Distribution of cave-dwelling bats and conservation status of underground habitats in the Istanbul area

Populations of cave-dwelling bat species were investigated in the transitory region between the Eastern Thrace and the Western Pontus. Data were collected during 30 surveys in 13 underground sites, 10 of which had not been surveyed previously by bat researchers, between March 1999 and March 2000. Approximately 20 000 bats representing eight species were recorded. Grouping the sites according to their ecological resemblance, by means of cluster and correspondence analyses, yielded different results for the summer and winter data. In summer, there was a partial separation of the sites by their location in biogeographic regions. In winter, no regional grouping was observed. It was concluded that in the transitory region, species distribution does not differ considerably between the Eastern Thracian and Western Pontic ecosystems. In addition, a conservation scoring system is proposed for those sites investigated, their status is evaluated, and the most important local roosts are identified.     

Distribution,status and conservation problems of the Spanish Ibex,Capra pyrenaica (Mammalia: Artiodactyla)†

In this paper, the distribution and status of the Spanish Ibex, Capra pyrenaica (Mammalia: Artiodactyla), are revised. The whole Iberian population numbers nearly 50 000, distributed in more than 50 nuclei, and has generally increased during the last decades. Nevertheless, within this wider context, different conditions apply to different populations, including recent extinction (the Pyrenean population), recovery from recent severe epizooty of sarcoptic mange (e.g. the Sierras de Cazorla and Segura y Las Villas range population) and populations at high densities (e.g. Gredos mountain range and Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, among others). The main factors affecting the conservation of this species are also reported and discussed. On the basis of current information we propose the status of ‘vulnerable’ for the Spanish Ibex.     

Two new cave-dwelling species of the millipede genus Paracortina Wang & Zhang, 1993 from southern China (Diplopoda,Callipodida, Paracortinidae)

Two new species of the millipede genus Paracortina Wang & Zhang, 1993 are described. Both are presumed troglophiles: Paracortina zhangi sp. n. from a cave in Ceheng County, southwestern Guizhou Province and Paracortina yinae sp. n. from a cave in Longlin County, western Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A distribution map and a key to all 12 Paracortina species are also provided.     

Host–parasite determinants of parasite population structure: lessons from bats and mites on the importance of time

By definition, parasitic organisms are strongly dependant on their hosts, and for a great majority, this dependence includes host-to-host transmission. Constraints imposed by the host's spatial distribution and demography, in combination with those of the parasite, can lead to a metapopulation structure, where parasite populations are highly stochastic (i.e. prone to frequent extinctions and re-colonizations) and where drift becomes a major force shaping standing genetic variation. This, in turn, will directly affect the observed population structure, along with the ability of the parasite to adapt (or co-adapt) to its host. However, only a specific consideration of temporal dynamics can reveal the extent to which drift shapes parasite population structure; this is rarely taken into account in population genetic studies of parasitic organisms. The study by Bruyndonckx et al. in this issue of Molecular Ecology does just this and, in doing so, illustrates how a comparison of host–parasite co-structures in light of temporal dynamics can be particularly informative for understanding the ecological and evolutionary constraints imposed by the host. More specifically, the authors examine spatial and temporal population genetic data of a parasitic mite Spinturnix bechsteini that exclusively exploits the Bechstein's bat Myotis bechsteinii and consider these data in relation to host–parasite life histories and the population structure of the host.     

Species status and population genetic structure of the flightless chafer beetles Prodontria modesta and P. bicolorata (Coleoptera; Scarabaeidae) from South Island, New Zealand

This study uses isozyme electrophoresis to investigate the systematic status of two rare flightless chafer beetle species, Prodontria modesta and P. bicolorata , currently distinguished solely on the basis of colour. Seven polymorphic loci were analysed for the species in sympatry and allopatry. In sympatry, gene frequencies imply no genetic barrier between the two colour forms. Wright's hierarchical F-statistics were calculated to determine how the genetic variation is partitioned across the geographic range of the two species. Strong geographic structuring occurs at the population level but there is little genetic differentiation attributable to species. Comparisons of morphological measurements are in support of the electrophoretic results. The systematic significance of the two distinct colour forms is thus questionable. Under the biological, recognition or phylogenetic species concepts, the genetic data suggest that there is only one species, polytypic for a colour pattern. Most of the genetic diversity of this group of beetles lies within and among populations, which differ quite markedly over their geographic range, rather than between the two named species.     

