Diversity

20 pages, 27554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plastomes Provide Insights into Differences between Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny: Ostericum and Angelica (Apiaceae) as an Example

by Qiu-Ping Jiang, Chang-Kun Liu, Deng-Feng Xie, Song-Dong Zhou and Xing-Jin He

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090776 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1749

Abstract

Traditional classification based on morphological characters suggests that the genus Ostericum is closely related to Angelica, but molecular phylogenetic studies suggest that the genus Ostericum is related to Pternopetalum rather than Angelica. In this study, the plastomes of nine Ostericum species [...] Read more.

Traditional classification based on morphological characters suggests that the genus Ostericum is closely related to Angelica, but molecular phylogenetic studies suggest that the genus Ostericum is related to Pternopetalum rather than Angelica. In this study, the plastomes of nine Ostericum species and five Angelica species were used to conduct bioinformatic and comparative analyses. The plastomes of Ostericum and Angelica exhibited significant differences in genome size, gene numbers, IR junctions, nucleotide diversity, divergent regions, and the repeat units of SSR types. In contrast, Ostericum is more similar to Pternopetalum rather than Angelica in comparative genomics analyses. In total, 80 protein-coding genes from 97 complete plastomes and 112 ITS sequences were used to reconstruct phylogenetic trees. Phylogenies showed that Angelica was mainly located in Selineae tribe while Ostericum was a sister to Pternopetalum and occurred in the Acronema clade. However, morphological analysis was inconsistent with molecular phylogenetic analysis: Angelica and Ostericum have similar fruit morphological characteristics while the fruits of Ostericum are quite different from the genus Pternopetalum. The phylogenetic relationship between Angelica and Ostericum is consistent with the results of plastome comparisons but discordant with morphological characters. The cause of this phenomenon may be convergent morphology and incomplete lineage sorting (ILS). Full article

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5 pages, 3179 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Abnormal Proventriculus in Bumble Bee Males

by Mario X. Ruiz-González

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090775 - 19 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1327

Abstract

Females social insects are widely investigated, while males are often neglected. Previous work on the morphology of the bumble bee male alimentary tract has described the presence of swollen proventriculi as a character with taxonomic value. New observations suggest that the abnormal proventriculus [...] Read more.

Females social insects are widely investigated, while males are often neglected. Previous work on the morphology of the bumble bee male alimentary tract has described the presence of swollen proventriculi as a character with taxonomic value. New observations suggest that the abnormal proventriculus might be an abnormal condition. Here, I identify a potential health issue in bumble bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus) male alimentary tracts that consists of a swollen and strongly melanized proventriculus, thereby preventing the normal passage of food through the esophageal valve. Males from three bumble bee species exhibited the abnormal proventriculus with an overall prevalence of 31.1% across two years. This finding challenges previous research that suggested the swollen and melanized proventriculus of Bombus males as a taxonomic character. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Systematics and Evolution of Hymenoptera)

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17 pages, 2130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of the Environment in Shaping the Genomic Variation in an Insular Wild Boar Population

by Giulia Fabbri, Laura Iacolina, Marco Apollonio and Massimo Scandura

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090774 - 19 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1524

Abstract

The Sardinian population of wild boar (WB, Sus scrofa meridionalis) has evolved on this Mediterranean island since its arrival in Neolithic age. Climate and land use vary across the island; high temperatures and dryness represent limiting factors for the development and reproduction [...] Read more.

The Sardinian population of wild boar (WB, Sus scrofa meridionalis) has evolved on this Mediterranean island since its arrival in Neolithic age. Climate and land use vary across the island; high temperatures and dryness represent limiting factors for the development and reproduction of the species. Hence, the environment can have contributed to create the morphological differences we observe today across the island and could sustain the genetic structure that has been previously observed using neutral molecular markers. We therefore searched for genomic signatures of local adaptation in a sample of Sardinian WB genotyped at almost 50 K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Genetic structure was observed in the population separating the northwest and southwest from the east of the island, where internal substructure also emerged. We identified 49 SNPs as candidate loci involved in adaptation and 61 genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed over-representation of terms related to cell localization, motility, and adhesion, but also related to anatomical development and immunity. According to our results, the environment seems to have played a role in shaping the genetic differentiation of the Sardinian wild boar in a limited evolutionary timescale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Genetic Diversity)

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13 pages, 2530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taxonomic Delimitation of the Monostromatic Green Algal Genera Monostroma Thuret 1854 and Gayralia Vinogradova 1969 (Ulotrichales, Chlorophyta)

by Jianjun Cui, Chunli Chen, Huaqiang Tan, Yongjian Huang, Xinyi Chen, Rong Xin, Jinlin Liu, Bowen Huang and Enyi Xie

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090773 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1731

Abstract

The genera Monostroma and Gayralia belong to the order of monostromatic green algae; however, their taxonomic delimitation remains controversial at the genus level. This study attempts to address this issue through the combined analysis of the morphology and nuclear-encoded Internal Transcribed Spacer region [...] Read more.

The genera Monostroma and Gayralia belong to the order of monostromatic green algae; however, their taxonomic delimitation remains controversial at the genus level. This study attempts to address this issue through the combined analysis of the morphology and nuclear-encoded Internal Transcribed Spacer region sequences of monostromatic green algal samples collected in the South China Sea. Our phylogenetic data revealed that the monostromatic specimens were separated into the M. nitidum clade, G. brasiliensis clade, and a single Monostroma sp. clade, and that the inter-genera genetic distance between the Monostroma and Gayralia genera was lower than that observed within the Monostroma genus. All the specimens presented similar morphology in their single cell-layered thallus, with irregularly arranged cells, rounded cell corners, a parietal chloroplast, and predominantly one (>90%) pyrenoid. Their most obvious morphological difference was in thallus thickness and size. Moreover, the monostromatic specimens of the M. nitidum clade corresponded to the morphological description of the M. nitidum-type specimens. The genus Monostroma was erected earlier than the genus Gayralia. Therefore, we propose to assign the genus Gayralia to Monostroma based on the morphological and phylogenetic analysis and genetic distance data presented here. Full article

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9 pages, 870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Pattern of Genetic Diversity in the Blood Fluke Aporocotyle argentinensis (Digenea, Aporocotylidae) from South American Hakes (Pisces: Merluccidae)

by Marcelo E. Oliva, Leyla Cárdenas, Isabel M. Valdivia, Paulina Bruning, Luis Figueroa-Fabrega and Rubén Escribano

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090772 - 19 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1579

Abstract

Distribution of blood fluke Aporocotyle spp. parasitizing Merluccius species from the coasts of South America (Peru, Chile and Argentina) constitutes an excellent opportunity to evaluate the geographical amplitude in which a parasite can exploit the same host species. Phylogenetic analyses (partial sequences of [...] Read more.

