Description of Ochthebius (Asiobates) irenae sp. n. (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) from the Iberian Peninsula,with Notes on its Ecology

Ochthebius irenae sp. n. is described from Albacete (SE Spain, Iberian Peninsula). The external morphology of the new species is close to O. bonnairei, O. ferroi and O. heydeni, although the structure of the aedeagus places it in an isolated position. The species was found in a shallow temporary pond close to a saline lagoon over gypsiferous soils.     

Conservation of freshwater fish resources of India: new approaches, assessment and challenges

The freshwater resources of India are currently experiencing an alarming decline in fish biodiversity due to several factors and as a result, a sizeable portion of fresh water fishes have been categorized as threatened. This emphasizes an immediate need for initiating research and actions for alternative management techniques to protect these aquatic systems. One such option that has potential to protect freshwater ecosystem from numerous threats is the creation of freshwater aquatic sanctuary (FAS) within protected area network. Though similar conservation practices are well established in the terrestrial and marine ecosystem, however, the work on freshwater systems has been very slow and negligible. In the present communication we conceptualized the need and approach for developing FAS within the protected area network based on our observations in the water bodies of the selected wildlife sanctuaries in Northern India as well as success stories of some other countries. In this study we assessed the fish diversity in the selected protected areas of Northern India. The assessment indicated that these sanctuaries harbor 28.26–31.13% of freshwater fishes, which are threatened in other areas. Apart from Indian Major Carps, Tor putitora, Chitala chitala, Pangasius pangasius, Clupisoma gerua, Ailia coila, Aorichthys aor, Wallago attu, Rhinomugil corsula, Ompok pabda, Ombok pabo etc. were the important species encountered in the protected waters. The various issues related to FAS including objectives, approach, potential tools, implementation and management are discussed towards saving endangered fish germplasm resources. Approaches, tools and modus operandi proposed in this communication could be utilized by other developing countries in the region.     

Conservation genetics in hypersaline inland waters: mitochondrial diversity and phylogeography of an endangered Iberian beetle (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)

Saline inland waters are globally threatened habitats harbouring many specialised endemic species, which often have restricted geographic ranges, and occur as highly isolated populations. We studied the genetic variation and phylogeography of Ochthebius glaber Montes and Soler, a rare and endangered water beetle endemic to hypersaline streams in the South and Southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. We used a 633 bp fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene to determine the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure within this species, and interpret this in the light of the speciesȁ9 conservation requirements. Thirteen populations were sampled across the speciesȁ9 geographic range, and genetic diversity found to be very high, with 37 haplotypes across the 71 specimens examined (p-distance 0.2–7.3%, average 3.1±0.4). Phylogeographic analyses revealed a surprisingly high degree of geographical structure, detectable among populations separated by relatively short geographical distances, with three main groups of haplotypes which have apparently been isolated for significant periods of time. Past fragmentation and contiguous range expansion events were inferred as the main causes of the detected geographical associations of haplotypes. The establishment of independent evolutionary lineages as conservation units is particularly important for species inhabiting saline habitats such as O. glaber, which is endangered by habitat loss across most of its distribution. However, given the natural instability of hypersaline environments, the conservation of a network of populations and potential habitats would be necessary to enable the preservation of the process generating and maintaining the diversity of the species.     

Narrow endemics on coastal plains: Miocene divergence of the critically endangered genus Avellara (Compositae)

Critically endangered species representing ancient, evolutionarily isolated lineages must be given priority when allocating resources for conservation projects. Sound phylogenetic analyses and divergence time estimations are required to detect them, and studies on their population genetics, ecological requirements and breeding system are needed to understand their evolutionary history and to design efficient conservation strategies. Here we present the paradigmatic case of Avellara, a critically endangered monotypic genus of Compositae inhabiting a few swamps in the west–southwest Iberian coastal plains. Our phylogenetic and dating analyses based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK) DNA sequences support a Miocene (>8.6 Ma) divergence between Avellara and closely related genera, resulting in marked morphological and ecological differentiation. We found alarmingly low levels of genetic diversity, based on AFLPs and plastid DNA sequences, and confirmed the prevalence of clonal reproduction. Species distribution modelling suggested a large macroclimatically suitable area for Avellara in the western Iberian Peninsula, but its apparently narrow microecological requirements restrict its distribution to peatlands with low‐mineralised waters. Although five populations have been recorded from Spain and Portugal in the past, its current distribution may be reduced to only one population, recurrently found in the last decade but threatened by herbivory and habitat degradation. All this confirms the consideration of Avellara as a threatened species with high phylogenetic singularity, and makes it a flagship species for plant conservation in both Spain and Portugal that should be given priority in the design of in situ and ex situ conservation programmes.     

