Gap analysis comparing protected areas with potential natural vegetation in Tuscany (Italy) and a GIS procedure to bridge the gaps

The aim was to compare the protected area (PA) network in Tuscany, Italy, with the areas referenced to different types of potential natural vegetation (PNV), to determine whether they are adequately represented for plant and habitat conservation purposes. For PNV, an existing but slightly updated and modified Italian Vegetation Series (VS) map was used. Each VS type corresponds to vegetation complexes that live under homogeneous environmental conditions and can each be considered an ecological land unit at the working scale employed here. Using GIS techniques, the geographic layers of PAs and VS were processed with spatial intersection to extract and quantify the VS contained within the boundaries of PAs. As a minimum conservation goal, we used the widely accepted 10% target threshold. It was found that, even though Tuscan PAs covered almost 20% of the total land surface, 94% of VS types resulted to be included in PAs with a percentage of at least 10% of their total area. The survey shows that the VS with the higher degree of inclusion in PAs are distributed in the Mediterranean Tuscany (coast and Tuscan Archipelago) and in some inner areas such as Apuan region, northern Apennines, Amiata Mt. and Farma-Merse Valley. Two VS types must be considered under-protected (i.e. contained in an existing PA network with percentages < 10%). We propose a simple GIS procedure based on certain priority assumptions: (a) existing PAs should be enlarged rather than new ones created and (b) their naturalness taken into account. This procedure produces a suitability map useful for identifying the best areas in which a local administration might look for solutions to bridge the gaps.     

Genetic diversity and structure of Pinus dabeshanensis revealed by expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers

Assessing patterns of genetic variation in rare endangered species is critical for developing both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. Pinus dabeshanensis Cheng et Law is an endangered species endemic to the Dabieshan Mountains of eastern China. To obtain fundamental information of genetic diversity, population history, effective population size, and gene flow in this species, we explored patterns of genetic variation of natural populations, in addition to an ex situ conserved population, using expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeats (EST-SSR) markers. Our results revealed moderate levels of genetic diversity (e.g., H_E = 0.458 vs. H_E = 0.423) and a low level of genetic differentiation (F_ST = 0.028) among natural and conserved populations relative to other conifers. Both contemporary and historical migration rates among populations were high. Bayesian coalescent-based analyses suggested that 3 populations underwent reductions in population size ca. 10,000 yr ago, and that two populations may have experienced recent genetic bottlenecks under the TPM. Bayesian clustering revealed that individuals from the ex situ population were largely assigned to the ‘red’ cluster. Additionally, our results identified private alleles in the natural populations but not in the ex situ population, suggesting that the ex situ conserved population insufficiently represents the genetic diversity present in the species. Past decline in population size is likely to be due to Holocene climate change. Based on the genetic information obtained for P. dabeshanensis, we propose some suggestions for the conservation and efficient management of this endangered species.     

Genetic diversity of the endangered species Kirengeshoma palmata (Saxifragaceae) in China

In order to investigate the levels of genetic diversity of the endangered species Kirengeshoma palmata (Saxifragaceae), four extant populations were sampled and analyzed using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. We expected a low genetic diversity level, but our results revealed a high level of intraspecific genetic diversity, probably resulting from this species being in a refuge during the last glaciation (at population level: P = 63.25%, A_e = 1.47, H_E = 0.26 and H_O = 0.37; at species level: P = 79.00%, A = 1.5538, H_T = 0.2586 and H_sp = 0.3104). A low level of genetic differentiation among populations was detected based on Nei's genetic diversity analysis (16.69%) and AMOVA (19.36%). Populations shared high levels of genetic identity. Insect pollination and seed dispersal by wind may have facilitated extensive gene flow and are likely responsible for this present structure of genetic variation.     