Distribution of blood fluke Aporocotyle spp. parasitizing Merluccius species from the coasts of South America (Peru, Chile and Argentina) constitutes an excellent opportunity to evaluate the geographical amplitude in which a parasite can exploit the same host species. Phylogenetic analyses (partial sequences of SSU rDNA, LSU rDNa, and cox1 gene) were performed to characterize the genetic lineage of Aporocotyle species described from South American Hake: Merluccius australis, M. gayi, and M. hubbsi. The Phylogenetic analyses (SSUrDNA and LSUrDNA) revealed an absence of genetic variability in Aporocotyle obtained over a gradient of 6800 km, covering two oceans and three closely related hosts. Consequently, the species infecting Merluccius spp. in South America is Aporocotyle argentinensis Smith 1969, by priority law. Phylogeographic analysis suggests a pattern of spatial differentiation and genetic population structure associated with the geographical distribution of the host’s species. A specimen with a haplotype found in M. gayi was collected from M. australis from Puerto Montt, and three worms (from Coquimbo, Constitución and Talcahuano, host M. gayi) harbored a haplotype found in M. australis + M. hubbsi, suggesting that the gene flow between different hosts and geographical distributions occurs when the distribution of adequate hosts overlaps, avoiding speciation in blood flukes from South American hakes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Macroparasites in Marine Fishes)

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22 pages, 4307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Summer Dystrophic Criticalities of Non-Tidal Lagoons: The Case Study of a Mediterranean Lagoon

by Mauro Lenzi and Fabio Cianchi

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 771; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090771 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1487

Abstract

Eutrophication determines algal blooms and the subsequent accumulation of organic matter in sediments, which, in turn, results in the dominance of anaerobic respiratory processes that release toxic gases. Dystrophy is a final dissipative moment that reduces the organic load in the sediment. A [...] Read more.

Eutrophication determines algal blooms and the subsequent accumulation of organic matter in sediments, which, in turn, results in the dominance of anaerobic respiratory processes that release toxic gases. Dystrophy is a final dissipative moment that reduces the organic load in the sediment. A case of dystrophy occurring in the Burano lagoon (Tuscany, Italy) in 2021 is reported. The study examined the weather, physico-chemistry of the water, submerged vegetation and sediment labile organic matter. In spring, dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH showed high values, in an abundance of submerged vegetation, while low values had ammonium, nitrate and orthophosphate. In mid-August, as warm and moist sea breezes prevailed, hydrogen sulfide releases were produced, preceded by a sharp rise in ammonium and orthophosphate concentrations, which remained high until November. During dystrophy, DO varied between anoxia and oversaturation, the latter in Cyanobacteria blooms. Dystrophic waters evolved gradually due to microphytes blooms, which changed from Cyanobacteria, in August, to the Dinophyta Alexandrium tamarense, in September, and Bacillariophyta, in November. Sediment labile organic matter varied between 3% and 7%. Ruppia spiralis meadows suffered the total detachment of fronds and stems during the dystrophy and proved to be areas of accumulation of organic detritus, themselves sources of dystrophic phenomena. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Effects of Opportunistic Macroalgal Blooms on Aquatic Environments)

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20 pages, 1710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inventory and Ecological Characterization of Ichthyofauna of Nine Lakes in the Adamawa Region (Northern Cameroon, Central Africa)

by Hermann I. Kitio, Arnold R. Bitja Nyom, Antoine Pariselle and Charles F. Bilong Bilong

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 770; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090770 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1592

Abstract

The fish diversity of the Adamawa lakes is among the most undocumented in Northern Cameroon. Faced with this lack of knowledge, an inventory of ichthyofauna and habitats characterization was conducted in nine lakes. Seven lakes (Assom, Gegouba, Massote, Mbalang, Ngaoundaba, Piou and Tizong) [...] Read more.

The fish diversity of the Adamawa lakes is among the most undocumented in Northern Cameroon. Faced with this lack of knowledge, an inventory of ichthyofauna and habitats characterization was conducted in nine lakes. Seven lakes (Assom, Gegouba, Massote, Mbalang, Ngaoundaba, Piou and Tizong) are located in the Sanaga Basin and two (Bini and Dang) are located in the Lake Chad Basin. In order to assess the composition and variation in fish assemblage, eight sampling campaigns were carried out seasonally between 2017 and 2018; they revealed 26 species of fish distributed in 6 orders, 9 families and 16 genera. Communities in Lakes Assom (13 species) and Bini (9 species) were the most diverse. Omnivorous (42.3%) and spawners in open water or on substrates of sand, gravel, rock or plants (69.2%) were the most represented. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling, analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), and similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER) revealed that fish species composition differed significantly among lakes. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) identified temperature, pH, TDS, and conductivity as variables explaining the most variation in fish species. The presence of four endemic species in the Sanaga Basin in lakes Assom, Gegouba, Massote and Piou, shows that these lakes stand out as hotspots for conservation due to the uniqueness of their ichthyofauna. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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13 pages, 1568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Discovery of Molecular Markers in Durian (Durio zibethinus L.) in China

by Xinge Lin, Xiaodi Liu, Meigu Chen, Hongmao Gao, Zhenzhong Zhu, Zheli Ding and Zhaoxi Zhou

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090769 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2546

Abstract

Durian (Durio zibethinus L.) is a crop of economic and health importance globally. Efforts are being made to revamp China’s only successful commercial-scale durian plantations in Hainan; however, their genetic base is unknown. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the [...] Read more.

