Gut microbiome of the critically endangered New Zealand parrot, the kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)

The kakapo, a parrot endemic to New Zealand, is currently the focus of intense research and conservation efforts with the aim of boosting its population above the current 'critically endangered' status. While virtually nothing is known about the microbiology of the kakapo, given the acknowledged importance of gut-associated microbes in vertebrate nutrition and pathogen defense, it should be of great conservation value to analyze the microbes associated with kakapo. Here we describe the first study of the bacterial communities that reside within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of both juvenile and adult kakapo. Samples from along the GIT, taken from the choana (≈ throat), crop and faeces, were subjected to 16 S rRNA gene library analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of >1000 16 S rRNA gene clones, derived from six birds, revealed low phylum-level diversity, consisting almost exclusively of Firmicutes (including lactic acid bacteria) and Gammaproteobacteria. The relative proportions of Firmicutes and Gammaproteobacteria were highly consistent among individual juveniles, irrespective of sampling location, but differed markedly among adult birds. Diversity at a finer phylogenetic resolution (i.e. operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of 99% sequence identity) was also low in all samples, with only one or two OTUs dominating each sample. These data represent the first analysis of the bacterial communities associated with the kakapo GIT, providing a baseline for further microbiological study, and facilitating conservation efforts for this unique bird.     

Thirty polymorphic microsatellite loci from the critically endangered kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)

Thirty polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed from the critically endangered kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), using an enriched genomic library. Characterization of loci using 90 kakapo revealed an average of 3.3 alleles per locus (range: 2–5) and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.47 (range: 0.17–0.70). The probability of identity (7.2 × 10^?15) and probability of exclusion (0.999999) demonstrate that these loci are a highly informative marker set that can aid the genetic management of the kakapo.     

New species of Euptyctima (Acari,Oribatida) from New Zealand

Abstract

Oribotritia contortula n. sp., O. contraria n. sp., O. teretis n. sp., Rhysotritia bifurcata n. sp., Microtritia contraria n. sp., M. glabrata n. sp., Hoplophthiracarus bisulcus n. sp., Austrophthiracarus pulchellus n. sp., and Notophthiracarus claviger n. sp. are described from New Zealand.

The genera of Oribotritia Jacot, Rhysotritia Märkel & Meyer, Hoplophthiracarus Jacot, and Austrophthiracarus Balogh & Mahunka are new records for New Zealand.     

Species of the genus Crotonia (Acari: Cryptostigmata) from New Zealand

Five new species of Crotonia from New Zealand ( C. cervicorna, C. cupulata, C. longibulbula, C. tuberculata and C. reticulata ) are described as new, and two species ( C. cophinana (Michael 1908) and C. caudatis (Hammer 1966)) are redescribed. Five species groups of the genus are characterized and a key to the adequately described species of the world is presented.     

新西兰银杏种质资源研究

新西兰位于南半球太平洋南部,介于南极洲和赤道之间,是目前为止南半球唯一一个将银杏作为产业来发展的国家。银杏在新西兰已有100多年的栽培历史,其南岛和北岛的各个城市和地区均栽植有银杏,但主要用作庭院、公园、街道绿化树种零星种植,直到21世纪初才开始被作为一种产业来发展。通过对新西兰的Auckland,Wellington,Hamilton,Hastings等主要城市的银杏种质资源进行广泛调查和定点观测,结果只发现有梅核类、佛指类、马铃类、园子类等四种类型。种核也较小,最大的为2.15g,最小的仅1.44g。本文主要报道了银杏在新西兰的栽培历史、生物学特性、种质资源及发展现状等,以期为中新两国开展在银杏方面的合作提供相关信息。     

Phylogeographic history of the New Zealand stick insect Niveaphasma annulata (Phasmatodea) estimated from mitochondrial and nuclear loci

We have assessed the utility of a single-copy nuclear locus and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in a phylogeographic study of the New Zealand stick insect Niveaphasma annulata (Hutton). We amplified sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the single-copy nuclear gene elongation factor-1α (EF1α) from 97 individuals. Allelic phase at the EF1α locus was determined using Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis. Phylogenetic analyses showed broad congruence between the geographic distribution of three major COI clades and EF1α alleles, which suggested that the phylogenetic patterns reflect population history rather than lineage sorting. However, the geographic boundaries of these clades were not always in exact agreement between the two loci. Our data indicate that Niveaphasma annulata was most likely separated into a number of refugia during Pleistocene glacial advances. Subsequent to glacial retreat these refugial populations have expanded and now form a number of zones of secondary contact. We contrast these patterns with those observed from other New Zealand taxa. Our study offers compelling evidence for the use of nuclear genes alongside mtDNA for future phylogeographic studies.     

The origin of methylglyoxal in New Zealand manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey

Methylglyoxal in New Zealand manuka honey has been shown to originate from dihydroxyacetone, which is present in the nectar of manuka flowers in varying amounts. Manuka honey, which was freshly produced by bees, contained low levels of methylglyoxal and high levels of dihydroxyacetone. Storage of these honeys at 37 °C led to a decrease in the dihydroxyacetone content and a related increase in methylglyoxal. Addition of dihydroxyacetone to clover honey followed by incubation resulted in methylglyoxal levels similar to those found in manuka honey. Nectar washed from manuka flowers contained high levels of dihydroxyacetone and no detectable methylglyoxal.     

New species of the genus Cyamops Melander from New Zealand (Diptera, Periscelididae, Stenomicrinae)

Two new species of the genus Cyamops (Diptera: Periscelididae), the first from New Zealand, are described. The two newly described species are: Cyamops alessandrae and Cyamops crosbyi. A key to the genera of the subfamily Stenomicrinae and to the species of Cyamops from the Australasian/Oceanian Region and detailed illustrations of structures of the male terminalia are provided.     

