The vegetation of a New Zealand dune slack

The vegetation of a dune slack at Mason Bay, Stewart Island, New Zealand was found to comprise a mosaic of communities. Although the broad vegetational patterns could be correlated with the depth of the water table, the patterns were far from simple. Species diversity over the whole slack was lower than values reported from European dune slacks; even the most diverse communities did not reach European mean values.For nomenclature see Wilson in press. Vascular plants of Stewart Island. D.S.I.R., Wellington, New Zealand; Sainsbury (1955). A handbook of the New Zealand mosses. N.Z. R. Soc. 5: 1–490 & Hamlin (1972). Hepaticae of New Zealand, Dominion Museum, Wellington.     

The diversity and radiation of the largest monophyletic animal group on New Caledonia (Trichoptera: Ecnomidae: Agmina)

In area, New Caledonia is the smallest of the world’s 25 official biodiversity hotspots, but in many taxonomic groups, the island has the highest concentration of species on earth, particularly so in the freshwater insect order Trichoptera. This study aims at applying molecular data and morphology for estimating the real species diversity of the genus Agmina on New Caledonia and investigating potential effects of ultramafic rock substrate on diversification. A dated molecular phylogeny was applied to study diversity and diversification related to geological substrate using the dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model, diva and Bayesian ancestral character reconstruction. More than 47 species (> 63%) were unknown to science. Initial radiation occurred on ultramafic substrate followed by several independent dispersal events to nonultramafic substrate. The rate of shift from ultramafic to nonultramafic substrate was significantly higher than the rate of shift in the opposite direction, indicating a possible cost associated with living on ultramafic substrate.     

Epiphytic succession on tree trunks in a mixed oak-cedar forest,Kumaun Himalaya

The epiphytes present at about breast height on trunks of different size were studied for three major tree species in a seasonally wet forest at 2050 m altitude in the Kumaun Himalaya: Cedrus deodora, Quercus floribunda and Q. leucotrichophora. The total biomass and species number per unit trunk area, were found to increase with trunk size. It was supposed that the results indicated a succession in the type of epiphytic cover from young trunks to older trunks.The amount of loose material (plant remains and soil) per unit area of trunk increased with increasing girth. The C:N ratio in this material was initially very high on the oaks (129–197) and declined with increasing trunk size (to 73–78); the ratio was constant across girth classes in the cedar (86–87).Bryophytes produced most biomass on most trunks; next to them were lichens on the smallest trunks, and flowering plants on the largest. The number of species of epiphytes was similar on all three host species. The results are discussed in relation to contemporary ideas on diversity and strategies.Nomenclature follows: Ganguli (1972, 1977 & 1980); Kashyap (1929); Nayar (1970); Osmaston (1927).Financial support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Delhi and University Grants Commission, New Delhi is gratefully acknowledged.     

Cyst and radionuclide evidence demonstrate historic Gymnodinium catenatum dinoflagellate populations in Manukau and Hokianga Harbours, New Zealand

Between May 2000 and February 2001, a major bloom of the toxic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum (a causative organism of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, PSP) affected over 1500 km of coastline of New Zealand’s North Island. As this was the first record of this species in New Zealand, we aimed to resolve whether this represented a recent introduction/spreading event or perhaps an indigenous cryptic species stimulated by environmental/climatic change. To answer this question, we analysed for G. catenatum resting cysts in ²¹⁰Pb dated sediment cores (18–34 cm long; sedimentation rates 0.34–0.69 cm per year) collected by SCUBA divers from Manukau Harbour, where the species was first detected, and from Hokianga Harbour, where the highest shellfish toxicity was recorded, while using Wellington Harbour as a well-monitored control site. The results of this study conclusively demonstrate that abundant G. catenatum has been in northern New Zealand at least since the early 1980s, increasing up to 1200 cysts/g around the year 2000, but with low cyst concentrations possibly present since at least 1937. In contrast, Wellington Harbour cores contained only very sparse G. catenatum cysts (8 cysts/g), present only to a depth of 7 cm (surface mixed layer depth), reflecting an apparent recent range expansion of this dinoflagellate in New Zealand, possibly stimulated by unusual climatic conditions associated with the 2000 La Nina event. The significant increases since the early 1980s also of Protoperidinium cysts at Hokianga Harbour and of Gonyaulax, Protoperidinium and Protoceratium cysts at Manukau Harbour suggest a broad scale environmental change has occurred in Northland, New Zealand.     