Durian (Durio zibethinus L.) is a crop of economic and health importance globally. Efforts are being made to revamp China’s only successful commercial-scale durian plantations in Hainan; however, their genetic base is unknown. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the genetic base and population structure of 32 genotypes in durian plantation sites in Hainan, China, and develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers by whole genome sequencing through restriction site-associated DNA sequencing technology to facilitate germplasm conservation and breeding. The results from identity by state (IBS), phylogenetic tree, population structure, and principal component analysis grouped the 32 genotypes into two clusters/sub-populations. Based on IBS, genotypes in Cluster I are largely duplicated genotypes; however, results from the model-based population structure demonstrated that most of the genotypes in Sub-population II shared a common genetic background with those in Sub-population I/Cluster I. The results revealed that the core durian collection in the plantation sites in Hainan include D24, D101, MSW, JH, D163, HFH, and NLX-5. In addition, we developed a total of 79,178 SSR markers with varied lengths and amplicon sizes. The genetic diversity and population structure reported in this study will be useful for durian conservation and utilization. In addition, the discovered and developed SSR markers will lay the foundation for molecular breeding via marker-assisted selection, quantitative trait loci mapping, and candidate gene discovery and validation. Full article

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17 pages, 3608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals the Effect of Feeding on Overwintering Hirudo nipponia

by Hongying Shen, Meixiang Cai, Jiayi Li and Yuanyuan Luo

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090768 - 16 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1501

Abstract

To investigate the effect of feeding on hibernating Hirudo nipponia, metagenomic sequencing was performed on the microorganisms collected from the digestive tract of H. nipponia individuals that were fed (FW) or starving (SW) before hibernation. In addition, the salivary gland tissues were [...] Read more.

To investigate the effect of feeding on hibernating Hirudo nipponia, metagenomic sequencing was performed on the microorganisms collected from the digestive tract of H. nipponia individuals that were fed (FW) or starving (SW) before hibernation. In addition, the salivary gland tissues were obtained from these individuals to conduct transcriptome sequencing. Results showed that feeding before hibernation increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria at the phylum level and that of Aeromonas, Mucinivorans, Bacteroides, and Desulfovibrio at the genus level. Functional prediction results indicated that feeding before hibernation not only improved metabolic capacity but also increased the susceptibility of H. nipponia to pathogens. Among the 133,082 unigenes obtained by transcriptome sequencing, a total of 2801 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found, of which 355 were up-regulated and 2446 were down-regulated; the expression patterns of 15 selected DEGs were validated by qRT-PCR. Results from the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that a majority of these DEGs were involved in the signal transduction pathways. This study established a basis for H. nipponia breeding during hibernation through analyses of the abundance of microorganisms in the digestive tract and the gene expression pattern of salivary glands by high-throughput sequencing. The findings also revealed the effect of feeding on the expression of both gastrointestinal microorganisms and salivary gland genes of hibernating H. nipponia. Full article

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10 pages, 2785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The American Tribes Anypotactini and Eudiagogini (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) in Eocene of Europe as Indicators of Eocene Climate with Description a New Species

by Andrei A. Legalov, Dmitry V. Vasilenko and Evgeny E. Perkovsky

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090767 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1657

Abstract

From the modern distribution of the tribes Anypotactini and Eudiagogini (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), it can be assumed that the climate of the late Eocene amber forests was similar to that of the Valdivian temperate forests. A new species, Paonaupactus zosimovichi [...] Read more.

From the modern distribution of the tribes Anypotactini and Eudiagogini (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), it can be assumed that the climate of the late Eocene amber forests was similar to that of the Valdivian temperate forests. A new species, Paonaupactus zosimovichi sp. n. from the tribe Anypotactini of the subfamily Entiminae is described from Late Eocene Rovno amber. It differs from Paonaupactus gracilis by its rarer, decumbent scales on the elytral interstriae, elytral interstriae, which are clearly visible between scales, and its smaller body size. This is the third species of the genus Paonaupactus found in Rovno amber. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Evolution and Ecology of Holarctic Insect Species)

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14 pages, 5085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizing Crustose Lichen Communities—DNA Metabarcoding Reveals More than Meets the Eye

by Jacob R. Henrie, Brenden M. Thomson, Andrew August Yungfleisch, Michael Kerr and Steven D. Leavitt

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090766 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2091

Abstract

Biodiversity inventories are important for informing land management strategies, conservation efforts, and for biomonitoring studies. For many organismal groups, including lichens, comprehensive, accurate inventories are challenging due to the necessity of taxonomic expertise, limitations in sampling protocols, and the commonplace occurrence of morphologically [...] Read more.

Biodiversity inventories are important for informing land management strategies, conservation efforts, and for biomonitoring studies. For many organismal groups, including lichens, comprehensive, accurate inventories are challenging due to the necessity of taxonomic expertise, limitations in sampling protocols, and the commonplace occurrence of morphologically cryptic species and other undescribed species. Lichen communities in arid regions are often dominated by crustose lichens, which have been particularly difficult to incorporate into biodiversity inventories. Here, we explore the utility of DNA metabarcoding for characterizing the diversity of lichen-forming fungi at a typical crustose lichen-dominated site on the Colorado Plateau in the southwestern USA. We assessed the consistency of independent sampling efforts to comprehensively document lichen diversity, evaluated the capability of minimally trained technicians to effectively sample the lichen communities, and provide a metagenomic-based inventory of lichen diversity, including representative sequence data, for a diverse, crustose-dominate lichen community on the Colorado Plateau. Our results revealed that crustose lichen communities in the southwestern USA are more diverse than traditionally thought, and community metabarcoding is a promising strategy for characterizing the lichen-forming fungal diversity more thoroughly than other methods. However, consistently sampling the diversity of crustose lichen communities, even at small spatial scales, remains difficult. Interpreting these results within a traditional taxonomic context remains challenging without the use of vouchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lichens: Diversity and Biological Activities)

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3 pages, 195 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna: An Urgent Call for Research

by Simone Montano

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090765 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1410

Abstract

Tropical coral reefs are considered the “rainforest of the sea” and are among the marine ecosystems with the highest biodiversity [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

15 pages, 3232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity in Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) along the Andaman Sea of Thailand

by Chutima Wongfu, Wareerat Prasitwiset, Anocha Poommouang, Kittisak Buddhachat, Janine L. Brown, Siriwadee Chomdej, Jatupol Kampuansai, Patcharaporn Kaewmong, Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong and Korakot Nganvongpanit

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090764 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2486

Abstract

The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest and one of the most migratory turtle species, inhabiting oceans throughout the world. There has been a steady decline in leatherback populations over the past several decades due to human activities. They [...] Read more.

