... In such cases, expert elicitation represents a necessary costeffective and rapid method to estimate population size for species with limited empirical data, including historic and future trends (Martin et al., 2012). These expert-derived estimates are integral to assessing conservation rankings against established criteria (e.g., IUCN, 2012;McBride et al., 2012), that are in turn increasingly used in meta-analyses of government performance (e.g., performance against Target 12 of the Convention on Biological Diversity), and to guide management actions (Possingham et al., 2002). For example, Geyle et al. (2018) identified a list of 20 of the most imperilled Australian bird and mammal taxa. ...
As more species are listed as threatened and conservation statuses deteriorate, competition for resources to protect these species intensifies. Effective allocation of limited funding is crucial and should be based on robust evidence to reduce uncertainty. Evidence-based methods are key to producing reliable conservation outcomes, from initial conservation assessments to evaluating policy and management. However, urgency often drives conservation assessments before adequate surveys are conducted, or funding is contingent on an already elevated threat ranking. In such cases, expert elicitation is a necessary and pragmatic tool. Where feasible, subsequent empirical evaluation is important to ensure conservation rankings remain evidence-based and biologically plausible, as improper assessments can lead to lost opportunity costs.
In 2014, the Western Ringtail Possum, one of Australia’s most imperilled species, was assessed as Critically Endangered based on estimated decline. The population was thought to be 3400 and declining, but this estimate relied on disparate survey methods or indices that lacked standardisation and did not account for detection probability. Using distance sampling across 41 sites and 1236 km of transects we provide a robust abundance estimate of 21,811 individuals (95 % CI: 19,162–26,192). When approximating mature individuals, the estimate is 18,023 (95 % CI: 14,902–21,797), quintupling the previous estimate. Our survey, which excluded stronghold populations in urban and peri-urban areas, covered 112,965 ha, more than double the previously estimated area of occupancy. This robust survey method allows for future evaluation of management interventions through formal experimental design and underscores the importance of evidence-based methodologies in threatened species conservation.
... Rights reserved. extrinsic (i.e., evolution, abundance, and population dynamics) and intrinsic (i.e., functional traits, scenopoetic niche, biotic interactions) shortfalls (Hortal et al., 2015), and also affects decision-making and resource allocation in conservation, considering such information is used in status assessments and action plans, particularly in estimating extents of occurrence, areas of occupancy (IUCN, 2012), and species distribution models (Aubry et al., 2017;Duputié et al., 2014). ...
Social media has become an increasingly important source of data for biodiversity and conservation, especially for cryptic and understudied species, such as the Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta; formerly Tarsius syrichta). Despite its popularity, information on the distribution and ecology of the Philippine tarsier remain sparse. To contribute to addressing this shortfall, we extracted tarsier-related data from group and publicly available posts in Facebook following a standard protocol for harvesting biodiversity-related data and gathered a total of 1,125 posts published between 2006 and 2024. We collected tarsier occurrence records that spanned 29 provinces across the Greater Mindanao Faunal Region, improving on the species’ IUCN Red List range description and iNaturalist observations, although only 2.40% ± SE 0.01% of the 673 georeferenced records were within Protected Areas (PAs) and 3.68% ± SE 0.02% were in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) based on bootstrapping. Tarsier encounters reported in the Facebook posts include 74 sightings, 50 turnovers to local authorities, 19 confinements, 18 releases, 14 deaths, 9 rescues, 410 other miscellaneous contexts, and 491 posts featuring Philippine tarsiers in the context of ecotourism. The high frequency of tarsier encounters outside PAs and KBAs, tarsier presence in human-altered environments, and emerging threats, such as predation by domestic animals and infrastructure development, all indicate increasing human-wildlife contact that warrants further attention. Our study demonstrated that Facebook can be used to enhance our understanding of the distribution and ecology of the Philippine tarsier, offering insights to guide policy-making and conservation efforts for tarsiers and possibly other primates.
Abstrak
Ang social media ay nagiging mahalagang batis ng impormasyon para sa saribuhay (biodiversity) at konserbasyon, lalo na para sa mga hayop na mailap at kulang sa pag-aaral gaya ng Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta; dating Tarsius syrichta). Sa kabila ng katanyagan nito, nananatiling limitado ang kaalaman hinggil sa distribusyon at ekolohiya ng Philippine tarsier. Upang makatulong sa pagtugon sa kakulangang ito, nangalap kami ng datos ukol sa Philippine tarsier mula sa mga Facebook post na nakasapubliko o nakalathala sa mga Facebook group gamit ang pamantayang protokol para sa pagkuha ng datos tungkol sa saribuhay at nakapagtipon ng 1,125 na mga Facebook post na inilathala mula 2006 hanggang 2024. Ang mga nakalap naming tala ng presensya ng Philippine tarsier ay sumasaklaw sa 29 na probinsya sa loob ng Greater Mindanao Faunal Region, at ipinakita nito na mas malawak ang distribusyon ng Philippine tarsier kumpara sa naunang datos mula sa IUCN Red List at mga obserbasyon sa iNaturalist. Gayunpaman, 2.40% ± SE 0.01% lamang ng 673 georeferenced records ang nasa loob ng mga Protected Area (PA) at 3.68% ± SE 0.02% naman ang nasa mga Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) batay sa isinagawang bootstrapping. Kabilang sa mga ulat ng engkwentro sa Philippine tarsier sa Facebook ang 74 na pagkakita sa tarsier, 50 na pagsuko ng tarsier sa mga lokal na awtoridad, 19 na pagkahawla o pagkatali, 18 na pagpapakawala, 14 na pagkamatay, 9 na pagligtas, at 410 na miscellaneous ang konteksto. Bukod pa rito, may 491 na mga post tampok ang mga Philippine tarsier sa konteksto ng ecotourism. Ang mataas na bilang ng mga engkwentro sa Philippine tarsier sa labas ng mga PA at KBA, presensya nito sa mga kapaligirang iniakma ng tao, at mga panibagong banta tulad ng predation ng mga alagang hayop at pagpapatayo ng mga imprastruktura ay nagpapahiwatig ng lumalawak na kontak sa pagitan ng tao at búhay-iláng (wildlife) na nararapat bigyang-pansin. Ipinakita ng aming pag-aaral na maaaring gamitin ang Facebook upang pagbutihin ang ating pag-unawa sa distribusyon at ekolohiya ng Philippine tarsier at upang magbigay ng karagdagang kaalaman na gagabay sa pagbalangkas ng mga polisiya at pagsasabalikat ng konserbasyon ng mga tarsier at iba pang mga primate.*The translated abstract was not copy-edited by Springer Nature.
... Given the scarcity of its habitat and ongoing pressures from invasive aliens and habitat loss, the species may soon be at risk of extinction. However, until the potential habitat of the species is better understood, including the associated risks, it is assigned a preliminary conservation status of Data Deficient following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2012). ...
... Maps were prepared using the SimpleMappr online tool (Shorthouse, 2010). Preliminary conservation status was assessed through the GeoCAT application (Bachman et al., 2011), based on the B criteria and the respective IUCN categories (see IUCN, 2012). ...