Demographic consequences of age-structure in extreme environments: population models for arctic and alpine ptarmigan

Organisms living in arctic and alpine environments are increasingly impacted by human activities. To evaluate the potential impacts of global change, a better understanding of the demography of organisms in extreme environments is needed. In this study, we compare the age-specific demography of willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) breeding at arctic and subalpine sites, and white-tailed ptarmigan (L. leucurus) breeding at an alpine site. Rates of egg production improved with age at the alpine and subalpine sites, but the stochastic effects of nest and brood predation led to similar rates of annual fecundity among 1-, 2-, and 3+-year-old females. All populations had short generation times (T<2.7 years) and low net reproductive rates (R ₀<1.2). Stable age distributions were weighted towards 1-year-old females in willow ptarmigan (>59%), and to 3+-year-old females in white-tailed ptarmigan (>47%). High damping ratios (ρ>3.2) indicated that asymptotic estimates were likely to match natural age distributions. Sensitivity and elasticity values indicated that changes in juvenile survival would have the greatest impact on the finite rate of population change (λ) in willow ptarmigan, whereas changes to the survival of 3+-year-old females would have a greater effect in white-tailed ptarmigan. High survivorship buffers white-tailed ptarmigan in alpine environments against the potential effects of climate change on annual fecundity, but may make the species more sensitive to the effects of pollutants or harvesting on adult survival. Conversely, processes that reduce annual fecundity would have a greater impact on the population viability of willow ptarmigan in arctic and subalpine environments. If these same demographic patterns prove to be widespread among organisms in extreme environments, it may be possible to develop general recommendations for conservation of the biological resources of arctic and alpine ecosystems.     

Impact of urban fragmentation on the genetic structure of the eastern red-backed salamander

Urban development is a major cause of habitat loss and fragmentation. Few studies, however, have dealt with fragmentation in an urban landscape. In this paper, we examine the genetic structure of isolated populations of the eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) in a metropolitan area. We sampled four populations located on a mountain in the heart of Montréal (Québec, Canada), which presents a mosaic of forested patches isolated by roads, graveyards and buildings. We assessed the genetic structure of these populations using microsatellite loci and compared it to the genetic structure of four populations located in a continuous habitat in southern Québec. Our results indicate that allelic richness and heterozygosity are lower in the urban populations. Exact differentiation tests and pairwise F _ST also show that the populations found in the fragmented habitat are genetically differentiated, whereas populations located in the continuous habitat are genetically homogeneous. These results raise conservation concerns for these populations as well as for rare or threatened species inhabiting urban landscapes.     

稻鸭共作有机农业模式的能值评估

应用能值分析方法对稻鸭共作有机农业模式（模式Ⅰ）和对应的稻麦常规生产模式（模式Ⅱ）进行比较研究,并比较了两种模式的生态经济效益.结果表明,模式Ⅰ的能值效益高,自组织能力、可持续发展能力强,产品安全性高,净能值产出率（EYR）、系统产出能值反馈率（FYE）、能值可持续指标（ESI）分别是模式Ⅱ的1.57、14.1和8.71倍;基于能值的产品安全性指标（EIPS）模式Ⅰ为0,模式Ⅱ为-0.66;模式Ⅰ对环境的压力小于模式Ⅱ,能值投资率（EIR）,环境负载率（ELR）分别是模式Ⅱ的40.1%和18.3%;但模式Ⅰ的经济效益低于模式Ⅱ,其产出、毛收入和净效益分别低于模式Ⅱ15.7%、9.6%和29.6%;以能值 货币价值计算,模式Ⅰ的产投比、毛收入和净收入分别高于模式Ⅱ50%、102.6%和136.4%.随着生产系统的优化和市场对有机食品认知程度的提高,模式Ⅰ的经济效益具有提高的潜力.     

高黎贡山地区雉类多样性及其保护

根据高黎贡山地形和气候变化,将其分为南、中、北三段。通过查阅文献、访谈和野外调查,在该地区共记录到21种雉类。分布在海拔2500m以上的仅有9种,占45%;在海拔2500m以下的地域分布有雉类17种,占85%。北段有雉类13种,中段有11种,南段有12种。其中北、中、南段均有分布的仅有3种,北段和中段共有种为9种,中段和南段共有种为5种,北段和南段共有种也是5种。结果表明雉类多样性随海拔升高而降低,北段高于南段。生境破坏与狩猎是该区雉类生存的主要威胁因子。加强管理,恢复和建立生境走廊,加强宣传教育和执法力度以及开展观鸟旅游,可使该区雉类得到更好的保护。     

Evidences of introgression from cultivated rice to Oryza rufipogon (Poaceae) populations based on SSR fingerprinting: implications for wild rice differentiation and conservation