The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest and one of the most migratory turtle species, inhabiting oceans throughout the world. There has been a steady decline in leatherback populations over the past several decades due to human activities. They are considered endangered in Thailand and global, so conservation strategies are needed to study and protect the species, including determining their genetic diversity. A total of 8 microsatellite loci and 658 bp amplicon of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were used to assess genetic data from 149 dead leatherback turtle hatchlings among 14 nests in five locations along the Andaman Sea, Thailand, between 2018–2020. The microsatellite findings show that the observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.44 ± 0.09 to 0.65 ± 0.10. Population structures were further divided into two genetically distinct groups by Bayesian inference. For the mtDNA control region, our samples consisted of three haplotypes. Globally, there are 27 haplotypes of leatherback turtles, with a relatively low genetic diversity (h = 0.43). These results reveal the genetic status of leatherback turtles in Thailand and globally, and raise concerns about their relative genetic health, which highlight the need for proactive, long-term management and conservation strategies for this endangered species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity and Phylogeography of Turtles (Testudines))

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17 pages, 2369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variations in Fish Community Structure at the Lagoon of Yongshu Reef, South China Sea between 1999 and 2016–2019

by Xuejiao Dai, Yuanjie Li, Yancong Cai, Yuyan Gong, Jun Zhang and Zuozhi Chen

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090763 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1399

Abstract

Owing to climate change and anthropogenic stressors, the abundance and diversity of reef fishes have globally decreased. However, we know little about the long-term change in reef fishes in the South China Sea (SCS). To reveal the response of reef fishes to these [...] Read more.

Owing to climate change and anthropogenic stressors, the abundance and diversity of reef fishes have globally decreased. However, we know little about the long-term change in reef fishes in the South China Sea (SCS). To reveal the response of reef fishes to these threats in the SCS, based on the fish specimens at Yongshu Reef lagoon collected in 1999 and 2016–2019, this study investigated variations in fish composition and community structure. Additionally, we inferred the changes in the coral cover of Yongshu Reef based on the change of the coral cover of near Meiji Reef in the SCS, sea surface temperature (SST) in Yongshu Reef, and total annual catch of Epinephelinae from China in the SCS. We found that compared with 1999, the number of dominant species in 2016–2019 decreased. The relative dominance of the first dominant species increased from 24.46 in 1999 to 39.44 in 2016–2019. Indices of catch per unit effort, species diversity and richness declined from 1999 to 2016–2019. Community pattern changed with some species with a higher trophic level (3.7–4.5) decreased, while those with lower trophic level (2.2–4.1) increased greatly. Some species with high economic value and important ecological functions decreased or disappeared locally. Correlation analysis indicated that declining coral cover, increasing fishing and rising SST were clearly associated with changes in fish community structure at Yongshu Reef. We speculated that declining coral cover and increasing fishing had a direct impact on the degradation of fish communities at Yongshu Reef lagoon, but increasing SST had an indirect impact on that. To conserve coral reef fish, it is recommended to take rigorous measures for improving habitat and protecting resource. Full article

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11 pages, 1282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predator-Induced Nocturnal Benthic Emergence: Field and Experimental Evidence for an Unknown Behavioral Escape Mechanism along the Coral Reef–Seagrass Interface

by Derrick C. Blackmon and John F. Valentine

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090762 - 15 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1269

Abstract

Previously, using plankton tows, and emergence and settlement traps, we documented persistent widespread nocturnal emergence, and planktonic redistribution, of benthic macroinvertebrates along the coral reef–seagrass interface at two geographically separated locations. We also documented that emergence intensity varies with distance from the reef, [...] Read more.

Previously, using plankton tows, and emergence and settlement traps, we documented persistent widespread nocturnal emergence, and planktonic redistribution, of benthic macroinvertebrates along the coral reef–seagrass interface at two geographically separated locations. We also documented that emergence intensity varies with distance from the reef, leading us to hypothesize that the spatial pattern of emergence is determined by the foraging patterns of nocturnally active, bottom-feeding, mid-level consumers (mainly grunts). In this second study, we coupled those previously published data with nocturnal fish surveys concurrently conducted along belt transects placed at the same locations as the emergence trap collections, and a controlled laboratory experiment, to test this hypothesis. The results of these analyses find that variability in the density of nocturnally active, bottom-feeding fish is strongly positively correlated with emergence intensity, regardless of site or season. Results from the laboratory experiments show that nocturnal invertebrate emergence is significantly higher in the presence of one bottom-feeding fish (the blue-striped grunt Haemulon sciurus) than in microcosms that do not contain this predator. Overall, this study shows that such processes may explain how benthic prey can avoid capture by nocturnally active, bottom-feeding predators and persist in the predator-rich seagrass habitats that surround coral reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This study also points out the need to consider nocturnal processes when studying seagrass biodiversity in a predator-rich environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seagrass Ecosystems, Associated Biodiversity, and Its Management)

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6 pages, 576 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Trends in Taxonomy of the Rhodniini Tribe (Hemiptera, Triatominae): Reproductive Incompatibility between Rhodnius neglectus Lent, 1954 and Psammolestes spp. Confirms the Generic Status of Psammolestes Bergroth, 1911

by Amanda Ravazi, Jader de Oliveira, Fernanda Fernandez Madeira, Yago Visinho dos Reis, Ana Beatriz Bortolozo de Oliveira, Cleber Galvão, Maria Tercília Vilela de Azeredo-Oliveira, João Aristeu da Rosa and Kaio Cesar Chaboli Alevi

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090761 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1229

Abstract

The tribe Rhodniini is a monophyletic group composed of 24 species grouped in two genera: Rhodnius and Psammolestes. Rhodnius is a paraphyletic genus formed by 21 species. The event of paraphilia is supported by the greater evolutionary proximity of the species of [...] Read more.

The tribe Rhodniini is a monophyletic group composed of 24 species grouped in two genera: Rhodnius and Psammolestes. Rhodnius is a paraphyletic genus formed by 21 species. The event of paraphilia is supported by the greater evolutionary proximity of the species of the prolixus groups with the genus Psammolestes than with the other groups of Rhodnius. Based on this phenomenon, it was proposed the alteration of the genus of the species of Psammolestes to Rhodnius. Thus, we performed experimental crosses between Psammolestes spp. and R. neglectus to assess the degree of reproductive compatibility between Psammolestes and Rhodnius. Hybrids were not obtained for intergeneric crosses. Based on this, we have demonstrated that Rhodnius and Psammolestes have reproductive incompatibility. These data are important to confirm the validity of the specific status of Psammolestes, based on the biological concept of the species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heteroptera: Biodiversity, Evolution, Taxonomy and Conservation)

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21 pages, 3381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mesophotic Reefs of the Largest Brazilian Coastal Protected Area: Mapping, Characterization and Biodiversity

by Pedro H. C. Pereira, Gislaine V. Lima, Julia C. Araujo, Erandy Gomes, Luís G. F. Côrtes, Antonio V. Pontes, Radharanne Recinos, Andrei Cardoso, José C. Seoane and Camila C. P. Brito

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090760 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2050

Abstract

Mesophotic reefs are poorly known worldwide despite their great ecological relevance and management importance for coral reef conservation strategies. To aid in filling this gap, we conducted a pioneering, large-scale survey, covering a total of around 315 miles in length, in the largest [...] Read more.