We present two taxonomic novelties in Garcinia (Clusiaceae): a new species to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Garcinia bahiensis Mouzinho & L.Marinho sp. nov. ined., endemic to the hygrophilous forests of southern Bahia state, whose specimens were previously determined as G. macrophylla Mart.; and the redescription of G. guacopary (S.Moore) M.Nee, a species distributed in the transition areas between the Amazon and Cerrado domains that were neglected in previous studies. The taxonomic treatment consists of morphological descriptions, photographic plates, distribution maps, and morphological discussions with related species. Regarding G. guacopary, we present images of live specimens and their current known distribution for the first time, with a considerable range expansion, besides the designation of a lectotype. After G. bahiensis description, segregated from a broader G. macrophylla concept, Garcinia no longer shares species between the Amazon and Atlantic Forest domains.
... Delineating populations is a primary consideration and can be informed by data on genetics, population structure, movement between populations and non-human culture [4,9]. Such data enable the estimation of abundance and trends that can inform threat status or sustainability [62]. An important element-particularly the case for cetaceans given the challenges associated with accurate abundance estimates for these species [63]-is estimating the degree of uncertainty associated with these estimates [64]. ...
Social transmission of cultural variants in wildlife can cause population level effects with implications for conservation science, policy and practice. Social learning and animal culture can generate resilience in populations through the spread of adaptive behaviour but may also generate vulnerabilities. Distilling comprehensive management advice in this field remains challenging. Animal culture is important for defining ‘units to conserve’, managing human–wildlife interactions, reintroductions or translocations, and influences evolutionary change. However, the population level effects of cultural processes remain poorly understood. Given the breadth of issues for which cultural processes inform conservation, it is timely to consider the underlying processes in more detail. We consider the coupling of cultural processes and population dynamics to explore the conditions under which social learning can tip a declining population into growth. Simulations on a model system of two interacting cultural units are used to explore the tensions between the coupled dynamics of cultural and demographic processes. We show that even under a simple learning bias, the population level outcomes are complex. In concert with urgent targeted conservation action, we highlight the need to develop deeper process-based understanding in this field, to yield fundamental principles applicable to a broader range of encultured species.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Animal culture: conservation in a changing world’.
... Lawrance 695) is unclear about the collection locality, so it was not considered in the conservation assessment. Considering the EOO, the small number of locations, and the estimated decline in the quality of habitat, Blakea graciliflora is categorized as Endangered (EN) according to the criteria B (B1ab(iii)) of the IUCN Red List (IUCN, 2012). ...
Blakea graciliflora , a new species of Melastomataceae from the western slopes of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, is described and illustrated, along with comments on its etymology, distribution, phenology, conservation status, and taxonomic affinities. Blakea graciliflora is a species readily distinguished by its obovate to obovate-elliptic leaf blades with acuminate apices, abaxial leaf surfaces that are densely covered with tiny lepidote trichomes, basally fused outer floral bracteoles free inner floral bracteoles, both pairs of which are equal to shorter than calyx lobes, isomorphic stamens that form a complete ring around the style, and anther connectives that are dorso-basally prolonged into a triangular spur. The new species is endemic to a relatively small area with an important anthropogenic influence, so it is preliminarily categorized as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List. The discovery of this new species underscores the state of the Andean forests in this region and the importance of their exploration and conservation.
... The issue of species complexes has always been clearly defined in the IUCN guidelines for status assessment (IUCN, 2001(IUCN, , 2024. This clarity is essential to prevent the unintended extinction of species under the influence of human activities and requires adequate knowledge about intra-and interspecies changes, knowledge of suitable habitats and effective variables in the distribution of complex species groups. ...
The Phrynocephalus persicus species complex comprises a group of agamid lizards that inhabit the steppes and deserts of western Asia. While three species within this complex have been confirmed, the relationships among populations and the boundaries between species remain ambiguous. To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and distribution boundaries of Phrynocephalus persicus, P. horvathi, and P. ananjevae, we re-evaluated the genetic diversity of a segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Our analysis identified six monophyletic clades within the complex, five of which exhibited significant genetic divergence (p distance ⩾ 0.5) at the species level. In this study, we identified 14 haplotypes from the examined populations, with the majority belonging to the P. horvathi-persicus complex. Additionally, we developed a habitat suitability model by integrating nine algorithms for current climate conditions and four primary climate change scenarios based on Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) for the period 2081-2100. This allowed us to estimate potential range shifts for each species. We identified suitable habitat areas under both current conditions (using two parameter sets) and projected future climates for each species. Furthermore, we analyzed the overlap of suitable habitats between P. persicus and P. horvathi in current and future climates. The predictive models indicated a substantial loss of habitat for both P. persicus and P. ananjevae by 2081-2100, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts.
... The threat factors associated with this species and its habitat were evaluated. By applying the IUCN guidelines (IUCN, 2012a(IUCN, , 2012b(IUCN, , 2019, the species has been assessed as endangered in Indian perspective. Habitat monitoring, ex situ and in situ conservation and cultivation through conventional and artificial propagation has been recommended for this species. ...
The distribution of Bulbophyllum picturatum (Lodd.) Rchb.f. at Manipur has been authenticated with fresh collections from Tamenglong
district. The species has been assessed as endangered in Indian perspective following the IUCN guidelines. The threats were identified
and conservation measures were proposed for the same.
... However, they do not assess how the choice of threshold-selection method affects the range size predicted for a given moment. Range size is highly relevant for estimating the extinction risk of a species, and is as such also one of the key parameters for determining the species conservation status in the IUCN Red List and the EU's Birds and Habitats Directives (Bijlsma et al. 2019;Faurby and Antonelli 2018;IUCN 2012;Purvis et al. 2000). Hence, it is of the utmost importance to better understand how alternative threshold-selection methods may affect SDMs' predictions of range sizes and changes therein of actual species, particularly in the context of global biodiversity redistribution due to climate change (Pecl et al. 2017). ...
Aim
Probabilities of occurrence predicted by species distribution models (SDMs) are routinely binarised based on a threshold that maximises the true skill statistic. Recently, the true skill statistic is criticised for favouring overprediction when species' prevalence is low. We aim to assess the effect of three alternative threshold‐selection methods on predicted range sizes and changes therein under climate change across a large number of species in Europe.
Location
Europe.
Methods
We fitted SDMs for 1677 vascular plant species, using species observations from 431,179 vegetation plots as response variables and climate, soil and topographic variables as predictors. We used the SDMs to quantify current and future range sizes of each species under mild and severe climate change scenarios, each combined with two dispersal assumptions (no and unlimited dispersal) and using four threshold‐selection methods: maximising true skill statistic (TSS), minimising the difference between sensitivity and specificity (DSS), maximising Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC) and maximising F‐measure (F). Further, we assessed prediction errors for each threshold‐selection method in relation to species prevalence.
Results
We found that SDM outputs binarised with TSS resulted in the largest predicted ranges and the smallest future range contractions. For current climate conditions, median range sizes were 1.3, 3.6 and 9.2 times larger when binarised with TSS than with DSS, MCC and F, respectively. Under severe climate change without dispersal, median range size declines were 56%, 61%, 79% and 88% with TSS, DSS, MCC and F, respectively. Binarisation based on TSS tended to result in the highest overprediction rates and lowest underprediction rates, while this was the opposite with F.
