Image analysis, neural networks, and the taxonomic impediment to biodiversity studies

The taxonomic impediment to biodiversity studies may be influenced radically by the application of new technology, in particular, desktop image analysers and neural networks. The former offer an opportunity to automate objective feature measurement processes, and the latter provide powerful pattern recognition and data analysis tools which are able to 'learn' patterns in multivariate data. The coupling of these technologies may provide a realistic opportunity for the automation of routine species identifications. The potential benefits and limitations of these technologies, along with the development of automated identification systems are reviewed.     

Orthoptera conservation: pests and paradoxes

Orthoptera species and assemblages vary enormously in biology, abundance, population variability and geographic range. This means that some are major pests but others are threatened with extinction or are extinct through human agency. Most pest species are in the Acrididae, yet proportionately more threatened species are in the less speciose families. Pest Orthoptera species are unusual on islands, which nevertheless support several threatened non-acridid species. In contrast, continental species of Acrididae and Tettigoniidae are the ones principally threatened. Many of the threatened Orthoptera species are confined to a small geographical area and are highly threatened by anthropogenic impacts that coincide with their small ranges. Yet some formerly widespread pest taxa have become extinct. Genetic polymorphism to a solitary phase appears to be an extinction-avoidance mechanism. While classically threatened point endemics can receive conservation action, not much can be done for the periodically at risk abundant species. Preservation of orthopteran biodiversity is a complex and paradoxical task.     

Management of orthopteran pests: a conservation perspective

Although the vast majority of orthopterans are not pests, some species have the potential to cause serious damage to human interests. Management of pest populations frequently conflicts with conservation of orthopteran species and processes, particularly when the pest species or its ecological processes are susceptible to extinction or when the pest population is coincident with non-target orthopterans. With respect to chemical control, the greatest hazards are the broad-spectrum, highly lethal properties of most agents, which can be mitigated with formulation and application methods. Biological control risks permanent, large-scale changes to orthopteran species and processes which can be minimized with bioinsecticidal and other short-lived or selective formulations and reliable host-range testing. Cultural control may have large-scale, broad-spectrum impacts to non-target orthopterans, but these hazards can be diminished by appropriate testing and monitoring. Mechanical control methods may be impractically labour intensive, but they are highly target specific and therefore warrant further consideration. Social control measures such as education, insurance and compensation programmes appear to have little direct potential for harm to orthopteran conservation, but the complex socioeconomic and, ultimately, environmental consequences of such programmes have not been assessed. The melding of orthopteran pest management and conservation requires that we perceive these insects and their ecological processes to be vital elements of sustainable agroecosystems. Our management of orthopterans (both non-target and pest populations) must focus on keeping good stewards on the land.     

The grasshoppers of Costa Rica: a survey of the parameters influencing their conservation and survival

Seventy-five per cent of the acridomorph fauna of Costa Rica is confined to the wet forest environment. This habitat also has a disproportionately large proportion of species which are of restricted distribution within the country or are endemic to Costa Rica or are flightless. The grasshoppers of dry forest, grassland and swamp habitats have in general the reverse properties: they include relatively few species and most of these are capable of flight and are widely distributed both within and outside of Costa Rica. The major factor influencing the long-term survival (or, conversely, the extinction) of the major part of the grasshopper fauna of Costa Rica is likely to be the preservation (or destruction) of the wet forest habitat.     

Acoustic monitoring of Orthoptera and its potential for conservation

Songs of Orthoptera can be used for inventorying and monitoring of individual species and communities. Acoustic parameters such as carrier frequency and pulse rates allow the definition of recognizable taxonomic units (RTUs) which help to overcome the taxonomic impediment due to our scanty knowledge, particularly of tropical faunas. Bioacoustic diversity is a first estimate for species richness and provides baseline data which can be a prerequisite for conservation. Additional ecological and behavioural information such as habitat preference and singing schedules can be inferred. Many Orthoptera are sensitive indicator species for habitat quality in temperate and tropical ecosystems. Examples are given for evaluation of habitat quality and deterioration by acoustic detection of Orthoptera.     

我国直翅目昆虫细胞分类学研究现状

从研究材料、研究方法、染色体研究在昆虫分类上的应用 3个方面对我国昆虫尤其是直翅目昆虫的细胞分类学研究情况作了简要的概述 ,并着重论述了直翅目昆虫的核型及带型的研究现状 ,同时对我国直翅目昆虫分类学的发展前景进行了展望     

Translocating a threatened New Zealand giant orthopteran, Deinacrida sp. (Stenopelmatidae): some lessons

Experiences from the first efforts to translocate an orthopteran, the Mahoenui giant weta (Deinacrida sp.), are described. Some of the problems included monitoring at low densities, transferred weta dispersing and coordinating the different components of the translocation programme over a long period of time. Options for translocation are discussed, such as using wild-caught or captive-bred animals. Techniques of release, such as immediate release or using an enclosure on the release site, allowing transferees to breed, then releasing their progeny, are also discussed. It was concluded that the latter was probably the most effective approach to translocation.     