Mesophotic reefs are poorly known worldwide despite their great ecological relevance and management importance for coral reef conservation strategies. To aid in filling this gap, we conducted a pioneering, large-scale survey, covering a total of around 315 miles in length, in the largest Brazilian coastal Marine Protected Area (MPA) Costa dos Corais. From the digital bathymetry model (30 to 50 m depth) generated by a multibeam echo sounder, we selected areas of greater geomorphological diversity for a detailed investigative expedition of mesophotic ecosystems. Various sampling techniques were used: single-beam echo sounders for detailing the relief, a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) for habitat type investigation, baited remote underwater video (BRUV) for collecting images of the fish community, and scuba diving to perform transects describing the benthic and fish community. We analyzed reef environments from 20 to 68 m deep. As a result, we present the mapping and geomorphological characterization of two compartments of mesophotic reefs at 21–45 m depth and an image library of mesophotic ecosystems with the species description and indications of whether it is a new record in the region. Biodiversity data were collected covering eight species of sponges, with greater abundance for Ircinia spp., Aplysina spp., and Xestospongia muta; eight from corals, mainly Siderastrea spp. And Montastrea cavernosa; and 68 species of reef fish, with the Labridae family (including Scarinae—11 species) being the richest. Our results demonstrate the importance of mesophotic reefs for MPA Costa dos Corais reef biodiversity and, with that, the need to protect these areas through the application of local conservation strategies, such as the creation of “no-take zones”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity of Mesophotic Ecosystems)

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13 pages, 6458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Species of Parasitic Copepod, Nemesis santhadevii (Siphonostomatoida: Eudactylinidae) from the Gills of the Coral Catshark Atelomycterus marmoratus, from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

by Balu Alagar Venmathi Maran, Panakkool Thamban Aneesh and Seong Yong Moon

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090759 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1875

Abstract

The copepod Nemesissanthadevii sp. nov. (Siphonostomatoida: Eudactylinidae), which is parasitizing the gill filaments of the Coral catshark Atelomycterus marmoratus (Anonymous (Bennett), 1830) off Kota Kinabalu waters, Malaysia, is described and illustrated in this article. The new species Nemesis santhadevii prominently differs from [...] Read more.

The copepod Nemesissanthadevii sp. nov. (Siphonostomatoida: Eudactylinidae), which is parasitizing the gill filaments of the Coral catshark Atelomycterus marmoratus (Anonymous (Bennett), 1830) off Kota Kinabalu waters, Malaysia, is described and illustrated in this article. The new species Nemesis santhadevii prominently differs from its congeners in the following features: (1) the cephalothorax sub-circular is 1.3 times as wide as long and overlapping the second pedigerous somite; (2) the fifth somite is 0.4 times the width of the fourth; (3) the genital double somite is slightly narrower than the fifth; (4) the lowest cephalothoracic shield’s body length (0.20:1) proportion; (5) the caudal rami is ovate, it has two large and three small setae; (6) and the second somite has antenna with a patch of 34–38 spinules. It is the first record of parasitic eudactilinid copepod from Sabah, East Malaysia. A checklist of global valid species of Nemesis Risso, 1826, is provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from International Conference on Marine Science and Aquaculture)

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47 pages, 32280 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Floristics and Biogeographical Affinity of Diatoms Attached to Sargassum fluitans (Børgesen) Børgesen and Sargassum natans (Linnaeus) Gaillon Arriving on Mexico’s Caribbean Coasts

by Francisco Omar López-Fuerte, David Alfaro Siqueiros Beltrones, Yuriko Jocselin Martínez and María del Carmen Altamirano-Cerecedo

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090758 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1975 | Correction

Abstract

The environmental contingency caused by the recent massive arrivals of pelagic sargasso (Sargassum natans and S. fluitans) on Mexico’s Caribbean coasts have given rise to several areas of scientific research. Our work proposed identifying the diatom flora adhered to the [...] Read more.

The environmental contingency caused by the recent massive arrivals of pelagic sargasso (Sargassum natans and S. fluitans) on Mexico’s Caribbean coasts have given rise to several areas of scientific research. Our work proposed identifying the diatom flora adhered to the thalli of these two sargasso species collected on the coasts of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos. We recorded 184 diatom taxa (all illustrated) from 68 genera. Taxa from the genera Mastogloia (37), Cocconeis (11), Nitzschia (10), Diploneis (8), and Amphora (9) represented 41% of the total, while 44 of these genera were represented by a single species. In the total floristic count, 41 taxa occurred exclusively on S. fluitans, 53 exclusively on S. natans (22 and 29%, respectively) and 90 (49%) were found on both. Species of Navicula were scarce, and Navicula barbara var. densestriata was here transferred to the genus Lyrella (Lyrella barbara var. densestriata (Foged) López-Fuerte & Siqueiros Beltrones comb. nov.). Overall, 17 (9%) of the identified taxa were new recordings for Mexico’s coasts. Supporting the hypothesis proposed, the 37 Mastogloia taxa suggested a tropical affinity, while the high species richness denoted that the surfaces of both sargasso species constituted favorable substrata for the growth of diatom assemblages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2022)

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16 pages, 2499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution and Biogeographic History of Rubyspot Damselflies (Hetaerininae: Calopterygidae: Odonata)

by Samantha Standring, Melissa Sánchez-Herrera, Rhainer Guillermo-Ferreira, Jessica L. Ware, Yesenia Margarita Vega-Sánchez, Rebecca Clement, Jonathan P. Drury, Gregory F. Grether, Antonio González-Rodríguez, Luis Mendoza-Cuenca, Cornelio A. Bota-Sierra and Seth Bybee

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090757 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2890

Abstract

The damselflies Hetaerininae, a subfamily of Calopterygidae, comprise four genera distributed from North to South America: Hetaerina, Mnesarete, Ormenophlebia and Bryoplathanon. While several studies have focused on the intriguing behavioral and morphological modifications within Hetaerina, little of the evolutionary [...] Read more.