Main Conclusions
We recommend choosing the threshold‐selection method based on the goals and scope of the study, while carefully considering the trade‐offs between overprediction and underprediction. Alternatively, we recommend using multiple threshold‐selection methods to quantify the uncertainty in the binarisation.
... It is essential to assess population viability (Reşit Akçakaya and Sjögren-Gulve 2000), to measure population changes over time (Kéry et al. 2009), and to evaluate the impact of environmental or anthropogenic pressures and management effectiveness (Sanz-Pérez et al. 2021). Indeed, abundance and trends are, together with distribution, the main parameters used to assess species conservation status and assign them into IUCN Red List categories (IUCN 2012;Maes et al. 2015). ...
Abundance is essential to monitor population trends, assess viability, and determine the conservation status of species. Genetic mark-recapture (GMR) has become a popular non-invasive tool for abundance estimation, overcoming the challenges posed by the low densities and sometimes elusive behaviour presented by threatened species. Steppe birds are one of the most threatened bird guilds in Europe, but their populations remain understudied. Although GMR is widespread in mammals, few studies use GMR to estimate abundance of bird populations, which are usually monitored via direct observation. To date, there are no studies comparing GMR with other common approaches for bird monitoring – such as Hierarchical Distance Sampling (HDS) – to estimate bird abundance. Here, we compare one GMR and two HDS monitoring approaches to estimate abundance of the threatened Pin-tailed sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata) in the year 2022 in the Lleida Plain (Spain). We developed the first set of molecular markers for this species, which provided a high genetic identification success. This resulted in GMR yielding the most precise abundance estimates. The HDS approach using a general survey design for farmland bird monitoring provided inaccurate abundance estimates and required integrating data from previous years. The HDS approach mimicking the Pin-tailed sandgrouse national monitoring program resulted in a low number of detections, which hampered abundance estimation. We evaluated pathways to optimize GMR costs and provide sound recommendations for monitoring. Our results showcase the promise of GMR for monitoring Pin-tailed sandgrouse, and highlight its potential to assess the conservation status of small populations of steppe bird species.
... This gap limits our ability to form a comprehensive view of biodiversity change (Tang and Visconti 2021). Population trends are an essential component of legislative tools for species conservation at continental and global scales IUCN 2001;Tang and Visconti 2021), underscoring the importance of monitoring and reporting these trends over the long term. ...
Freshwater diversity is declining at an alarming rate worldwide, and climate change is a key driver. However, attributing biological shifts solely to climate warming remains challenging because of confounding anthropogenic stressors. Peatbogs, being highly conserved, strictly protected, and minimally disturbed, offer a unique study system to isolate climate effects. We compared odonate assemblages in 27 Central European raised and transitional bogs between two sets of standardized surveys approximately 20 years apart (1998–2006 and 2020–2024). During this period, the mean annual air temperature has increased by 1.23°C. We tracked species richness, composition, taxonomic diversity, and functional traits (thermal tolerance, conservation value indicators, and selected morphological and life‐history traits) and also examined phylogenetic patterns of species turnover. Although species richness remained stable, assemblage composition shifted markedly from cold‐adapted, vulnerable bog specialists toward warm‐adapted habitat generalists with lower conservation value. Notably, Ponto‐Mediterranean species and those with a lower upper elevational limit increased their occupancy. Although the phylogenetic signal across the evolutionary tree of odonates was low, implying that the responses of the species to climate change were independent of their phylogenetic position, we revealed frequent genus‐level replacements. These findings reinforce the position of odonates as a model group for detecting climate‐driven changes in freshwater communities. Our study has revealed that climate warming alone can trigger profound reorganization of insect communities in inherently stable peatbog habitats. Specific traits linked to vulnerability (e.g., thermal index, red list status) and specialization proved to be promising predictors of future shifts in odonatofauna of temperate peatlands. The pronounced changes documented here may precede irreversible transformations of these unique ecosystems, highlighting the urgency of monitoring bog habitats and maintaining their stability under ongoing global change.
... For the extinction risk assessment, points were georeferenced using locality information from herbarium specimens. The conservation assessment was made using the categories and criteria of IUCN (2012). EOO was calculated with GeoCat (Bachman et al. 2011). ...
Here we describe Vepris wadigo based on new collections and observations of the informally published Diphasia sp. A of the Flora of Tropical East Africa. Vepris wadigo is known with certainty only from Kaya Kinondo and Kaya Timbwa forests in Kwale District of coastal Kenya where it is known as Mchikoma (Digo language). A sterile specimen from the Usambara Mts of Tanzania suggests that the species may also occur there, but this needs verification with a fertile specimen.
Vepris wadigo is compared with the only other known diphasoid Vepris species of East Africa, Vepris morogoroensis of Tanzania. However, Vepris wadigo most closely resembles Vepris stolzii of Tanzania which differs in the 4-locular fruit.
The chemistry of Vepris wadigo is unique among the African species of Vepris which have been analysed, since acridones, quinolines and limonoids which characterise the genus were not detected. The six compounds which were characterised included compound 1 a benzamide newly described and named in this paper as wadigin ( N -(2,6-dihydroxybenzoyl)- O -methyltyramine) which is an O -glucosylated derivative of riparin III, and four lignans and neolignans not previously found or very unusual in Vepris , namely heterotropan ( 2 ), asaraldehyde ( 3 ) a degradation product of compound 4 , E- asarone ( 4) and its isomer, Z- asarone ( 5) . Finally, Lupeol (compound 6 ) which has previously been found in African Vepris .
Vepris wadigo is here provisionally assessed as Endangered, EN B1ab(i-iii)+B2ab(i-iii) since only two threat-based locations are known, with an area of occupation of 8 km ² using the IUCN preferred 4 km ² cell size, although the actual total area of the habitat occupied is 22.57 Ha as calculated with Google Earth Pro. Since there are only two points the extent of occurrence cannot be calculated. Satellite imagery has shown that the area of the habitat has slowly decreased in recent decades.
... Species are categorized into one of the following categories: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC) or Data Deficient (DD) (IUCN 2012). Threatened species are any occurring in the categories CR, EN and VU. ...
Chondrichthyan fishes (sharks, rays and chimaeras) are a group of high conservation concern globally. Species are impacted by varying threats, although fishing pressure is the primary stressor causing population declines. Panama comprises both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines with a diversity of estuarine and marine habitats supporting small to large-scale fisheries. Understanding the status of chondrichthyans within this Central America seascape can help inform and drive conservation and research. This paper represents the first comprehensive review of the chondrichthyans of Panama and presents a summary of (1) species diversity and distribution; (2) habitat; (3) extinction risk; (4) drivers of extinction risk; and (5) policy tools. The study also discusses current research and critical knowledge gaps and outlines recommendations for research, education and management. Panama supports 112 species of chondrichthyan, the majority of which are associated with coastal and shelf environments. Almost half (47.3%) are at risk of extinction globally, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Many of the most frequently encountered species in fisheries are globally threatened, such as scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini and silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis. This review found a general lack of species-specific fisheries data, limiting the assessment of local population trends. Further, although national, regional and international policy tools are in place, deficiencies in monitoring , enforcement and compliance are limiting their effectiveness. Policies should aim to improve data collection and compliance with current management tools while supporting research into life-history, critical habitats and the socioeconomic values of chondrichthyans. Addressing the research, education and management recommendations within this paper would improve the status of Panama's chondrichthyans and assist the country in meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including SDG 14, which calls to 'conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development'.