Key to the management of the Western Himalayan Hillstreams in relation to

A key to the management of hillstreams in relation to Fish Species Richness (FSR) and Shannon and Weaver Diversity Index (H) (Shannon and Weaver, 1949. The Mathematical Theory of Communications. Urbana, University of Illinois Press, IL, USA) using a multitude of factors such as altitude, water source, bed gradient, dominant channel materials and habitat type has been proposed on the basis of 10 study sites, belonging to three north Indian rivers namely; Ghaggar, Yamuna and Ganga. The selected streams are located between the altitudes ranging from 380 to 1524m. It has been observed that high altitude streams having steep gradient, boulder dominated substrate with rapids as the main habitat type had lower FSR (3–4) and H (0.55–0.99) as compared to hillstreams located in the lower altitudes having gentle gradient, cobble dominated substrate with pools, riffles, runs, rapids and cascades as the main habitats and have high FSR (6–14) and H (1.67–2.35). Types – A, B and F hillstreams were encountered when the hillstreams are classified after Rosgen (Applied River Morphology, Wildland Hydrology, Co, USA).     

Key to the management of the Western Himalayan Hillstreams in relation to

A key to the management of hillstreams in relation to Fish Species Richness (FSR) and Shannon and Weaver Diversity Index (H) (Shannon and Weaver, 1949. The Mathematical Theory of Communications. Urbana, University of Illinois Press, IL, USA) using a multitude of factors such as altitude, water source, bed gradient, dominant channel materials and habitat type has been proposed on the basis of 10 study sites, belonging to three north Indian rivers namely; Ghaggar, Yamuna and Ganga. The selected streams are located between the altitudes ranging from 380 to 1524m. It has been observed that high altitude streams having steep gradient, boulder dominated substrate with rapids as the main habitat type had lower FSR (3–4) and H (0.55–0.99) as compared to hillstreams located in the lower altitudes having gentle gradient, cobble dominated substrate with pools, riffles, runs, rapids and cascades as the main habitats and have high FSR (6–14) and H (1.67–2.35). Types – A, B and F hillstreams were encountered when the hillstreams are classified after Rosgen (Applied River Morphology, Wildland Hydrology, Co, USA).     

Gene duplication and gene conversion in class II MHC genes of New Zealand robins (Petroicidae)

In contrast to mammals, the evolution of MHC genes in birds appears to be characterized by high rates of gene duplication and concerted evolution. To further our understanding of the evolution of passerine MHC genes, we have isolated class II B sequences from two species of New Zealand robins, the South Island robin (Petroica australis australis), and the endangered Chatham Island black robin (Petroica traversi). Using an RT-PCR based approach we isolated four transcribed class II B MHC sequences from the black robin, and eight sequences from the South Island robin. RFLP analysis indicated that all class II B loci were contained within a single linkage group. Analysis of 3-untranslated region sequences enabled putative orthologous loci to be identified in the two species, and indicated that multiple rounds of gene duplication have occurred within the MHC of New Zealand robins. The orthologous relationships are not retained within the coding region of the gene, instead the sequences group within species. A number of putative gene conversion events were identified across the length of our sequences that may account for this. Exon 2 sequences are highly diverse and appear to have diverged under balancing selection. It is also possible that gene conversion involving short stretches of sequence within exon 2 adds to this diversity. Our study is the first report of putative orthologous MHC loci in passerines, and provides further evidence for the importance of gene duplication and gene conversion in the evolution of the passerine MHC.Nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper are available in the GenBank database under the accession numbers AY258333–AY258335, AY428561–AY428570, and AY530534–AY530535     

Chloroplast DNA-relationship in palaeoaustralLopidium concinnum (Hypopterygiaceae, Musci). An example of stenoevolution in mosses Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 2

Evolutionary relationship between disjunct populations of the palaeoaustral moss taxonLopidium concinnum (Hypopterygiaceae) from New Zealand and southern South America were studied using non-coding chloroplast DNA sequences. No or only slight changes could be observed within the sequences oftrnT_UGU —trnL_UAA 5exon intergenic spacer,trnL_UAA intron andtrnL_UAA 3exon —trnF_GAA intergenic spacer. This indicates nearly no genetic divergence between extant New Zealand and Chilean populations, i.e. no significant differing pathways of evolution within the 80–60 million years of disrupted areas with interrupted gene flow. Molecular data support the idea of an old Gondwanan relict species of stenoevolutionary character. Ecological data on short-range dispersal strengthen this assessment.     