Assessing extinction-risk of endangered plants using species distribution models: a case study of habitat depletion caused by the spread of greenhouses

The species distribution models (SDMs) are useful tools for investigating rare and endangered species as well as the environmental variables affecting them. In this paper, we propose the application of SDMs to assess the extinction-risk of plant species in relation to the spread of greenhouses in a Mediterranean landscape, where habitat depletion is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss. For this purpose, presence records of the model species (Linaria nigricans, a endemic and threatened species) and the greenhouses, a dataset of environmental variables, and different only presence-based modelling algorithms (Bioclim, Domain, GARP, MaxEnt and ENFA) were used to build SDMs for L. nigricans as well as for greenhouses. To evaluate the models a modified approach of the area-under-curve ROC was applied. Combining the most accurate models, we generated an extinction-risk model of L. nigricans populations, which enabled us to assess the sustainability of the most threatened populations. Our results show that is possible to model greenhouses spreading as a “biological invasion”. The procedure explained and used in this work is quite novel, and offers an objective spatial criterion intended for the management of natural resources and for the conservation of the biodiversity in areas threatened by habitat depletion processes as particular as greenhouses expansion.     

Vascular plant species richness on wetland remnants is determined by both area and habitat heterogeneity

There is an ongoing ecological debate on whether area per se or habitat heterogeneity is the main driver for species richness. The wetland remnants in the Sanjiang Plain, NE China harbor a high biodiversity and play an important role for local ecosystems. Fifty-one wetland remnants were sampled to examine the effect of area and habitat heterogeneity on vascular plant species richness. Number of community types, elevation, water heterogeneity and soil resource heterogeneity were employed as habitat heterogeneity variables, but only water heterogeneity was identified as the proper surrogate for habitat heterogeneity. Compared with the classic species-area model, the choros model achieved better fitness when water heterogeneity and elevation were employed as habitat heterogeneity variables. Nevertheless, elevation was poorly correlated with species richness. It suggests, without a comprehensive analysis of habitat heterogeneity variables, the choros model might result in a misleading result. In this study, species richness was significantly influenced by water heterogeneity, area and number of community types. Water heterogeneity and area both controlled the number of community types, and they were the two main determinants of species richness. As area was significantly and positively correlated with water heterogeneity, the variance in species richness was mainly related to the mutual effect of area and water heterogeneity. The results of this study confirmed that the relationship between the area per se hypothesis and the habitat heterogeneity hypothesis was conjunct rather than mutually exclusive. In addition, it is critical that both area and water heterogeneity should be taken into account for biodiversity conservation and management in wetland remnants.     

The conservation value of restored landfill sites in the East Midlands, UK for supporting bird communities

There has been a rapid decline of grassland bird species in the UK over the last four decades. In order to stem declines in biodiversity such as this, mitigation in the form of newly created habitat and restoration of degraded habitats is advocated in the UK biodiversity action plan. One potential restored habitat that could support a number of bird species is re-created grassland on restored landfill sites. However, this potential largely remains unexplored. In this study, birds were counted using point sampling on nine restored landfill sites in the East Midlands region of the UK during 2007 and 2008. The effects of restoration were investigated by examining bird species composition, richness, and abundance in relation to habitat and landscape structure on the landfill sites in comparison to paired reference sites of existing wildlife value. Twelve bird species were found in total and species richness and abundance on restored landfill sites was found to be higher than that of reference sites. Restored landfill sites support both common grassland bird species and also UK Red List bird species such as skylark Alauda arvensis, grey partridge Perdix perdix, lapwing Vanellus vanellus, tree sparrow, Passer montanus, and starling Sturnus vulgaris. Size of the site, percentage of bare soil and amount of adjacent hedgerow were found to be the most influential habitat quality factors for the distribution of most bird species. Presence of open habitat and crop land in the surrounding landscape were also found to have an effect on bird species composition. Management of restored landfill sites should be targeted towards UK Red List bird species since such sites could potentially play a significant role in biodiversity action planning.     