Systematics,biological knowledge and environmental conservation

Systematics and taxonomy are essential: they respectively elucidate life's history, and organize and verify biological knowledge. This knowledge is built of interrelated concepts which are ultimately accounted for by biological specimens. Such knowledge is essential to decide how much and what biodiversity survives human onslaughts. The preservation of specimens in natural history collections is the essential part of the process which builds and maintains biological knowledge. These collections and the human expertise essential to interpret specimens are the taxonomic resources which maintain accurate and verifiable concepts of biological entities. Present and future knowledge of the complexities and diversity of the biosphere depends on the integrity of taxonomic resources, vet widespread ignorance and disregard for their fundamental value has created a global crisis. Preservation of specimens in natural history collections is chronically neglected and support to study and manage collections is very insufficient. The knowledge held by experienced taxonomists is not being passed on to younger recruits. Neglect of collections has destroyed countless specimens and threatens millions more. These threats to taxonomic resources not only impinge on systematics but all biology: this tragedy jeopardizes the integrity of biological knowledge. The consequences for environmental conservation and therefore humanity are also of dire severity and the biodiversity crisis adds unprecedented weight to the barely recognized crisis in taxonomy and systematics.Where correspondence should     

昆虫多样性的保护现状与趋势

昆虫是自然界中种类最多的动物,在生态系统中具有重要的作用,但是昆虫在生物多样性保护中没有受到应有的重视.多个实例证明,很多昆虫种类处在数量下降甚至绝灭的状态.究其原因,人类的认识不足是导致昆虫多样性保护未受重视的主要原因,栖息地破坏是昆虫濒危的主要原因.由于昆虫生活史的特殊性,其保护策略与大型动物的保护有很大不同.昆虫多样性的保护可以与人类活动共存.     

香港的生物多样性及其保育工作

香港位于热带,属海洋性气候。地势崎岖多山,山地约占全港总面积的3/4。城市发展多集中在沿海平坦地带。目前香港的城市和乡镇面积约占总面积的20%,农地约占5%(当中大部份已遭荒废),余下的均为郊野地区,这包括天然林和人工林(约占14%)、灌丛(约占36%)及草地(约占17%)。由于良好的气候和地理条件,形成了众多不同的生态环境,使总面积仅1090 km²的弹丸之地孕育出种类多样的动植物,生物多样性十分丰富。香港约有2500种原生植物,包括被子植物约1900种,裸子植物7种,蕨类植物220多种及苔藓植物300多种。动物方面,已记录的野生哺乳类动物有40多种,鸟类超过459种,两栖类23种,爬行类70多种。昆虫种类繁多,其中蜻蜓目100多种,鳞翅目2200多种(蝴蝶200多种,蛾类2000多种)。有很多是国家保护物种和特有种。植物方面属国家一级保护的有1种——刺桫椤(Alsophila spinulosa);国家二级保护的有6种,如四药门花(Tetrathryrium subcordatum);国家三级保护的有8种,如穗花杉(Amentotaxus argotaenia)。此外,香港特有种有16种,例如紫萁科(Osmundaceae)的粤紫萁(Osmunda mildei)、马兜铃科(Aristolochiaceae)的香港细辛(Asarum hongkongense)和兰科(Orchidaceae)的谢氏卷瓣兰(Bulbophyllum tseanum)。动物方面有9种属国家一级保护,例如中华白海豚(Sousa chinensis);79种属国家二级保护。特有种则有卢氏小树蛙(Philautus romeri)、包氏双足蜥(Dibamus bogadeki)及多种昆虫。为了保护丰富的野生动植物及其栖息的环境,香港特别行政区政府制定了一些法例并推行了不少保护措施,例如设立了21个郊野公园和14个特别地区,占全港陆地总面积约38%。此外,还成立了2个禁区、3个海岸公园和1个海洋保护区。另一方面,政府还设立了59个“具特殊科学价值地点”,以保护及研究各种动植物、生态系统和特殊的地质地貌。香港地少人多,总人口超过600万,是世界上人口最稠密的地区之一。多年来香港这个生物宝库不断地遭受人类活动的威胁,近年来由于人口急剧上升,对土地需求迫切,不少郊野地区被开发利用,环境污染亦日益严重。此外,一些野生植物因具有药用价值、观赏价值或其他用途而遭盗伐或采集。上述种种因素已使香港野生动植物及其生境受到严重损害,一些物种更濒于灭绝,进行生物多样性的保育工作刻不容缓。因此,香港确实需要制定整体的生物多样性保护策略。有鉴于此,香港大学生态及分类学系于1996年展开了一项为期3年的香港生物多样性调查,以增加对动植物资源现况的了解,为保护香港的珍稀濒危物种和日益恶化的自然环境提出补救方案,并为制订长远的保育策略奠定基础。     

