Conservation implications of small Indian mongoose (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Herpestes auropunctatus</Emphasis>) predation in a hotspot within a hotspot: the Hellshire Hills,Jamaica

This study documents impacts of the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) on a threatened endemic fauna occurring in a biodiversity hotspot within a hotspot, the Hellshire Hills, Jamaica. We analyzed the stomach contents of 217 mongooses and supplemented this information with behavioural observations. The mongoose’s diet consists primarily of invertebrates and lizards, but bird feathers, mammal hair, and a small number of seeds were also recorded. Invertebrates and lizards accounted for 93% of identified prey items. Of special concern were the remains of threatened species such as the recently re-discovered blue-tailed galliwasp (Celestus duquesneyi), indicating that the mongoose may represent a considerable threat to this poorly known taxon. Dietary analyses did not reveal remains of the Critically Endangered Jamaican iguana (Cyclura collei), yet field observations confirmed that the mongoose is a potent predator of hatchling iguanas. Ignoring issues of sample size, this suggests that the analysis of stomach contents alone may mask important demographic impacts attributable to the mongoose (or other predator species). In other words, rare and endangered species may not be detected in diet samples, but the impact of predation may be of demographic significance for effected prey taxa. This study supports previous arguments concerning the negative impact of the mongoose on endemic insular species, and underscores the utility of employing field observations of mongoose foraging behaviour to provide important insights into the conservation implications of predation by non-native predators.     

The importance of littoral forest remnants for indigenous bird conservation in southeastern Madagascar

The littoral forests of Madagascar are relatively unexplored ecosystems that are considered seriously threatened by deforestation and habitat fragmentation. We set out to describe the bird communities inhabiting the littoral forest remnants in three different sub-regions of southeastern Madagascar to determine the national importance of these forests for bird conservation. In total, 77 bird species were found inhabiting 14 littoral forest remnants. Of these species, 40 are endemic to Madagascar and a further 21 are endemic to the Indian Ocean sub-region, consisting of Madagascar, the Comoros and the Mascarenes. The matrix habitats (Melaleuca forests, marécage swamp forest, Eucalyptus plantations and Erica grassland) that immediately surround the littoral forests were depauperate of bird species and contained few species that were found within the littoral forests. The geographic location of littoral forest remnants had an important role in determining what bird species occurred within them, with the northern remnants having similar bird communities to nearby humid forest whilst the most southern remnant had a bird community that resembled those of nearby spiny forest habitats. Eleven bird species that have been previously described as being habitat-restricted endemics to either spiny forests or humid forests, were found in littoral forest remnants. These results suggest that these littoral forests may play an important transitional role between the two other major natural habitats (spiny forest and humid forest) of southeastern Madagascar. On this basis we advocate that the littoral forest remnants of southeastern Madagascar should be afforded continuing conservation priority.     

Severe pollen limitation in populations of the New Zealand shrub Alseuosmia macrophylla (Alseuosmiaceae) can be attributed to the loss of pollinating bird species

The loss of bird species following human colonization of New Zealand has raised concerns about the consequences for crucial ecosystem functions such as pollination. The understorey shrub Alseuosmia macrophylla (Alseuosmiaceae) exhibits characteristics typical of a bird pollination syndrome, but populations still persist in northern North Island forest remnants despite the local extinction of most endemic bird pollinators, leading to the suggestion that moths – rather than birds – may be the primary pollinators. The aim of this study was to quantify the importance of endemic birds as pollinators of A. macrophylla over several years by comparing plants on Little Barrier Island (LBI), where all extant endemic bird pollinators still occur, to plants at sites on the adjacent North Island in the Waitakere Ranges (WTK), where only one of these species remains common. Flowers on LBI were visited by endemic bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) and stitchbirds (Notiomystis cincta), while at WTK sites the most common visitors were the recently arrived silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) and the introduced honeybee (Apis mellifera), both of which acted principally as nectar robbers. Caged flowers on LBI had significantly lower fruit set than open flowers, and plants at WTK were significantly more pollen‐limited than plants on LBI. This provides evidence that the loss of endemic pollinating birds is the most likely reason for the high pollen limitation found in some North Island A. macrophylla populations, and the very low seed set of these populations could have serious implications for the long‐term persistence of this species.     

