State-of-knowledge on Amburana cearensis (Fr. Allem.) A.C. Smith (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) for genetic conservation in Brazil

This study explores the basis for conservation action on Amburana cearensis (Fr. Allem.) A.C. Smith (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae), a wide-ranging forest species occurring in Brazil, notably in the Caatinga and Cerrado regions, and other South American countries. It offers insight into the taxon through structured reviews of knowledge of its biology, ecology, silviculture and management. Widely scattered published reports are critically considered and efforts made to highlight and resolve contradictions and inconsistencies therein. Information about this species is scanty and scattered, particularly in respect to its biology and ecology. Because little effort has been applied to its domestication and improvement, knowledge of its silviculture and management is meagre. The taxon is typical of open and deciduous forest in the Caatinga and Cerrado. Gaps in current knowledge relevant for conservation are identified and steps to fill them proposed. Where in situ conservation proved to be more appropriate, recommendations are made for the location of additional protected areas. Ex situ and enrichment conservation action is highly recommended for specific parts of the range where resource losses are already so extensive that in situ measures alone are inadvisable. Provision for refining the limited management and conservation knowledge is made through highlighting priorities for study of the taxon. Finally, future action is discussed in the context of the infrastructure of the national conservation sector.     

State-of-knowledge on Astronium fraxinifolium Schott (Anacardiaceae) for genetic conservation in Brazil

This study explores the basis for conservation action on Astronium fraxinifolium Schott (Anacardiaceae). This is a wide-ranging forest species occurring in Brazil and other South American countries, and typical of gallery forest along watercourses in the Cerrado region. Information about this species is scanty and scattered. This paper aims to provide a structured review of available knowledge of its biology, ecology, silviculture and management. Widely-scattered published reports have been critically considered and efforts made to highlight and resolve contradictions and inconsistencies. Because little effort has been applied to its domestication and improvement, knowledge of silviculture and management of Astronium fraxinifolium is particularly meagre. Gaps in current knowledge relevant for conservation are identified and steps to fill them proposed. Where in situ conservation was considered appropriate, recommendations are made for the location of additional protected areas. Complementary ex situ and enrichment conservation action is suggested for specific parts of the range where resource losses are already so extensive that in situ measures alone are insufficient. Provision for refining the limited management and conservation knowledge is made through highlighting priorities for study of the taxon. Finally, future action is discussed in the context of the infrastructure of the national conservation sector of Brazil.     

巴西植物遗传资源保护与对外交流管理

巴西拥有高等植物55000种,居世界第一。植被分为6个区系,即亚马逊雨林、塞拉多(Cerrado)稀树草原、卡廷加(Caatinga)旱生植被、大西洋雨林、南方森林草原和潘塔纳尔(Pantanal)湿地植被。已建立554个原生境保护区和126个基因库,保存植物遗传资源25万份。对外交流由巴西农业科学院(EMBRAPA)遗传资源与生物技术中心(CENARGEN)统一管理。     

Interdisciplinary research towards management of non-timber forest resources in lowland rain forests of Sri Lanka

Lowland and mid-elevational rainforests of Sri Lanka harbor a relict, endemic-rich flora which is also rich in timber and non-timber forest resources. These forests supply nearly half the total wood requirements of the country and are dwindling rapidly; management of the forests to conserve the biological richness and maintain environmental services is therefore a difficult proposition. This predicament is further compounded by the dependency of rural people on a range of non-timber forest resources for their subsistence and income. A forestry master plan recently prepared for Sri Lanka has not given adequate recognition to the important role played by non-timber forest resources in rural livelihood. This oversight is primarily due to the lack of quantitative information to justify the role of non-timber forest resources in forestry sector development. Forestry policies that ignore these resources often anger local people, leading the villagers to vent their disapproval through destructive actions such as burning timber plantations. Long-term interdisciplinary research in ecology, reproductive and soil biology, ethnobiology, silviculture, rural sociology and resource economics in progress at Sinharaja attempts to address these questions of sustainable development of forest resources in an integrated mode. While research oriented toward conservation investigates both short- and long-term ecosystem dynamics in natural and modified forest stands, utilization-oriented research probes the impact of increased human disturbance, particularly the impact of rural communities on dwindling forest resources, as well as the effect of forest conservation on rural livelihood. These studies continue to seek alternative methods of forest management which are socially acceptable, economically viable, and ecologically sustainable for multiple uses. These methods will assist in the refinement of current forest policies, forestry planning, and the implementation of new policies and plans in Sri Lanka.     