Conservation of orthopteran biological diversity relative to landscape change in temperate Eurasia

This paper discusses orthopteran conservation in temperate and subtropical Eurasia. Distribution patterns of the orthopteran centres of diversity and endemism are described. Eleven main areas of diversity and endemism are identified. The majority of rare taxa are associated with these areas. The distribution of protected areas is discussed in relation to orthopteran conservation. Some proposals for inclusion or exclusion of certain orthopteran species on the IUCN and national Red Lists are debated. Emphasis is given to landscape heterogeneity and ecosystem mosaics for orthopteran biodiversity conservation.     

The Spanish co-operation programme in Equatorial Guinea: a ten-year review of research and nature conservation in Bioko

The Research and Nature Conservation Programme in Equatorial Guinea was launched in 1985, financed by the Spanish Technical Co-operation Agency. The Programme's main objectives were to: (i) increase scientific research; (ii) set up a Museum of Natural History for the country; (iii) update environmental legislation; (iv) create a network of protected natural areas; (v) promote Equatorial Guinea's participation in international forums on the environment; (vi) train local personnel and (vii) implement environmental education programmes. Actions undertaken and results obtained over a ten-year period are reviewed herein. The Programme has been important in raising the level of scientific awareness of the country's resources but more importantly, it has catalysed the inception of the country's existing legal framework for environmental protection (Ley 8/1988). Within this law, regulations with respect to wildlife, protected areas and hunting were promulgated. These include the legal basis to create other reserve areas and non-profit organizations related to wildlife protection. The Programme has been able to employ the law to stop exploitation and road-building along the south of Bioko.     

植物保护遗传学研究进展

保护遗传学是过用遗传学的原理和研究手段,以生物多样性尤其是遗传多样性的研究和保护为核心的一门新兴学科,近几十年来,遗传学研究在生物多样性保护的理论和实践中发挥着越来越重要的作用。本文简要回顾了保护遗传学的发展历史,研究方向和涉及的概念,着重介绍了植物保护遗传学研究所取得的一些进展,包括植物系统发育重建和保护单元的确定,遗传多样性与物种和群体适应性之间的关系,群体遗传结构与保护策略的制定以及植物遗传资源的鉴定和利用等方面的内容,并强调保护遗传学研究是未来生物多样性和保护生物学研究中一个亟待加强的研究领域。     

生物系统学与自然保护

生物系统学的知识是自然监测和保护的基础。随着自然保护观念由强调重点物种或代表性生态系统保护转向强调保护地球上生物多样性,生物系统学将在自然保护中发挥更大的作用。     

欧亚大陆裸蝗亚科的分类研究（直翅目: 蝗亚目: 蝗总科）

本文对欧亚大陆裸蝗亚科(Conophyminae)进行了系统的分类研究, 将其分为4个族, 其中包括3个新族, 即贝氏蝗族(Bienkoini tribe nov.)、庚蝗族（Genimenini tribe nov.）和普乐氏蝗族 （Plotnikovini tribe nov.）, 记述了一新属--原无翅蝗属Eozubovskya gen. nov., 并附已知4族25属的检索表。将该亚科中原有3个具翅的属（Khayyamia Kocak, 1981, Conophymacris Willemse, 1933 和Zagrosia Descamps, 1967）移出, 归入秃蝗亚科（Podisminae）。     

澳汉蚱属的分类研究及一新种记述(直翅目: 蚱总科: 枝背蚱科)

研究了分布于中国澳汉蚱属Austrohancockia的种类共10种,其中包括采自广西的1新种,即长背澳汉蚱Austrohancockia longidorsalis sp. nov.;并提供了分种检索表。新种模式标本保存于陕西师范大学动物研究所昆虫标本室。     

The bicentenary of the research on ‘beautiful’ vavilovia (Vavilovia formosa), a legume crop wild relative with taxonomic and agronomic potential

Vavilovia formosa is a relict, endangered species from the highlands of the Caucasus and the Near East. Described in 1812, it has had an uncertain status and was finally recognized as a separate genus of tribe Fabeae (Fabaceae). Our informal international group was established in 2007 to revive the interest in this species as it had been seriously neglected for decades. Here, we provide an overview of the accumulated knowledge on V. formosa and present the results of the most recent multidisciplinary research. Three expeditions were made to two locations in Armenia in 2009, providing the material for anatomical, morphological, chemical and molecular analysis. Unlike previous attempts, ex situ conservation in Yerevan and in vitro propagation, important for potential interspecific hybridization, were successful. Molecular tools were used to clarify the taxonomic position of V. formosa, often considered the closest to the extinct ancestor of the whole tribe. The analysis of four informative regions of plastid and nuclear DNA showed that V. formosa belongs to the same clade as Lathyrus and Pisum, with a distinct status. Preservation and maintenance of V. formosa remains the only basis for further development of all other scientific aspects, especially breeding and uses in agronomy. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 172 , 524–531.     