Basing conservation policies for the deep-sea floor on current-diversity concepts: a consideration of rarity

Exploitation of deep-sea resources is now underway and there is economic pressure to renew and expand currently restricted waste disposal in that environment. Since the deep sea is noted for very high species diversity, it is appropriate that diversity conservation be initiated. Review of current concepts of diversity maintenance finds that the ideas have evolved more through increasing information about sources of heterogeneity than through rigorous testing. This history weakens the immediate value of these concepts for the development of conservation strategies and demonstrates the need for additional investigation. Such inquiry might focus upon the rare component of overall species richness. A comparison of box core samples at 2100m in the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico continental shelf reveals that deep soft bottoms are not unique in having many rare species. The rare component at depth is largely comprised of species more common at other locations near and far. The rare component on the shelf is comprised mostly of species which are consistently rare and restricted in distribution. These observations suggest a shallow–deep difference that is more one of degree than fundamental in nature; the deep having larger regions and regional species pools.     

An idealized model for tree–grass coexistence in savannas: the role of life stage structure and fire disturbances

1.  We discuss a simple implicit-space model for the competition of trees and grasses in an idealized savanna environment. The model represents patch occupancy dynamics within the habitat and introduces life stage structure in the tree population, namely adults and seedlings. A tree can be out-competed by grasses only as long as it is a seedling.
2.  The model is able to predict grassland, forest, savanna and bistability between forest and grassland, depending on the different characteristics of the ecosystem, represented by the model's parameters.
3.  The inclusion of stochastic fire disturbances significantly widens the parameter range where coexistence of trees and grasses is found. At the same time, grass-fire feedback can induce bistability between forest and grassland.
4.   Synthesis . These results suggest that tree–grass coexistence in savannas can be either deterministically stable or stabilized by random disturbances, depending on prevailing environmental conditions and on the types of plant species present in the ecosystem.     

Branchinecta oterosanvicentei n. sp. (Branchiopoda: Anostraca), a new fairy shrimp from the Chihuahuan desert, with a proposal for the conservation of the Branchinectidae of Mexico

Branchinecta oterosanvicentei, new species, a fairy shrimp endemic to the south of Coahuila, Mexico is described and figured. Differential features between the new species and the related B. lindahli are discussed on the basis of a SEM micrographs. The main diagnostic characters of Branchinecta oterosanvicentei are: (1) a pulvinus covered by scales localized on the middle of the median side of the proximal article of antenna, and (2) a network of prominent cortical crests on the cyst surface. Of seven Branchinecta species occurring in Mexico, four (B. belki, B. mexicana, B. oterosanvicentei, and B. sandiegonensis) have a restricted geographic range. Because, in addition, extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals per population occur, the survival of all of these species is threatened, and measures should be taken to protect them. Branchinecta mackini has a wide distribution in North America, but even this form is rare in Mexico.     

Description of Quinisulcius solani n.sp. (Nematoda: Tylenchorhynchidae) with a Key to the Species and Data on Scutylenchus koreanus from Pakistan

A new species. Quinisulcius solani, is described and illustrated from specimens on Solanum tuberosum from Murree Hills, Pakistan. Q. solani n.sp. differs from its closest relative, Q. acutus (Allen, 1955) Siddiqi, 1971, by its spiral to open ''C'' shaped body and stylet length of 19 μn, vs. 17 μm in Q. acutus. In Q. acutus the stylet knobs project anteriorly but slope posteriorly in Q. solani n.sp. Tail annules number 17 in Q. acutus but 38 in Q. solani n.sp.; also the phasmids in the former species are at mid-tail and in the latter are in anterior half of tail, at about 34%. Q. solani n.sp. is also closely related to Q. capitatus (Allen, 1955) Siddiqi, 1971 but differs in some characters. Head annules number eight and stylet length is 17 μm in Q. capitatus, but head annules are six and stylet length is 19 μm in Q. solani n.sp. In Q. capitatus T/ABW is 3 vs. 2.2 in Q. solani n.sp. Also, phasmids are located at mid-tail on Q. capitatus but at ahout one-third of the tail on Q. solani n.sp. A key to the 10 species of Quinisulcius is also presented. Scutylenchus koreanus (Choi &Geraert, 1971) Siddiqi, 1979 is recorded for the first time in Pakistan and morphometric data and illustrations given.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Betula</Emphasis> pollen: One of the most important aeroallergens in Ourense,Spain. Aerobiological studies from 1993 to 2000