New detection of a 30-year-old population of introduced mongoose <Emphasis Type="Italic">Herpestes auropunctatus</Emphasis> on Kyushu Island,Japan

The small Indian mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus, which was recently determined to be a separate species from the Javan mongoose H. javanicus, is one of the most notorious invasive predators known. A population of Herpestes sp. was recently reported at Kagoshima prefecture on Kyushu Island, one of the main Japanese islands. Surprisingly, the trapping actions and information from residents after this report suggest that this Herpestes sp. population has been established in this area for at least 30 years. In this study, based on mitochondrial DNA sequences, we identified seven recently obtained Herpestes sp. individuals from this area as H. auropunctatus, confirming that an additional mongoose population has been established on Kyushu Island. Confirmation of the spatial distribution of the mongoose and surveillance systems in surrounding areas are urgently needed to prevent further expansion of this mongoose’s distribution. It also highlights the large gap between the accepted scientific knowledge relating to biosecurity against biological invasion and local knowledge on the ground, even when the introduced species is notorious and relatively conspicuous. Recent progressions of invasibility studies would greatly contribute to the prioritization of allocating adequate resources to areas with high invasion risks.     

Factors restricting the range expansion of the invasive green anole Anolis carolinensis on Okinawa Island,Japan

The green anole Anolis carolinensis invaded the Ogasawara Islands in Japan, drove various native species to extinction, and its distribution expanded 14 years after initial establishment. A. carolinensis invaded Okinawa Island, but it has not expanded its distribution in more than 25 years, although its density is extremely high in the southern region. To determine whether A. carolinensis has the potential to expand its distribution on Okinawa Island, we performed phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial ND2 DNA sequences to study the origin of A. carolinensis that invaded Okinawa Island. We further used a species distribution model (MaxEnt) based on the distribution of native populations in North America to identify ecologically suitable areas on Okinawa Island. Nucleotide sequence analysis shows that the invader A. carolinensis originated in the western part of the Gulf Coast and inland areas of the United States and that a portion of the anoles on Okinawa was not introduced via the Ogasawara Islands. The MaxEnt predictions indicate that most areas in Okinawa Island are suitable for A. carolinensis. Therefore, A. carolinensis may have the potential to expand its distribution in Okinawa Island. The predictions indicate that habitat suitability is high in areas of high annual mean temperature and urbanized areas. The values of precipitation in summer in the northern region of Okinawa Island were higher compared with those of North America, which reduced the habitat suitability in Okinawa Island. Adaptation to low temperatures, an increase in the mean temperature through global warming, and an increase in open environments through land development will likely expand the distribution of A. carolinensis in Okinawa Island. Therefore, we must continue to monitor the introduced populations and be alert to the possibility that city planning that increases open environments may cause their range to expand.     

Molecular phylogeny of the Herpestidae (Mammalia, Carnivora) with a special emphasis on the Asian Herpestes

Until now, phylogenetic studies of the mongooses (Carnivora, Herpestidae) have not included an exhaustive sampling of the Asian members of this family. In this study, we used mitochondrial (Cytochrome b and ND2), nuclear (β-fibrinogen intron 7 and Transthyretin intron 1) sequences from almost all of the recognized mongoose species to produce a well-resolved phylogeny of the Herpestidae. We also performed molecular dating analyses to infer divergence dates of the different lineages within the Herpestidae. Our results confirmed the paraphyly of the Herpestes genus and other phylogenetic relationships, which previously had only been moderately supported. The Asian herpestid species were found to form a monophyletic group within the Herpestidae. Within the Asian species, a cyto-nuclear conflict was discovered between the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus), the Indian gray mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) and the Javan mongoose (Herpestes javanicus), which may have occurred through interspecific hybridization. This study inferred an Early Miocene origin for the Herpestidae and a Middle Miocene origin for the Asian mongooses.     