... *Multiple IUCN Red List criteria (A2 and B2) were potentially applicable for uplisting of P. vandykei. However, IUCN guidelines state that only one of these criteria must be met (at minimum) to satisfy a Red List status of "Endangered" (IUCN 2001). **Applied over "the longer of 10 years or 3 generations". ...
... Conversely, populations relying on management to counteract human pressures, such as area protection, translocations, or habitat modifications, would still be considered "wild." These distinctions likely mix considerations of viability with cultural norms about the acceptability of certain actions as opposed to others; in previous versions of the Red List, they would directly influence listing, whereby conservation-dependent species would be listed as Near Threatened (IUCN, 2001). However, currently, conservation dependence is no longer used in the Red List (IUCN, 2024) but is included more transparently in Green Status of Species assessments, where a species' level of conservation dependence reflects its expected 10-year future should ongoing management cease, without reference to specific types of management (Akçakaya et al., 2018). ...
It is common for species conservation plans to identify the establishment or maintenance of a “self‐sustaining population” as an objective. However, this statement vaguely conflates different formulations and interpretations of population viability, management costs, and cultural preferences for non‐invasive population management. Hidden value judgments and assumptions about these components can create disagreement and conflict among partners. Thus, although a simple statement about “achieving self‐sustaining populations” can be a powerful strategic vision, evoking important shared values, it will not be effective as an operational objective for conservation decision making. Best practices in decision making emphasize the importance of fundamental objectives that are clear, unambiguous, and operational. Conservation planners may be better served by replacing the self‐sustaining concept with better‐defined fundamental objectives using quantitative statements about viability and clearly laying out ecological, economic, and cultural values.
... Due to over-collection and threats from habitat destruction, the population of S. pierrei Diels has significantly declined, raising serious concerns about the species' sustainability. Consequently, S. pierrei has been proposed for classification as 'Endangered' under the IUCN criteria [13,14]. Natural propagation of S. pierrei Diels involves seed dispersal; however, germination of the horseshoe-shaped endocarp is challenging. ...
Background
The tuber of Stephania pierrei Diels has been used for treating cardiovascular disease, migraine, and body edema and may exhibit antimalarial, anticancer, and anticholinesterase properties. It is also a popular ornamental plant. Consequently, plant tubers have been extensively harvested from the wild, posing a high risk of extinction. We assessed the in vitro propagation and essential phytochemical production from the calli of S. pierrei.
Results
The highest callus weight (1.52–1.59 g) induced from the tuber flesh without peel occurred when using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with basal salts supplemented with 3–4 mg/L benzyladenine (BA) and 0.1 or 0.5 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid. MS medium with a concentration of 3 mg/L BA was the most efficient medium for shoot regeneration, producing an average of 7.40 ± 1.140 shoots. Similarly, MS medium with 1 mg/L meta-topolin (mT) was most efficient for multiple shoot production (with an average of 13.40 ± 2.30 shoots). Root induction was successfully performed using the ½ MS medium. HPLC analysis revealed that calluses, tubers without peel, tubers with peels, and peels contained fangchinoline, cepharantine, and tetrandrine. Peels had the highest amounts of the first two alkaloids and a high amount of tetrandrine, which was related to the relative expression levels of three genes involved in the isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis pathway: coclaurine N-methyltransferase (CNMT), norcoclaurine synthase (NCS), and 6-O-methyltransferase (6OMT). GC–MS was employed for phytochemical identification of callus and tuber with peel, which revealed that out of the 24 phytochemicals identified, 13 were only found in callus and 5 were present only in tubers. DPPH scavenging percentage, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and ABTS radical cation scavenging activity assays revealed that the extracts from the four tissues showed antioxidant activities. The peel showed significantly higher total flavonoid and phenolic content, whereas the callus displayed the highest total alkaloid concentration.
Conclusions
Producing secondary metabolites such as cepharantine, tetrandrine, and fangchinoline by culturing callus holds potential as a low-cost and sustainable method for producing pharmaceutical phytochemicals.
... (Table 2). Although, some of these species were previously listed threatened under various threat categories as per IUCN criteria (Nayar and Sastry, 1987;IUCN, 2001;Ved and Tandon, 1998), they do not fall under high priority in the present study area due to their moderate density and high frequency of occurrence. These species are Delphinium cashmerianum Meconopsis aculeata, Rhodiola heterodonta, Aconitum violaceum, Lancea tibetica, Lloydia serotina, Physochlaina praealta, Bergenia stracheyi, Podophyllum hexandrum, Clematis orientalis and Plantago himalaica. ...
Introduction
The Himalayan region is home to a rich array of wild medicinal plants that play a vital role in providing livelihoods and health security of the local communities. However, excessive exploitation of these plant resources driven by the growing demand from the market has resulted in rapid decline in several plant species. In this paper we provide the quantitative information on the population status and distribution pattern of the species frequently harvested from the wild in Western Ladakh, Indian Trans-Himalaya.
Methodology
A Conservation Priority Score (CPS) was used to rank the species according to their density, frequency, usage diversity, and extractive pressure. We generated distribution maps of key species with the help of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and field surveys. GIS was used to create a habitat suitability map. The survey areas were divided into four suitability classes based on aspects, degree of slope, and land use/cover. In order to guide conservation efforts, the distribution and usage patterns of medicinal plants were recorded, and the model’s accuracy was assessed using the Boyce index.
Results
Of the 84 species of medicinal plants 33 species fall under the category I (high priority) and 51 in category II. The majority of category I species were found in Wakha-chu (14 species), Suru (18 species) and the Lower Indus (19 species) valley. Valley High conservation priority species have very limited biomass available for harvesting as indicated by their low density and regeneration. Species in greater demand exhibit low density (0.01 to 12.6 individuals per m ² ). Highly traded species have been compared in terms of wide and narrow distribution range.
Conclusion
Several high priority species are facing the risk of local extinction in the study area. Therefore, there is an urgent need to initiate community led conservation action including closure of certain sites for extraction for a few years, fixing the limits of harvest and self-regulated rotational harvest for other areas. Local healers, ecologists and local communities need to come on same platform to evolve sustainable harvest plans and initiate long term monitoring following citizen science approach.
... The terms 'population' and 'subpopulation' are used according to the definitions provided by IUCN (2012). More specifically, the populations of both subspecies encompass all stands where these taxa are found, while subpopulations are defined as geographically or otherwise distinct groups in the population (characterised by minimal demographic or genetic exchange, typically no more than one successful migrant individual or gamete per year; we do not currently have data to confirm this). ...