This study presents the results obtained for airborne Betula pollen between 1992 and 2000 in Ourense, Spain, sampled by volumetric spore-trap (LANZONI VPPS2000). Annual and year-on-year variations were analyzed, and a statistical study of the correlation between daily counts and several meteorological parameters was performed. Birch pollen is present in the atmosphere during March and April in Ourense. Significant differences were observed among the different years. Values obtained for the correlation coefficient between Betula pollen counts and the various meteorological parameters studied indicate, for Ourense, a positive correlation between pollen count and both temperature and sunlight. A negative correlation was recorded for relative humidity. Temperature is thus the determining factor for flowering onset and intensity. Regression equations included values for the days prior to pollen concentration measurement in order to optimize results.     

Limitations to the inference of gene flow at regional geographic scales–an example from the Pieris napi group (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in Europe

We used hierarchical and pairwise F-statistics to describe genetic differentiation and infer gene flow (M) on local and regional scales within and among parapatric European butterfly taxa in the Pieris napi (L.) group. Within-population allozyme variability is consistently high, and local effective population sizes are inferred to be in the thousands of individuals. The pairwise analysis yields an average neighbourhood area of radius 3.5 km. Among populations within most regions, differentiation is low and M > 2 effective individuals population^-1generation^-1. Pairwise comparisons within the brilannica group show a disjunction indicating that it is out of equilibrium, perhaps as a result of secondary contact between highland and lowland groups. Comparison between meridionalis groups on mainland Italy and Corsica yields M > 12; this is surely loo high and lack of equilibrium resulting from initial colonization is suspected. The hierarchical analysis indicates that 23 ≤0020M≤ 88 among the taxa napi, bryoniae and meridionalis that meet in hybrid zones; no effective gene flow barrier exists among them. This high estimate could also result from recent primary contact, but such a genetic barrier should produce the ‘edge effects' seen in population genetic simulations, and no evidence of this was found among geographically close samples of napi and bryoniae populations from Switzerland. Studies of gene flow among geographic regions are greatly limited by the equilibrium assumption, though studies of local differentiation are much less so. Population studies of gene flow on local scales at regional boundaries provide limited means of testing the equilibrium assumption, and both regional and local analyses provide testable predictions about local population structure. When the equilibrium assumption is not upheld, local patterns at regional boundaries can provide historical information about primary vs. secondary contact.     

<Emphasis Type=Italic>Vanderhorstia papilio</Emphasis>, a new shrimp-associated goby from the Ryukyu Islands,Japan (Perciformes: Gobiidae: Gobiinae), with comments on the limits of the genus

A new gobiid fish, Vanderhorstia papilio, is described based on a single specimen (40.9mm SL) captured from a sandy-mud bottom at a depth of 45m in a protected bay of Iriomote-jima Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan. It is distinguished from congeners in having the following combination of characters: 11 segmented dorsal-fin rays; 11 segmented anal-fin rays; 27 longitudinal scales; 11 predorsal scales; third spine of first dorsal fin elongate, filamentous, and longer than preceding spine; fifth and ninth branched caudal-fin rays elongate, filamentous, and forming bifurcated caudal fin; fifth and ninth branched caudal-fin rays with a single branch in each; cephalic sensory-papillae row a comprises three widely-spaced papillae; when live or fresh, numerous small yellow spots scattered on head, body, and dorsal fins; dusky yellowish-brown vertical bar below eye; four dark gray-brown saddles on body, in addition to a similarly colored large blotch at midlateral caudal-fin base. The limits and diagnosis of the genus Vanderhorstia are discussed.     