Deviations in the life-history of Gracilaria sp. (Rhodophyta,Gigartinales), from Coquimbo,Chile, under different culture conditions

Cystocarpic branches of a species of Gracilaria from Coquimbo, Chile, were cultured in vitro. A Polysiphonia-like life history was completed in about 6 months, but some abnormalities were observed: i. carpospores gave rise to plants producing either tetrasporangia and spermatangia, or tetrasporangia only; ii. tetraspores cultured without aeration developed into plants bearing spermatangia only; tetraspores cultured with aeration developed into 1:1 female and male gametophytes; iii. plant originated from tetraspore produced spermatangia and tetrasporangia; one of these tetraspores developed into a male gametophyte; iv. some tetraspores gave rise to spherical bodies instead of the ordinary cylindrical branches; one of them bore spermatangia after three months. The results show that environmental factors seem to be interfering with the mechanism of sex determination and induce the development of spermatangia on putative female gametophytes, or on putative tetrasporophytes. Noted added in proof: The Gracilaria sp. studied here was recently described as a new species, G. chilensis by Bird C. J., McLachlan, J & Oliveira, E. C. de, 1986. Can. J. Bot. 64: 2928–2934. Noted added in proof: The Gracilaria sp. studied here was recently described as a new species, G. chilensis by Bird C. J., McLachlan, J & Oliveira, E. C. de, 1986. Can. J. Bot. 64: 2928–2934.     

In vitro propagation of Eucomis L'Hérit species - plants with medicinal and horticultural potential

Eucomis (Family Hyacinthaceae) are deciduousgeophytes with long, narrow leaves and erect, densely packed flower spikes. Thebulbs are greatly valued in traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety ofailments, and are thus heavily harvested for trade in South Africa's traditional herbal markets. Eucomis species propagaterelatively slowly from offsets and seed, and this, together with theirover-utilisation ethnopharmacologically, has led to their threatened status. Thein vitro propagation of the genusEucomis was investigated to optimise this technique for thebulk production of plants for commercial and conservation purposes. Multipleshoot production was initiated from leaf explants, in all species studied. AMurashige and Skoog (MS) medium, supplemented with 100mgamp;ell;^–1 myo-inositol, 20gamp;ell;^–1 sucrose, and solidified with 2gamp;ell;^–1 Gelrite® was used. Theoptimal hormone combination for shoot initiation in the majority of species was1 mgamp;ell;^–1 NAA and 1mgamp;ell;^–1 BA. Optimal root initiation wasdemonstrated on media supplemented with 1mgamp;ell;^–1 IAA, IBA or NAA, depending onspecies. A continuous culture system using this protocol produced 25–30plantlets per culture bottle, with 10–25 specimens per bottle availablefor acclimatisation. To maximise plantlet survival, different support media usedduring the acclimatisation process were necessary. Certain species respondedbest on a vermiculite medium, while perlite (which holds less water) wasnecessary for the optimal survival rate of other species. Acclimatised plantletswere repotted in a sand: soil mix (1:1).     

Chemical composition of soil solutions extracted from New Zealand beech forests and West German beech and spruce forests

Concentrations of ions were measured in soil solutions from beech (Nothofagus) forests in remote areas of New Zealand and in solutions from beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) forests in North-East Bavaria, West Germany, to compare the chemistry of soil solutions which are unaffected by acid deposition (New Zealand) with those that are affected (West Germany). In New Zealand, soil solution SO₄ ^2– concentrations ranged between <2 and 58 mol L^–1, and NO₃ ^– concentrations ranged between <1 and 3 mol L^–1. In West Germany, SO₄ ^2– concentrations ranged between 80 and 700 mol L^–1, and NO₃ ^– concentrations at three of six sites ranged between 39 and 3750 mol L^–1, but was not detected at the remaining three sites. At all sites in New Zealand, and at sites where the soil base status was moderately high in West Germany, pH levels increased, and total Al (Al_t) and inorganic monomeric Al (Al_i) levels decreased rapidly with increasing soil depth. In contrast, at sites on soils of low base status in West Germany, pH levels increased only slightly, and Al levels did not decline with increasing soil depth.Under a high-elevation Norway spruce stand showing severe Mg deficiency and dieback symptoms in West Germany, soil solution Mg²⁺ levels ranged between 20 and 60 mol L^–, and were only half those under a healthy stand. Al_t and Al_i levels were substantially higher the healthy stand than under the unhealthy stand, indicating that Al toxicity was not the main cause of spruce decline.     

