Strategies for the conservation and management of isolated salmonid populations: lessons from Japanese streams

1. Endangered native populations of stream salmonids in Japan face three major threats: (i) negative interactions with introduced hatchery‐reared fish, (ii) fragmentation of habitat by impassable dams and (iii) recreational angling. 2. To prevent imminent extinction of many local populations, we evaluated these threats and possible conservation actions for red‐spotted masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae) and white‐spotted charr (Salvelinus leucomaenis japonicus) in the Fuji River system in central Japan. 3. Red‐spotted masu salmon and white‐spotted charr occupied only 0.73 and 2.4% of suitable thermal habitats, respectively, with masu salmon typically occupying habitats closer to human population centres. 4. Population viability analysis resulted in a 100‐year probability of extinction of 78.1% for masu salmon and 48.1% for charr. However, extinction risk of both species was predicted to be <5% if the carrying capacity increased from 141 to 303 for masu salmon and from 94 to 125 for charr, by allowing fish passage at the lower end of the habitat, and if annual adult survival rate increased by 0.04. Adult survival rate was the principal factor associated with population persistence. 5. To conserve isolated populations of stream‐dwelling salmonids, we recommend (i) assessing the distribution of remnant native and non‐native fish populations, (ii) that fishing regulations are modified to improve adult survival and population persistence and (iii) that fragmented reaches be reconnected to adjacent habitat, for example by removing or modifying artificial barriers to increase the carrying capacity of the isolated populations. Reconnection of fragmented reaches should, however, be avoided if it results in non‐native fish invading isolated populations.     

普通野生稻和亚洲栽培稻线粒体DNA的RFLP分析

通过７个探针、１７种内切酶探针组合对１１８份普通野生稻和７６份亚洲栽培稻的线粒体ＤＮＡ（ｍｔＤＮＡ）ＲＦＬＰ分析表明,籼粳分化是亚洲栽培稻线粒体基因组分化的主流,７６个栽培稻中,３６个品种ｍｔＤＮＡ为籼型,４０个品种ｍｔＤＮＡ为粳型。普通野生稻ｍｔＤＮＡ以籼型为主（８６份）,粳型较少（７份）,１份类型难以确定,还有２４份没有籼粳分化。     

A revised interpretation of the wing base structure in Odonata

Abstract Homology of the wing base structure in the Odonata is highly controversial, and many different interpretations of homology have been proposed. In extreme cases, two independent origins of insect wings have been suggested, based on comparative morphology between the odonate and other pterygote wing bases. Difficulties in establishing homology of the wing base structures between Odonata and other Pterygota result mainly from their extreme differences in morphology and function. In the present paper, we establish homology of the wing base structures between Neoptera, Ephemeroptera and Odonata using highly conservative and unambiguously identifiable characters (the basal wing hinge and subcostal veins) as principal landmarks. Homology of the odonate wing base structure with those of Ephemeroptera and Neoptera can be identified reliably. Based on this interpretation, the ancestral condition of the insect wing base structure is discussed.     

Spatiotemporal variations in an assemblage of closely related planktonic aerobic methanotrophs

1. The assemblage of aerobic methane‐oxidising bacteria (MOB) was investigated in different seasons in the water column of a stratified freshwater lake. Species composition was analysed by performing denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the 16S rRNA genes and cloning analysis of the pmoA gene, which encodes the α‐subunit of particulate methane monooxygenase. The relative abundance of MOB to total bacteria was deduced from the copy number of the pmoA gene and 16S rRNA gene using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. 2. The profiles of the DGGE banding patterns changed with water depth, and these changes correlated with oxygen concentration and water temperature. The sequences of the DGGE bands obtained were all associated with the genus Methylobacter. During the analysis of pmoA gene, all clones sequenced were that of the Methylobacter/Methylosarcina group. The relative abundances of pmoA gene peaked around the oxycline, and small peaks of pmoA gene were also observed near the surface when peaks of methane were observed at the corresponding depth. 3. Profiles of the DGGE banding patterns suggested that ecophysiological characteristics differ among members of the genus Methylobacter; this indicates the importance of investigating the MOB assemblage at the species level or lower. Planktonic MOB seemed to be abundant around oxycline.