Uredo maua, sp. nov., andUromyces tairae: Additions to the rust flora of Hawai'i

Uredo maua, onXylosma hawaiiense (Flacourtiaceae), an endemic tree of Hawaiian forests, is newly described as an addition to Hawai'i's native rust flora.Uredo wakensis, originally described from Wake Island and reported from other Pacific islands onTournefortia argentea (Boraginaceae), represents the uredinial state ofUromyces tairae, described from Okinawa. This rust is newly reported from Hawai'i.     

The Indian brown mongoose,yet another invader in Fiji

A thriving population of the Indian brown mongoose (Herpestes fuscus), native to southwest India and Sri Lanka, has been discovered on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. This is the first known introduction of this species and may derive from a pair brought from an unknown source to a private zoo in the late 1970s. They co-occur on Viti Levu with the much smaller small Indian mongoose (H. auropunctatus), and they are probably nocturnally active. No research has been conducted on their activity, diet, or impact on Fiji.     

Identification of 2-phenylethanol with a rose-like odor from anal sac secretions of the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus)

The small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) is an invasive species in Okinawa and Amami-Oshima, Japan. Major strategies for their eradication have been the use of baited traps, which suffer from decreasing efficiency with declining populations and the bycatch of native animals. To address these concerns, mongoose-specific lures are required. In this study, we aimed to identify species- and/or sex-specific compounds from anal sac secretions of small Indian mongooses. Volatile compounds emitted from male and female mongoose anal sac secretions were analyzed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition to several fatty acids, 2-phenylethanol was identified as a minor compound, which is uncommon in mammalian secretions but a dominant odorant in roses. Female samples emitted higher levels of 2-phenylethanol than male samples did. These findings indicate that 2-phenylethanol is a female-specific volatile compound of anal sac secretions in small Indian mongooses, and it may be useful as an ingredient of mongoose-specific scent lures.     

DNA-based confirmation that the parasitic wasp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cotesia glomerata</Emphasis> (Braconidae,Hymenoptera) is a new threat to endemic butterflies of the Canary Islands

Island-endemic species can be particularly vulnerable to alien invasion. There are many examples of introduced insect parasitoids having a serious impact on endemic butterflies and moths. In 2006, a population of parasitic wasps was reared from larvae of the Canary Island Large White butterfly (Pieris cheiranthi), an endemic inhabitant of laurel forests unique to the Canary Islands of Macaronesia. Parasitoids were tentatively identified as Cotesia glomerata (Braconidae, Hymenoptera), a widely introduced agricultural bioagent. To corroborate this finding we sequenced 632 bp of mitochondrial cox1 from parasitoids and hosts from La Palma and from the native range of C. glomerata in continental Europe. These were combined with GenBank sequences and a character-based, phylogenetic approach was used to assess the species status of parasites and hosts. The La Palma parasitoid could unambiguously be assigned to C. glomerata under the criterion of diagnosibility with corroboration from multiple lines of evidence (DNA, morphology). We suggest that this opportunistic, non-native parasitoid wasp will be a threat to P. cheiranthi and other endemic Canarian butterflies. Parasitoid populations were recorded from P. cheiranthi in marginal forest habitats but not in central forest areas, suggesting that comprehensive habitat conservation of the Canarian laurel forests could prevent penetration of the alien parasitoid wasps and subsequent mortality of endemic butterfly populations.     

Genetic Differentiation in Insular Lowland Rainforests: Insights from Historical Demographic Patterns in Philippine Birds

