Reproduction of river and lake populations of Hyridella depressa (Unionacea: Hyriidae) in New South Wales: implications for their conservation

The freshwater mussel Hyridella depressa is an important component of the macrobiota of freshwater systems of south-eastern Australia. This species has declined in river habitats but is abundant in impounded water storages. Reproduction of river and lake populations of H. depressa was investigated to document details of their gametogenic cycle and to determine when the females incubate embryos in their gill marsupia. Four populations in Lake Burragorang and two populations in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River were studied over two breeding seasons. Reproduction was documented by anatomical and histological examination of the gonads. The study sites differed in anthropogenic influence and trophic status and the influence of these factors on reproduction in H. depressa was assessed. A skewed sex ratio in favour of females was common in the populations and histology revealed that some of these females were microhermaphrodites. It appears that sexuality in H. depressa is labile with the potential for self-fertilisation by individuals that largely function as females. H. depressa is a long-term brooder with progeny present in the marsupia for up to eight months of the year from mid-winter to late summer. Across all sites brooding started in July or August and finished in January or February of the following year. In parallel with the prolonged spawning pattern, gametogenesis in H. depressa was continuous. At the eutrophic sites the gonads contained advanced gametes throughout the year. H. depressa at these sites had a high annual reproductive output with the females producing several clutches each year. In contrast, gametogenesis in mussels at the oligotrophic sites was more seasonal. At one of the oligotrophic sites reproductive failure was common and in 1996 most females failed to brood a single clutch. Implications of this research for conservation of H. depressa are discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Structural diversity and representativeness of forest vegetation in a protected area of Kumaun Himalaya, India: implications for conservation

Forest vegetation of a Protected Area (Askot Wildlife Sanctuary) in Kumaun (west Himalaya) was analysed for structure, composition and representativeness. A high percentage of non-natives was noticed in herbaceous flora of all representative forest types. Floristic representativeness in all growth forms (tree, shrub and herbs) increased significantly (tree, p<0.05; shrub and herbs, p<0.01) with altitude. The population structures of trees suggest, (i) expansion of riverine and Pinus roxburghii forests; (ii) compositional changes in Quercus leucotrichophora and Quercus lanuginosa forests, largely owing to preferred extraction demand of inhabitants; and (iii) infrequent regeneration and declining population of Quercus semecarpifolia and Abies pindrow forests. The possible pathways of non-native introduction in the study area were examined. Considering the existing status of forest vegetation and future trends, proliferation of non-native species in most forest types was discussed. It is suggested that the compositional changes vis-a`-vis proliferation of non-native species need priority attention while initiating conservation activities in the reserve.     

Life history of a wide‐ranging deepwater lantern shark in the north‐east Atlantic,Etmopterus spinax (Chondrichthyes: Etmopteridae), with implications for conservation

In this paper, the population biology of the velvet belly lanternshark Etmopterus spinax was studied and life‐history coefficients determined. Age was estimated from sections of the second dorsal spine and validated by marginal increment analysis. Males attained a maximum age of 8 years while 11 year‐old females were found. Several growth models were fitted and compared for both size‐at‐age and mass‐at‐age data, showing that even though this is a small‐sized species, it has a relatively slow growth rate. This species matures late, specifically at 49·6 and 42·5% of the maximum observed ages for males and females, respectively. It has a low fecundity, with a mean ovarian fecundity of 9·94 oocytes and a mean uterine fecundity of 7·59 embryos per reproductive cycle. This species seems to have a long reproductive cycle, and even though no conclusive data were obtained, a 2–3 year cycle is possible. The estimated coefficients indicate that this species has a vulnerable life cycle, typical of deepwater squalid sharks. Given the high fishing pressures that it is suffering in the north‐east Atlantic, this fish may already be facing severe declines or in risk of facing them in the near future.     