Redistribution of the lizardfish Harpadon nehereus in coastal waters of China due to climate change

Climate change has the potential to greatly alter species distributions and threatens biodiversity in marine ecosystems. Mapping changes in species distribution patterns under climate change will help facilitate management strategies to maintain ecosystem structure and function. The lizardfish Harpadon nehereus is an aggressive predator that has experienced rapid population growth along the coast of China in recent decades, compressing the ecological niches of other marine species and disrupting food webs. If this species’ range is shifting due to climate change, it could further impact the integrity of ecological communities. To map the distribution of H. nehereus, we developed an ensemble species distribution model and projected the present and future habitat suitability in Chinese coastal waters. Annual mean benthic water temperature was identified as the most important variable affecting the projected distribution of H. nehereus, followed by water depth and salinity. Currently suitable habitats are along the coast from Guangxi Province to the southern Jiangsu Province. As climate changes, the southern portion of its distribution is predicted to recede with habitat losses, and the overall suitable habitat will shift northward. To avoid the potential impacts of H. nehereus redistribution, precautionary management based on species distribution modeling would help to maintain healthy marine ecosystems in the newly invaded areas.

     

菲律宾海脊索动物多样性评估: 基于OBIS数据库

菲律宾海邻近全球生物多样性和进化的中心, 分布着多种重要生物资源。了解本区生物多样性及受威胁物种的分布特征可对掌握其生物多样性现状, 以及未来实施有效的生物多样性保护管理策略提供重要依据。本文利用海洋生物地理信息系统(Ocean Biogeographic Information System, OBIS)数据库, 并参考世界自然保护联盟濒危物种红色名录(IUCN Redlist)的物种濒危程度评估结果, 构建了菲律宾海脊索动物生物多样性和受威胁物种数据库, 结合海洋生态因子特征对该海区脊索动物的物种多样性和不同等级受威胁物种的数量空间分布格局进行了初步分析, 并对脊索动物不同分类阶元生物多样性与生态因子的关系进行了相关性分析。结果表明, 本区海洋脊索动物门已报道11纲56目320科1,171属2,876种。其中在菲律宾海的边缘区域, 特别是菲律宾群岛、台湾岛、日本群岛、马里亚纳群岛及中央的九州-帕劳海脊附近海域, 生物多样性水平相对较高, 而中央海盆区的生物多样性较低。本海域鱼类生物多样性尤其丰富, 共计4纲45目292科1,105属2,768种, 在物种水平上占本区脊索动物物种数的96%。各分类阶元水平的多样性与初级生产力呈显著正相关, 而与水深呈显著负相关。本区脊索动物门受威胁物种共计54种, 其中极危3种、濒危5种、易危22种、近危24种, 分别约占全区脊索动物总种数的0.10%、0.17%、0.76%、0.83%。与本区生物多样性分布格局相似, 受威胁物种多分布于菲律宾海边缘区域, 在中央海脊和深水盆地区域分布较少。本研究表明, 对菲律宾海脊索动物特别是受威胁物种的保护应当以边缘区域优先; 但考虑到当前菲律宾海深海区域生物多样性数据的不足, 也应加强对中央海脊和深水盆地等区域的生物多样性普查。     

Ochthebius (s.str.) capicola (Coleoptera) re-discovered in the Cape Peninsula,South Africa

New distributional records and ecological observations are presented for the Cape endemic hydraenid Ochthebius capicola. Considered extinct on the Cape Peninsula, the species has been re-discovered at two adjacent locations as well as at a new site in Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape. New species associations are recorded, in conjunction with observations confirming this species' preference for algae-covered rock surfaces in the hypersaline pools of the supralittoral zone. Provisional internationally-endangered status for this species was examined but considered dependent on future data. It was considered likely that the beetle may be insufficiently recorded, due to its atypical habitat requirement. A synopsis of the taxonomic status of this species and Ochthebius rubripes is given. Notes on both species are provided, as well as a record of sympatric occurrence.     

