Reproductive ecology and the persistence of an endangered plant

Amsinckia grandiflora (large-flowered fiddleneck)is an extremely rare California annual wildflower, known only from threepopulations. We conducted field and greenhouse experiments to compare the rareheterostyle with a cryptic self-incompatibility system (A.grandiflora) to a common, self-compatible, homostylous, sympatriccongener (A. tessellata). Inter-species comparisons ofadult plants suggested that in the greenhouse, A.grandiflora balances low floral seed set (seeds per flower) withincreased floral output (flowers/plant) and a greater number of flowers perinflorescence. Seed set from active self-, intra- and inter-morph pollinationswas high in A. grandiflora, indicating that the crypticself-incompatibility system does not prevent seed set in the species. In thefield, A. grandiflora floral output was only slightlygreater than for A. tessellata, and did not fully balance lowerfloral seed set. Amsinckia tessellata average seed weightwas lower than that of A. grandiflora, which, along with the lowernumber of flowers produced, indicated lower maternal investment per nutlet thanfor A. grandiflora. Under conditions of unlimited resources, itappears that A. grandiflora fitness is not intrinsicallylimited when compared to its weedy relative A. tessellata.The differences in nutlet output between A. grandiflora andA. tessellata under field conditions are more likely due todifferential responses to extrinsic factors such as competition and pollinatoravailability.     

The ecology of Hypogeomys antimena, an endemic Madagascan rodent

The subfamily Nesomyinae comprises 11 species of rodents endemic to the island of Madagascar. They show considerable ecological and anatomical diversity but little is known of their biology and they have not been studied to any extent in the wild. We present here the results of a nine-week field study of Hypogeomys antimena , the largest of the Nesomyinae, found only in a restricted area of dry deciduous forest in western Madagascar. Radiotracking data gave a mean home range estimate of 3.5+0.71 ha for 10 animals (five males, five females). Individuals from the same burrow had highly overlapping ranges but ranges of animals from neighbouring burrows showed minimal overlap. We suggest that H. antimena lives in social units, probably consisting of a pair plus their offspring, which occupy exclusive territories. A mark/recapture study gave a minimum population estimate of 48 animals/km² in the study site. The conservation of the species is discussed with reference to its limited distribution and current habitat degradation in the area.     

Multilocus phylogeography of the endemic and endangered angular angelshark (Squatina guggenheim) in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean

Hydrobiologia - The angular angelshark (Squatina guggenheim) is a coastal endangered angel shark from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean and one of the major bycatch victims. Despite major concerns about...     

Community structure and coexistence of the rotifers of an artificial crater lake

Hydrobiologia - The community structure and dynamics of the rotifers of an abandoned and inundated limestone quarry are described. Zooplankton standing crop is low, but the community is rich in...     

Seedling recruitment and survival of an endangered limestone endemic in its natural habitat and experimental reintroduction sites

The largest and most fecund population of the endangered Purshia subintegra is restricted to limestone mesas in Verde Valley, Arizona, USA, where habitat destruction is imminent. To examine factors limiting its distribution and potential for expansion, we compared recruitment and survival of seedlings growing in soils from occupied and unoccupied habitat in caged field experiments and compared survival of caged and wild seedling cohorts from 1998 to 2003. In field tests, seeds germinated in soils from occupied and unoccupied habitats. Seedling survival, however, was greatest in currently occupied habitat and dropped to zero in some unoccupied habitats with the onset of severe drought. Among 16 factors measured, soil moisture significantly explained between 62% and 71% of the variation in recruitment in both wild and caged plots. Shrubs conferred protection to wild seedlings, but decreased caged seedling survival. For 5 yr following germination, caged seedlings had greater survival than natural seedling cohorts indicating that reintroduction was comparatively more successful than natural recruitment. Expansion of P. subintegra into novel habitats is limited by soil moisture capacity, and this condition varied during the experimental time frame. Reintroductions to limestone mesas are possible and most promising if cages and supplemental watering are used.     