Moths in fragments: insights into the biology and ecology of the Australian endangered golden sun moth Synemon plana (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) in natural temperate and exotic grassland remnants

The conservation and management of endangered species requires an adequate understanding of their biology and ecology. Although there has been an increasing appreciation in Australia of the need for greater efforts to conserve insects, there is only limited information available that can be used to underpin conservation efforts. The endangered golden sun moth, Synemon plana (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) is a flagship species endemic to natural temperate grassland in south-eastern Australia. Most populations of this species are at considerable risk from habitat loss, weed invasion and inadequate management. Despite the considerable knowledge that exists about the species biology and ecology, efforts to improve the species conservation status are hampered because there are still critical gaps in our understanding of the species’ natural history. In particular, the ecology of the larvae is not known. Our study examined the abundance, population structure and reproductive biology of the moths in a broad sample of both natural temperate and exotic grassland remnants in and near Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in south-eastern Australia. The results fill critical gaps in the knowledge needed to achieve effective conservation management. From our findings, it is clear that the species inhabits grasslands dominated by a mixture of native wallaby grasses (Rytidosperma spp. (formerly Austrodanthonia)) and spear grasses (Austrostipa spp.). In contrast to earlier suggestions that S. plana is entirely confined to natural temperate grassland, mature and immature life stages of the species were also present in grasslands comprised entirely of the exotic Chilean needlegrass (Nassella neesiana). Most of the S. plana populations surveyed in the ACT were characterised by low relative abundance with only very few large populations being recorded. The conservation of exotic grasslands as substitute habitat for S. plana is discussed and suggestions regarding future monitoring and research of the species are provided.     

中国兰科植物保育的现状和展望

兰科植物是植物保育中的“旗舰”类群 (flaggroup)。中国不是兰科植物种类最丰富的地区 ,但具有最复杂多样的地理分布类型以及众多的原始类群 ,因此 ,开展对中国兰科植物的研究和保育是世界兰科植物研究和保育工作中的重要组成部分。本文介绍了目前中国兰科植物研究和保育的现状 ,分析了与国际同类工作相比存在的差距 ,并对今后的发展方向提出了一些看法     

保护生物学概要

保护生物学的形成是对生物危机的反应和生物科学迅速发展的结果。它是应用科学解决由于人类活动干扰或其它因素引起的物种、群落和生态系统出现的问题的新学科。其”目的是提供保护生物多样性的原理和工具“,其基础科学和应用科学的综合性交叉学科。系统学、生态学、生物地理学和种群生态学的原理和方法是保护生物学重要的理论和实践基础。     

Geographical genetics and the conservation of forest trees

Trees are key ecosystem engineers. Many analyses of the genetic diversity of forest trees over substantial parts of their distributional ranges are appearing. These studies are of relevance for forest and landscape management, the inventory of botanical genetic resources and the conservation biology of rare, endemic, relictual, and endangered tree species. This review focuses on (i) recent investigations of the influence of human disturbances, (ii) comparative analyses of closely related and hybridizing species, (iii) reconstructions of refugia and of the spread of tree populations during the postglacial, (iv) studies of both range-wide and range-edge genetic patterns, and (v) assessments of the role of tree genetic diversity in the face of future climate warming. There is a need to include more tropical and austral trees in genetic analyses, as most studies have dealt with the relatively species-poor Palaearctic and Nearctic regions. Further studies are also needed on the role of tree genetic diversity in variations in phenology, resistance to insect defoliators and fungal pathogens, reactions to increased CO₂ and ozone concentrations, growth, mortality rates and other traits. Most macroecological and scaling patterns of species richness still need to be studied for genetic diversity. Open research questions in this rapidly evolving field involve invasion biology, island biogeography, and urban ecology. There is a need for more knowledge transfer from the many studies of tree genetic diversity to the day-to-day management of trees and forests.     