The distribution range of Erica sicula Guss. sensu lato spans the central and eastern Mediterranean Basin, but shows a significantly fragmented pattern, and its populations are locally subject to multiple threats inducing continuous regression. The species is distributed across five countries, Italy, Libya, Cyprus, Türkiye and Lebanon, and includes two subspecies, subsp. sicula and subsp. bocquetii, currently represented by 31 and 8 stands, respectively. This study provides an updated overview of the distribution, ecology, and conservation status of both subspecies. New distribution data and ecological information were gathered through fieldwork, literature, and herbarium specimens. In Sicily (Italy), unmanned aerial systems and high-resolution digital elevation models were employed to perform a detailed census of the last extant stand, mapping its distribution and calculating its 3D occupation surface. Based on our analyses, Erica sicula is evaluated as Least Concern (LC) at the global level, even though each subspecies and subpopulation are nationally endangered. In fact, 19 locations of E. sicula subsp. sicula were not confirmed recently, and this subspecies should be considered as Critically Endangered (CR) in Italy and Vulnerable (VU) in Lebanon, Cyprus and Türkiye. In Libya, E. sicula subsp. sicula is VU due to severe habitat degradation. E. sicula subsp. bocquetii, formerly known from a few locations in the mountains of SW Anatolia, Türkiye, has been found at lower altitudes in several new locations and is also assessed as VU. Further fieldwork is recommended to better assess the demographic trends of the different subpopulations. Genetic analyses are needed to clarify the taxonomic value of infraspecific taxa previously described and to guide future conservation efforts of the most unique and genetically rich stands, both in-situ and ex-situ. Improving the conservation strategies for taxa like Erica siculas. l. requires the collaboration of specialists from all involved countries, making it crucial to maintain networks of experts in the Mediterranean.
We document the first record of Oedipina villamizariorum Reyes-Puig et al., 2020 in Colombia, from Gorgona National Natural Park located in Guapi Municipality, Cauca department. With this record, the number of Oedipina species reported in the country rises to three, and the known distribution of O. villa-mizariorum is extended approximately 220 km north of its only previously known locality in Ecuador. Our research highlights the importance of combining DNA barcoding and traditional morphology to identify cryptic species.
Long-lived species share several life-history traits that make them susceptible to extinction debt: a concept referring to the delayed extinction of species due to their limited ability to adapt to environmental change. This threat may go unnoticed, since adult populations can persist for prolonged periods of time before underlying issues with recruitment lead to sudden declines. Using novel methods for assessing rates of hatching success and embryo survival in reptiles, we provide evidence of extremely low early-life survival across multiple populations of the long-lived Giant Aldabra tortoise in the Seychelles, which is highly suggestive of future declines in this species. We argue that a reassessment of the Giant Aldabra tortoise threat status incorporating this information would result in an uplisting from Vulnerable to Endangered. More broadly, we stress the importance of considering reproductive success and productivity when evaluating the threat status and conservation management of long-lived species.
Summary
Euphorbia regis-jubae Webb & Berthel., a Macaronesian species endemic to the Canary Islands and Atlantic lowland slopes of southwestern Morocco and Western Sahara is illustrated. A review of its phylogeny, conservation status, ecology, phytochemistry, ethnobotany, nomenclature, botanical illustrations, and taxonomy is provided.
Lacistema morrocoensis, a Critically Endangered species known from two localities in rocky outcrops of the Guiana Shield in the departments of Amazonas and Vaupés, Colombia, is described and illustrated. Description is based on specimens collected during field expeditions carried out to document the flora of the upper and middle Apaporis River basin, including Cerro Morroco, one of the poorest known floristic areas of the Colombian Amazon. As a contribution to Colombian flora, we also report the new record of L. macbridei for the country and provide an identification key for the species of the genus in Colombia.
Myotis moratellii Novaes et al., 2021 is a bat species that inhabits western Ecuador at low elevations (0-150 m a.s.l.). This study extends its northern distribution by 63 km into the foothill rainforests of the Chocó in Imbabura Province at 1,240 m a.s.l. Given the novel color patterns observed in the specimens collected, molecular approaches were necessary for species-level identification. Although the cause of this variation remains unclear, continued integrative taxonomy is critical to uncover the cryptic diversity within the genus.
Context The taxonomic status of Orcaella spp. in Papua New Guinea waters is unknown. The Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) has been identified from northern Australian waters south of Papua New Guinea, and the Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) from Borneo north-west of Papua New Guinea. Aims This study analysed samples of Orcaella spp. from Papua New Guinea and northern Australia to confirm the species of Orcaella that occurs in Papua New Guinea waters. Methods Genetic analyses were conducted on 11 Orcaella spp. samples from Papua New Guinea and eight new Australian snubfin dolphin samples from northern Australia, including the type specimen. A 489-base sequence of the mitochondrial control region (HVR-1) was analysed using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference to infer phylogenetic relationships. Key results Phylogenetic reconstruction showed that the Papua New Guinea samples are nested within Australian snubfin dolphin samples and did not form a monophyletic group. Conclusions These results confirm that the Australian snubfin dolphin occurs in southern Papua New Guinea. Implications There are no confirmed records of Orcaella spp. from other regions of Papua New Guinea, or the Pacific Islands. The geographic demarcation between Australian snubfin and Irrawaddy dolphin populations remains unknown, although it is located within the Wallacea region. The viability of this apparently small, isolated population of Australian snubfin dolphins is uncertain. The main threat to this population is accidental by-catch in gillnet fisheries. Conservation and management strategies that focus on mitigating by-catch are urgently required.
Monitoring imperilled species provides critical information for decision-making, but the effort needed to detect significant changes in the occurrence of rare species often requires substantial resources. To address this challenge, we developed a sampling design that reduced the effort needed to detect proportional reductions in Silver Shiner (Notropis photogenis) occupancy probability (ψ) over time, a species listed as Threatened in Canada owing to its rarity and threats from urbanization and agriculture. A stratified random site selection approach based on the probabilistic relationship between site depth and adult Silver Shiner ψ was implemented in the fall of 2022 and 2023. Stratified sampling increased estimated ψ by 72% in 2022 compared to previous non-stratified designs, with similar detection probabilities (p ~ 0.8), boosting power to detect future declines by 86.5%. However, a significant reduction in p between 2022 and 2023 negated these gains and prevented conclusions of within-river range contraction. These findings demonstrate the potential to improve the power of occupancy models with habitat-focused sampling designs and provide considerations around sample size when designing occupancy-based monitoring programs.
During an exploration for the diversity of orchids in Thong Pha Phum National Park, Kanchanaburi Province, a new species of Bulbophyllum in section Racemosae was discovered. It is described here as Bulbophyllum thaithongiae. This new species can be characterized by having sub-densely arranged inflorescences, short floral bracts which never completely hide the flowers and long papillae up to 0.53 mm on the labellum which are clearly visible by naked eye. A detailed description and illustrations are provided together with notes on taxonomy and conservation status.
Incarvillea semiretschenskia is a narrow endemic species of the Chu-Ili Mountains in southeastern Kazakhstan, recognized as a Tertiary relict and botanical rarity. It is currently listed as Endangered (EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) on the IUCN Red List due to its highly restricted range (EOO: 204 km², AOO: 28 km²), fragmented distribution (five confirmed locations), and continuing habitat decline caused by overgrazing and limestone quarrying. The global population is estimated at 30,000–50,000 mature individuals and is decreasing. Although the species occurs within the boundaries of the Zhussandalinsky State Reserve Zone, it lacks formal protection. Urgent in situ conservation actions, including designation of a botanical reserve and improved habitat monitoring, are recommended.