Phylogeography of the bushmaster (Lachesis tnuta: Viperidae): implications for neotropical biogeography, systematics, and conservation

We used mitochondrial gene sequences to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among subspecies of the bushmaster, Lachesis muta. These large vipers are widely distributed in lowland tropical forests in Central and South America, where three of four allopatric subspecies are separated by montane barriers. Our phylogeny indicates that the four subspecies belong to two clades, the Central American and South American lineages. We use published molecular studies of other taxa to estimate a 'reptilian mtDNA rate' and thus temporal boundaries for major lineage divergences in Lachesis. We estimate that the Central and South American forms diverged 18-6 Mya, perhaps due to the uplifting of the Andes, whereas the two Central American subspecies may have diverged 11-4 Mya with the uprising of the Cordillera de Talamanca that separates them today. South American bushmasters from the Amazon Basin and the Atlantic Forest are not strongly differentiated, perhaps due to episodic gene flow during the Pleistocene, when suitable habitat for this species was at times more continuous. Our results agree with previous evidence that genetic divergence among some neotropical vertebrates pre-dated Pleistocene forest fragmentation cycles and the appearance of the Panamanian Isthmus. Based on morphological, behavioral, and molecular evidence, we recognize three species of Lachesis. In addition to L. muta, the widespread South American form, the Central American forms are treated as distinct species (L. meknocephak and L. stenophrys), each deserving of special conservation status due to restricted distribution and habitat destruction.     

Area, shape and isolation of tropical forest fragments: effects on tree species diversity and implications for conservation

Aim To quantify the influences of forest area, shape and isolation on tree species diversity in Ghana and to compare their significance with the influences of climate (average annual rainfall) and disturbance (fire burn, logging, agriculture). Location The forest zone of southern Ghana, West Africa (between 5 and 8° N). Methods For twenty‐two forest fragments (1) bivariate regression analyses of tree species diversity (number and composition) were employed with forest spatial geometry, climate and disturbance variables. (2) Multivariate regression analyses of tree species number and all seven environmental variables were used to determine the variability in tree species number that could be accounted for by these environmental variables. Results Forest area, shape and isolation accounted for sharply decreasing proportions of variability in tree species diversity. Large forest fragments contained the greatest numbers of tree species and the highest proportions of rare tree species; irregular fragments had high proportions of regenerating, light‐demanding pioneers and mature, animal‐dispersed species and isolated fragments were floristically similar to less isolated fragments. Fire burn and average annual rainfall accounted for small, but nevertheless significant, proportions of variability in tree species diversity. Logging and agriculture were non‐significant variables. Main conclusions (1) Forest area is the most important consideration when planning tropical forest reserves. (2) Management of disturbance should take priority over management of forest shape if higher levels of tree diversity and species quality are to be maintained. (3) If new reserves are to be designated, they should be located within different climatic zones in order to capture a large fraction of the regional biota. (4) Biogeographers have an important role to play in formulating and testing hypotheses at a broad spatial scale and ultimately, informing conservation management within the tropical biome.     

Characterizing the biological traits and life history of Acanthopagrus (Sparidae) hybrid complexes: implications for conservation and management

This study examined the spatio‐temporal reproductive patterns, population structure, maturity and growth of Acanthopagrus hybrid complexes, which comprise mainly black bream Acanthopagrus butcheri and the hybrids they form with yellowfin bream Acanthopagrus australis, in two Australian estuaries (Coila and Brou Lakes, NSW). There were no differences between pure A. butcheri and hybrids in terms of their population structure, growth and maturity, suggesting that these two breeds have similar life histories and may therefore be managed as single, naturally cohesive units. Sexual variation in size structure was only observed for the complex in Coila Lake. Although there was significant variation in age structure between estuaries, both complexes exhibited dominance of only a few year classes indicating episodic recruitment and high fishing mortality. Acanthopagrus eggs occurred in higher numbers within upstream creek habitats compared to lake habitats, thereby highlighting the need to protect these spawning habitats. Although maturity in the complexes was not influenced by gender or estuary, differences in growth were detected between the genders and estuaries.     