淡水生态系统中的TOP—DOWN效应与生物多样性保护

淡水生态系统中高营养级类群可以对低营养级类群产生强烈的影响,最终导致整个生态环境的改变,这一现象被称作下行（ｔｏｐｄｏｗｎ）效应。本文对ｔｏｐｄｏｗｎ的含义特别是鱼类所产生ｔｏｐｄｏｗｎ效应的结果进行了阐述,提出了ｔｏｐｄｏｗｎ效应还表现在当原来生态系统中的高营养级类群缺少时,也会造成生态系统结构与功能发生变化的观点。最后,根据淡水生态系统ｔｏｐｄｏｗｎ效应的特点,认为在淡水生态系统的生物多样性保护中,应注意高营养级类群的保护和谨慎地对待引种问题     

航空航天遥感在物种多样性研究与保护中的应用

人类活动导致全球范围内生物多样性丧失日趋严重。物种多样性是研究最为深入以及最贴近生物多样性管理的层次。物种多样性的研究往往受到多时空尺度生态过程的影响, 传统物种多样性调查方法受到人力物力影响, 局限性大, 物种多样性的研究与管理亟需整合不同来源的数据。遥感技术从传统的光学遥感阶段发展到不同平台、不同维度相结合的多源遥感阶段, 并逐渐进入以高空间分辨率和高光谱为特征、以激光雷达为前沿发展方向的综合遥感阶段。遥感技术因为其监测范围广、能监测人迹罕至地区以及长期可重复等特性, 为研究不同时空尺度的生态学科学问题提供了更新更优的研究手段。本文围绕种群动态、种间关系与群落多样性、功能属性及功能多样性以及生物多样性保护管理等生物多样性研究热点问题, 系统地论述了航空航天遥感技术在物种多样性研究与保护领域的应用, 总结了航空航天遥感技术在研究与物种多样性有关的主要生态学问题中的机遇与挑战。我们认为航空航天遥感技术利用多光谱甚至高光谱与激光技术从空中监测物种多样性, 从不同视角、基于不同光源提供了物种多样性不同侧面的信息, 能够减小地面调查强度, 在大范围和边远地区的物种多样性调查研究中有着至关重要的作用。依据光谱特性的物种判别以及依据激光雷达的三维结构量测将促进生物多样性的研究与管理, 加强遥感学家和生物多样性研究者的沟通交流将有助于促进不同时空尺度的生物多样性与遥感技术的结合。     

自然保护地生物多样性保护研究进展

建立自然保护地是保护生物多样性最为重要的措施之一。总体来看, 自然保护地生物多样性保护研究主要围绕关键生态系统以及珍稀濒危物种等保护对象的状态以及变化两个层面进行, 并重点关注自然保护地数量与面积、保护了多少重要生态系统和物种、能否有效保护生物多样性等一系列科学问题。然而, 在自然保护地生物多样性保护研究方面, 还缺少针对上述研究领域的系统性综述。为此, 本文系统梳理了自然保护地空间布局及其与生物多样性分布的关系、自然保护地生物多样性变化及其保护成效等近20年来相关领域的研究进展。自然保护地的空间布局以及与生物多样性分布的关系主要围绕自然保护地与生物多样性在某一阶段的状态开展研究, 致力于探究自然保护地“保护多少” “代表性如何” “在哪儿保护”等一系列关键科学问题。同时, 自然保护地内的生物多样性会随着气候变化、人类活动以及自身演替等发生时空动态变化, 基于自然保护地生物多样性变化分析, 各国学者在全球尺度、国家尺度和单个自然保护地进行了大量的保护成效评估研究, 并逐渐发展出了自然保护地内外配对分析方法以提升保护成效评估的精度, 进而识别出不同自然保护地的主要影响因素。在此基础上, 本文进一步对自然保护地生物多样性保护研究提出了展望, 主要包括: (1)综合考虑自然保护地生物多样性状态和变化; (2)开展多目标协同的自然保护地空间优化布局; (3)强化自然保护地主要保护对象的识别、调查与监测; (4)提升自然保护地的质量和连通性; (5)探究自然保护地管理措施与保护成效的关联机制。本文可为“2020年后全球生物多样性框架”的制定与实施特别是在自然保护地体系建设与优化方面提供参考与借鉴。