Biodiversity conservation and systemic silviculture: Concepts and applications

Abstract

Classic silviculture and management, with the aim of predicting regeneration rate and producing a constant yield of merchantable wood, have simplified many forests, often transforming natural forests into plantations or coppices. To conserve forest complexity and biodiversity, silviculture and forest management should change the reference paradigm and consider forest ecosystems as complex biological systems characterized by the inherent unpredictability of their trajectories in a continuously changing environment. The new Management Plan for the Vallombrosa Forest (Florence, Italy), a State Nature Reserve and a Natura 2000 Site, is based on this approach. The aim is the gradual evolution of the pure silver fir stands toward mixed stands with a complex structure. Most of the species considered by Natura 2000 depend on an increase of structural diversity at different space and time scales. The management approach proposed by the new plan is coherent with this aim and thus biodiversity conservation is not in conflict with forest management but is, instead, a direct consequence of the systemic approach.     

种质资源保存的战略问题和面临的挑战

植物种质资源保存,特别是种子库保存是各种迁地保护措施中最为经济有效的方法。通过对成千上万个物种的有效保存,种子库为减缓物种的灭绝和气候变化对生物多样性的影响发挥了特别关键的作用。本文较为详细地介绍了“中国西南野生生物种质资源库”的立项背景和最新进展,同时介绍了世界上其它几个主要的植物迁地保存设施,特别是英国皇家植物园的“千年种子库”。结合“全球植物保护策略”讨论了中国植物濒危状况,估计我国受威胁的物种比例达20—25％,甚至更高。本文还简要讨论了种子保存中的一些科学问题,包括超低温保存,并强调了植物分类学和种子生物学的学科建设在植物种质资源保护中的重要意义。     

Estimating inbreeding depression in natural plant populations using quantitative and molecular data

Inbreeding and inbreeding depression are important issues in the biology and conservation of natural plant and animal populations, primarily when subpopulation sizes are reduced due to habitat fragmentation. In this study, we propose a method for estimating inbreeding depression in progenies of natural plant populations, combining the estimation of the fixation index by codominant markers with the experimental evaluation of quantitative traits. Our technique estimates apparent inbreeding depression in structured natural populations using the linear regression of phenotypic means on the inbreeding coefficients estimated with codominant markers. This method was applied to data from 112 maternal progenies of 10 natural subpopulations of Eugenia dysenterica DC, a fruiting tree species from the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado). The results show that the proposed method was efficient at detecting the presence of inbreeding depression for seedling emergence and initial growth traits in the species. This corroborates the importance of maintaining high levels of heterozygosity for in situ conservation or genetic restoration of natural populations.     

Conservation implications of the refugee species concept and the European bison: king of the forest or refugee in a marginal habitat?

The concept of refugee species provides a theoretical framework towards increasing the predictive power of the ‘declining population paradigm’ through identifying species which are expected to suffer from a declining population syndrome. Using a simple habitat model as a framework, refugee species are defined as those that can no longer access optimal habitat, but are confined to suboptimal habitats, with consequences of decreased fitness and density, and attendant conservation risks. Refugee species may be difficult to detect in the absence of information on prior habitat use and fitness and their observed ecology will be constrained by the habitat limits forced on them. Identification of refugee species, characterisation of pre‐refugee ecology and the restoration of such species to optimal habitat is critical to their successful conservation. The concept is showcased by addressing the conundrum of a large grazing bovid, the European bison Bison bonasus, being managed as a forest specialist, despite its evolutionary background, dental morphology, neonatal behaviour, diet and microhabitat selection being characteristic of a grazing species inhabiting open, grass‐rich habitats. It is hypothesized that a combination of increasing replacement of open steppe by forest cover after the last postglacial period and increasing human pressure forced bison into forests as a refuge habitat. This process was then reinforced through active management of bison in forests as managers committed themselves to the ‘bison as forest species’ paradigm. A research agenda to test this hypothesis using an experimental approach in the conservation management of European bison by introducing populations into diverse habitat types is suggested.     

Forest biodiversity in a changing climate: which logic for conservation strategies?