On the verge of extinction: genetics of the critically endangered Iberian plant species, Borderea chouardii (Dioscoreaceae) and implications for conservation management

Borderea chouardii is a relictual and dioecious, strictly sexually reproducing, long-living geophyte of the Dioscoreaceae family. Previous biological and demographic studies have indicated the existence of a uniformly distributed panmictic population of this taxon at the southernmost Spanish pre-Pyrenean mountain ranges where it occurs in rather inaccessible crevices of a single limestone cliff. However, individuals of B. chouardii are spatially subdivided into two subpopulations located, respectively, on the upper and lower parts of the cliff, and vertically separated 150 m. Because of its extreme rarity, B. chouardii was the first Iberian taxon to have a specific conservation plan and has been included in several red lists under the category of critically endangered (CR). However, no previous attempts have been conducted to analyse the fine scale evolutionary mechanisms involved in its present microspatial distribution. Genetic diversity and population structure have been investigated through the analysis of neutral hypervariable markers such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) to unravel the impact of life history traits in the differentiation of the two subpopulations. Both types of molecular markers were unequivocal in distinguishing two genetically distinct groups of individuals corresponding to their spatial separation. However, SSRs detected a higher level of subpopulation differentiation (F(ST) = 0.35, R(ST) = 0.32) than RAPDs (F(ST) = 0.21). SSR data indicated significant deviation from random dispersal of genes and genotypes between the two groups, suggesting that mating occurs mainly among individuals within subpopulations, thus, favouring the divergence between the two groups. This microevolutionary differentiation scenario might have been caused by a coupled effect of past genetic drift and reproductive isolation, as a result of strong glacial age bottlenecks and inefficient dispersal system of pollen and seeds, respectively. The identification of such genetic structure in this narrow endemic prompts a modification of the management strategies of its single extant population.     

Molecular analysis of hybridisation between wild and domestic cats (Felis silvestris) in Portugal: implications for conservation

The endangered European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is represented, today, by fragmented and declining populations whose genetic integrity is considered to be seriously threatened by crossbreeding with widespread free-ranging domestic cats. Extensive and recent hybridisation has been described in Hungary and Scotland, in contrast with rare introgression of domestic alleles in Italy and Germany. In Portugal, the wildcat is now listed as VULNERABLE in the Red Book of Portuguese Vertebrates. Nevertheless, genetic diversity of populations and the eventual interbreeding with domestic cats remain poorly studied. We surveyed genetic variation at 12 autosomal microsatellites for 34 wild and 64 domestic cats collected across Portugal. Wild and domestic cats were significantly differentiated both at allele frequencies and sizes (F _ST=0.11, R _ST = 0.18, P < 0.001). Population structure and admixture analyses performed using Bayesian approaches also showed evidence of two discrete groups clustering wild and domestic populations. Results did not show significant genetic divergence among Northern, Central and Southern wildcats. Six morphologically identified wildcats were significantly assigned to the domestic cluster, revealing some discrepancy between phenotypic and genetic identifications. We detected four hybrids (approximately 14%) using a consensus analysis of different Bayesian model-based software. These hybrids were identified throughout all sampled areas, suggesting that hybridisation is of major concern for the appropriate implementation of wildcat conservation strategies in Portugal.     

Genetic diversity and differentiation of central European freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) populations: implications for conservation and management

Despite the fact that mollusc species play an important role in many aquatic ecosystems, little is known about their biodiversity and conservation genetics. Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) populations are seriously declining all over Europe and a variety of conservation programs are being established to support the remaining endangered central European populations. In order to provide guidelines for conservation strategies and management programs, we investigated the genetic structure of 24 freshwater pearl mussel populations originating from five major central European drainages including Elbe, Danube, Rhine, Maas and Weser, representing the last and most important populations in this area. We present a nondestructive sampling method of haemolymph for DNA analyses, which is applicable for endangered bivalves. The analyses of nine microsatellite loci with different levels of polymorphism revealed a high degree of fragmented population structure and very different levels of genetic diversity within populations. These patterns can be explained by historical and demographic effects and have been enforced by anthropogenic activities. Even within drainages, distinct conservation units were detected, as revealed from high F(ST) values, private alleles and genetic distance measures. Populations sampled close to contact zones between main drainage systems showed lowest levels of correct assignment to present-day drainage systems. Populations with high priority for conservation should not only be selected by means of census population size and geographical distance to other populations. Instead, detailed genetic analyses are mandatory for revealing differentiation and diversity parameters, which should be combined with ecological criteria for sustainable conservation and recovery programs.     