Seasonality in diet and feeding habits of the endemic Chala tilapia (Oreochromis hunteri) and two introduced tilapiine cichlids in Lake Chala,East Africa

Hydrobiologia - Oreochromis cf. korogwe and Coptodon rendalli, two tilapiine fishes introduced to Lake Chala (Kenya/Tanzania) ~?40 years ago, may negatively affect the endemic Chala...     

The cytotaxonomy and origin ofRanunculus yaegatakensis,an endemic taxon of Yakushima Island

Ranunculus yaegatakensis, a close relative of the widespreadR. silerifolius, is endemic to the alpine region (ca. 1,600 m alt.) of Yakushima Island. This species differs morphologically fromRanunculus silerifolius mainly due to its dwarfism and leaf shape, but has an identical karyotype with one (Karatsu-type) of the four cytotype ofR. silerifolius. Ranunculus yaegatakensis is highly cross-compatible with the Karatsu-type plants ofR. silerifolius. Their F₁ hybrids show regular meiotic behaviors and set seeds successfully. In addition, the Karatsu-type ofRanunculus silerifolius is found in individuals that are collected not only from the lowland of Yakushima Island but from its neighboring islands. It is supposed to be more specialized than other cytotypes. This evidence suggests thatRanunculus yaegatakensis has been derived from the Karatsu-type plants ofR. silerifolius. We suggest thatRanunculus yaegatakensis be reduced to a variety ofR. silerifolius.     

The late Pleistocene desiccation of Lake Victoria and the origin of its endemic biota

A brief review is provided in some advances in understanding the ecology of pike Esox lucius Linnaeus over the last 10 years. Based on long-term studies and manipulative, often short-term experiments (laboratory, field and mesocosms) several established theories have been supported, as well as new concepts developed. Despite their wide distribution pike show low levels of polymorphism and divergence indicative of a recent common ancestral population. Recent genetic studies, however, indicate a single refugium in North America compared to several refugia in Europe. Pike are found in rivers, lakes and weakly saline waters. Variables such as growth and mortality are mainly affected by factors such as temperature, water transparency, productivity, availability of prey and density of pike and other predators. In choice of habitat pike have been shown to support the ideal free-distribution theory. The importance of macrophyte habitat in the life history of pike has been reconfirmed and pike have been shown to be flexible in response to water clarity. Pike are extremely ‘plastic’ in choice of prey types, prey size and in response to prey behaviour (e.g. they are unaffected by shoal size). Predation by pike not only affects abundance and biomass of prey (including younger and smaller pike through cannibalism which plays a major role in population dynamics, other fishes and invertebrates) but also evolution and adaptation of their morphology (in particular body shape) and behaviours. There appears to be no relationship between stock and recruitment. Recruitment is influenced by several abiotic factors in lakes and rivers. Pike play a major role in structuring freshwater communities and have been used in stocking programmes to improve water quality (biomanipulation). Many new concepts have been developed in pike behaviour in maximizing these stocking programmes both in biomanipulation and fisheries management. Despite many recent advances in understanding the ecology of pike, particularly at the individual level, developments in quantifying and modelling the role of pike as a top predator in large ecosystems have been limited, probably due to the difficulties of sampling natural populations. Guest editors: J. M. Farrell, C. Skov, M. Mingelbier, T. Margenau & J. E. Cooper International Pike Symposium: Merging Knowledge of Ecology, Biology, and Management for a Circumpolar Species     

濒危植物南方红豆杉濒危原因分析

南方红豆杉是我国第三纪孑遗特有树种,为国家1级濒危保护植物,主要分布于在长江流域、南岭山脉以及广东、广西、江西、河南、陕西、甘肃、台湾和山西等省（区）的山地。南方红豆杉分布区的生态环境特征是：热量充足,温暖潮湿。南方红豆杉濒危的主要原因有：（1）种子产生量少,萌发率和幼苗成活率较低（2）种群缺乏较强的竞争力,（3）地理分布的局限性,（4）对生境要求的特殊性和（5）人为破坏严重。此外,针对南方红豆杉濒危现状和原因,还提出了科学保护和可持续利用的对策。     