Patterns of composition and species richness of crustaceans and aquatic insects along environmental gradients in Mediterranean water bodies

Differences in the dynamics of ecological processes between Mediterranean and colder temperate aquatic systems could imply different patterns in faunal communities in terms of composition and biodiversity (i.e. species richness and rarity). In order to identify some of these patterns the crustacean and aquatic insect composition and biodiversity of four water body types, classified according to their salinity and water permanence, were compared. Moreover, the relationships between species richness and water, pond and landscape variables were analysed. A total number of 91 water bodies located throughout Catalunya (NE Iberian Peninsula) were sampled. Three species assemblages were observed: one for permanent freshwaters, another for temporary freshwaters, and a third one for saline waters (SW), since permanent and temporary saline water bodies had similar composition. Differences in salinity were associated with proportion of crustaceans versus insects and with singularity. Thus, saline ponds had a higher proportion of crustaceans, and lower values of singularity. Conductivity was significantly related to total (crustaceans plus insects) richness, and also related to insect richness. The main difference between the models obtained for crustacean species richness and insect species richness is the significance of landscape variables in the latter, and this fact could be related to the different dispersion types of these two faunal groups: active for insects versus passive for crustaceans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. Guest editors: R. Céréghino, J. Biggs, B. Oertli & S. Declerck The ecology of European ponds: defining the characteristics of a neglected freshwater habitat     

The impacts of beavers Castor spp. on biodiversity and the ecological basis for their reintroduction to Scotland,UK

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Can postmining revegetation create habitat for a threatened mammal?

Most revegetation conducted for biodiversity conservation aims to mimic reference ecosystems present predisturbance. However, revegetation can overshoot or undershoot targets, particularly in the early stages of a recovery process, resulting in conditions different from the reference model. Revegetation that has, as yet, failed to fully meet revegetation targets may, nonetheless, provide habitat for threatened species not present in reference ecosystems. To investigate this possibility, we surveyed Quokka (Setonix brachyurus), a threatened macropod, in a mining landscape in south‐western Australia. We established four sites in each of riparian forest, which is the preferred habitat of quokkas but is not mined, mid‐slope forest, which is the premining reference ecosystem but is not suitable habitat for quokkas, and revegetated forest on mine pits 16–21 years postmining. We recorded quokkas in all riparian forest sites and two revegetated forest sites but not in any mid‐slope forest sites. Occupied revegetated sites had greater cover between 0 and 2 m and were spatially closer to riparian forest than unoccupied revegetated sites, suggesting predation pressure was likely influencing which mine pits were occupied. Our study demonstrated postmining revegetation can provide new habitat for a threatened species and suggested that revegetating a small proportion of sites to provide new habitat for threatened species could be considered as a management option in some scenarios. This could improve landscape connectivity and increase both the area of available habitat and between‐site heterogeneity, which could all potentially increase the ability of revegetation to conserve biodiversity.     

Fish distribution and ontogenetic habitat preferences in non-estuarine lagoons and adjacent reefs