Crop-to-wild introgression may play an important role in evolution of wild species. Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) is of a particular concern because of its cross-compatibility with the wild ancestor, O. rufipogon Griff. The distribution of cultivated rice and O. rufipogon populations is extensively sympatric, particularly in Asia where many wild populations are surrounded by rice fields. Consequently, gene flow from cultivated rice may have a potential to alter genetic composition of wild rice populations in close proximity. In this study, we estimated introgression of cultivated rice with O. rufipogon based on analyses of 139 rice varieties (86 indica and 53 japonica ecotypes) and 336 wild individuals from 11 O. rufipogon populations in China. DNA fingerprinting based on 17 selected rice simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs was adopted to measure allelic frequencies in rice varieties and O. rufipogon samples, and to estimate genetic associations between wild and cultivated rice through cluster analysis. We detected consanguinity of cultivated rice in O. rufipogon populations according to the admixture model of the STRUCTURE program. The analyses showedz that four wild rice populations, DX-P1, DX-P2, GZ-P2, and HL-P, contained some rare alleles that were commonly found in the rice varieties examined. In addition, the four wild rice populations that scattered among the rice varieties in the cluster analysis showed a closer affinity to the cultivars than the other wild populations. This finding supports the contention of substantial gene flow from crop to wild species when these species occur close to each other. The introgressive populations had slightly higher genetic diversity than those that were isolated from rice. Crop-to-wild introgression may have accumulative impacts on genetic variations in wild populations, leading to significant differentiation in wild species. Therefore, effective measure should be taken to avoid considerable introgression from cultivated rice, which may influence the effective in-situ conservation of wild rice species.     

Feeding through artificial membranes reduces fecundity for females of the blood‐feeding insect,Rhodnius prolixus

The blood‐feeding insect, Rhodnius prolixus, has been raised in the laboratory for close to 100 years. Various feeding techniques have been employed ranging from the use of warm‐blooded hosts, to the use of previously collected blood offered through artificial membranes. This study compared the fecundity in mated and unmated females fed rabbit blood directly from the shaved belly of a rabbit to that of females fed defibrinated rabbit blood through an artificial membrane. These results confirm previous reports that this insect's feeding efficacy is reduced using an artificial membrane. It also demonstrates for the first time that the fecundity index, which measures the efficiency of turning the blood meal into eggs, is significantly reduced. We suggest that the natural feeding on a warm‐blooded host may provide cues that have the short‐term effect of enhancing the act of feeding and the long‐term effect of increasing egg production efficiency. Until an artificial feeding method that does not interfere with feeding and fecundity is devised, experiments on reproduction in R. prolixus warrant the use of a warm‐blooded host to emulate feeding in its natural setting. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Spatial heterogeneity in the determinants of woody plant invasion of lowland heath

Questions: 1. What is the scale and extent of spatial variability in factors affecting Betula invasion of heaths? 2. How much effect does each factor have on within‐patch patterns of invasion? 3. How can this understanding aid in managing Betula invasions? Location: Lowland heath of southern England. Methods: Determinants of Betula (both B. pubescens and B. pendula) invasion: biomass density, necromass density, mean vegetation height, P‐availability, soil water content and total Betula seed bank density, were measured at two sites on a 5‐ha sampling grid. Spatial pattern was assessed using geostatistics. Contributions of each determinant to within‐site heterogeneity in predicted Betula seedling densities were estimated by varying variables over their full and interquartile ranges in a statistical model derived from experimental data. Results: Salient spatial trends were revealed: strong autocorrelation over distances of < 50 m for soil factors and more extensive autocorrelation (0 to > 150 m) in vegetation variables and Betula seed bank densities. The latter resulted in single across‐site gradients, the former small, distinct patches. All patterns were overlain with variance that was present at distances of < 17.6 m. Variables displaying spatial pattern also accounted for within‐site heterogeneity in predicted Betula seedling densities but their relative contribution to this varied between sites. Conclusions: Identifiable spatial autocorrelation in factors controlling patch‐scale invasion patterns allows managers to target invasion prone patches, potentially reducing management intensities. Furthermore, management effort may be optimised by spatially de‐coupling Betula seed from safe‐sites. This plan may adaptable to the management of other weeds and open‐land ecosystems.