The distribution of Heterotrissocladius oliveri Saether (Diptera: Chironomidae) in Lake Michigan

Fifty one chironomid species were identified from 504 samples collected at depths ranging 8 to 267 m in Lake Michigan, U.S.A. Heterotrissocladius oliveri Saether occurred in 32% of these samples and had an average abundance of 22 m^–2 which was similar to other estimates from the Great Lakes. Maximum average lake-wide density was at 30 to 60 m (41 m^–2). At depths 60 m, H. oliveri was the dominant chironomid species comprising 75% of total Chironomidae. The substrate preference of H. oliveri differed within each depth regime considered: at 30–60 m, 2–3 ; at 60–120 m, 3–5 , 7–9 ; and at 120–180 m, 6–8 . Abundance was notably reduced at all depths in substrates characterized as medium silt (5–6 ). On a lake-wide basis, the distribution pattern suggested H. oliveri was most numerous from 30 to 60 m along the southwestern, eastern, and northern shorelines and at 60–120 m depths along the southern and eastern shorelines. Increased abundance in the South Basin was concurrent with evidence of increased sedimentation at 60 to 100 m. However, in several other areas of the lake, high densities were associated with medium to very fine sands relatively free of silts and clays. This observation suggested occurrence of H. oliveri was minimally affected by sediment type.Widely variable, but generally elevated water temperatures likely prevent H. oliveri from establishing a substantial population density at depths < 30 m. With increased depth, temperature fluctuation is negligible and food is more stable, though the source is variable. Factors limiting abundance of H. oliveri at depths 30 m were related to decreased food supply due to distance from shore, food sources of lower value (clays), and, most importantly, to reproductive replenishment.Although still oligotrophic in nature, high density occurrences in both high and low sedimentation areas of the lake suggest the trophic indicator status of H. oliveri might be broader than previously thought.     

Two anisakid nematodes from marine fishes off New Caledonia, including Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) nemipteri n. sp. from Nemipterus furcosus

One new and one known species of the ascaridoid family Anisakidae are reported from marine fishes off the southwestern coast of New Caledonia: Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) nemipteri n. sp. from the intestine of the forked-tailed threadfin bream Nemipterus furcosus (Nemipteridae, Perciformes) and Hysterothylacium cenaticum (Bruce & Cannon, 1989) from the intestine of the striped marlin Tetrapturus audax (Istiophoridae, Perciformes). R. nemipteri is characterised mainly by the shape (wider than long) of the lips, the length of the spicules (225–399 μm, which represent 2.7–4.2% of the body length), the number (22–33) of caudal pre-anal papillae, the position of the vulva (at 16–20% of the body length), and the presence of cuticular spines on the tip of the female tail. Specimens of H. cenaticum from New Caledonia generally exhibited smaller body measurements than those originally described from Australian waters; the deirids and eggs are described for the first time. Maricostula Bruce & Cannon, 1989 is considered a junior synonym of Hysterothylacium, to which three species are transferred as H. cenaticum (Bruce & Cannon, 1989) n. comb., H. makairi (Bruce & Cannon, 1989) n. comb. and H. tetrapteri (Bruce & Cannon, 1989) n. comb.     

Influence of environmental factors on the growth in culture of a New Zealand strain of the fast-spreading algaHydrodictyon reticulatum (water-net)

Hydrodictyon reticulatum (L.) Lagerh. is a recent addition to the New Zealand flora and is expanding its distribution rapidly. Proliferations of the alga now constitute an economic nuisance in waters which have not previously suffered filamentous algal blooms. To better understand the current and likely future spread of the alga and to identify possible management options the alga's growth requirements have been investigated. A strain isolated from New Zealand tolerated temperatures between 5 and 40 °C and salinities from 0 to 5. Optimal growth was at 25 °C, 150 mol photon m^–2s^–1 and in freshwater. Nett photosynthesis was saturated at photon flux densities of 100 and 160 mol m^–2s^–1 at 12 and 20 °C, respectively. Growth rate was linearly related to internal N concentration and hyperbolically to internal P concentration. Minimum cellular nutrient contents, by weight, were 1% N and 0.2% P. Growth was saturated at contents of 5% N and 0.5% P under the conditions of culture (20 °C, 150 mol photon m^–2s^–1). The alga maintained optimal cellular N content at low ambient nitrate concentrations (100 mg m^–3) half optimum content at 18 mg m^–3. Affinity for filtrable reactive phosphorus was not unusually high compared to other filamentous algae. We suggest that this alga is occupying a niche in New Zealand which has been precluded from other filamentous nuisance algae by low N concentration and N:P ratio. The significance of these findings in setting environmental targets for management of this nuisance alga is discussed.Author for correspondence     

