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18 pages, 2387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Occurrence of the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) and Associated Silphid Beetle Community in South Dakota: Implications for Managed Relocation

by William Wyatt Hoback, Daniel G. Snethen, Melissa Reed and Michael C. Cavallaro

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040232 - 13 Apr 2024

Viewed by 335

Abstract

The American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus Olivier (Coleoptera: Siliphidae), is a federally threatened species in the United States, occurring in less than 10% of its historic range. The continued monitoring of extant populations found in South Dakota, the northernmost edge of its confirmed [...] Read more.

The American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus Olivier (Coleoptera: Siliphidae), is a federally threatened species in the United States, occurring in less than 10% of its historic range. The continued monitoring of extant populations found in South Dakota, the northernmost edge of its confirmed range, is imperative to future conservation efforts, especially with the predicted loss of the species in southern regions because of climate change. Proposed strategies to preserve the species include the reintroduction or translocation of individuals from habitats that have become unsuitable. Beyond adequate habitat and carrion resource requirements, community-level silphid interactions may challenge these efforts because of competition. From 2018 to 2020, we used 80 carrion-baited pitfall traps per year to conduct two 5-day surveys in June and August. A total of 25,923 Silphidae belonging to 15 species were collected in 1200 trap nights. Cumulatively, 1150 N. americanus were captured and marked with 263 recaptures. Like past findings, N. americanus was concentrated in western Tripp County with limited occurrence in Gregory and Todd Counties, suggesting no expansion of their known range in the past decade. Generalized linear mixed-effects models indicated N. americanus abundance was significantly predicted by the co-occurrence of the carrion beetles Oieceoptoma inaequale F. and Oiceoptoma noveboracense Forster, whereas pitfall trap catches dominated by the burying beetle Nicrophorus marginatus F. had predictively less N. americanus. Collectively, these data provide insights into the existing, northernmost N. americanus population dynamics and silphid beetle communities. Concurrent with monitoring extant populations, the characterization of silphid communities that co-occur with N. americanus may provide much-needed information for managed relocation opportunities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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26 pages, 1938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Diversity and Conservation Role of Three Indigenous Agroforestry Systems of Southeastern Rift-Valley Landscapes, Ethiopia

by Hafte Mebrahten Tesfay, Janine Oettel, Katharina Lapin and Mesele Negash

Diversity 2024, 16(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16010064 - 18 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1927

Abstract

Woody and non-woody plant species conservation is one of the ecosystem services provided by agroforestry (AF) systems across the agricultural landscapes. Little attention has been paid to assessing the conservation of plant diversity in AF systems. This study was, thus, aimed at investigating [...] Read more.

Woody and non-woody plant species conservation is one of the ecosystem services provided by agroforestry (AF) systems across the agricultural landscapes. Little attention has been paid to assessing the conservation of plant diversity in AF systems. This study was, thus, aimed at investigating plant species diversity, structure, and composition of three AF systems in Gedeo zone of south-eastern rift–valley agricultural landscape of Ethiopia. The study was conducted in three agroforestry systems, namely, enset based, coffee–enset based (C–E based AF), and coffee–fruit trees–enset based (C–Ft–E based AF) agroforestry systems. Twenty farms representative of each AF system were randomly selected, and inventory of the floristic diversity was employed in a 10 m × 10 m sample plot per farm. A total of 52 perennial woody and non-woody plant species belonging to 30 families were recorded. Of all species identified, 33 (63.5%) were native, of which two species, namely Millettia ferruginea (Hochst.) Baker and Erythrina brucei Schweinf., were registered as endemic. The highest proportion of native species was recorded in enset based AF (93.3%), and the least were in C–Ft–E based AF (59%). According to the IUCN Red List and local criteria, 13 species were recorded as being of interest for conservation in all AF systems. The woody species Prunus africana was identified as both vulnerable by IUCN Red List and rare for 25% of species that least occur. The Shannon diversity index and richness showed that C–Ft–E based AF systems were significantly different from the two remaining AF systems. However, the species abundance and evenness did not show significant differences between the three AF systems. In general, retaining such numbers of woody and non-woody perennial plant species richness under the AF systems of the present study underlines their potential for biodiversity conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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11 pages, 2011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reappraisal of the Identity of Batrachium pekinense (Ranunculaceae) and Its Implication for Biodiversity Conservation and Management

by Xian-Yun Mu, Han-Ze Gu, Han Yu, Wen-Guang Dong and Tie-Shuang Liang

Diversity 2024, 16(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16010054 - 15 Jan 2024

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Abstract

Because of human-induced habitat deterioration and climate change, a large number of species are threatened and even endangered. Batrachium pekinense Liang Liu, a perennial aquatic plant endemic to Beijing, was synonymized as a widely distributed species in Northern China, B. bungei Steudel, but [...] Read more.