The genus Lygodactylus currently contains 33 Malagasy species, all of them endemic to the region. Several of these are poorly known, and sometimes known only from their name-bearing type specimens. Molecular genetic work has revealed the existence of numerous highly divergent but not yet formally named lineages. Here, we report on the finding of L. ornatus Pasteur, 1965, a species that was previously known only from the holotype and a few field observations made in 1994. The species was observed to be relatively common in rocky areas at a location near the rural town of Mandritsara and is characterized by a conspicuous color pattern, with bright yellow throat marked with 3–6 mostly interrupted sharp black transversal stripes, and an orange underside of the tail. Phylogenetically, the species was found to be related to L. arnoulti, L. blancae and L. heterurus, within the L. verticillatus group, despite lacking the distinct tail whorls typical of the species belonging to this group. We discovered an additional species-level lineage of Lygodactylus in the same clade, for which we provide a formal taxonomic description. The genetically highly distinct Lygodactylus namoroka sp. nov. was collected in the Tsingy de Namoroka National Park and is characterized by a throat pattern with poorly marked dark gray longitudinal stripes, and a distinct contact between the lateral parts of the mental with the postmental scales, which appears to be unique for this species within the L. verticillatus group.
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kepadatan dan persebaran populasi Spilornis cheela baweanus di Pulau Bawean dan kualitas media photo sequence “Populasi Elang-ular bawean” yang disusun. Desain penelitian kepadatan dan persebaran populasi S.c. baweanus adalah observasi. Pulau bawean dibagi menjadi 4 tipe habitat. Pengamatan dilakuan menggunaan teknik line transect dan point count, selama sembilan hari bulan April-Mei 2015. Hasil penelitian kemudian disusun sebagai media pembelajaran dengan metode RD (ADD). Hasil penelitian kepadatan dan persebaran populasi S.c. baweanus dijumpai sebanyak 55 individu dewasa, 3 individu juvenil. S.c. baweanus paling banyak ditemukan di hutan primer (70.69%), hutan jati, semak, hutan terdegradasi (15.52%), persawahan perkebunan (8.62%) kemudian hutan pantai mangrove (5.17%). Media pembelajaran photo sequence dinilai layak digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran materi objek dan persoalan biologi ditingkat populasi (nilai ahli 100%). Media dapat digunakan siswa dengan baik (nilai rerata tanggapan siswa 83 %; rerata skor jawaban siswa 80% benar). Kata Kunci: Kepadatan persebaran populasi, Spilornis cheela baweanus, photo sequence.
Syzygium triflorum T.T.Hoang, Kim Thanh, S.Tagane & D.H.Cuong, sp. nov., from Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is distinguished from related species, Syzygium skiophilum, by its having 4-angled and reddish-grey twigs, oblong leaves with an attenuate apex, less secondary veins of 26–30 pairs, exclusively axillary inflorescences, lanceolate-ovate bracts, sessile flowers, obconical hypanthium (slightly pyriform in flower buds) and more stamens of 18–28. The flowers and fruits were observed in the rainy season, July 2024. This new species grows under a mixed broad-leaved and coniferous forest dominated by Dacrydium elatum and Dacrycarpus imbricatus.
RIASSUNTO In questo contributo, è stata analizzata la diffusione di Ricania speculum, specie aliena invasiva di origine asiatica, nel Vicentino con le prime segnalazioni, contestualizzandola con la sua situazione in Veneto e nel resto dell'Italia. Dal suo arrivo in Italia nel 2009, grazie alla citizen-science si è potuto monitorare una vastissima e preoccupante diffusione nel nord Italia. Vengono qui presentati dati di presenza a partire dal 2021, registrando un aumento significativo della popolazione, che arriva a toccare le centinaia di individui in transetti di 100 m lineari con una densità locale media di 0,39 individui per metro. La specie predilige ambienti degradati e piante infestanti, sia autoctone che alloctone come Clematis vitalba e Ailanthus altissima, ma con un rischio di diffusione verso aree agricole potenzialmente molto alto. Vengono infine evidenziate l'urgenza di monitoraggi continui e interventi per contenere gli impatti ambientali ed economici nell'immediato futuro. Parole chiave: diffusione, impatti, monitoraggio, specie aliena invasiva, Veneto.
ABSTRACT Ricania Big-Bang: from the first presence records of Ricania speculum (Walker, 1851) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Rica-niidae) in the Vicenza area to its population explosion in northern Italy The spread of Ricania speculum, an invasive alien species of Asian origin, is analyzed in the Vicenza area, with its first records contextualized within the broader situation in Veneto and the rest of Italy. Since its arrival in Italy in 2009, citizen science has enabled the monitoring of its extensive and concerning spread across northern Italy, with the case of Vicenza standing out as emblematic. Presence data are presented from 2021 onward, showing a significant population increase, reaching hundreds of individuals in 100-meter linear transects, with a local average density of 0.39 individuals per meter. The species favors degraded environments and both native and non-native invasive plants, such as Clematis vitalba and Ailanthus altissima, while posing a high potential risk of spreading into agricultural areas. The study highlights the urgent need for continuous monitoring and interventions to mitigate environmental and economic impacts in the near future.
In most cases, information on the distribution, population, and bottlenecks affecting the endemic and threatened plant species are often insufficient. Consequently, assigning the appropriate conservation threat status for these species becomes challenging, as such information is a prerequisite for ensuring the effective conservation of their wild populations. Extensive field surveys were carried out during 2018-2021, all individuals of the species encountered at various locations were counted to estimate the overall population size. Additionally, both exogenous and endogenous factors leading to decline in population and rarity are also discussed. In the present study, the natural population data of Arachnis senapatiana suggest that this species has narrow distribution range and small population size, thus the species is accorded as critically endangered (CR) species as per IUCN threat classification. Key exogenous threats include over-exploitation and habitat degradation resulting from various anthropogenic activities. Endogenous factors include limited seed germination and seedling recruitment in its natural habitat. These factors may be responsible for the narrow distribution range and small population size of A. senapatiana.
Calea is a neotropical genus of Asteraceae, Neurolaeneae, with 93 species in Brazil. A new species of Calea from Mato Grosso state, Brazil, is described here as C. grandibracteata . This new species is characterized by having a conspicuous and larger pair of foliaceous phyllaries compared to Calea hatschbachii and Calea rupicola . An identification key for the Calea species recorded in Mato Grosso, illustration, photo plates, distribution map, and taxonomic comments on the new species are provided. In addition, we confirm the occurrence of Calea polycephala in Mato Grosso.