The damselflies Hetaerininae, a subfamily of Calopterygidae, comprise four genera distributed from North to South America: Hetaerina, Mnesarete, Ormenophlebia and Bryoplathanon. While several studies have focused on the intriguing behavioral and morphological modifications within Hetaerina, little of the evolutionary history of the group is well understood. Understanding the biogeographical history of Hetaerininae is further complicated by uncertainty in important geological events, such as the closure of the Central American Seaway (CAS). We generated a phylogenetic hypothesis to test the relationships and divergence times within Hetaerininae using IQtree and BEAST2 and found that Mnesarete and Ormenophlebia render Hetaerina paraphyletic. Reclassification of the genera within Hetaerininae is necessary based on our results. We also tested the fit to our dataset of two different hypotheses for the closure of CAS. Our results supported a gradual closure, starting in the Oligocene and ending in the Pliocene. Using Ancestral Character State Reconstruction, we found that the rubyspot, which is associated with higher fecundity in several species, was ancestral for Hetaerininae and subsequently lost four times. Estimates of diversification in association with the rubyspot are needed to understand the plasticity of this important character. Forest habitat was the ancestral state for Hetaerininae, with transitions to generalist species of Hetaerina found primarily in the Mesoamerican region. These results add to our understanding of the relationship between morphology, biogeography and habitat in a charismatic group of damselflies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Odonata)

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12 pages, 3036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effects of Theaflavins and Epigallocatechin Gallate against ZnO-NP-Induced Cell Apoptosis In Vitro

by Xiaodong Shan, Feifei Chen, Huikang Lin, Hangjun Zhang, Yuchi Zhong, Zhiquan Liu and Yan Li

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090756 - 14 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1209

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are commonly used in various commercial applications, causing toxic effects on organisms and destroying biodiversity, but information about their protective approaches remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of theaflavins (TFs) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against [...] Read more.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are commonly used in various commercial applications, causing toxic effects on organisms and destroying biodiversity, but information about their protective approaches remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of theaflavins (TFs) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against ZnO-NP-induced cytotoxicity in rat tracheal epithelial (RTE) cells. Herein, RTE cells were exposed to 100 μg/L ZnO-NPs for 12 h, then treated with 0, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/L TFs or EGCG for another 12 h; subsequently, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis analyses were conducted. Relative to the control groups, TFs and EGCG treatment significantly inhibited the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde content. Exposure to 1000 μg/L TFs or EGCG treatment downregulated cytochrome C gene expression levels by 59.10% and 77.27%; Caspase 3 gene expression by 50.03% and 60.01%; Caspase 8 gene expression by 45.11% and 55.57%; and Caspase 9 gene expression by 51.33% and 66.67%, respectively. Meanwhile, interleukin 1β and interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and the other inflammatory chemokines such as C-C motif chemokine 2 and C-X-C motif chemokine 8 expression were all gradually rescued after the addition of TFs or EGCG. These results imply that TFs or EGCG possibly ameliorated ZnO-NPs-induced toxicity through antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study provides novel approaches which mitigate the emerging nanoparticle pollutant toxicity in organisms, which may potentially slow down the destruction of biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Pollutants in Aquatic Ecosystems: Effects on Biodiversity and Solutions)

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16 pages, 2958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Community Structure of Zooplankton in Homestead Ponds of a Tropical Coastal Area

by Sima Rani Karmakar, Mohammad Belal Hossain, Md. Milon Sarker, As-Ad Ujjaman Nur, Ahasan Habib, Bilal Ahamad Paray, Mohammad Khalid Al-Sadoon, Aneela Gulnaz and Takaomi Arai

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090755 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2951

Abstract

As an intermediary connection between primary producers and higher trophic levels, zooplankton are an important component of the aquatic food chain, contributing significantly to aquatic biological productivity. This study describes the zooplankton diversity and community structure, as well as their relationships with ecological [...] Read more.

As an intermediary connection between primary producers and higher trophic levels, zooplankton are an important component of the aquatic food chain, contributing significantly to aquatic biological productivity. This study describes the zooplankton diversity and community structure, as well as their relationships with ecological factors, in homestead ponds of a coastal district along the northern Bay of Bengal region. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected in the mean values of temperature, pH, DO, TDS, transparency, and phosphates from the ponds during December 2020, but no significant differences were found in the nitrate levels. However, no significant variances in the ecological parameters between months were found due to the study taking place in the same season. Sixteen zooplankton species, representing four groups, were found in the study area, with the highest mean abundance of 301.19 ± 40.55 ind./L recorded in February 2021 and the lowest of 293.02 ± 21.13 ind./L recorded in December 2020. The diversity (H’), evenness (e), richness (J), and dominance (D) ranged from 2.49 to 2.12, from 0.93 to 0.84, from 2.05 to 1.56, and from 0.13 to 0.09, respectively. Based on the SIMPER analysis, Diaptomus gracilis and Brachionus calyciflorus were found to be significant contributors (>10%) to the zooplankton community structure in different months. The ANOSIM results revealed that 10 species of zooplankton were significant contributors based on their average dissimilarity. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) identified that pH, transparency, nitrates, and phosphates have a significant impact on the abundance of zooplankton species in the homestead ponds in the study area. Full article

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12 pages, 1321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reversing the Decline in Threatened Species through Effective Conservation Planning

by Onnie Byers, Jamieson Copsey, Caroline Lees, Philip Miller and Kathy Traylor-Holzer

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090754 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3463

Abstract

Despite the committed action by many in past decades, recent reviews show little progress in slowing species declines, and future waves of extinction are predicted. Not only do such declines signal a failure to meet international commitments to stem biodiversity loss and undermine [...] Read more.

Despite the committed action by many in past decades, recent reviews show little progress in slowing species declines, and future waves of extinction are predicted. Not only do such declines signal a failure to meet international commitments to stem biodiversity loss and undermine the potential for achievement of the species-related target in the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, but they also jeopardize our ability to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, many of which rely on the resources provided by species and the ecosystems they support. A substantial increase in ambition and the application of tools at the global scale and across all elements of the species conservation cycle—Assess, Plan, and Act—is urgently needed to create swift and lasting positive change for species. Well-resourced, effectively implemented species conservation plans play a key role in meeting this challenge. Here, the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) presents a proven approach to species conservation planning that emphasizes the thoughtful design and facilitation of collaborative processes that feature the rigorous scientific analysis of quantitative data on species biology and impacts of anthropogenic threats and their mitigation through management. When incorporated from the beginning of a species management project, the CPSG’s principles and steps for conservation planning can help reverse the decline of threatened species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessments, Planning and Action for Conservation of Species and Ecosystems at Multiple Spatial Scales)

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22 pages, 4112 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Brachiopod Fauna from the Deep Mediterranean Sea: Distribution Patterns and Ecological Preferences

by Margherita Toma, Francesco Enrichetti, Giorgio Bavestrello, Simonepietro Canese, Alessandro Cau, Franco Andaloro, Michela Angiolillo, Silvestro Greco and Marzia Bo

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090753 - 12 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2045

Abstract

Compared to their fossil counterparts, living brachiopods are investigated far less often, due to their occurrence in remote environments such as dark caves or deep environments. Due to the scarcity of studies targeting in situ brachiopods’ populations, large-scale information on their distribution and [...] Read more.