We surveyed fish distribution in three lagoons and adjacent forereefs in the British Virgin Islands recording about 28,000 fish from 40 families and 118 species. Canonical correspondence indicated that rock, sand, fleshy algae, gorgonians, mangroves and live hard coral were the most important habitat types influencing fish assemblage composition. About 47% of fishes occurring at more than 10 stations displayed evidence of ontogenetic partitioning between reefs and lagoons but post-settlement ontogenetic life history strategies were quite varied depending on the species. For example Chaetodon striatus juveniles occurred exclusively in lagoons and all sexually mature adults were found on reefs. Some differences were less pronounced as seen in Halichoeres bivittatus where individuals of all sizes occurred on reefs and lagoons, but when analysed it was found that reefs had larger individuals than lagoons. Some species, such as Acanthurus bahianus, were primarily reef species whose juveniles also used lagoon habitats while others, such as Gerres cinereus, were generally lagoon species whose adults occasionally moved onto reefs. Even with all this variation in life-history strategies, all the species that exhibited bay-reef partitioning used the lagoons as juveniles then moved onto reefs as adults and not vice versa, supporting the hypothesis that bays are important nursery areas for reef-dwelling fishes. These results show that a detailed review of the natural life-history strategies and habitat requirements are required before making further generalisations about the role of near-shore habitat types as nurseries for reef fishes. This is especially important given the rapid changes in tropical near-shore habitats around the world.     

Aquatic macrophytes diversity in lagoons of a tropical floodplain: The role of connectivity and water level

Abstract The goal of this research is to evaluate how the assemblages of aquatic macrophytes in marginal floodplain habitats, with different degrees of connectivity to the main river, respond to water level fluctuations. Samples were carried out quarterly (May 2000 to March 2002) in seven lagoons of the Upper Paraná River floodplain (22°30′ and 22°45′‐S and 53°15′ and 53°30′‐W) with different degrees of connectivity (connected and disconnected to the main river). In each lagoon, a shore‐pelagic zone transect was marked and at every 2 m the depth and the cover of each aquatic macrophyte species were recorded (Domin‐Krajina scale) in a quadrat of 0.25 m². A total of 29 aquatic macrophyte species and an unusual decrease in water level were recorded in August 2001. Drawdown had a negative impact on species richness, only in connected lagoons, which was shown by a positive relationship between depth and species number (r‐Spearman = 0.86; P < 0.01). Depth affected Beta diversity positively (r‐Spearman = 0.79; P < 0.05). Drawdown affected the connected and disconnected lagoons differently, which can be attributed to their different morphometry. In this period, ‘habitat contraction’ was higher on connected lagoons. Positive correlation between mean species number and depth, and between beta diversity and depth, are factors that support this affirmation. Indicator species analysis showed that for disconnected lagoons, Oxycaryum cubense (Cyperaceae), Polygonum meissnerianum (Polygonaceae) and P. ferrugineum, with indicator values (IndVal) of 53, 30 and 25%, respectively, were indicator species. Salvinia spp. (Salvinaceae) (62%), P. acuminatum (44%) and the Ricciaceae Ricciocarpus natans (0%) were the indicator species of the connected lagoons.     

Comparison of wood-inhabiting myxomycetes in subalpine and montane coniferous forests in the Yatsugatake Mountains of Central Japan

To demonstrate altitudinal gradients (and resulting temperatures) that affect myxomycete biodiversity and species composition, we statistically compared myxomycete assemblages between a subalpine coniferous forest and a montane pine forest within the region of the Yatsugatake Mountains, Nagano Prefecture, Central Japan. In summer and autumn field surveys during 2003–2010, 53 myxomycete taxa (with varieties treated as species) were observed from 639 records of fruiting bodies in the subalpine forest and 32 taxa were detected from 613 records in the montane forest. There were 20 species in common between the assemblages and the percentage similarity index was 0.400. Myxomycete biodiversity was higher in the subalpine than in the montane forest. Nine myxomycete species were statistically frequent occurrences in the subalpine forest and appeared in autumn: Lamproderma columbinum, Cribraria macrocarpa, Trichia botrytis, Physarum newtonii, Diderma ochraceum, Enteridium splendens, Elaeomyxa cerifera, Trichia verrucosa, and Colloderma oculatum. Five species were restricted to appear in the subalpine forest: Cribraria purpurea, Cribraria rufa, Cribraria ferruginea, Cribraria piriformis, and Lepidoderma tigrinum. Dead wood in the subalpine forest provided a breeding habitat for specific myxomycetes that inhabit cold areas; that is those areas having geographical features of decreasing temperature and increasing elevation, such as the temperate area of Central Japan.     