Phylogeographic studies of Philippine birds support that deep genetic structure occurs across continuous lowland forests within islands, despite the lack of obvious contemporary isolation mechanisms. To examine the pattern and tempo of diversification within Philippine island forests, and test if common mechanisms are responsible for observed differentiation, we focused on three co-distributed lowland bird taxa endemic to Greater Luzon and Greater Negros-Panay: Blue-headed Fantail (Rhipidura cyaniceps), White-browed Shama (Copsychus luzoniensis), and Lemon-throated Leaf-Warbler (Phylloscopus cebuensis). Each species has two described subspecies within Greater Luzon, and a single described subspecies on Greater Negros/Panay. Each of the three focal species showed a common geographic pattern of two monophyletic groups in Greater Luzon sister to a third monophyletic group found in Greater Negros-Panay, suggesting that common or similar biogeographic processes may have produced similar distributions. However, studied species displayed variable levels of mitochondrial DNA differentiation between clades, and genetic differentiation within Luzon was not necessarily concordant with described subspecies boundaries. Population genetic parameters for the three species suggested both rapid population growth from small numbers and geographic expansion across Luzon Island. Estimates of the timing of population expansion further supported that these events occurred asynchronously throughout the Pleistocene in the focal species, demanding particular explanations for differentiation, and support that co-distribution may be secondarily congruent.     

First detection of the fruit fly Bactrocera synnephes (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Iriomote Island, south-western Japan

Bactrocera synnephes, a fruit fly species common in Taiwan, was first detected in Japan in 2006, when several male adults were trapped at Kanokawa, an uninhabited coastal area of Iriomote Island, Okinawa (200 km from Taiwan). To examine potential colonization by B. synnephes, we collected fruit of the wild gourd Diplocyclos palmatus (Cucurbitaceae), a host of the fruit fly, as well as other cucurbitaceous species, in Kanokawa and other areas of Iriomote Island. No B. synnephes infestation was found on any cucurbitaceous plants. Based on these results, we conclude that B. synnephes had very recently invaded Iriomote Island, possibly from Taiwan, but had failed to colonize. Bactrocera synnephes may have entered Iriomote Island by natural or human‐induced means, but a human‐induced invasion pathway is less likely in light of the non‐pest status of the species in Taiwan. The disappearance of B. synnephes from Iriomote Island may be related to the loss of host fruit as a result of tropical cyclones. Although B. synnephes is not regarded as a pest elsewhere, the pest status of the species is unclear in Okinawa, where no fruit fly pests currently attack commercial cucurbitaceous fruit. We must remain alert for possible re‐invasion by B. synnephes.     

西沙群岛主要岛屿鸟类和小型兽类群落调查研究

对海岛动物资源的本底调查和研究,可为更好地保护海洋和海岛生态系统提供重要的依据。2018年4月-2019年12月,利用样线法、铗夜法等对西沙群岛东岛、永兴岛等岛屿的鸟类、小型兽类资源进行了4次调查,结合历史记录数据对其物种组成和多样性变化进行了分析。调查共记录到小型兽类3种,臭鼩（Suncus murinus）见于林灌丛,褐家鼠（Rattus norvegicus）和黄胸鼠（R.flavipectus）见于房舍区;共记录到鸟类13目26科65种,其中国家Ⅱ级重点保护动物4种,新记录到鸟类29种;广布型鸟类34种,古北界鸟类20种,东洋界鸟类11种;冬候鸟28种,留鸟23种,旅鸟6种,夏候鸟5种,迷鸟3种;东岛鸟类物种数高于永兴岛,但多样性和均匀度均较低;雨季物种丰富度、多样性和均匀度均高于旱季;东岛为国家Ⅱ级重点保护动物红脚鲣鸟（Sula sula）中国唯一的繁殖地,应加强保护。与1974年和2005年报道的数据对比,本次调查记录的鸟类物种丰富度最高,留鸟物种数最多。结果反映西沙群岛小型兽类种类较少,主要分布在房舍区及其附近的林灌从;暗示小型兽类带入、扩散等可能与人为活动相关,其生态效应予以重视和长期监测。西沙群岛鸟类物种有丰富度较高、候鸟占比高、季节和年份间差异明显、留鸟物种数有所增加、为红脚鲣鸟唯一的繁殖地等特点。西沙群岛生态系统的完整性,对候鸟和留鸟的保护,尤其是红脚鲣鸟的保护十分重要,应予以重视。     

Biology of the Mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) in a Rain Forest of Puerto Rico1