Host specificity in parasitic mistletoes (Loranthaceae) in New Zealand

1. We quantify the degree of host specificity for the five extant New Zealand loranthaceous mistletoes ( Alepis flavida, Ileostylus micranthus, Peraxilla colensoi, Peraxilla tetrapetala and Tupeia antarctica ).
2. Host specificity is highest for A. flavida, P. colensoi and P. tetrapetala which primarily parasitize species of Nothofagus , and lowest for T. antarctica and especially I. micranthus which parasitize a wide range of host species.
3. These patterns of host specificity support the suggestion that relative host abundance is a key factor determining the degree of host specialization in mistletoes (resource fragmentation hypothesis). While evolutionary history may be important in the specificity of the mistletoe–host relationship in some situations, our data suggest that for New Zealand mistletoes evolutionary history simply reflects the temporal component of relative host abundance.
4. We conclude that it is the stability of host availability through time and space which is the dominant factor determining host specificity patterns.     

Three new chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) from the New Zealand seashore

The adults of Telmatogeton mortoni n.sp. (Clunioninae) and Smittia reinga n.sp. and Smittia whangaroa n.sp. (Orthocladiinae), from the northern New Zealand seashore, are described and figured.     

Stratigraphy of the fossil Chironomidae (Diptera) from Lake Grasmere,South Island,New Zealand,during the last 6000 years

The fossil chironomid fauna of a 3.26 m long sediment core from Lake Grasmere has been analysed. The fossil chironomid taxa belong mainly to the subgroups Tanytarsini, Orthocladiinae, Chironomini, and Tanyphodinae. Heptagyini and Podonominae were not common. Tanytarsini were the dominant component of the fauna with Corynocera sp. as the most abundant species during pre-Polynesian times (before 1000 yr BP). The abundance and the composition of the fossil chironomid taxa have fluctuated markedly over the last 6000 years. These fluctuations could be partly correlated with changes in the stratigraphy of the sediments in the core. Layers of highly minerogenic sediment contained the lowest numbers of remains whereas high abundances were found in the sections of the core with the greatest proportion of organic matter. It is suggested that major shifts in the structure of the chironomid community have been mainly caused by changes in the hydrology and inflows of the lake, and the rate and type of sedimentation, in addition to variations in lake productivity.     

Mites of the family Hyadesiidae (Acari: Astigmata) from New Zealand

Keys are provided to families of Hyadesioidea, to genera of Hyadesiidae, and to all species of this family known from the New Zealand subregion. A new species of Amhyadesia , two new species of Hyadesia sensu stricto , and four new species of a newly defined subgenus of Hyadesia (Parahyadesia) are described.     

Scorpionfishes of New Zealand (Pisces: Scorpaenidae)

Abstract

Recent collecting has increased the number of scorpionfish species known from New Zealand, particularly the Kermadec Islands. The following species are now represented in collections at the National Museum of New Zealand: Scorpaena papillosus (Bloch & Schneider); S. cardinalis Richardson; S. cooki Günther; Trachyscorpia capensis (Gilchrist & von Bonde); Phenacoscorpius megalops Fowler; Maxillicosta raoulensis Eschmeyer & Poss; Ectreposebastes niger (Fovrmanoir); Pterois volitans (Linnaeus); P. antennata (Bloch & Schneider); Ocosia apia Poss & Eschmeyer; Plectrogenium nanum Gilbert; and Scorpaenodes guamensis (Quoy & Gaimard). Helicolenus, represented by a complex of species, is not discussed here. All other species are figured and at least briefly described, and a key to their identification is provided.     

Alexandrium camurascutulum sp. nov. (Dinophyceae): a new dinoflagellate species from New Zealand

A new species, Alexandrium camurascutulum sp. nov. MacKenzie et Todd, is described from specimens collected from Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand. These small (26–28 μm long × 21–24 μm wide) cells can be discriminated from other species in the Alexandrium minutum group by three distinctive morphological features. The sixth pre-cingular plate (6′′) is up to 1.6 times wider than high and the left side of the plate is concave resulting in a markedly ‘hooked’ appearance. In all specimens observed, the first apical plate (1′) does not directly connect with the apical pore plate (Po) and the posterior sulcal plate (S.p.) is markedly different from the usual A. minutum form and may contain a posterior attachment pore (pap) connected to the right side plate margin. The cells may or may not have an anterior attachment pore (aap) in the apical pore plate (Po). The cells display a prominent list along the left sulcal margin and the thecal surface is perforated with numerous areolated pores. A. camurascutulum sp. nov. has been observed occasionally over a number of years in coastal waters of the northern South Island of New Zealand. There is circumstantial evidence that suggests it is not toxic.     

Chilocoris neozealandicus,a new species of burrowing bug from New Zealand (Heteroptera: Cydnidae)

Abstract

The Old World cydnid genus Chilocoris Mayr is recorded from the Australasian region for the first time. A key is provided separating Chilocoris from Centrostephus Horvath and Parachilocoris Horvath. A new species, Chilocoris neozealandicus, is described from New Zealand, along with habitus drawing and illustrations of diagnostic characters.     

Two species of adventive weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Europe,hitherto unrecorded from New Zealand

Two curculionid weevils, Orthochaetes setiger (Beck, 1817) and Exomias pellucidus (Boheman, 1834) are recorded in New Zealand for the first time. The former has a wide distribution through the eastern South Island, while the latter has so far only been located in a single suburban garden in Dunedin. Both species are polyphagous and flightless. Although neither is expected to cause notable economic damage, their potential to invade native ecosystems makes them worthy of further investigation.