Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Amphibian Declines ◽  
Current Conservation ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Impact

Amphibians are among the most threatened groups of animals on earth. In part due to their highly permeable skin, amphibians are highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollution and provide an early-warning system of deteriorating environmental conditions. The more we learn about the impact of environmental changes on amphibians, the better we as humans will be able to arrest their demise, and our own. Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians brings together the current knowledge on the status of the unique frogs of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. Although geographically proximate, each region presents unique challenges and opportunities in amphibian research and conservation. This book contributes to an understanding of the current conservation status of the amphibians of each region, aims to stimulate research into halting amphibian declines, and provides a better foundation for making conservation decisions. It is an invaluable reference for environmental and governmental agencies, researchers, policy-makers involved with biodiversity conservation, and the interested public.

scholarly journals Achieving similar root microbiota composition in neighbouring plants through airborne signalling

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun Gi Kong ◽  
Geun Cheol Song ◽  
Hee-Jung Sim ◽  
Choong-Min Ryu
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Community ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Tomato Seedling ◽  
Environmental Signals ◽  
Plant Volatile ◽  
The Status ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
Rhizosphere Microbial Community

Abstract The ability to recognize and respond to environmental signals is essential for plants. In response to environmental changes, the status of a plant is transmitted to other plants in the form of signals such as volatiles. Root-associated bacteria trigger the release of plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the impact of VOCs on the rhizosphere microbial community of neighbouring plants is not well understood. Here, we investigated the effect of VOCs on the rhizosphere microbial community of tomato plants inoculated with a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain GB03 and that of their neighbouring plants. Interestingly, high similarity (up to 69%) was detected in the rhizosphere microbial communities of the inoculated and neighbouring plants. Leaves of the tomato plant treated with strain GB03-released β-caryophyllene as a signature VOC, which elicited the release of a large amount of salicylic acid (SA) in the root exudates of a neighbouring tomato seedling. The exposure of tomato leaves to β-caryophyllene resulted in the secretion of SA from the root. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the composition of the rhizosphere microbiota in surrounding plants is synchronized through aerial signals from plants.

scholarly journals Modelling approaches for mixed forests dynamics prognosis. Research gaps and opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. eR002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Bravo ◽  
Marek Fabrika ◽  
Christian Ammer ◽  
Susana Barreiro ◽  
Kamil Bielak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Forest Growth ◽  
Mixed Forests ◽  
Forest Model ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Main Model

Aim of study: Modelling of forest growth and dynamics has focused mainly on pure stands. Mixed-forest management lacks systematic procedures to forecast the impact of silvicultural actions. The main objective of the present work is to review current knowledge and forest model developments that can be applied to mixed forests.Material and methods: Primary research literature was reviewed to determine the state of the art for modelling tree species mixtures, focusing mainly on temperate forests.Main results: The essential principles for predicting stand growth in mixed forests were identified. Forest model applicability in mixtures was analysed. Input data, main model components, output and viewers were presented. Finally, model evaluation procedures and some of the main model platforms were described.Research highlights: Responses to environmental changes and management activities in mixed forests can differ from pure stands. For greater insight into mixed-forest dynamics and ecology, forest scientists and practitioners need new theoretical frameworks, different approaches and innovative solutions for sustainable forest management in the context of environmental and social changes.Keywords: dynamics, ecology, growth, yield, empirical, classification.

scholarly journals Inventory of fauna as a tool for sustainable use of economically important mammal species (on the example of the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan)

2021 ◽  
Vol 265 ◽  
pp. 01004
Author(s):  
Roman Kashkarov ◽  
Yuliya Mitropolskaya
Keyword(s):  
American Mink ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Current Conservation ◽  
Norway Rat ◽  
The Impact

This paper describes the first experience for Uzbekistan in mammals' fauna inventory in the context of large administrative districts. Tashkent region was chosen as a model territory for researching – as an integral natural area with natural geographical boundaries. A revision of the composition and assessment of the fauna current conditions of economically significant mammals of this region was carried out. The primary limiting factors and threats to the existence of these species were analyzed. The permissible standards for the removal of economically significant mammalian species from the natural environment were determined, based on the data of the abundance and their habitats conditions. Standard approaches and methods for inventory have been developed: data collection and storage; working with sources of existing information; field research as the gaps closing basic method. Based on the results of the research, standard species profiles were prepared for 17 economically significant mammalian species, including data on distribution, landscape location, abundance, and permissible operational loads. A proposal to change the current conservation status of the Long-tailed Marmot, Corsac Fox and Steppe Polecat was justified. These species were previously considered as hunting objects, but now they have become rare. The impact of introduced and invasive species – Coypu, Muskrat, American Mink and Norway Rat on the native fauna was determined. The analysis of negative impacts on the species allowed to recommend a number of applied measures for the sustainable use of biological resources.

scholarly journals Post-Brexit Britain and the pay culture: challenges and opportunities

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-125
Author(s):  
Demetra Arsalidou ◽  
Alison Lui
Keyword(s):  
Executive Compensation ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Public Sentiment ◽  
Financial Services Regulation ◽  
Executive Remuneration ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Status ◽  
Legal Restrictions ◽  
The Impact