Compared to their fossil counterparts, living brachiopods are investigated far less often, due to their occurrence in remote environments such as dark caves or deep environments. Due to the scarcity of studies targeting in situ brachiopods’ populations, large-scale information on their distribution and ecological preferences is still lacking, especially on hardgrounds. The extensive employment of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), however, has opened up the chance to better explore this taxon’s diversity and ecology in the mesophotic and bathyal zones. The analysis of over 600 h of video footage collected from 624 sites, from 40 m to 1825 m, located along the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian coasts of Italy and the Sicily Channel, allowed for a large-scale investigation. The four identified species, Novocrania anomala, Gryphus vitreus, Megerlia truncata and Terebratulina retusa, emerged as common macrofaunal components of the explored habitats, especially between 150 m and 250 m, with high occurrences in the northern areas, especially on offshore seamounts. All species can form dense aggregations of individuals, with M. truncata showing the densest populations on steep rocky terraces (up to 773 individuals m⁻²). Except for G. vitreus, the only species also recorded on soft bottoms, the others were found exclusively on hardgrounds, with N. anomala showing a peculiar ability to exploit anthropogenic substrates such as terracotta amphorae. No stable species-specific associations were noted, even if numerous species were frequently observed together. Although brachiopods do not show the conspicuous tridimensionality of large filter-feeders, their substrate occupancy and their role in pelagic–benthic processes support their importance in deep-sea Mediterranean ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Mediterranean Sea Ecosystems)

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15 pages, 3001 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Human Imposed Pressure on Pheasants of Western Himalayas, Pakistan: Implication for Monitoring and Conservation

by Muhammad Azhar Jameel, Muhammad Sajid Nadeem, Shahzad Aslam, Waheed Ullah, Didar Ahmad, Muhammad Naeem Awan, Waliullah Masroor, Tariq Mahmood, Rafi Ullah, Muhammad Zubair Anjum, Kishwar Ali, David Aaron Jones, Muhammad Ezaz Hasan Khan and Azad Ashraf

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090752 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3266

Abstract

Pheasants play a distinctive and significant role in high altitudinal ecosystems. These are good indicators of environmental changes, and their presence determines the health and balance of the bio-network. Recent human pressure continues to degrade their populations, and some pheasant species are already [...] Read more.

Pheasants play a distinctive and significant role in high altitudinal ecosystems. These are good indicators of environmental changes, and their presence determines the health and balance of the bio-network. Recent human pressure continues to degrade their populations, and some pheasant species are already extinct. Therefore, the current study focuses on pheasant abundance and emerging conservation issues. The pheasant population was assessed using “Call count methods” and analyzed by DISTANCE software. The results revealed that the valleys where human interference is minimum had significantly higher encounter rates and densities of pheasants. At the same time, the pheasant population was severely affected, whether found at lower or higher altitudes, showing seasonal migration toward human settlements. The habitat suitability modeling was performed using the MaxEnt model and showed that human activities overlap with the suitable natural habitats of pheasants. The threats were identified using a systematic questionnaire survey from the nearest villages of the potential habitat, and particular attention was paid to valleys where human pressures were found to be high. Major infrastructure development projects, illegal hunting, and deforestation were identified as the major threats to the pheasant population. The study concluded that proper conservation measures are required to protect pheasants in their potential habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Avian Ecology and Diversity, Population Monitoring and Conservation: Recent Advances and New Challenges)

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24 pages, 8643 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact and Lessons Learned from A Half-Century of Primate Conservation Action Planning

by Kim E. Reuter, Russell A. Mittermeier, Elizabeth A. Williamson, Leandro Jerusalinsky, Johannes Refisch, Jacqui Sunderland-Groves, Dirck Byler, William R. Konstant, Ugo Eichler Vercillo, Christoph Schwitzer and Anthony B. Rylands

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090751 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2323

Abstract

Over the last half-century, the world’s human population has doubled, impacting almost all ocean and land areas. The threats facing primates in the wild have never been greater or more complex. Primatologists have long been aware of these threats and, since the 1970s, [...] Read more.

Over the last half-century, the world’s human population has doubled, impacting almost all ocean and land areas. The threats facing primates in the wild have never been greater or more complex. Primatologists have long been aware of these threats and, since the 1970s, have coordinated efforts to safeguard these threatened species, through the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) Primate Specialist Group (PSG). In an effort to stem the threat of extinction to primates, this group of now 700 experts+ has published 17 conservation action plans since 1977. As we look toward the next half-century, we take stock of the history of primate action planning to better understand the costs and benefits of these plans as a conservation tool. Here, we reviewed all plans published by the IUCN SSC PSG. In total, they described USD 246 million in planned primate conservation programming and were cited 1657 times by others. We found that half of the plans had been assessed in regard to their implementation, although these assessments were not standardized. Those that had been assessed, showed evidence of positive impacts on awareness raising, collaboration, fundraising, project implementation and policy, although the impact varied by plan. For example, three of the plans directly resulted in USD 15.92 million in funds raised; four plans quantified implementation rates, which ranged from 38% to 74% of actions partially or completely achieved 5 years after plan publication; and four plans attributed the gazettement of 19 protected areas across 11 countries as indirect successes following the publication of plans. Considered together, we reflect on the ‘return-on-investment’ for developing these plans and consider a range of ‘lessons learned’ for future primate action planning efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessments, Planning and Action for Conservation of Species and Ecosystems at Multiple Spatial Scales)

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15 pages, 6446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Siberian Ibex Capra sibirica Respond to Climate Change by Shifting to Higher Latitudes in Eastern Pamir

by Yingying Zhuo, Muyang Wang, Baolin Zhang, Kathreen E. Ruckstuhl, António Alves da Silva, Weikang Yang and Joana Alves

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090750 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2138

Abstract

Climate change has led to shifts in species distribution and become a crucial factor in the extinction of species. Increasing average temperatures, temperature extremes, and unpredictable weather events have all become a part of a perfect storm that is threatening ecosystems. Higher altitude [...] Read more.