Profilicollis novaezelandensis n. sp. (Polymorphidae) and two other acanthocephalan parasites from shore birds (Haematopodidae and Scolopacidae) in New Zealand,with records of two species in intertidal crabs (Decapoda: Grapsidae and Ocypodidae)

Profilicollis novaezelandensis n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) is described from the South Island pied oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus finschi Martens (Haematopodidae) and the intertidal crab Hemigrapsus crenulatus (Milne Edwards) (Brachyura: Grapsidae) from the South Island of New Zealand. The new species can be distinguished from all the other species of the genus by a combination of the following characters: long neck (13% of total body length for adults) and a subspherical proboscis with 14–16 longitudinal rows of 7–8 hooks. The mud crabs Helice crassa Dana (Grapsidae) and Macrophthalmus hirtipes (Heller) (Ocypodidae) were also harbouring cystacanths and the bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica (Linnaeus) (Scolopacidae) juveniles of P. novaezelandensis. This is the first record of brachyuran decapods as intermediate hosts of Acanthocephala from New Zealand. P. antarcticus is recorded from three crab species (Helice crassa, Hemigraspus crenulatus and Macrophthalmus hirtipes) and two bird species (Haematopus o. finschi and Limosa lapponica) in New Zealand. An unidentified species of Plagiorhynchus was also found in two bird species (H. o. finschi and H. unicolor Forster). P. antarcticus and P. novaezelandensis are the first records of Profilicollis from New Zealand.     

Light and temperature effects on the growth rate of three freshwater [2pt] algae isolated from a eutrophic lake

Effects of light and temperature, on the growth of three freshwater green algae isolated from an eutrophic lake and identified as Selenastrum minutum, Coelastrum microporum f. astroidea and Cosmarium subprotumidumwere studied in batch cultures under non-nutrient limited conditions. Experiments were performed to determine the growth rate over a wide range of light intensities (30–456 mol m^–2 s^–1) and temperature (15–35°C), using a 15/9 (light/dark) photoperiod cycle. The maximum growth rates and the optimum light intensities at a temperature of 35°C were 1.73 d^–1 and 420 mol m^–2 s^–1for Selenastrum minutum, 1.64 d^–1 and 400 mol m^–2 s^–1 for Coelastrum microporum and 1.00 d^–1 and 400 mol m^–2 s¹ for Cosmarium subprotumidum. The results were fitted with the mathematical models of Steele (1965), Platt & Jassby (1976) and Peeters & Eilers (1978). Steele's function and equation of Platt & Jassby don't describe correctly the relationship between the growth and light intensity. In the opposite, the equation of Peeters & Eilers provides the best fit for the three species.     

Genetic Diversity in Remnant Mainland and “Pristine” Island Populations of Three Endemic Australian Macropodids (Marsupialia): Macropus Eugenii, Lagorchestes Hirsutus and Petrogale Lateralis

Since European settlement, mainland Australia has experienced a wave of mammal extinctions and population declines. However, some species have persisted on off-shore islands, which are now viewed as important wildlife refuges. In this study, we assessed the level of genetic diversity, at 7–11 microsatellite loci, in island and remnant mainland populations of three endemic species of macropodid marsupial; the tammar wallaby Macropus eugenii(n = 92); rufous hare-wallaby Lagorchestes hirsutus(n = 40) and black-footed rock-wallaby Petrogale lateralis(n = 164). There was a consistent pattern of significantly higher levels of microsatellite diversity in the remnant mainland population (A= 4.9–13.9; He= 0.61–0.86) of each species compared to conspecific pristine island populations (A= 1.2–3.7; He= 0.05–0.44). These marked differences are even apparent where island populations currently have a substantially larger census size. In addition, island populations were substantially inbred (Fe= 0.49–0.91). Although island populations have been insulated from the relatively recent threatening processes operating on the mainland, they have nevertheless been significantly impacted by increased inbreeding and the substantial erosion of genetic diversity. Despite the difficulties of ensuring the survival of remnant mainland populations, they appear to retain substantially more genetic diversity than their island counterparts and therefore are more likely to contribute to the long-term persistence of their species. These data also demonstrate that small remnant mainland populations (n < 10–20) are often capable of rapid recovery and are not necessarily genetically depauperate.