This paper examines the impact of Brexit on financial services regulation in relation to three areas linked to executive remuneration. They are: the bonus cap; the clawback of pay; and the level of disclosure required by shareholders with regard to details of directors’ remuneration. It will be argued that legally Brexit will have little impact on any of the three areas. UK legislation has already incorporated a great deal of EU legislation. The status quo of retaining such legal restrictions seems sensible in light of public sentiment towards unfairness in executive compensation and uncertainty towards the Brexit negotiations. Nevertheless, London faces stiff competition from other major international financial centres in a post-Brexit era. The loss of single passporting rights is also encouraging major banks to invest in other European financial centres. Brexit creates opportunities too. With the integration of digital technology, it is possible to create convenient platforms where investors can access reports on executive remuneration.

scholarly journals The Current Status of the World’s Primates: Mapping Threats to Understand Priorities for Primate Conservation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Fernández ◽  
Daphne Kerhoas ◽  
Andrea Dempsey ◽  
Josephine Billany ◽  
Gráinne McCabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Impact

AbstractOver the past decades, primate populations have been declining. Four years ago, >60% of species were listed as threatened. As the rate of loss accelerates and new IUCN assessments are being published, we used IUCN Red List assessments and peer-reviewed literature published within the last 5 yr to evaluate the status of primates globally, by region and by taxonomic group. We also examined the main factors affecting a species’ conservation status to determine if we could predict the status of understudied species. We found that 65% of species are in the top three IUCN Red List categories (Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered). Globally, the main threats to primates are Biological Resource Use, including Hunting & Logging, and Agriculture. The impact of these threats varied by region and taxon. Our model showed that Malagasy and Asian primates, and those affected by Agriculture, Human Disturbance, and Climate Change were more likely to be considered at risk of extinction. The model’s predictive probability, however, was low. Our literature analysis showed that some threats, especially climate change and disease, affected more species than indicated by the IUCN Red List. As we move into the next decade, we must continue tackling hunting and agricultural expansion but also be vigilant about emerging threats. We must also aim to regularly test the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, evaluating their long-term adoption and their impact on primates; as well as to increase communication between researchers and applied conservationists to ensure IUCN assessments include current and emerging threats.

scholarly journals Seaweed Biodiversity of India: Reviewing Current Knowledge to Identify Gaps, Challenges, and Opportunities

Diversity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaibhav A. Mantri ◽  
Monica Gajanan Kavale ◽  
Mudassar Anisoddin Kazi
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Coastal Pollution ◽  
Marine Resources ◽  
Economic Potential ◽  
Present Communication ◽  
Precise Information ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Status ◽  
High Conservation

Seaweeds are a renewable marine resources and have not yet received considerable attention in the field of taxonomy in India as compared to their terrestrial counterparts, essentially due to the lack of awareness of their economic potential. Although the recent inventory from the Indian region documented the presence of approximately 865 seaweed taxa, of which only a few are taxonomically well characterized, more precise information still awaits with respect to microscopic and molecular examinations of many. Thus far, in terms of spatial extent, probably only a few of the total hospitable seaweed habitats have been explored, and large portions, including island territories and subtidal waters, remain virtually untouched. Surveying those may lead to the reporting of several taxa new to science. Furthermore, more focused efforts are required to understand the endemic and endangered taxa which have high conservation implications. Considering the unprecedented pressures seaweeds are facing, including coastal pollution and human-induced global warming, it is critical to reinforce our knowledge of seaweed biodiversity. In the present communication, we intended to address the status of seaweed biodiversity in India along with the gaps, challenges, and opportunities.

scholarly journals Current Knowledge and Conservation Status of the Gray-Headed Chickadee in North America

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis L. Booms ◽  
Lucas H. DeCicco ◽  
Christopher P. Barger ◽  
James A. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Status ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Northwestern North America ◽  
Northern Alaska ◽  
Year 2000

Abstract The gray-headed chickadee Poecile cinctus is a Holarctic songbird that occurs from northern Europe across Asia and into northwestern North America. Historically, the endemic North American subspecies P. c. lathami ranged across portions of interior and northern Alaska and northwest Canada. Though often described as rare, ornithologists considered it locally common in parts of its distribution. Anecdotal reports of declines and a lack of recent observations motivated us to initiate efforts to better understand the current distribution and abundance of this species. We conducted 862 h of field surveys focused on detecting gray-headed chickadees between 2010 and 2017 and detected only three individuals and no evidence of nesting in locations where the species previously occurred. We also compiled a database of 156 occurrences that likely represents nearly all the available reliable records in North America since 1864. Based on a comparison of these data before and after the year 2000, it appears the species may no longer occur in southwestern or Interior Alaska, or the Northwest Territories where scientists previously documented it. Results from a citizen science initiative to collect recent observations revealed citizen scientists reliably report only a few gray-headed chickadee sightings annually. Additionally, the species appears to have recently disappeared from two locations where observers previously reported it annually for > 20 y. Collectively, these data suggest it is likely the species' distribution has contracted, its population has declined, and its current population size is very small in North America. We emphasize that though we base these conclusions on the best available information, more information is needed before the status of this rare species can be determined with confidence. Despite recognized limitations of the data, we failed to find any evidence contrary to our conclusions and suggest this little-studied species needs additional focused research and conservation in North America.