Factors associated with suni distribution in Tembe Elephant Park,South Africa: implications for management and conservation of a small antelope

While small antelopes are becoming increasingly threatened, knowledge of their biology is often limited. Management recommendations are therefore frequently based on insufficient information. One of the declining small antelopes is the suni in South Africa. A reduction in sand forests as well as habitat destruction by increased nyala populations are the suggested causes of suni declines. However, no recent study has quantified the factors that underlie suni distribution in southern Africa. Here we investigate whether the vegetation types, vegetation structures or occurrences of sympatric browsers affect suni distribution within Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa. We found that vegetation type and vegetation structure interacted in their effects on suni distribution, but there were no effects of sympatric browsers. Suni were found most often in the sand forests, but were also present in closed woodland. Vegetation structure was, however, related to the local distribution of suni only in sand forest. This highlights that suni are not exclusively bound to sand forest, and also that the vegetation structure within the sand forest may be as important as the vegetation type. We suggest that the current conservation assessment of this subspecies is based on insufficient data, and that a more detailed assessment of their distribution and the factors that determine the same is critically needed.     

Genetic structure and differentiation of the Japanese extremely long-tailed chicken breed (Onagadori), associated with plumage colour variation: suggestions for its management and conservation

The Onagadori is a distinguished chicken breed that is characterized by an extremely long tail in the male. In this breed, three different plumage colour varieties have been developed (black-breasted white, black-breasted red and white) in which the black-breasted white is believed to be the original colour of the Onagadori, based on historical records. To establish a conservation strategy, 176 birds were genotyped for autosomal microsatellites. Significant genetic distinctness was found between the original (black-breasted white) and two derivative varieties ( F _ST = 0.091 and 0.093). At the same time, a Bayesian model-based clustering revealed that the majority of individuals belonging to the black-breasted red and white varieties had an extremely low proportion of the genome shared with the original type (black-breasted white). This suggests that derivative varieties were created by crossing with other breeds, with low introgression of the original-type genome. We propose that the three plumage colour varieties should be treated as separate genetic units in a conservation programme.     

Morphological and genetic differentiation in populations of the dispersal‐limited coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica): implications for management and conservation

Aims Developing plant conservation strategies requires knowledge of ecological and genetic processes underlying population dynamics. We aimed to quantify morphological and genetic differentiation among remnant populations of the iconic coco‐de‐mer palm Lodoicea maldivica. We hypothesized that limited gene flow among widely spaced populations would result in high genetic variation and large phenotypic differences among populations. Location Islands of Praslin and Curieuse (CU), Seychelles, Indian Ocean. Methods We conducted an extensive population survey and recorded morphological parameters for 447 Lodoicea in the main populations at Vallée de Mai (VM) and Fond Ferdinand (FF) on Praslin, and on CU. We collected leaf material from 180 trees in these populations for DNA genotyping using amplified fragment length polymorphisms. Results A total of 16,766 Lodoicea trees were recorded in the three populations (72.6% of Lodoicea on both islands). Lodoicea trees at VM and FF showed similar morphology, but differed in most parameters from those at CU, which were shorter, grew more slowly and produced fewer seeds. Mean overall genetic diversity was 0.337, and percentage of polymorphic loci was 91.1. Genetic diversity of the CU population was lower than that at VM and FF. There was weak genetic differentiation between CU and Praslin populations, but 99% of all genetic diversity was within populations. Main conclusions Trees on CU differed in growth and morphology from those of the two Praslin populations. These phenotypic differences, however, were not mirrored in the genetic structure of the populations. All populations were relatively genetically diverse with remarkably little differentiation among populations. This suggests that the capacity of Lodoicea to dominate across a range of habitats may be because of high phenotypic plasticity. High genetic connectivity may be maintained through long‐distance wind pollination. Given the uncertainty about the extent of underlying adaptive variation, we recommend that restoration projects avoid transferring seeds between island populations.     