Ecological aspects of the mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) were studied in the Luquillo Mountains, a rain forest region in eastern Puerto Rico. Information was obtained by removal trapping of mongoose from grids placed in tree plantations, colorado and tabonuco forests. Trapping efficiency was two mongoose per 100 trap-days, suggesting mongoose abundance is low in wet montane forests of Puerto Rico. Sex ratio was biased (2.6:1) in favor of males. Body masses of male mongoose inhabiting rain forests of the Luquillo Mountains were larger than those in dry forests at Guánica (P < 0.0001). Stomach contents from 18 mongoose were examined, animal matter comprised 75 percent of the total food items encountered. Of these, 33 percent were from vertebrates. The food items most frequently encountered were lizards (Anolis spp.), centipedes (Scolopendra spp.), and cockroaches (Blatellidae).     

Phylogeny and phylogeography of the sword-tailed newt,Cynops ensicauda (Amphibia: Caudata), as revealed by nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA

We investigated the phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography among individuals of the endemic newt (Cynops ensicauda) of the Central Ryukyus, Japan based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The results of phylogenetic analyses showed the presence of remarkable differentiation between assemblages from the Amami and Okinawa Island Groups, supporting the validity of the subspecies C. e. popei described from the latter on morphological grounds. The group of individuals from Okinawa Island Group was further divided into two distinct subgroups unlike the results of previous morphological and allozyme studies. Geographic ranges of these subgroups overlapped in the northern part of Okinawajima Island. The phylogeographic pattern within the Okinawa Island Group suggests an initial division into two geographically isolated population lineages and subsequent secondary sympatry before formation of reproductive isolation. It is also likely that within the Okinawa Island Group emigration occurred from the central and northern parts of Okinawajima Island to its southern part, as well as to several small islets off its western coast. Within the Amami Island Group, recurring restricted gene flow with isolation by distance seems to have occurred around the southwestern region including three islets southwest of Amamioshima Island.     

Systematics of the Southeast Asian mongooses (Herpestidae,Carnivora): solving the mystery of the elusive collared mongoose and Palawan mongoose

Although recent molecular studies have clarified the phylogeny of mongooses, the systematics of the Southeast Asian species was incomplete as the collared mongoose Urva semitorquata and some debatable taxa (Hose's mongoose, Palawan mongoose) were missing in the analyses. We sequenced three mitochondrial (cytochrome b, ND2, control region) and one nuclear (beta‐fibrinogen intron 7) fragments of the Southeast Asian mongooses to clarify the systematic position of the different species and populations occurring in this region. Our results showed that the collared mongoose is closely related to the crab‐eating mongoose Urva urva, these two species forming a sister‐group to the short‐tailed mongoose Urva brachyura. Despite Sumatran collared mongooses having a peculiar orange phenotype, we showed that they exhibited very little genetic divergence to individuals from Borneo. In contrast, the populations of the short‐tailed mongoose from Borneo were strongly divergent to those from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, and these might represent separate species. Within the crab‐eating mongoose, we observed little geographical genetic structure. Our study suggests that Hose's mongoose is not a valid species. The Palawan mongooses did not cluster with the other populations of the short‐tailed mongoose; they were closer to the collared mongoose and should be included in this species. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London     

Observations on the breeding behaviour of the Stripe‐breasted tit (Parus fasciiventer) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,Uganda

The motivation of this study was to investigate some hitherto unknown information on the breeding ecology of the Stripe‐breasted Tit (Parus fasciiventer) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, south‐western Uganda. Parus fasciiventer is one of the least studied and endemic bird species restricted to the montane forests of the Albertine Rift. Regionally, it is classified as near‐threatened. The study was carried out around the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation Ruhija camp and the period of study was from January to June 2003. Data were generated through direct observation at the nest box sites of three active nests. Each of the nest boxes was monitored from the time of nest building to the time the chicks fledged. Results and comparative assessments from this study demonstrate that P. fasciiventer, compared with its temperate congeners like Great Tits (Parus major), Marsh Tits (Parus palustris), Crested Tits (Parus cristatus), Coal Tits (Parus ater) and Blue Tits (Parus caeruleus), raised small broods and had longer nestling period. The findings further revealed that the species is capable of raising more than one brood in a single breeding season and provide further evidence that it is a cooperative breeder. Parents participated equally in raising the young, an indication of pure parenting in the species.     