Climate change has direct and indirect impacts on forest ecosystems worldwide. In this context, changing site conditions and altered disturbance regimes as well as forest management responses are challenging the conservation of biodiversity in forests. Climate-induced dynamics and uncertainties related to future forest ecosystem development are calling into question current conservation strategies and concepts. Given the longevity of trees, slow development rates of forest ecosystems and slow migration rates of many forest species, the planning of adaptation measures in response to climate change are especially difficult though highly important for forest biodiversity conservation. This paper introduces a special issue with eight contributions which deal with a variety of aspects of forest biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change. More specifically, the papers address direct impacts of climate change on forest biodiversity, adaptation measures for forest and conservation management, as well as resulting challenges for conservation strategies and concepts. In conclusion, adaptation measures that enhance diversity and provide different options for future action, thereby maintaining ecosystems’ resilience, as well as conservation management operating on a landscape level, are promoted as being beneficial for coping with uncertainties related to climate change. Adaptive management, which constantly reviews conservation goals and measures, and which takes into account both science-based and local ecological knowledge on climate change can be a valuable tool to inform decisions for forest biodiversity conservation.     

Mapuche perceptions and conservation of Andean <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nothofagus</Emphasis> forests and their medicinal plants: a case study from a rural community in Patagonia,Argentina

In a Mapuche community situated in the sub-antarctic forest of the northwest of Argentine Patagonia, analysis was carried out on forest environmental perception and its relation to the resilience of the body of traditional botanical knowledge regarding medicinal plants. Data was obtained on the ethno-classification and differential use of the forest gathering environment with respect to its practical and cultural value. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 30 randomly chosen inhabitants, and the data were analysed using qualitative methods and non-parametric statistics. Most citations (64.5%) were of species gathered in Nothofagus antarctica forest, 26.2% were of species from N. pumilio forest, and 20.3% referred to species from a mixed forest, with N. dombeyi. The forests studied have low values for similarity in terms of medicinal species richness, indicating a unique offer of therapeutic resources in each one. The use of the different forest types seems to be associated with the search for therapeutic resources for specific ailments. However, the redundancy of functions of species in each forest type can offer alternative remedies, which provides plant conservation, security and the possibility of reorganisation of their traditional medicinal knowledge. This case study showed the importance of considering folk systems and the role that this knowledge has played in plant resource management and forest protection. Different forests are used and valued differentially, not only with regard to usefulness but also in symbolic-religious terms, and together they fulfil a cushioning function, protecting holistically traditional botanical knowledge, people’s health and forests. It is of great importance, therefore, that conservation policies favouring environmental heterogeneity are implemented, and that local inhabitants participate in the development of management plans.     

The Conservation and Management of Tunas and Their Relatives: Setting Life History Research Priorities

Scombrids (tunas, bonitos, Spanish mackerels and mackerels) support important fisheries in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters around the world, being one of the most economically- and socially-important marine species globally. Their sustainable exploitation, management and conservation depend on accurate life history information for the development of quantitative fisheries stock assessments, and in the fishery data-poor situations for the identification of vulnerable species. Here, we assemble life history traits (maximum size, growth, longevity, maturity, fecundity, spawning duration and spawning interval) for the 51 species of scombrids globally. We identify major biological gaps in knowledge and prioritize life history research needs in scombrids based on their biological gaps in knowledge, the importance of their fisheries and their current conservation status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. We find that the growth and reproductive biology of tunas and mackerel species have been more extensively studied than for Spanish mackerels and bonitos, although there are notable exceptions in all groups. We also reveal that reproductive biology of species, particular fecundity, is the least studied biological aspect in scombrids. We identify two priority groups, including 32 species of scombrids, and several populations of principal market tunas, for which life history research should be prioritized following the species-specific life history gaps identified in this study in the coming decades. By highlighting the important gaps in biological knowledge and providing a priority setting for life history research in scombrid species this study provides guidance for management and conservation and serves as a guide for biologists and resource managers interested in the biology, ecology, and management of scombrid species.     