Conservation genetics of an endemic and endangered epiphytic Laelia speciosa (Orchidaceae)

We used isozymes (16 loci in 11 enzymatic systems) from Laelia speciosa, an endemic and endangered epiphytic orchid of Mexico, to assess the genetic diversity and population genetic structure in nine populations distributed along its geographic range, as well as to detect those populations that are genetically unique and therefore deserve high-priority protection. On average, the genetic diversity was high (percentage of polymorphic loci, P(p) = 76%, mean number of alleles per locus, A = 3.34, the average observed heterozygosity H(O) = 0.302, the average expected heterozygosity H(E) = 0.382). Moderate levels of inbreeding (?f = 0.216, 95% confidence interval = 0.029-0.381) were found. Low levels of genetic differentiation were observed among populations ((p) = 0.040); however, there was a significant correlation between geographic and genetic distances among the populations (Mantel test: r(2) = 0.43, P < 0.05). Populations located within the same mountain range were genetically more similar. Private alleles were found, so proper management requires protection and maintenance of genetic diversity throughout its range. In case of reintroduction, we suggest using individuals propagated from seeds from as many capsules as possible, from close populations. An ex situ conservation strategy also is proposed.     

Micropropagation of Turbinicarpus laui Glass et Foster, an endemic and endangered species

Summary In a short period of time, a large number of adventitious shoots were regenerated from longitudinal sections of in vitro-germinated seedlings of the endangered Mexican cactus, Turbinicarpus laui. The induction medium consisted of Murashige and Skoog salts, supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) in a wide range of combinations. The most effective concentrations of growth regulators for shoots initiation were 8.8–13.32 μM BA with 0–2.68 μM NAA. After 3–4 mo., individualized shoots were rooted on half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium and then transferred to soil to acclimatize under greenhouse conditions. In vitro strategies play a key role in the conservation and propagation of this commercially important endangered species of cactus.     

The role of salinity tolerance and competition in the distribution of an endangered desert salt marsh endemic

Rare plants are often associated with distinctive soil types, and understanding why endemic species occur in unique environments is fundamental for their management. At Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in southern Nevada, USA, we evaluated whether the limited distribution of endangered Amargosa niterwort (Nitrophila mohavensis) is explained by this species’ tolerance of saline soils on salt-encrusted mud flats compared with the broadly distributed desert saltgrass (Distichlis spicata var. stricta). We simultaneously explored whether niterwort distribution is restricted from expanding due to interspecific competition with saltgrass. Surface soils collected throughout niterwort’s range were unexpectedly less saline with lower extractable Na, seasonal electroconductivity, and Na absorption ratio, and higher soil moisture than in adjacent saltgrass or mixed shrub habitats. Comparison of niterwort and saltgrass growth along an experimental salinity gradient in a greenhouse demonstrated lower growth of niterwort at all but the highest NaCl concentrations. Although growth of niterwort ramets was similar when transplanted into both habitats at the refuge below Crystal Reservoir, niterwort reproductive effort was considerably higher in saltgrass compared to its own habitat, implying reallocation of resources to sexual reproduction to maximize fitness when the probability of ramet mortality increases with greater salinity stress. Saltgrass was not a demonstrated direct competitor of niterwort; however, this species is known to increase soil salinity by exuding salt ions and through litterfall. Niterwort conservation will benefit from protecting hydrological processes that reduce salinity stress and preventing saltgrass colonization into niterwort habitat.     