Differential population responses of native and alien rodents to an invasive predator,habitat alteration and plant masting

Invasive species and anthropogenic habitat alteration are major drivers of biodiversity loss. When multiple invasive species occupy different trophic levels, removing an invasive predator might cause unexpected outcomes owing to complex interactions among native and non-native prey. Moreover, external factors such as habitat alteration and resource availability can affect such dynamics. We hypothesized that native and non-native prey respond differently to an invasive predator, habitat alteration and bottom-up effects. To test the hypothesis, we used Bayesian state-space modelling to analyse 8-year data on the spatio-temporal patterns of two endemic rat species and the non-native black rat in response to the continual removal of the invasive small Indian mongoose on Amami Island, Japan. Despite low reproductive potentials, the endemic rats recovered better after mongoose removal than did the black rat. The endemic species appeared to be vulnerable to predation by mongooses, whose eradication increased the abundances of the endemic rats, but not of the black rat. Habitat alteration increased the black rat''s carrying capacity, but decreased those of the endemic species. We propose that spatio-temporal monitoring data from eradication programmes will clarify the underlying ecological impacts of land-use change and invasive species, and will be useful for future habitat management.     

Secondary succession and effects of clear-logging on diversity in the subtropical forests on Okinawa Island,southern Japan

In order to clarify the recovery process of the subtropical forest on Okinawa Island, southern Japan, biomass accumulation and the successional trend of species diversity with time were investigated by comparing plots of old-growth and clear logged secondary forests. Self-thinning was an important factor in the development of young secondary forests, and the small variance in tree size within a stand was related to the stand not being fully stratified after clear-cutting. A large variance of size structure in old secondary and old-growth forests implies re-initiation of the understorey. Additionally, the trajectory of stand development indicated that the subtropical forest quickly recovered aboveground biomass, which reached its upper limit at about 50 years after disturbance. However, there was a large distinction in species diversity between the secondary forests and old-growth forests. The diversity of forest floor plants did not recover well after being clear-cut. This indicates that management of the subtropical forest should not only take timber-oriented tree species into account, but also the biodiversity in ground flora. The secondary forests were characterized by Castanopsis sieboldii and Schima wallichii, and the monopolization of C. sieboldii through secondary succession had a negative influence on species diversity. Distylium racemosum dominated at the late development stage and was considered a long-lived competing species that reduced the dominance of C. sieboldii and facilitated the co-occurrence of understorey species. Light-demanding pioneer tree species such as S. wallichii that regenerated after logging should be replaced by competitive effects of climax species, and thus relayed floristic change might increase species diversity along secondary succession.Nomenclature: Hatushima and Amano (1994).     

A review on the impacts of feral cats (Felis silvestris catus) in the Canary Islands: implications for the conservation of its endangered fauna

Feral cats have been directly responsible for the extinction of numerous species on islands worldwide, including endemic species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The diet of feral cats in the main habitats of the Canary Islands, as generally occurred on oceanic islands, is mainly composed of introduced mammals, and native species of birds, reptiles and insects. The impact of feral cat upon the endangered species was assessed by evaluating their relative abundance in the cats’ diet and by considering their current conservation status. A total of 68 different preys were identified at species level in all studies carried out in the Canary Islands (5 mammals, 16 birds, 15 reptiles and 32 invertebrates). From all the species preyed by feral cats in the Canary Islands, only four of them are considered threatened by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: one endemic bird Saxicola dacotiae and three endemic giant lizards, Gallotia simonyi, Gallotia intermedia, and Gallotia gomerana. Although some efforts on management control have been carried out, it is necessary to enforce these conservation activities on those areas of Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro where giant lizards are still present. Furthermore some local areas where endangered bird species are highly predated should be protected. Nevertheless, it is important to take into account the presence of other introduced species such as rats, mice or rabbits in order to avoid problems derived from the hyperpredation process and mesopredator release effect.