Because of human-induced habitat deterioration and climate change, a large number of species are threatened and even endangered. Batrachium pekinense Liang Liu, a perennial aquatic plant endemic to Beijing, was synonymized as a widely distributed species in Northern China, B. bungei Steudel, but it was later listed in the national key protected wild plants in China. Taxonomic uncertainty should be clarified especially when related species may be allocated with a limited conservation budget. In this study, we reappraised the identity of B. pekinense based on results from molecular phylogenetic analysis and 15-year field observations. Our result shows that 77% of the 65 individuals collected from various sites share identical sequences in both the nuclear ribosomal ITS and the plastid psbA-trnH markers, all samples of the two species consist of one monophyletic clade with strong support, and continuous morphological variations on the key distinguishing character, the leaf shape, are observed in the field. Integrative evidence from both our and the others’ studies supports the same identity for B. pekinense and B. bungei. Hence, we suggest excluding B. pekinense from the list of national key protected wild plants of China in its next update and advocate the integrative evidence-based taxonomy and systematics for biodiversity conservation and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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18 pages, 6131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery of Neglected Species with Cloud Water Micro Condense Capacity as a Response to Climate Change: The Case of Sclerophyllous Boxwoods of Buxus balearica Lam. in the Southern Spanish Mediterranean

by J. Esteban Hernández-Bermejo, Yalbeiry Labarca-Rojas, Francisca Herrera-Molina, José L. Quero and Rocío Hernández-Clemente

Diversity 2023, 15(12), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15121184 - 29 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1093

Abstract

Understanding the survival needs of neglected or underutilized species (NUS) in agroforestry can offer valuable insights to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss. This paper analyses the habitat heterogeneity of Buxus balearica populations (palaeorelict of the Mediterranean Basin) using a methodology that integrates [...] Read more.

Understanding the survival needs of neglected or underutilized species (NUS) in agroforestry can offer valuable insights to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss. This paper analyses the habitat heterogeneity of Buxus balearica populations (palaeorelict of the Mediterranean Basin) using a methodology that integrates four approaches: ecological profiling, multivariate analysis, and the clustering of populations according to environmental variables and suitability. The habitat analysis was conducted on 240 occurrence points, integrating open-source databases and germplasm collection field work. Results reveal that the distribution of B. balearica in the south of the Iberian Peninsula is mainly conditioned by thermal variations, the humidity regime, and microtopography, which makes it very vulnerable to current and future climate change scenarios. The analysis of habitat heterogeneity demonstrates its capacity to estimate genetic diversity, which provides a solid basis for future research and conservation actions. The rapid extinction process of these boxwoods is evident by comparing the suitability model under different climate scenarios. There is an urgent need to improve the current status of the species and associated landscapes, considering B. balearica as an underutilized species, and establishing a sound management plan to reinforce its populations and protect its natural habitat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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16 pages, 7805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vanilla pompona Schiede (Vanilloideae-Orchidaceae): Morphological Variation of the Labellum in the Mexican Localities of Veracruz, Puebla, Jalisco and Oaxaca

by Cecilia Viveros-Antonio, Adriana Delgado-Alvarado, Angel Bustamante-González, Jesús Hernández-Ruíz, Ma. de Lourdes Arévalo-Galarza and Braulio Edgar Herrera-Cabrera

Diversity 2023, 15(11), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15111125 - 31 Oct 2023

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Abstract

Vanilla pompona is the third most important commercial species of the genus Vanilla, but the morphometric variation of its flowers is not well known. In orchids, infraspecific variation is expressed in the labellum. This study had the objective of analyzing the floral [...] Read more.