The ecology and conservation status of Madagascar's endemic freshwater crayfish (Parastacidae; Astacoides)

1. Freshwater crayfish of the genus Astacoides are endemic to the highlands of eastern Madagascar. Very little is known about their ecology and how this affects their vulnerability to threats. Working in the Fianarantsoa forest corridor, we used a combination of ecological research (>29 000 crayfish caught and released) and interviews (>130 interviews in 38 villages) to investigate the ecology and status of four of the seven described species. 2. Astacoides species studied showed very slow growth, with growth rates of Astacoides granulimanus and Astacoides crosnieri among the slowest known in any species of crayfish. We found individuals of all three species for which we had growth data which we estimate at more than 20‐years old. The size at which females became ovigerous varied among species. Astacoides betsileoensis withheld reproduction until a large size (only 30% of females were gravid at 60‐mm carapace length, compared with 90% for A. granulimanus). This is likely to make A. betsileoensis particularly vulnerable to overexploitation and we found that only 10% of individuals measured in a market (n = 909) would have reproduced before being caught compared with 35% of the more common A. granulimanus (n = 30 561). 3. Habitat loss is a serious threat to the genus; even A. granulimanus, the most widespread species, was only found in rivers or streams flanked by natural vegetation. Astacoides caldwelli, the rarest species in this study, was found only at low altitudes (<800 m) in rivers draining forested catchments. Habitat loss is particularly rapid in low elevation forest. A. crosnieri was restricted to swampy land that is rapidly being converted to rice fields. Introduced Asian snakehead fish (Channa maculata) may pose a hitherto unrecognised threat to some species, particularly A. betsileoensis. 4. Madagascar's freshwater habitats have great significance for global biodiversity yet conservation effort, as in much of the world, has focused on terrestrial ecosystems. Until recently almost nothing was known about the ecology of Astacoides crayfish, a diverse and economically important genus. Here, we show that members of the genus vary markedly in their reproductive biology, growth rates, habitat requirements and the threats they face. We suggest that habitat loss is an urgent threat, especially to A. caldwelli and A. crosnieri, while overharvesting is probably the most immediate threat to the larger A. betsileoensis. We call for more attention to be paid to Madagascar's exceptional, yet understudied, freshwater biodiversity.     

Genetic variation and conservation of Changnienia amoena, an endangered orchid endemic to China

Nuclear DNA content (2C) is used as a new criterion to investigate nearly all species of the genus Nerine Herb. The species have the same chromosome number (2n = 2x = 22), with the exception of three triploid plants found. The nuclear DNA content of the diploids, as measured by flow cytometry with propidium iodide, is demonstrated to range from 18.0–35.3 pg. This implies that the largest genome contains roughly 2 × 10¹⁰ more base pairs than the smallest. The species, arranged according to increasing genome size, fell apart in three groups if growth cycle and leaf width were also considered. A narrow-leafed, evergreen group with a DNA content between 18.0 and 24.6 pg contains thirteen species, a broad-leaved winter growing group with four species has a DNA content from 25.3–26.2 pg and a broad-leafed summer growing group has a DNA content of 26.8–35.3 pg and contains six species. If the presence of filament appendages and hairiness of the pedicels were also considered, the thirteen evergreen species could be further divided into a group without filament appendages or hairy pedicels with a DNA content of 18.0–18.7 pg. A second group without filament appendages but with hairy pedicels had a DNA content of 19.7–22.3 pg. And a third group with both filament appendages and hairy pedicels had a DNA content of 22.0–24.6 pg. The exception is N. marincowitzii that, despite a low DNA content and narrow leaves is summer growing. The broad-leafed group is further characterised by the absence of filament appendages and the absence of strongly hairy pedicels. The exception here is N. pusilla that, despite a high DNA content, has narrow leaves and minutely hairy pedicels. Nuclear DNA content as measured by flow cytometry is shown to be relevant to throw new light on the relationships between Nerine species.     