MtDNA diversity of the critically endangered Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas Chevey, 1913) and closely related species: implications for conservation

Catfishes of the family Pangasiidae are an important group that contributes significantly to the fisheries of the Mekong River basin. In recent times the populations of several catfish species have declined, thought to be due to overfishing and habitat changes brought about by anthropogenic influences. The Mekong giant catfish Pangasianodon gigas Chevey, 1913 is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In the present study, we assessed the level of genetic diversity of nine catfish species using sequences of the large subunit of mitochondrial DNA (16S rRNA). Approximately 570 base pairs (bp) were sequenced from 672 individuals of nine species. In all species studied, haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity ranged from 0.118±0.101 to 0.667±0.141 and from 0.0002±0.0003 to 0.0016±0.0013, respectively. Four haplotypes were detected among 16 samples from natural populations of the critically endangered Mekong giant catfish. The results, in spite of the limited sample size for some species investigated, indicated that the level of genetic variation observed in wild populations of the Mekong giant catfish (haplotype diversity=0.350±0.148, nucleotide diversity=0.0009±0.0008) is commensurate with that of some other related species. This finding indicates that (1) wild populations of the Mekong giant catfish might be more robust than currently thought or (2) present wild populations of this species carry a genetic signature of the historically larger population(s). Findings from this study also have important implications for conservation of the Mekong giant catfish, especially in designing and implementing artificial breeding programme for restocking purposes.     

Population genetic structure of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King, Meliaceae) across the Brazilian Amazon, based on variation at microsatellite loci: implications for conservation

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla, Meliaceae) is the most valuable and intensively exploited Neotropical tree. No information is available regarding the genetic structure of mahogany in South America, yet the region harbours most of the unlogged populations of this prized hardwood. Here we report on the genetic diversity within and the differentiation among seven natural populations separated by up to 2100 km along the southern arc of the Brazilian Amazon basin. We analysed the variation at eight microsatellite loci for 194 adult individuals. All loci were highly variable, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 13 to 27 (mean = 18.4). High levels of genetic diversity were found for all populations at the eight loci (mean HE = 0.781, range 0.754-0.812). We found moderate but statistically significant genetic differentiation among populations considering both estimators of FST and RST, theta = 0.097 and rho = 0.147, respectively. Estimates of theta and rho were significantly greater than zero for all pairwise population comparisons. Pairwise rho-values were positively and significantly correlated with geographical distance under the isolation-by-distance model. Furthermore, four of the populations exhibited a significant inbreeding coefficient. The finding of local differentiation among Amazonian mahogany populations underscores the need for in situ conservation of multiple populations of S. macrophylla across its distribution in the Brazilian Amazon. In addition, the occurrence of microgeographical genetic differentiation at a local scale indicates the importance of maintaining populations in their diverse habitats, especially in areas with mosaics of topography and soil.     

Reticulate evolution and phenotypic diversity in North American ciscoes, Coregonus ssp. (Teleostei: Salmonidae): implications for the conservation of an evolutionary legacy

Coregonine fishes are notorious taxonomicproblems due to their extreme morphological andecological variation. In North America, diversity is particularly baffling among ciscoes, and both morphological and phylogenetic analyses have resulted in major polytomy among the 8 taxa of the ``Coregonus artedi' species complex. Ciscoes arealso a devastated group, accounting for 10% ofthe fish species listed by the Committee on theStatus of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Here,we complete the genetic characterization ofNorth American ciscoes with mitochondrial andmicrosatellites markers previously used toanalyse populations of C. artedi in orderto elucidate the evolutionary history andidentify appropriate conservation units. Ourresults revealed a complex evolutionary historymarked by postglacial reticulation eventscoupled with recent and independent evolutionof similar phenotypes (taxa). Genetic variationreflects geography rather than taxonomy, andconsequently, we recommend that a single taxon,C. artedi (sensu lato) be recognized.Local genetic differentiation is often coupledwith ecophenotypic diversification, and gillraker polymorphisms, depth-related habitatpreference and reproductive behaviour areconsidered as phenotypic traits with probableadaptive value contributing to the nicheexpansion of ciscoes. Ecomorphotypes of eachparticular locale thus represent a uniqueexpression of a diverse genetic pool stillundergoing divergence and sorting.Consequently, ciscoes from lakes with distinctecomorphotypes are recognized as ESUs, as wellas each of sympatric forms when they aregenetically differentiated. We recommend thatan ESU strategy focusing at a very local levelbe adopted for continental ciscoes as a validalternative to protect significant evolutionaryprocesses of divergence encountered inpolytypic species of newly colonized habitats.     

