnoliaceae), a new species and new record for the Northeastern region of Brazil

A new species of Magnolia is described for the flora of Brazil, based on material from Bahia and Minas Gerais states. This species represents the first record of Magnoliaceae in the Northeastern region of Brazil. Magnolia brasiliensis differs from all other Brazilian species of Magnolia by having adaxially glossy leaves and differs from M. ovata by having a lower number of stamens and carpels. Despite its large extent of occurrence, the conservation status attributed to the new species is Endangered, mainly based on the low number of mature individuals in each subpopulation (< 50) and an area of occupancy of less than 16 km².     

New insights into the distribution and conservation status of the Golden-White Tassel-Ear Marmoset <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mico chrysoleucos</Emphasis> (Primates,Callitrichidae)

Among the 13 Mico species recognized by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, six are listed as “Data Deficient”. The geographic range of most of the Mico species has been estimated from only a few records. We report new localities and the geographic extension of Mico chrysoleucos. In addition, we confirmed the presence of the species in two distinct protected areas. We modeled the habitat suitability of M. chrysoleucos using the maximum entropy method and including new records obtained by the authors in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. From the total area of occurrence calculated for the species, 22.8% is covered by protected areas and indigenous lands. The annual mean deforestation rate estimated between 2000 and 2015 was 2.95%, and the total area deforested by 2015 was 3354 km² or 8.6% of the total distribution limits of the species. The habitat lost between 2000 and 2015 was 3.2% (1131 km²) of the total potential distribution, while the habitat loss area legally protected was 31 km², and the habitat loss in settlements was equal to 691 km². Our results extend the geographic distribution of the species about 100 km farther south, with the Maracanã River being a possible geographic barrier for the species. The significantly low rate of habitat loss inside protected areas and indigenous land, when compared to unprotected areas, points out the importance of these areas to M. chrysoleucos conservation. The species is relatively wide-ranging, legally protected, and resilient to regional anthropic threats. However, the hydroelectric schemes and the improvement of the road system in southern Amazonia pose an imminent threat to the species.     

The ecology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Altrichthys azurelineatus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. curatus,</Emphasis> two damselfishes that lack a pelagic larval phase

Out of more than 380 species of damselfish, only three lack a pelagic larval phase, Acanthochromis polyacanthus, that ranges from the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef, and two species in the genus Altrichthys, A. azurelineatus and A. curatus, that are restricted to the Calamian Archipelago (Palawan province) in the Philippines. Therefore in a very restricted geographic area, northern Palawan, Philippines, all three species co-occur. The goal of this study was to fill a knowledge gap about the ecology of Altrichthys, where very little is currently known. Using census and behavioral approaches at 14 sites on six islands, we were able to identify adult densities, nest densities, nesting habitat preference, and brood behavior and abundance. We found that densities were very high (more than 17 individuals/100 m² for one species) and A. azurelineatus may be displacing A. curatus at deeper depths where habitat seems of higher quality. Only one out of 14 surveyed sites contained only one species, Altrichthys curatus. Different habitat use and feeding behavior suggest that niche partitioning may play an important role in the life history of these sympatric species.     

Conservation genetics of an ex situ population of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Primula reinii</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">rhodotricha</Emphasis>, an endangered primrose endemic to Japan on a limestone mountain

Primula reinii var. rhodotricha is a perennial herb endemic to the limestone slope of Mt. Buko, located approximately 50 km northwest of central Tokyo, Japan. In recent years, its natural population size has decreased markedly due to limestone mining, and this species has been assigned to the ‘Critically Endangered (CR)’ category on the latest Japanese Red List. Although a remnant population of this species has been protected by a mining company outside their historical distribution range on Mt. Buko, the ex situ conservation of this endangered plant has been difficult because of insufficient low seed production. The genetic status of ex situ P. reinii var. rhodotricha and related species were investigated to develop an effective conservation plan for this species. Microsatellite analysis indicated that the ex situ population harbors lower genetic diversity than sister taxa, providing molecular evidence for the recent critical status designation of the ex situ population, whereas the presence of rare alleles may imply further potential for seed reproduction by outcrossing. Therefore, an appropriate propagation strategy that considers genetic diversity is needed for restoration and recovery of this critically endangered ex situ primrose population.     