The globally important plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi was first reported in South Africa in 1931, where it caused substantial damage to avocado orchards. Surprisingly, 40 years passed before the pathogen was recognised as a significant threat to South Africa’s natural ecosystems. This first became evident when P. cinnamomi caused a “quick decline” of the iconic silver trees (Leucadendron argenteum) in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of the Western Cape Province. Subsequent research has underscored the role of P. cinnamomi as a major root rot pathogen affecting numerous native species. Despite these findings, there has been limited research on the extent of the threat P. cinnamomi poses to Cape flora, leaving the risk of extinction for many species largely unknown. A recent observation of P. cinnamomi causing rapid mortality in Sorocephalus imbricatus, a Critically Endangered Proteaceae, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive evaluation of this pathogen’s impact on Cape flora and the associated extinction risks. Given the high number of rare and threatened species in the CFR, many of which belong to families known to be vulnerable to P. cinnamomi, there is a pressing need to initiate an intensive local research programme to fill this critical gap. To address this, we propose a structured research programme that will guide targeted mitigation efforts against P. cinnamomi. Enhancing our understanding of P. cinnamomi’s threat to the CFR, a global biodiversity hotspot, will be essential to inform conservation strategies and to set restoration priorities in the region.
Through field sampling and examination of scientific collections, this study provides new records and confirms the occurrence of Boulengerella cuvieri and B. lucius in the eastern Brazilian Amazon, northern Brazil. The occurrence of Boulengerella lucius for the Guamá River basin is here confirmed, specifically on its upper portion. The occurence of Boulengerella cuvieri is confirmed for: Guamá River basin, Pará state; Gurupi River basin, on the border between Pará and Maranhão states; and the Turiaçu River basin, in the eastern part of Maranhão state. Additionally, photographs and updated data on the distribution, conservation, taxonomy, and morphology of these two species are provided here. The results emphasize the importance of continuous database curation, especially regarding regions that are underrepresented in the scientific literature. Regarding to the species conservation status, a review and improvement of the assessment criteria is here proposed and applied, revealing a scenario worse than previously conceived.
The interspecific relations that have been previously observed within the Stipa dasyphylla group are intricate and require further clarification. The aim of this study was to determine whether the specimens from Serbia deserve a separate taxonomic status. Various “dasyphyllous” Stipa species (those with hairy adaxial leaves) from the Balkan Peninsula were collected and analysed using morphological methods and microscopic observations of the macro- and micro-ornamentation of their leaves and lemmas. Based on analyses of 160 individuals from 17 populations belonging to three “dasyphyllous” Stipa species (S. pontica, S. ucrainica, and S. dasyphylla) which were collected in the central and eastern Balkan Peninsula (Serbia, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece) and in Central Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania), Stipa stevanoviciorum is described as a new species from Serbia. This taxon includes the subspecies stevanoviciorum, which grows on ultramafic substrates, and the subspecies pseudodasyphylla, which is found on carbonate bedrock. These taxa differ from the closely related S. dasyphylla primarily in the length of their upper cauline leaves and the distance from the end of the dorsal line of the hairs to the top of the anthecium. The ecological and biogeographical characteristics of the taxa and a morphological comparison with similar species are given together with the key to the species’ identification. Images of key morphological characters are included, along with information on their distribution, habitat, and conservation implications.
Background Identifying the processes that govern community assembly along elevational gradients has been a central theme in ecology, especially in montane ecosystems where abundant species and strong turnover are present. However, our understanding of how the relative importance of deterministic and stochastic processes varies along elevational gradients remains limited. Here, we compiled a rigorously curated dataset of elevational distributions of 734 breeding bird species across the Hengduan Mountains in China to assess the dominant underlying mechanisms of bird community assembly at both intra-community and inter-community scales across four elevation zones: low, middle, subalpine, and alpine.
Results At the intra-community scale, homogeneous dispersal played a pivotal role in driving community assembly of breeding birds across the Hengduan Mountains. Deterministic processes became more influential with increasing elevation, whereas stochastic processes prevailed in low, middle, and subalpine zones. At inter-community scale, assemblages from different elevation zones were more differentiated by dispersal limitation. Non-Passeriformes experienced more obvious influence of homogeneous dispersal but were less subject to dispersal limitation compared to Passeriformes. Conclusions Our findings highlight the role of stochastic processes in shaping biotic communities in montane ecosystems , but this effect is scale-dependent. The transition from stochastic to deterministic processes along elevational gradients suggests that environmental factors become more influential at higher elevations. Species dispersal ability may affect the relative importance of these two processes shaping community assembly.
We revise the frogs of the genus Raorchestes from Myanmar and Thailand based on data of external morphology, bioacoustics, and molecular genetics. The results of this integrative study provide evidence for the recognition of seven species, two of which we describe as new: Raorchestes mindat sp. nov. from Mindat District, Chin State, western Myanmar, and Raorchestes leiktho sp. nov. from Hpa-an District, Kayin State, southeastern Myanmar. The other species that we recognize in Myanmar and Thailand are R. cangyuanensis, R. huanglianshan, R. longchuanensis, R. menglaensis, and R. parvulus. We have compared the external morphology of the lectotype and four paralectotypes of Ixalus parvulus Boulenger, 1893 with the species of the Raorchestes parvulus group currently recognized from South-east Asia. Although the type series of Ixalus parvulus is morphologically most similar to specimens of R. cangyuanensis from Thailand, we refrain from formally synonymizing these two taxa until genetic data for I. parvulus are available that would allow this hypothesis to be tested. Thus, R. parvulus remains an enigmatic taxon still only known from the original type series. As now defined, R. cangyuanensis is distributed across most of Myanmar except for the Malayan Peninsula, and also in adjacent Yunnan Province, China, and adjacent northeastern Bangladesh. Raorchestes longchuanensis occurs in northwestern Thailand as well as in eastern Myanmar and western Yunnan, China. Raorchestes menglaensis ranges from southern Yunnan, China, across Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia to northern Western Malaysia. Raorchestes huanglianshan is distributed in southern Yunnan, China, and northwestern Thailand. Often two, at some places even three species of this genus occur sympatrically (e.g., R. leiktho sp. nov., R. longchuanensis and R. parvulus near Leiktho, Kayin State, Myanmar; R. longchuanensis and R. huanglianshan at Doi Inthanon). We provide new bioacoustic data for R. longchuanensis, R. menglaensis, and R. leiktho sp. nov., and compare these with data of R. cangyuanensis and R. rezakhani.
This brief summarizes a decade of research (2017–2025) on the discovery and conservation of a Critically Endangered redfin species in the Mzimkhulu River, KwaZulu-Natal, aiming to inform and support conservation efforts.
Geranium swatense Schonbeck-Temesy (Geraniaceae) has been exclusively reported from Swat (Pakistan), Astore (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), and Gurez, Kashmir (India). The present study reports a new record in Pangi valley, Himachal Pradesh,based on N.C. Nair's specimen in 1964 and our recent collection in 2024. A taxonomic description, photographs, and a distribu-tion map of the species are provided. A comparison of diagnostic macro- and micromorphological characters in G. swatense andclosely related Geranium collinum is provided. The IUCN threat status of G. swatense is empirically assessed for the first time,showing the species to be endangered (EN) or vulnerable (VU)
Microglossum capitatum was originally described based on specimens collected from tropical China. The name was previously considered a synonym for M. longisporum due to similar ascospore characteristics. A recently described species, M. macrosporum, from northern Thailand is very similar to M. capitatum in morphology. Using four recently collected samples from the type locality of M. capitatum, the systematic relationship and taxonomic position of this species were reanalyzed based on morphological and three-locus evidences. Our data suggested that M. longisporum is clearly different from M. capitatum by its cinnamon-brown clavate apothecia and subtropical to temperate ecological habitats. Further studies indicated that M. capitatum and M. macrosporum belong to the same species, and, thus, the latter should be treated as a synonym of the former. Our field observations suggested that M. capitatum has been facing severe threats of habitat loss and degradation, and it is urgent to protect this species.