Phylogeography of western Pacific Leucetta 'chagosensis' (Porifera: Calcarea) from ribosomal DNA sequences: implications for population history and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (Australia)

Leucetta 'chagosensis' is a widespread calcareous sponge, occurring in shaded habitats of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. In this study we explore relationships among 19 ribosomal DNA sequence types (the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region plus flanking gene sequences) found among 54 individuals from 28 locations throughout the western Pacific, with focus on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Maximum parsimony analysis revealed phylogeographical structuring into four major clades (although not highly supported by bootstrap analysis) corresponding to the northern/central GBR with Guam and Taiwan, the southern GBR and subtropical regions south to Brisbane, Vanuatu and Indonesia. Subsequent nested clade analysis (NCA) confirmed this structure with a probability of > 95%. After NCA of geographical distances, a pattern of range expansion from the internal Indonesian clade was inferred at the total cladogram level, as the Indonesian clade was found to be the internal and therefore oldest clade. Two distinct clades were found on the GBR, which narrowly overlap geographically in a line approximately from the Whitsunday Islands to the northern Swain Reefs. At various clade levels, NCA inferred that the northern GBR clade was influenced by past fragmentation and contiguous range expansion events, presumably during/after sea level low stands in the Pleistocene, after which the northern GBR might have been recolonized from the Queensland Plateau in the Coral Sea. The southern GBR clade is most closely related to subtropical L. 'chagosensis', and we infer that the southern GBR probably was recolonized from there after sea level low stands, based on our NCA results and supported by oceanographic data. Our results have important implications for conservation and management of the GBR, as they highlight the importance of marginal transition zones in the generation and maintenance of species rich zones, such as the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.     

Spatial Analysis of Twaite Shad,Alosa fallax (Lacepède, 1803), in the Southern North Sea: Application of Non‐Linear Geostatistics as a Tool to Search for Special Areas of Conservation

This study aims to evaluate the suitability of non‐linear geostatistics and indicator kriging (IK) as a tool in environmental impact assessment and nature conservation, in particular to search for potential Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) for the endangered fish species twaite shad, Alosa fallax (Lacepède , 1803) within the German Exclusive Economical Zone (EEZ) of the North Sea. To analyse the spatial distribution of this fish species, data on standardised biomass index (catch per unit effort, c.p.u.e., kg × 30 min^–1) from 1996 to 2001 were used, regarding the third and fourth quarters of each year, respectively. Thereby we assume that the spatial distribution can be described as a time‐invariant process. This assumption is supported by information on annual sampling effort, allocation of hauls and spatial distribution of the positive catches. All indicator variograms obtained for different c.p.u.e. cut‐off values displayed distinct spatial structures, clearly indicating that the indicator variables were spatially autocorrelated. Gaussian models were fitted by least‐squares methods and were evaluated with a goodness‐of‐fit statistic. Subsequently, IK was employed to estimate the probability of exceeding the c.p.u.e. cut‐off values for the twaite shad in the investigation area. These were highest in the Weser‐ and Elbe‐estuary, probably because of migrations of twaite shad to and from estuaries at the time of investigation due to spawning, while within the German EEZ of the North Sea no such areas with increased probabilities could be discerned. Thus, although available data did not allow to identify and implement any SAC in the German EEZ, the methods employed here can be regarded as a promising management tool in biological conservation issues. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Genetic survey of shallow populations of the Mediterranean red coral [Corallium rubrum (Linnaeus, 1758)]: new insights into evolutionary processes shaping nuclear diversity and implications for conservation