Effects of anthropogenic disturbances on the butterfly assemblage in an urban green area: the changes from 1990 to 2005 in Kanazawa Castle Park, Japan

Kanazawa Castle Park (KCP) is an isolated urban green area in Kanazawa, Japan. A mature forest had developed there since 1949, but it was partially deforested from 1996 to 1999. Moreover, most of the grasslands in KCP were removed from 2000 to 2002. In this study, we report the damage to the butterfly assemblage by these anthropogenic disturbances and subsequent recovery after the disturbances, using previous literature on the butterfly assemblage in KCP from 1990 to 1994 and our monitoring data from 1999 to 2005. In addition, to understand urbanization effects, we also compared the butterfly assemblage of KCP with that of Tawara, a satoyama area 6 km away from KCP. Before the urbanization around KCP, KCP might have had a butterfly assemblage similar to Tawara. The previous articles indicate that 33 species lived in KCP before the partial deforestation. The number of generalist species (multivoltine and polyphagous species) was similar in KCP and Tawara (22 vs. 19), but that of specialist species (uni-bivoltine and oligophagous species) was lower in KCP than in Tawara (5 vs. 15). Six species, composed of a bamboo grass feeder, mantle feeders, herb/grass feeders, and a multi-feeder, disappeared from KCP after the deforestation and have not yet recolonized. The grassland removal also affected herb/grass feeders negatively, but they have been recovering quickly following the partial grassland recovery. Some species that disappeared after the deforestation were sporadically found from 2000 to 2005 probably due to immigration from the surrounding rural areas (the nearest one is 2 km away). For recolonization of the lost species, recovery of the interior and edge of the forest, which are the habitats for these species, is necessary.     

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Heliconema hainanensis sp. nov. (Spirurina: Physalopteridae) from congers in the South China Sea,with a key to the species of Heliconema

Heliconema hainanensis sp. nov. collected from Uroconger lepturus (Richardson) (Anguilliformes: Congridae), Muraenesox cinereus (Forsskål) and Congresox talabonoides (Bleeker) (Anguilliformes: Muraenesocidae) in the South China Sea was described using light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species differs from its congeners by the following morphology: pseudolabia, the number and arrangement of caudal papillae (4 pairs of pedunculate precloacal papillae arranged in 2 groups of 2 and 2 pairs and 6 pairs of pedunculate postcloacal papillae arranged in 4 groups of 1, 2, 1 and 2 pairs), the length of spicules [left spicule 0.51-0.69 mm, right spicule 0.20-0.27 mm, spicule (right:left) ratio 1:2.20-2.69] and the morphology of the female tail tip. In addition, specimens of the new species collected from the three different hosts and specimens of an unidentified species of Heliconema collected from U. lepturus were characterised using molecular methods by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA. Analyses and comparison of the ITS sequence of H. hainanensis sp. nov. with Heliconema sp. support the validity of the new species based on morphological observations. An identification key to the species of Heliconema is also provided.     

Gene flow and population structure of the endemic Azorean bat (<Emphasis Type=Italic>Nyctalus azoreum</Emphasis>) based on microsatellites: implications for conservation

The Azorean bat (Nyctalus azoreum) is endemic to the Azores archipelago and is listed as endangered due to its reduced and fragmented distribution range. We assessed genetic diversity at eight microsatellite loci in 280 individuals from 14 locations throughout six islands. Overall, we found that the Azorean bat populations are not genetically impoverished. Indeed, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 8 to 10 and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.77 in Terceira to 0.83 in Faial. The highest genetic diversity and level of private alleles was observed in S. Miguel, the largest island, and the closest to the mainland. Private alleles occurred at all islands except in Graciosa. Global and pairwise F _ST among islands were all statistically significant, suggesting restricted gene flow. These results, together with those of factorial correspondence analysis, Bayesian clustering method, and individual assignment tests, corroborate the conclusions of a previous mtDNA based study, providing strong support for the existence of two major subpopulations: one includes all islands of the Central Group and the other corresponds to S. Miguel. Gene flow between them is very limited, suggesting that management plans should avoid translocations between these subpopulations. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Tricalcaria Han gen. nov., a remarkable new genus with three hind‐tibial spurs belonging to the tribe Trichopterygini,with description of a new species from China (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)

Tricalcaria Han gen. nov. and its type species Tricalcaria stueningi Han sp. nov. are described from China. Morphological characters, including those of the male and female genitalia, are figured. The main diagnostic characters of Tricalcaria are: hind tibia with three spurs in both male and female; ventral margin of costal protrusion bearing a series of long, hook‐like, sclerotized setae in the male genitalia; female papilla analis modified and bearing over part of its surface broad blade‐like sclerotized setae. The wing pattern, venation, and genitalia of this genus are compared with those of the most closely related genera, Tristeirometa Holloway, 1997, Hypocometa Warren, 1896, and Phthonoloba Warren, 1893. Tribal placement is discussed, with the conclusion that the new genus should be placed in the tribe Trichopterygini.