Global distribution of Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus: a review and critical evaluation

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Changes in habitat suitability influence non‐breeding distribution of waterbirds in central Europe

Waterbird species have different requirements with respect to their non‐breeding areas, aiming to survive and gain condition during the non‐breeding period. Selection of non‐breeding areas could change over time and space driven by climate change and species habitat requirements. To help explain the mechanism shaping non‐breeding area selection, we provide site‐specific analyses of distributional changes in wintering waterbirds in central Europe, located at the centre of their flyways. We use wintering waterbirds as a highly dynamic model group monitored over a long‐time scale of 50 years (1966–2015). We identified species habitat requirements and changes in habitat use at the level of 733 individual non‐breeding (specifically wintering) sites for 12 waterbird species using citizen‐science monitoring data. We calculated site‐specific mean numbers and estimated site‐specific trends in numbers. The site‐specific approach revealed a general effect of mean winter temperature of site (seven of 12 species), wetland type (all species) and land cover (all species) on site‐specific numbers. We found increasing site‐specific trends in numbers in the northern and/or eastern part of the study area (Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Eurasian Teal Anas crecca, Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and Eurasian Coot Fulica atra). Common Merganser Mergus merganser, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Common Pochard, Eurasian Coot and Common Moorhen Galinulla chloropus increased their site‐specific numbers on standing industrial waters with traditionally low fish stock. The site‐specific dynamics of bird numbers helped us to identify general preference for sites reducing winter harshness (warmer areas, running waters and more wetlands in the site vicinity), as well as indicating climate‐driven changes in spatial use of wintering sites (northern/north‐eastern range changes and changes in preference for industrial waters). This fine‐scale (site‐specific) approach can reveal large‐scale range and distribution shifts driven by climate and environmental changes regardless of the availability of large‐scale datasets.     

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Northern Waterthrushes Among Nonbreeding Habitats in Southwestern Puerto Rico1

We surveyed nonbreeding Northern Waterthrushes (Seiurus noveboracensis) in several coastal habitats in southwestern Puerto Rico, West Indies. Waterthrush abundance was highest (mean = 2.2/point) in well‐developed mangrove habitats characterized by large trees and standing water, and lowest (mean = 0.1/point) in dry coastal scrub and savannah. Within the latter habitats, waterthrushes were more common in moist microhabitats such as temporary ponds and dry washes. Abundance in most habitats declined between October and January, probably a result of the presence of transients during the October surveys, Between January and March, abundance in mature red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) forests increased dramatically, suggesting that this habitat provides a refuge for birds at the end of the dry season and prior to northward migration. In conjunction with other data demonstrating the use of coastal red mangroves as nocturnal roosting sites, these results suggest that mangroves are the most important nonbreeding habitat for this species. Conservation of this globally threatened habitat may thus be important for the long‐term stability of waterthrush populations.     

Can Otolith Microchemistry Reveal Whether the Blind Cave Gudgeon, Milyeringa veritas (Eleotridae), is Diadromous within a Subterranean Estuary?

Synopsis The blind cavefish, Milyeringa veritas, inhabits an anchialine system, effectively a groundwater estuary, in which salinity varies between fresh and seawater at different locations and depths. Owing to the inaccessible habitat and the threatened status of the cavefish it is hard to obtain the biological information needed for their management. This paper explores the utility of otolith Sr:Ca ratio in elucidating cavefish biology. The mean Sr:Ca ratio of the water inhabited by the cavefish is correlated with both the TDS (total dissolved solids) of the habitat and with the Sr:Ca ratio of the sagittal otolith of the cavefish inhabiting that site. Mean values of Sr:Ca in otoliths suggest some cavefish inhabit sea or brackish waters while others remain in freshwater. Some individuals appear to move between waters of very different TDS at various stages but there is no consistency in the direction or apparent TDS range of the water bodies inhabited which indicates that the cavefish utilise the different water bodies opportunistically. Residual analyses indicate clear and routine changes in the TDS of the water occupied at various phases of growth, irrespective of the TDS at which the cavefish were sampled. Annular markings are present in some otoliths but they cannot be related to likely periodicities in the subterranean environment.