Distribution and ecological relations among the alien crab, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Percnon gibbesi</Emphasis> (H. Milne-Edwards 1853) and autochthonous species,in and out of an SW Mediterranean MPA

The distribution of the allochthonous crab Percnon gibbesi and its relationships with other benthic invertebrate species was assessed inside the marine reserve of Cabo de Palos—Islas Hormigas (Mediterranean sea, Spain) and neighbouring non-protected sites. Although a significant spatial variability was detected at finer spatial scale, there was no influence of protection measures or insularity on the abundance of P. gibbesi. The presence of small holes, encrusting algae and low slope favour the colonization success of this crustacean, and the spatial distribution of these habitat features could explain the observed pattern. The abundance of P. gibbesi was similar to that of native crab species; however, a non-significant negative relationship between the abundance of P. gibbesi and native crabs (Pachygrapsus marmoratus and Eriphia verrucosa), urchins (Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus) and a snail (Phorcus turbinatus) was observed. This work highlights the importance of monitoring alien crab population densities taking structural habitat and other potentially influential factors into account and the likely effect of this alien species on the native ones.     

Assessment of Habitat Fragmentation and Corridors for an Isolated Subspecies of the Sichuan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhinopithecus roxellana hubeiensis</Emphasis>

Understanding habitat quality and landscape connectivity and exploring corridors connecting habitat patches are crucial for conservation, particularly for species distributed among isolated populations. The Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey, Rhinopithecus roxellana, is an Endangered primate species endemic to mountainous forests in China. Its easternmost distribution lies in the Shennongjia area, which harbors an isolated subspecies, R. roxellana hubeiensis. Unfortunately, it has experienced significant habitat loss, fragmentation, and dramatic population decline in recent decades, primarily due to increased human disturbance. To quantify habitat quality, identify suitable habitat patches, and detect possible linkages among these patches for R. roxellana hubeiensis, we conducted habitat suitability assessments and landscape connectivity analyses in the Shennongjia area based on a set of environmental factors. We created a habitat quality model and a movement cost surface for the Shennongjia area based on a habitat suitability index, graph theory, expert knowledge, field experience, and information from the literature. Our results show that suitable habitat for R. roxellana hubeiensis in Shennongjia is fragmented and limited, and that this is particularly true for highly suitable habitats. We detected six core habitat patches and six least-cost paths and corridors. Our study does not provide accurate distributions of the monkeys and their habitat use. However, it identifies the most feasible and traversable habitats and corridors, which should be conservation priorities for this subspecies, and provides valuable guidance for reevaluating habitat conservation plans.     

Spatial distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vachellia karroo</Emphasis> in Zimbabwean savannas (southern Africa) under a changing climate

Climate change projections in southern Africa show a drier and a warmer future climate. It is not yet clear how these changes are going to affect the suitable habitat of bush encroacher woody species in southern African savannas. Maximum Entropy niche modelling technique was used to test the extent to which climate change is likely to affect the suitable habitat of Vachellia karroo in Zimbabwe based on six Global Climate Models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) for the 2070s. An overlay analysis was then performed in a Geographic Information System based on the current and future bioclimatically suitable areas for the respective GCMs and RCPs. This was done to determine the potential effect of climate change on the focal species. Results show that temperature related variables are more important in explaining the spatial distribution of V. karroo than precipitation related variables. In addition, results indicate an overall increase in the modelled suitable habitat for V. karroo by the 2070s across the GCMs and RCPs considered in this study. Specifically, the suitable habitat of V. Karroo is projected to increase by a maximum of 57,594 km² signifying a 69% increase from the current suitable habitat (83,674 km²). The suitable areas are projected to increase in eastern, western and south eastern parts of Zimbabwe. These results imply that improved understanding of the response of woody species to a changing climate is important for managing bush encroachment in savanna ecosystems.     

The Distribution of the Greenland Smooth Cockle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Serripes groenlandicus</Emphasis> (Bivalvia,Cardiidae) in Peter the Great Bay,Sea of Japan

The spatial and bathymetric distribution of the Greenland smooth cockle, Serripes groenlandicus, in Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan has been studied based on the data of three dredge surveys conducted in 2010–2012. The bathymetric range of the species habitat is 20–75 m; the densest aggregations are associated with sandy silt sediments in the central part of the bay at depths of 55–60 m. The surveyed area of S. groenlandicus aggregation is 2255 km²; the total area is believed to be 3430 km². The estimated total species biomass averages 8731 t, ranging within 8538–9831 t.     