scholarly journals Strengthening the Early Detection and Tracking of Tropical Cyclones near Indonesian Waters

2021 ◽  
Vol 925 (1) ◽  
pp. 012010
Author(s):  
E E S Makmur ◽  
W Fitria ◽  
A S Praja ◽  
S P Rahayu ◽  
B E Pratama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Ocean ◽  
Tropical Cyclone ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Tropical Cyclones ◽  
Warning System ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Australian Monsoon ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The Pacific Ocean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In early April 2021, the territory of Indonesia, around the province of East Nusa Tenggara in particular, was severely damaged due to being hit by tropical cyclone Seroja. The impact of tropical cyclone Seroja does not only occur in Nusa Tenggara but also in Australia. In fact, the impact that hit Australia exceeded the damage that occurred in East Nusa Tenggara. The impacts caused by tropical cyclone Seroja in East Nusa Tenggara included 181 deaths and 74,222 houses damaged. Tropical cyclones are extreme weather anomalies that hit many countries, especially in the middle latitudes associated with vast oceans, such as the area around the South China Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, such as the Philippines, Japan, America, Australia, Europe, etc. Early detection systems for the genesis of tropical cyclones are still being developed by international collaborations such as The Research Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction (RAMA) in the Indian Ocean, Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) in the Pacific Ocean, and Prediction and Research Moored, Array in the Tropical Atlantic (PIRATA). To find out the early sign of a tropical cyclone, it is characterized by sea surface temperatures > 26.5 C, the growth of very broad and thick convective clouds, and rotating wind speeds of > 63 km/hour. For this reason, continuous observations are needed in the area where the tropical cyclone first developed. Observation equipment required includes satellite observations, buoys, and weather radar. Unfortunately, in the territory of Indonesia, especially in the Indian and Pacific oceans around Indonesia, this equipment is not equipped with such equipment due to very expensive funding factors and vandalism constraints. For this reason, in the future, national and international cooperation will be needed to start building an early warning system for the emergence of tropical cyclones among research centers globally.

scholarly journals The Status, Challenges and Opportunities of Kalamay Festival in San Enrique, Iloilo

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-26
Author(s):  
Genevi P. Franciliso ◽  
Kristin Iris G. Estores
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Industry ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Raw Sugar ◽  
The Status ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Events and festivals are a global phenomenon in a competitive industry that has experienced rapid growth. Festivals attract tourists and create festival tourism. San Enrique, Iloilo celebrates its Kalamay Festival every month of July. Kalamay Festival, as the primary subject of this research study, is a celebration of the town's sugarcane farming and the production of raw sugar as well as the impact of the sugar industry on the town for almost 40 years. With its current situation, it does not have a high level of market-oriented operation, public awareness, and public participation. The management of Kalamay Festival requires a well-written plan to greater guarantee sustainability in continuing such an event. The study aimed to develop a festival development plan to provide a direction in assessing the status of Kalamay Festival in terms of economic, social, environmental, and cultural aspects, including the opportunities and challenges of Kalamay Festival in terms of accessibility, accommodation, attraction, amenities, and awareness. The findings of the study served as a basis for the formulation of a three-year festival development plan that will help guide in identifying areas for development, and formulating programs to aid the needs of the Local Tourism Office of San Enrique, Iloilo that will facilitate the continuous improvement of the Kalamay Festival, to be well-recognized in the local and international tourism market.

scholarly journals The status and conservation of the Blue-Throated Macaw Ara glaucogularis

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan J. Hesse ◽  
Giles E. Duffield
Keyword(s):  
Central Government ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Current Conservation ◽  
Ecological Requirements ◽  
The Status ◽  
Savanna Burning ◽  
Live Bird

The conservation status of the Blue-throated Macaw Ara glaucogularis, a Bolivian endemic, is assessed using the most recent information available. The known range of the species is patchily distributed within an 8,600 km2 area of lowland savanna–forest habitat in the Beni department, under private ownership for cattle ranching, which is the main form of land use in the region. Population surveys of the Blue-throated Macaw revealed this species to exist in very low numbers. The immediate threat to the species is illegal trapping for the live bird trade. Effects of cattle grazing and savanna burning may modify habitat characteristics, but there is no direct evidence suggesting that these factors negatively influence the ecological requirements of Ara glaucogularis. The species is highly associated with the Attalea phalerata palm, which it uses for feeding and nesting. Current conservation efforts include: population and distribution surveys and assessment of habitat requirements; environmental awareness targeted at landowners and ranch personnel; collaboration with subnational and central government bodies; and development of strategies to curtail parrot trafficking activities. Recommendations for the long-term conservation of the species include increasing the involvement of landowners to strengthen protection for wild macaws; working with the Bolivian government on strategies to curb macaw trafficking; increasing environmental education activities with local inhabitants; basic research on breeding requirements and limitations of wild Blue-throated Macaws; and investigating the application of private reserves to the Blue-throated Macaw range.

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