The diet of Pteropus voeltzkowi, an endangered fruit bat endemic to Pemba Island, Tanzania

The diet of the Pemba flying fox Pteropus voeltzkowi , a species endemic to the island of Pemba off Tanzania, was investigated. Faecal pellets, ejecta and dropped fruits were collected from under roosts to facilitate dietary analysis. This was supplemented by data from local villagers and school students. The main component of the diet was mango ( Mangifera indica ), but bats also ate breadfruit ( Artocarpus altilis ), figs ( Ficus spp.), flowers, leaves, and other fruit. Pollen from at least five plant species was also found in faecal pellets. Pteropus voeltzkowi may be one of the only species on the island that disperses larger seeds. The germination rate of bat‐ingested seeds was higher than that for seeds from ripe fruit, and this appeared to be linked to selective ingestion of viable seeds by bats.     

应用生态学的研究与发展趋势

国际上应用生态学于25－40年前诞生,是为了适应、服务于缓解西方发达国家当时日益恶化的环境污染与生态破坏问题的需要,随着学科的发展,应用生态学一直都把应用生态学原理致力于解决自然资源不断退化与严重的环境问题作为其研究的重点,21世纪的到来,人类步入了应用生态学时代,国际应用生态学主要发展特点表现为：更注重其应用性,屿工程学的相互交,特别注意与基础生态学的衔接性,全方位采用新方法与新技术,微观机理与宏观调控并行发展,中国应用生态学今后的学科建设,特别是在21世纪的发展,在注意与国际接轨并从中涉及精华的同时,要特别强调我国环境污染与生态破坏仍在恶化这一基本国情而开展研究和应用。     

Promotion by phloroglucinol of micropropagation of Minuartia valentina, an endangered and endemic Spanish plant

Tissue culture techniques for the propagation and conservation of endemic or threatened plants can be used to complement the methods usually applied in ex situ conservation. Thus, Minuartia valentina (Caryophyllaceae), an endangered plant species endemic to the Valencia Community (Eastern Spain), was successfully regenerated through shoot proliferation from wild plants growing in their natural area. Nodal segments, 10~mm long, were cut from rametes of adult material, sterilised and established in vitro. Equally successful shoot multiplication was achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 80 mg l-1 phloroglucinol in combination with either 1 mg l-1 6-benzylaminopurine or 1 mg l-1 kinetin. Excised shoots were rooted in MS medium supplemented with an auxin (indole acetic acid, indole-3-butyric acid, or napththalene acetic acid). Shoots rooted well (96–100%) within three weeks in all auxin treatments. However, the use of napththalene acetic acid was discarded because this auxin delayed root differentiation, and induced adventitious root malformation. Rooted plantlets were transferred to pots and 85% of them acclimatized successfully four weeks after transfer to greenhouse conditions, where they exhibited normal morphology and growth.     

Implications of seed germination ecology for conservation of Camptotheca acuminata,a rare,endemic, and endangered species in China

Plant Ecology - Seed germination and seedling recruitment are among the most critical stages for plant population persistence and development, which may be influenced by habitat fragmentation and...     

In vitro propagation of an endemic and endangered medicinal plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Notopterygium incisum</Emphasis>

An efficient system in vitro propagation for Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H. T. Chang, an endemic and endangered medicinal plant, was established to address increased demand and germplasm conservation goals. Optimum response in callus induction (CI) was observed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.2 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), which the induction rate and growth of callus were 84.44% and 0.67 g respectively. The highest shoot regeneration frequency (76.97%) and maximum number of shoots (3.6 shoots per callus) were achieved on MS medium with 1.5 mg/l BAP and 0.2 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.6 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was determined to be the best rooting medium, resulting in the maximum number of roots (18.6 roots per shoot) and the highest rooting frequency (92.28%). An approximate 83.8% survival rate among the regenerated plantlets was recorded after they were transplanted in the field at an altitude of 3200 m. An HPLC analysis showed that the content of two main chemical constituents, notopterol and isoimperatorin, in the rhizomes of 3-year-old regenerated plantlets was higher (3.84 mg/g and 4.05 mg/g, respectively) than that in commercially marketed crude drugs. This first report of complete regeneration in vitro could provide an alternative method for the rapid, large-scale production and conservation of this valuable, rare, and endangered medicinal plant.