Conservation status and protection of three Antillean endemic damselflies

Hypolestes (Odonata, Zygoptera) is a damselfly genus endemic to the Greater Antilles. The genus comprises three species: H. clara from Jamaica, H. trinitatis from Cuba, and H. hatuey from Hispaniola, which are currently evaluated by the IUCN as Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU) and Data Deficient, respectively. Here, we re-assess the conservation status of these species based on their extent of occurrence, as estimated from ecological niche models. In addition, we analyse the coverage offered to each of the three species by the protected areas from Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Haiti. Our results support the maintenance H. trinitatis in the category of VU, and suggest the re-classification of H. hatuey as Near Threatened. The estimated extent of occurrence for H. clara is 6422 km², a value close to the threshold of 5000 km² between VU and EN. Therefore, we recommend keeping H. clara as EN, until new evidence based on population size and trend could support a change from this category to VU. We found that 14 % of the extent of occurrence for H. clara and H. hatuey, and 33 % for H. trinitatis, are within protected areas. However, the ongoing extensive deforestation in Hispaniola, coupled with the lack of protection in Haiti, could cause a decrease of the extent of occurrence of H. hatuey in the future.     

Micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Asparagus macrorrhizus</Emphasis>, a Spanish endemic species in extreme extinction risk

Asparagus macrorrhizus: is a new species, which has been recently described. It is limited to the area surrounding the “Mar Menor” lagoon, in Murcia (Spain), and is the only “Critically Endangered” species of the genus Asparagus. Despite being protected, the number of plants has decreased in the last years due to the urbanization of its natural habitat. This species is a valuable genetic resource for asparagus breeding because of its special characteristics. So, the development of a micropropagation protocol is crucial to its conservation and use in breeding programs. The micropropagation protocol from asparagus rhizome buds previously developed by our research group has been adapted for A. macrorrhizus. Rhizome buds of A. macrorrhizus were extracted, disinfected, and then cultured on Asparagus Rhizome Bud Medium (ARBM) consisting of MS medium supplemented with 0.3 mg l^??1 NAA, 0.1 mg l^??1 KIN, 2 mg l^??1 ancymidol and 6% sucrose. A percentage of 69.7?±?8.0% of the rhizome buds developed shoots, but only 17.4?±?7.9% of them rooted. To increase this low rooting rate, the shoots were cultured on Macrorrhizus Rooting Media (MRM) supplemented with three different concentrations of IBA. The highest rooting rate (55.0?±?7.9%) was reached when shoots were incubated in MRM-2 consisting of MS medium supplemented with 2 mg l^??1 IBA and 4% sucrose. The acclimatization rate of the micropropagated plantlets was 90%. The method developed in this study allows the micropropagation of A. macrorrhizus, offering a new option to preserve this almost extinct species.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bruguiera hainesii</Emphasis>, a critically endangered mangrove species,is a hybrid between <Emphasis Type="Italic">B. cylindrica</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">B. gymnorhiza</Emphasis> (Rhizophoraceae)

Bruguiera hainesii (Rhizophoraceae) is one of the two Critically Endangered mangrove species listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Although the species is vulnerable to extinction, its genetic diversity and the evolutionary relationships with other Bruguiera species are not well understood. Also, intermediate morphological characters imply that the species might be of hybrid origin. To clarify the genetic relationship between B. hainesii and other Bruguiera species, we conducted molecular analyses including all six Bruguiera species using DNA sequences of two nuclear genes (CesA and UNK) and three chloroplast regions (intergenic spacer regions of trnL-trnF, trnS-trnG and atpB-rbcL). For nuclear DNA markers, all nine B. hainesii samples from five populations were heterozygous at both loci, with one allele was shared with B. cylindrica, and the other with B. gymnorhiza. For chloroplast DNA markers, the two haplotypes found in B. hainesii were shared only by B. cylindrica. These results suggested that B. hainesii is a hybrid between B. cylindrica as the maternal parent and B. gymnorhiza as the paternal one. Furthermore, chloroplast DNA haplotypes found in B. hainesii suggest that hybridization has occurred independently in regions where the distribution ranges of the parental species meet. As the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species currently excludes hybrids (except for apomictic plant hybrids), the conservation status of B. hainesii should be reconsidered.     