Vanilla pompona is the third most important commercial species of the genus Vanilla, but the morphometric variation of its flowers is not well known. In orchids, infraspecific variation is expressed in the labellum. This study had the objective of analyzing the floral variation of V. pompona collections from the localities in Veracruz, Puebla, Jalisco and Oaxaca, in Mexico. During the flowering period, we obtained 55 collections of V. pompona flowers, and the labellum of each flower was dissected. We used ImageJ to measure and portray 54 lines and 7 angles in these labella. With the data obtained, we performed an analysis of variance, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed significant differences among the collections and localities in the means of the lines of the basal, middle, and apical regions of the labellum. Also, six morphotypes were obtained, and we found that variation was associated with factors such as the environment, geographic barriers, and pollinator pressure. Moreover, we observed variation in flowering periods in one locality of Veracruz. We concluded that there is infraspecific variation within and between the collection localities of V. pompona in the Atlantic region (Puebla and Veracruz) and the Pacific region (Jalisco and Oaxaca), Mexico. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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11 pages, 1419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variability and Kinship Analyses of Seized Red-Browed Amazon, Amazona rhodocorytha (Aves, Psittacidae)

by Anna Agazzi Migotto, Fernanda Bocalini, Mercival Roberto Francisco, Paul Reillo and Luís Fábio Silveira

Diversity 2023, 15(8), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15080923 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1029

Abstract

Analyzing genetic variability and kinship relations is essential to guide conservation management plans for threatened species. The Red-browed Amazon (Amazona rhodocorytha) is one of the four Amazona parrots that are endemic to remnants of the Atlantic Forest, classified as Vulnerable (IUCN) [...] Read more.

Analyzing genetic variability and kinship relations is essential to guide conservation management plans for threatened species. The Red-browed Amazon (Amazona rhodocorytha) is one of the four Amazona parrots that are endemic to remnants of the Atlantic Forest, classified as Vulnerable (IUCN) owing to habitat loss and fragmentation and trapping for the illegal pet trade. At the end of 2021, 19 Red-browed Amazons were rescued from illegal trade in the Espírito Santo state, Brazil, including 14 nestlings reportedly captured in the Sooretama Biological Reserve, which provided the first opportunity to address the genetic parameters of a wild population of this threatened parrot. We used Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) data to assess the genetic diversity and kinship relations between the rescued birds. We observed high heterozygosity levels and low inbreeding coefficients. Principal Component Analysis revealed the presence of at least two distinct genetic groups, suggesting past isolation followed by secondary contact. Our results suggest that the population from Sooretama is an important genetic and demographic repository of the Red-browed Amazon, and the presence of individuals from the two genetic lineages in the same area reduces concerns about potential inbreeding depression in rehabilitation and reintroduction plans and also inspires further investigations on historical and contemporary population structuring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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16 pages, 2086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strong Population Genetic Structure for the Endangered Micro-Trapdoor Spider Moggridgea rainbowi (Mygalomorphae, Migidae) in Unburnt Habitat after Catastrophic Bushfires

by Jessica R. Marsh, Tessa M. Bradford and Steven J. B. Cooper

Diversity 2023, 15(7), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15070827 - 30 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1146

Abstract

Catastrophic wildfires impacted large areas of western Kangaroo Island (KI), South Australia in 2019–2020, burning habitat for many species, including large proportions of the distributional range of the KI micro-trapdoor spider Moggridgea rainbowi, which led to it being listed as Endangered under [...] Read more.

Catastrophic wildfires impacted large areas of western Kangaroo Island (KI), South Australia in 2019–2020, burning habitat for many species, including large proportions of the distributional range of the KI micro-trapdoor spider Moggridgea rainbowi, which led to it being listed as Endangered under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). In order to assess population genetic structure in M. rainbowi and detect diagnosable lineages and their distributional patterns across KI, 28 individuals were genotyped for 2495 loci, sampling from all known populations of the species. Population genetic and phylogenetic analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial sequence data provided strong support for three Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) within M. rainbowi; two populations on eastern KI and a heavily fire-impacted western population. High levels of divergence and fixed allelic differences between 5 and 16% indicate a lack of gene flow between ESUs and long periods of isolation. Distributional patterns of these lineages match likely locations of isolation events caused by successive changes to sea level during the Quaternary (2.58 million years ago to present), which led to KI being intermittently connected to the mainland or separated into one or more islands. Our findings have strong conservation implications for M. rainbowi and highlight the importance of inclusion of population genetic structure to inform conservation strategies and to conserve lineage biodiversity at the species level and below. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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15 pages, 3036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Structure and Differentiation of Endangered Cycas Species Indicate a Southward Migration Associated with Historical Cooling Events

by Zhi He, Zhi Yao, Kailai Wang, Youzhi Li and Yongbo Liu

Diversity 2023, 15(5), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15050643 - 09 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1581

Abstract

Understanding the genetic structure and differentiation in endangered species is of significance in detecting their phylogenetic relationships and prioritizing conservation. Here we sampled five endangered Cycas species endemic to southwest China and genotyped genetic structure and differentiation among them using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) [...] Read more.