Bat ecology and conservation in semi-arid and arid landscapes: a global systematic review

1. Semi-arid and arid landscapes (dry-lands) cover 41% of the Earth’s land surface over five continents. These areas are home to 55% of mammal species. Bats have the second highest species richness among mammals, and, although many species are adapted to arid conditions, they are particularly sensitive in these habitats and require conservation priority.
2. Information on bats in arid and semi-arid landscapes is scattered, patchy and focused on small-scale studies; therefore, we undertook a systematic review using the PRISMA protocol to identify the current knowledge status, detect knowledge gaps and propose future research priorities.
3. We analysed 346 published articles and evaluated 40 topics within five topic categories (taxa studied, methodologies used, biology, ecology and conservation). The most commonly studied topic categories were ecology and biology. However, we found a gap in the topic category conservation (including topics such as conservation status and roost conservation). Our network analysis of topics within the categories showed that most ecology papers were focused on distribution, species richness and habitat use.
4. When we analysed keywords, we found that phylogeny, taxonomy and distribution demonstrated relatively high presence. Moreover, comparison of the percentage of studies conducted in dry-lands and the percentage of land surface area covered by dry-lands in the continents revealed that dry-lands in Africa and Australia were especially under-represented. Our review shows that knowledge of bats in semi-arid and arid landscapes is biased towards new records of the distribution of species, as well as covering systematic/taxonomic and morphological aspects of bat biology.
5. We suggest that research on conservation measures and guidelines to protect the bat species found in semi-arid and arid landscapes should be prioritised, together with the sharing of knowledge with local practitioners and the development of citizen science programmes.

     

The spatial genetic structure of the White‐banded Tanager (Aves,Passeriformes) in fragmented Neotropical savannas suggests two evolutionarily significant units

Understanding the genetic structure of a species is crucial for evolutionary biology research and species conservation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the genetic structure of Neothraupis fasciata in Brazilian savannas and to assess genetic differentiation of its disjunct population in the Amazonian savannas of the state of Amapá. Population genetic structure was assessed in relation to isolation by distance and landscape variables connected with habitat heterogeneity. The influences of factors, such as habitat fragmentation and core–periphery distribution, on genetic diversity were also examined. Data were derived from a set of microsatellite loci of adult individuals from nine localities: eight distributed across the Cerrado and one in the disjunct Amazonian savanna of Amapá. Analysis revealed moderate genetic diversity and moderate population genetic structure, with at least two genetic clusters, one of which is represented exclusively by the disjunct Amapá population. The genetic structure found is not the result of significant influences by geographical distance, habitat heterogeneity, or the core–periphery effect, nor by intense biome fragmentation due to anthropic action. The disjunct Amapá population exhibited a moderate level of genetic differentiation compared to the Cerrado population, suggesting that both can be considered distinct evolutionarily significant units for conservation purposes. Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.     

森林遗传资源保护研究进展

森林遗传资源的保护事关现代及后代的利益,已引起全球的极大关注,自70年代以来,就地保护与迁地保护作为主要的战略在森林遗传资源保护实践中使用。一般来说森林遗传资源的就地保护可以通过建立自然保护区来实现。迁地保护主要包括种子库、田间基因库、种子园及细胞或组织培养等技术。就地保护和迁地保护应当相互补充,两者结合使用是保存森林遗传多样性的有效方法。对森林遗传资源保护战略的选择以及因贸易而濒危的热带材用树及其保护问题也作了简要评述。     

Landscape genetic structure of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Spain

The current need for forest conservation and management has driven a rapid expansion of landscape genetics approach. This discipline combines tools from molecular genetics, landscape ecology and spatial statistics and is decisive for improving not only ecological knowledge but also for properly managing population genetic resources. This approach could be appropriate to sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.), a multipurpose species of great economic importance in the Mediterranean basin and a species considered to be a good model of integration between natural and human-driven distribution of diversity. Sixteen chestnut populations, covering the distribution range of the species in Spain, were analysed using seven microsatellite markers. Results revealed a high level of genetic diversity in Spanish chestnut populations, which in part followed a geographical pattern, although distribution was not homogeneous. Likewise, areas particularly rich in diversity were detected, facilitating the development of a hypothesis about the history of chestnut in Spain. In conclusion, these results provide valuable baseline data for more in-depth studies on chestnut landscape genetics that can contribute to its conservation.