Climate change has led to shifts in species distribution and become a crucial factor in the extinction of species. Increasing average temperatures, temperature extremes, and unpredictable weather events have all become a part of a perfect storm that is threatening ecosystems. Higher altitude habitats are disproportionately affected by climate change, and habitats for already threatened specialist species are shrinking. The Siberian ibex, Capra sibirica, is distributed across Central Asia and Southern Siberia and is the dominant ungulate in the Pamir plateau. To understand how climate change could affect the habitat of Siberian ibex in the Taxkorgan Nature Reserve (TNR), an ensemble species distribution model was built using 109 occurrence points from a four-year field survey. Fifteen environmental variables were used to simulate suitable habitat distribution under different climate change scenarios. Our results demonstrated that a stable, suitable habitat for Siberian ibex was mostly distributed in the northwest and northeast of the TNR. We found that climate change will further reduce the area of suitable habitat for this species. In the scenarios of RCP2.6 to 2070 and RCP8.5 to 2050, habitat loss would exceed 30%. In addition, suitable habitats for Siberian ibex will shift to higher latitudes under climate change. As a result, timely prediction of the distribution of endangered animals is conducive to the conservation of the biodiversity of mountain ecosystems, particularly in arid areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mountain Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning and Services)

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14 pages, 5639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomass Partitioning and Morphoanatomical Traits of Six Gymnocalycium (Cactaceae) Species Occurring along a Precipitation Gradient

by Solana B. Perotti, Nayla L. Aliscioni, Natalia E. Delbón, Mario Perea, Ariadna Hammann and Diego E. Gurvich

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090749 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1390

Abstract

As a group, cacti are regarded as plants that tolerate water scarcity, since they present a number of adaptations. However, little is known about how species of the family varied their morphoanatomical characteristics along environmental gradients. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.

As a group, cacti are regarded as plants that tolerate water scarcity, since they present a number of adaptations. However, little is known about how species of the family varied their morphoanatomical characteristics along environmental gradients. The aim of this study was to analyze how six Gymnocalycium species occurring in three sites along a precipitation gradient (arid site: G. pugionacanthum, G. marianae; semiarid site: G. hybopleurum, G. stellatum; subhumid site: G. oenanthenum, G. baldianum) differ in their biomass partitioning and morphoanatomical characteristics. We collected mature individuals of each species and analyzed their biomass partitioning (to spines, aboveground stem, underground stem, main root, and lateral and thin roots), morphological characteristics (such as size ratios, spine length and width, and areole density) and anatomical characteristics (stoma number, and cuticle, epidermis, and hypodermis width). Species differed, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in most of the analyzed variables. For example, biomass allocated to spines was highest in G. pugionacanthum, lowest in G. baldianum, and intermediate in the remaining species. However, these variations were not clearly associated with aridity, but were related to the subgenus of the species. These patterns were clearly observed in the PCA. Phylogenetic relatedness is the main factor associated with morphoanatomical characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anatomy, Ecology and Evolution of Cactaceae)

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15 pages, 1727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Does It Take to Further Our Knowledge of Plant Diversity in the Megadiverse South Africa?

by Mashudu Patience Mamathaba, Kowiyou Yessoufou and Annah Moteetee

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090748 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1491

Abstract

In the context of biodiversity crisis, targeted efforts are required to accelerate the discovery and description of the still-unknown species. In the present study, we collected data on current knowledge of plant richness in South Africa and used a statistical modeling technique to [...] Read more.

In the context of biodiversity crisis, targeted efforts are required to accelerate the discovery and description of the still-unknown species. In the present study, we collected data on current knowledge of plant richness in South Africa and used a statistical modeling technique to predict what might still be missing in the country. We found that we might be missing 1400–1575 plant species, and it might take 40–45 years to identify and describe these species aided by 64–315 taxonomists. Surveyed taxonomists spent USD 95,559, on average, to describe one species. At this rate, USD 150,506,142 would be required to describe the 1575 species (modeling) or USD 133,783,237 for the 1400 remaining species (expert opinion). However, these estimates do not correspond to what is specifically required for only species description but does integrate connected activities, e.g., running cost, bursary, salaries, grants, etc. Furthermore, these estimates do not account for the possibility of taxonomic revision, which, on its own, needs to be funded, nor do they account for molecular laboratory requirement. Nevertheless, if we consider that 15% of the predicted funds are solely spent on taxonomic activities, we would need ~USD 14,334 on one species. Overall, our study provides figures that can inform attempts to fuel efforts toward a comprehensive assessment of the unique South Africa’s biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Human-Environment Interactions)

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17 pages, 15150 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Characterization of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Accessions with Variable Drought Tolerance through Simple Sequence Repeat Markers and Phenotypic Traits

by Sonto Silindile Mkhabela, Hussein Shimelis, Abe Shegro Gerrano, Jacob Mashilo and Admire Shayanowako

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090747 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2388

Abstract

Genetic diversity analysis of crop genetic resources is a prerequisite for parental selection with suitable and complementary profiles for breeding. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic diversity present among okra accessions using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and complementary phenotypic markers [...] Read more.

Genetic diversity analysis of crop genetic resources is a prerequisite for parental selection with suitable and complementary profiles for breeding. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic diversity present among okra accessions using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and complementary phenotypic markers and to select genetically divergent and superior parental accessions for pre-breeding. Twenty-six preliminarily selected okra accessions were assessed using nine highly polymorphic SSR markers and phenotyped under drought-stressed (DS) and non-stressed (NS) environmental conditions using a 13 × 2 alpha lattice design with two replications. Data were collected on the following eleven phenotypic traits: plant height (PH), days to 50% maturity (DTM), fresh pod length (FPL), dry pod weight (DPW), dry pod length (DPL), number of pods per plant (NPPP), pod yield per plant (PYPP), total above-ground biomass (AGB), harvest index (HI), root weight (RW), and root to shoot ratio (RSR). The SSR markers revealed an expected mean heterozygosity value of 0.54, indicating moderate genetic diversity among the tested okra accessions. Cluster analysis based on phenotypic and SSR markers differentiated the accessions into three distinct genetic groups. Wide phenotypic variation was observed for PH, FPL, NPPP, and PYPP under NS and DS conditions. PYPP was positively and significantly correlated with FPL (r = 0.81), ABG (r = 0.69), and HI (r = 0.67) under DS conditions, and FPL (r = 0.83) and AGB (r = 0.60) under NS conditions. Genetically complementary accessions such as LS04, LS05, LS06, LS07, LS08, LS10, LS11, LS15, LS18, LS23, LS24, and LS26 were identified for their high yield potential and related yield-improving traits under DS conditions. The identified accessions are recommended as parents for hybridization and selection programs to improve the yield potential of okra under drought-stressed environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Evolution and Diversity of Plants)

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