Understanding the genetic structure and differentiation in endangered species is of significance in detecting their phylogenetic relationships and prioritizing conservation. Here we sampled five endangered Cycas species endemic to southwest China and genotyped genetic structure and differentiation among them using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) method. C. hongheensis showed high genetic diversity, but the other four species showed low genetic diversity. The genetic diversity between wild and cultivated populations was similar for C. debaoensis and C. guizhouensis, respectively. Low genetic differentiation and high gene flow were found among C. debaoensis, C. guizhouensis, and C. fairylakea, and C. hongheensis differentiated from them at ~1.74 Mya. TreeMix results showed historic migration events from C. guizhouensis to C. hongheensis, showing southward migration pathways. C. hongheensis showed increased effective population size with time, while the other four species underwent bottleneck events at ~1–5 Mya when continuous cooling events occurred. Our results indicate that the migration, differentiation, and speciation of Cycas species are associated with historical cooling events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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12 pages, 2586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Museomics Provides Insights into Conservation and Education: The Instance of an African Lion Specimen from the Museum of Zoology “Pietro Doderlein”

by Elisabetta Cilli, Francesco Fontani, Marta Maria Ciucani, Marcella Pizzuto, Pierangelo Di Benedetto, Sara De Fanti, Thomas Mignani, Carla Bini, Rocco Iacovera, Susi Pelotti, Filippo Spadola, Donata Luiselli and Sabrina Lo Brutto

Diversity 2023, 15(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15010087 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2525

Abstract

Innovative technological approaches are crucial to enhance naturalistic museum collections and develop information repositories of relevant interest to science, such as threatened animal taxa. In this context, museomics is an emerging discipline that provides a novel approach to the enhancement and exploitation of [...] Read more.

Innovative technological approaches are crucial to enhance naturalistic museum collections and develop information repositories of relevant interest to science, such as threatened animal taxa. In this context, museomics is an emerging discipline that provides a novel approach to the enhancement and exploitation of these collections. In the present study, the discovery of a neglected lion skeleton in the Museum of Zoology “Pietro Doderlein” of the University of Palermo (Italy) offered the opportunity to undertake a multidisciplinary project. The aims of the study consisted of the following: (i) adding useful information for museographic strategies, (ii) obtaining a new genetic data repository from a vulnerable species, (iii) strengthening public awareness of wildlife conservation, and (iv) sharing new learning material. The remains of the lion were examined with a preliminary osteological survey, then they were restored by means of 3D printing of missing skeletal fragments. Phylogenetic analyses based on cytochrome b sequence clearly indicate that the specimen belongs to the Central Africa mitochondrial clade. At the end of the study, the complete and restored skeleton was exhibited, along with all of the information and data available from this project. This study shows a useful approach for the restoration and enhancement of a museum specimen, with important opportunities for preserving biodiversity and driving specific conservation policies, but also for providing Life Science learning material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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18 pages, 1729 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effects of Anthropogenic Habitat Fragmentation on the Genetic Connectivity of the Threatened and Endemic Campylorhynchus yucatanicus (Aves, Trogloditydae) in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

by Anay Serrano-Rodríguez, Griselda Escalona-Segura, Antonio González Rodríguez, Salima Machkour-M’Rabet, Lorena Ruiz-Montoya, Eduardo E. Iñigo Elias and Alexis Herminio Plasencia-Vázquez

Diversity 2022, 14(12), 1108; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14121108 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1851

Abstract

Identifying connectivity patterns among remnant bird populations and their relationships with land use practices and adjacent habitat fragments is key to implementing appropriate long-term management strategies for species conservation. The coastal scrub and dune vegetation complex of the northern Yucatan Peninsula is rich [...] Read more.