Does targeted management work for red-legged partridges <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alectoris rufa</Emphasis>? Twelve years of the ‘Finca de Matallana’ demonstration project

After the implementation of a management package for red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) (including habitat improvement, legal predator removal, supplementary feeding and watering and shooting restrain) in an agricultural Mediterranean area of Spain (308 ha), spring pair densities increased from 2.92 to 12.66/km² in 9 years, together with summer densities (from 24 to 98 birds/km²) and autumn densities (from 16.5 to 86 birds/km²). We recorded an overall decrease in the over-winter survival of partridges and an increase in their over-summer survival as time progressed. Productivity doubled in 5 years and densities of wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) significantly increased. Hence, this study shows that a feasible and affordable combination of management tools worked to improve partridge populations, and also helped the recovery of wild rabbits. The study site supported the presence of 42 ‘red-listed’ species (including 21 species of raptors).     

Distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Petrosavia sakuraii</Emphasis> (Petrosaviaceae), a rare mycoheterotrophic plant,may be determined by the abundance of its mycobionts

Petrosavia sakuraii (Petrosaviaceae) is a rare, mycoheterotrophic plant species that has a specific symbiotic interaction with a narrow clade of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the distribution and abundance of mycobionts in two P. sakuraii habitats, Nagiso and Sengenyama (central Honshu, Japan), determine the distribution pattern of this rare plant. Nagiso is a thriving habitat with hundreds of P. sakuraii individuals per 100 m², whereas Sengenyama is a sparsely populated habitat with fewer than 10 individuals per 100 m². AM fungal communities associated with tree roots were compared at 20-cm distances from P. sakuraii shoots between the two habitats by molecular identification of AM fungal partial sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. The percentage of AM fungal sequences showing over 99 % identity with those of the dominant P. sakuraii mycobionts was high (54.9 %) in Nagiso, but low (13.2 %) in Sengenyama. Accordingly, the abundance of P. sakuraii seems to reflect the proportion of potential mycobionts. It is likely that P. sakuraii mycobionts are not rare in Japanese warm temperate forests since 11.2 % of AM fungal sequences previously obtained from a deciduous broad-leaved forest devoid of P. sakuraii in Mizuho, central Honshu, Japan, were >99 % identical to those of the dominant P. sakuraii mycobionts. Thus, results suggest that the abundant mycobionts may be required for sufficient propagation of P. sakuraii, and this quantitative trait of AM fungal communities required for P. sakuraii may explain the rarity of this plant.     

Tree squirrel habitat selection and predispersal seed predation in a declining subalpine conifer

Differential responses by species to modern perturbations in forest ecosystems may have undesirable impacts on plant-animal interactions. If such disruptions cause declines in a plant species without corresponding declines in a primary seed predator, the effects on the plant could be exacerbated. We examined one such interaction between Pinus albicaulis (whitebark pine), a bird-dispersed, subalpine forest species experiencing severe population declines in the northern part of its range, and Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (red squirrel), an efficient conifer seed predator, at 20 sites in two distinct ecosystems. Hypotheses about squirrel habitat preferences were tested to determine how changes in forest conditions influence habitat use and subsequent levels of predispersal cone predation. We performed habitat selection modeling and variable ranking based on Akaike’s information criterion; compared the level and variance of habitat use between two forest types (P. albicaulis dominant and mixed conifer); and modeled the relationship between P. albicaulis relative abundance and predispersal cone predation. T. hudsonicus did not demonstrate strong habitat preference for P. albicaulis, and thus, declines in the pine were not met with proportional declines in squirrel habitat use. P. albicaulis habitat variables were the least important in squirrel habitat selection. Squirrel habitat use was lower and varied more in P. albicaulis-dominant forests, and predispersal cone predation decreased linearly with increasing P. albicaulis relative abundance. In Northern Rocky Mountain sites, where P. albicaulis mortality was higher and abundance lower, squirrel predation was greater than in Central Rocky Mountain sites. In ecosystems with reduced P. albicaulis abundance, altered interactions between the squirrel and pine may lead to a lower proportion of P. albicaulis contributing to population recruitment because of reduced seed availability. Reducing the abundance of competing conifers will create suboptimal squirrel habitat, thus lowering cone predation in P. albicaulis and ensuring more seeds are available for avian dispersal.