The rapid decline in global biodiversity highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts, with botanical gardens playing a crucial role in ex situ plant preservation. Monumental plants, such as the 400-year-old Goethe's Palm (Chamaerops humilis L.) at the UNESCO Botanical Garden of the University of Padua (Italy), serve as vital flagship species with significant ecological and cultural value. In this study, we present the first high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly of C. humilis, using PacBio HiFi and Arima Hi-C sequencing technologies. This genome is the most contiguous and complete within the Arecaceae family to date, with an exceptionally high repeat content of 88%, of which 63% is attributed to Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) elements. Comparative analysis of the transposable element (TE) landscape in palms suggests that the LTR expansion in C. humilis is likely the result of recent TE bursts. Furthermore, we provide the first comprehensive annotation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the Arecaceae family, identifying, for the first time in palms, the miRNA family miR827, which plays a key role in nutrient regulation. Microsatellite analysis suggests that it probably belongs to the Western genetic lineage of C. humilis. These findings represent a significant advancement in the conservation genomics of this species, laying the groundwork for enhanced preservation strategies, with botanical gardens as pivotal actors in the fight to safeguard global biodiversity.
Tessmannia princeps, a new canopy emergent rainforest tree species from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania, is described and illustrated. It is a montane, unarmed tree distinguished by its large stature, extensively buttressed bole, and high number of leaflets. Tessmannia princeps shows morphological affinities with another Tanzanian species, T. densiflora, nevertheless the two species can be distinguished by morphological characters as well as by ecology and geography. A diagnostic key to the East African species of Tessmannia is provided. Due to its restricted range and small number of recorded mature individuals, the conservation status of T. princeps is assessed as Vulnerable under the IUCN criteria.
Geranium swatense Schonbeck-Temesy (Geraniaceae) has been exclusively reported from Swat (Pakistan), Astore (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), and Gurez, Kashmir (India). The present study reports a new record in Pangi valley, Himachal Pradesh, based on N.C. Nair's specimen in 1964 and our recent collection in 2024. A taxonomic description, photographs, and a distribution map of the species are provided. A comparison of diagnostic macro-and micromorphological characters in G. swatense and closely related Geranium collinum is provided. The IUCN threat status of G. swatense is empirically assessed for the first time, showing the species to be endangered (EN) or vulnerable (VU).
Understanding the consequences of past conservation efforts is essential to inform the means of maintaining and restoring species. Data from the IUCN Red List for 67,217 animal species were reviewed and analyzed to determine (i) which conservation actions have been implemented for different species, (ii) which types of species have improved in status and (iii) which actions are likely to have driven the improvements. At least 51.8% (34,847) of assessed species have actions reported, mostly comprising protected areas (82.7%). Proportionately more actions were reported for tetrapods and warm-water reef-building corals, and fewer for fish, dragonflies and damselflies and crustaceans. Species at greater risk of extinction have a wider range of species-targeted actions reported compared with less threatened species, reflecting differences in documentation and conservation efforts. Six times more species have deteriorated than improved in status, as reflected in their IUCN Red List category. Almost all species that improved have conservation actions in place, and typically were previously at high risk of extinction, have smaller ranges and were less likely to be documented as threatened by hunting and habitat loss or degradation. Improvements in status were driven by a wide range of actions, especially reintroductions; for amphibians and birds, area management was also important. While conservation interventions have reduced the extinction risk of some of the most threatened species, in very few cases has full recovery been achieved. Scaling up the extent and intensity of conservation interventions, particularly landscape-scale actions that benefit broadly distributed species, is urgently needed to assist the recovery of biodiversity.
The primary objective of this study is to assess the distribution of liverwort flora across different vegetation types in Mt. Bagalbal, evaluate their conservation status, and develop educational materials to raise public awareness. Habitat degradation poses a significant threat to liverwort biodiversity in Mt. Bagalbal, underscoring the need for conservation efforts. This investigation identified 31 liverwort species across fourteen families, with Plagiochilaceae being the most diverse, followed by Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiaceae, and Pallaviciniaceae. Species distribution patterns revealed that while some species exhibit broad dispersal, with two species recorded across eight locations, 18 species are confined to a single coordinate. Conservation assessments indicated that 14 species lack data on their status, 11 are classified as Least Concern, five as Data Deficient, one as Vulnerable, one as Critically Endangered, and one as Near Threatened. To promote awareness and conservation, an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material was developed, comprising five sections: an overview of liverwort biology, photographs of representative species with their scientific names and IUCN conservation statuses, guidelines for proper collection and examination, acknowledgments of contributing agencies, and information about the authors. All photographic content in the IEC material was sourced from the field investigation at Mt. Bagalbal, Brgy. Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon, Philippines. This study demonstrates the high sensitivity of liverwort flora in Mt. Bagalbal to environmental changes, with significant implications for future conservation strategies.
Amorphophallus has 176 species spread throughout the world, 25 of which are found in Indonesia. Of the 25 species found in Indonesia, 8 of them are endemic to Sumatra. One type of Amorphophallus found on the island of Sumatra is Amorphophallus titanum, whose survival in its natural habitat is threatened by deforestation and forest degradation. As an endemic plant, A. titanum is also more vulnerable to anthropogenic threats and environmental change, and therefore faces a greater risk of extinction than more widespread species. To prevent species extinction and as a form of biodiversity conservation, information is needed that presents the population status of A. titanum in its natural habitat. This article aims to provide information about the population of corpse flowers (Amorphophallus titanum Becc) in Sumatra. The research method used is a literature review. Data was obtained from journals and articles published from 2005 to 2023. Based on research conducted, it is known that A. titanum is often found in Bengkulu, Lampung, Jambi, North Sumatra and West Sumatra. The highest population of A. titanum is in Muara Hemat Village, South Kerinci Resort, Kerinci Seblat National Park, Jambi, with a total of 83 individuals. In Bengkulu, A. titanum is found in several locations; in KHDTK (Forest Areas with Special Purposes) as many as 64 individuals. At Ketapang Water, Jufi Hill and Datar Lebar Waterfall there were 56 individuals. In the Mount IV Kepahiang Nature Reserve there are 56 individuals. In Tebat Monok, Air Selimang and Palak Siring the number is 52 individuals. Meanwhile in North Sumatra, specifically in the Sibolangit Nature Reserve, Sibolangit Nature Reserve, Dolok Sipirok Nature Reserve, and Namo Suro Baru Village, 32 individuals were found. In Palupuah, Agam Regency, and South Solok, West Sumatra, there are 24 individuals, and also in the Liwa Botanical Gardens, Lampung, there are 4 individuals.
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