Identifying connectivity patterns among remnant bird populations and their relationships with land use practices and adjacent habitat fragments is key to implementing appropriate long-term management strategies for species conservation. The coastal scrub and dune vegetation complex of the northern Yucatan Peninsula is rich in endemisms and has been affected by human development, which threatens the survival of the Yucatan Wren (Campylorhynchus yucatanicus) population, an endemic bird species. To identify possible anthropogenic barriers to the connectivity of C. yucatanicus along 14 localities in the Yucatan (Mexico) coastal north, we explored the relationship between the species population’s genetic variability at each sampled site and landscape structure using regression models, in addition to the relationship between genetic distance and landscape resistance. Seven nuclear microsatellite loci were used as genetic markers. Four genetic populations were highlighted by the clustering method implemented in the Geneland program. Human settlement and availability of adequate habitat were significantly related to genetic distance (Fst), suggesting limited connectivity among sites due to ongoing land use changes. We suggest changing the IUCN threat category of C. yucatanicus to endangered as we found a significant loss of genetic variability in addition to restricted distribution, small population, habitat degradation, and loss of connectivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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12 pages, 2782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Jaguar’s Predation and Human Shield, a Tapir Story

by Jonathan Pérez-Flores, Yann Hénaut, Mauro Sanvicente, Nereyda Pablo-Rodríguez and Sophie Calmé

Diversity 2022, 14(12), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14121103 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3849

Abstract

Despite the risks associated, some species choose to shield behind a predator to decrease predation risk by another predator. In this study, we demonstrate how Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) use humans as a “shield” to reduce the risk of being preyed [...] Read more.

Despite the risks associated, some species choose to shield behind a predator to decrease predation risk by another predator. In this study, we demonstrate how Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) use humans as a “shield” to reduce the risk of being preyed upon by jaguars (Panthera onca). We collected georeferenced photographic records of 23 tapirs (seven of them injured) sighted near human settlements (0 to 5 km) in the Calakmul region of Mexico from 2008 to 2019. Using multidimensional scale analysis, we determined which possible factors (tapir health status, injuries, distance to the settlement, as well as seasonality) are related to the decision of tapirs to approach human settlements. To support our claims of jaguars’ attacks, we described the pattern of injuries believed to have been inflicted by jaguars on tapirs, and we analysed photographs and videos of species of the genus Panthera attacking larger prey than themselves to establish a pattern of injuries and compare it to the injuries observed on tapirs. Our study shows that tapir sightings near human settlements are related to health deterioration, injuries by jaguars and seasonality. The injuries found on tapirs are similar to those caused by other big cats on large prey, providing strong support for jaguar-inflicted wounds. Further studies should investigate whether the increasing human presence in different habitats in the Neotropical region could be influencing the behaviour and distribution of prey and predators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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17 pages, 1181 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review of Population Monitoring Studies of Sea Turtles and Its Application to Conservation

by Haley Hendrix and Sílvia Pérez-Espona

Diversity 2024, 16(3), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030177 - 12 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1144

Abstract

Sea turtles are keystone species in marine environments due to their essential role as seagrass grazers and population regulation of jellyfish and sponges in coral reefs. However, due to their predominant presence in coastal areas, sea turtle populations face significant threats due to [...] Read more.

Sea turtles are keystone species in marine environments due to their essential role as seagrass grazers and population regulation of jellyfish and sponges in coral reefs. However, due to their predominant presence in coastal areas, sea turtle populations face significant threats due to the impact of human activities. In this systematic review, 655 peer-reviewed publications were analyzed to assess the extent of population monitoring for all seven sea turtle species. The analyses revealed that, although population monitoring studies have increased for sea turtles in the past four decades, these have been biased towards certain species and oceanic regions. Furthermore, sea turtle population monitoring has been undertaken primarily using field-based methods, with satellite tracking and nest surveys being the most commonly used methods; however, the implementation of genetic methods for population monitoring has increased since the 2000s. Direct conservation recommendations from this study include the urgent need to establish population monitoring studies in the Critically Endangered Kemp’s ridley and hawksbill and the Data Deficient flatback. Furthermore, population monitoring programs should be implemented in Southeast Asia and Northern and Central Africa, where knowledge on sea turtle populations is still limited. Finally, due to the long-distance movements of sea turtles, we also advocate for international cooperation and collaboration of local communities to protect these ecologically important and iconic marine species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species)

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