Combined action from over‐harvesting and recent mass mortality events potentially linked to ongoing climate changes has led to new concerns for the conservation of shallow populations (5–60 m) of Corallium rubrum, an octocorallian that is mainly found in the Mediterranean Sea. The present study was designed to analyse population structure and relationships at different spatial scales (from 10s of meters to 100s of kilometres) with a focus on dispersal pattern. We also performed the first analysis of the distribution of genetic diversity using a comparative approach between regional‐clusters and samples. Forty populations dwelling in four distinct regions between 14 and 60 m in depth were genotyped using 10 microsatellites. Our main results indicate (i) a generalized pair‐sample differentiation combined with a weak structure between regional‐clusters; (ii) the occurrence of isolation by distance at the global scale, but also within two of the three analysed regional‐clusters; (iii) a high level of genetic diversity over the surveyed area with a heterogeneous distribution from regional‐cluster to sample levels. The evolutionary consequences of these results are discussed and their management implications are provided.     

Biological traits of Epitrix papa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae), a new potato pest in Europe,and implications for pest management

1. The biological traits of Epitrix papa were studied at different temperatures.
2. Development time decreased significantly with increasing temperature, from 102.3 days at 15 °C to 29.7 days at 30 °C. The preoviposition period ranged from 7.2 to 19.9 days, the oviposition period from 44 to 115 days, and the fecundity from 63.7 to 190.2 eggs per female, respectively, at 15 and 25 °C.
3. Eggs hatched in 7–9 days and 50.1% developed to adults.
4. Female longevity ranged from 150 and 160 days at 15 °C to 60 days at 22 and 25 °C. At 20 °C, both sexes had a similar life span of approximately 90 days but, at 15 °C, males had a significantly longer life span (189 days) than females (150 days).
5. The development rate (y) was related to temperature (x) by the function y = 0.0016× ?0. 013 (r² = 0.921), the lower developmental threshold was 8.1 °C and 625 degree‐days were required for completing development.
6. Based on this model, three or four generations per year were predicted in Central Portugal, although only the first‐ and second‐generation larvae develop during the main cropping season. By predicting the emergence of first‐generation adults, the model provides a tool for improving the pest management strategy.

     

Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of freshwater mussel,Potamilus streckersoni sp. nov. (Bivalvia: Unionidae): implications for conservation and management

Inaccurate systematics confound our ability to determine evolutionary processes that have led to the diversification of many taxa. The North American freshwater mussel tribe Lampsilini is one of the better-studied groups in Unionidae, however, many supraspecific relationships between lampsiline genera remain unresolved. Two genera previously hypothesized to be non-monophyletic that have been largely overlooked are Leptodea and Potamilus. We set out to resolve supraspecific relationships in Lampsilini and test the monophyly of Leptodea and Potamilus by integrating molecular, morphological, and life history data. Our molecular matrix consisted of four loci: cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1), internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), and 28S ribosomal RNA. Secondly, we performed both traditional and Fourier shape morphometric analyses to evaluate morphological differences and finally, we compared our results with available life history data. Molecular data supported the paraphyly of both Leptodea and Potamilus, but nodal support was insufficient to make any conclusions regarding generic-level assignments at this time. In contrast, inference from our integrative taxonomic assessment depicts significant support for the recognition of a new species, Potamilus streckersoni sp. nov., the Brazos Heelsplitter. Our data show clear separation of three taxonomic entities in the P. ohiensis species complex: P. amphichaenus, P. ohiensis, and P. streckersoni sp. nov.; all molecularly, geographically, and morphologically diagnosable. Our findings have profound implications for unionid taxonomy and will aid stakeholders in establishing effective conservation and management strategies.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:502647C0-418B-4CC4-85A8-BD89FC3F674F