scholarly journals Range-Wide Population Assessment of the Endangered Yellow-Naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata)

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 377
Author(s):  
Molly K. Dupin ◽  
Christine R. Dahlin ◽  
Timothy F. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Community Education ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Accurate Estimate ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Human Habitation ◽  
Conservation Plans ◽  
Bay Islands

Yellow-naped amazons, Amazona auropalliata, have experienced a dramatic population decline due to persistent habitat loss and poaching. In 2017, BirdLife International changed the species’ status from threatened to endangered and estimated that between 10,000 and 50,000 individuals remained in the wild. An accurate estimate of the number of remaining wild individuals is critical to implementing effective conservation plans. Wright et al. conducted roost count surveys in Costa Rica and Nicaragua during 2016 and published their data in 2019; however, no population data exists for the rest of the range. We conducted roost counts at 28 sites across Mexico, Guatemala, and the Bay Islands in Roatan during 2018 and 2019. We counted 679 birds and combined our data with the published Wright et al. (2019) data for a total of 2361 wild yellow-naped amazons observed across the species’ range. There were fewer roosts detected in the northern region of the range than in the southern region. We found that roosts were most likely to occur in built-up rural and pasture habitat, with 71% found within 100 m of human habitation. Our results illustrate the need for immediate conservation action to mitigate decline, such as enforced legal action against poaching, nest guarding, and increased community education efforts.

scholarly journals Tunga penetrans occurrence in Panthera onca crashed in the MT northern region

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 49-54
Author(s):  
Ian Philippo Tancredi ◽  
Michelle Goldan de Freitas Tancredi ◽  
Elaine Dione Venëga da Conceição ◽  
Rodrigo de Assis Gaia ◽  
Letícia Caroline Gonçalves de Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Decline ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Tunga Penetrans ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Southern Border ◽  
Scientific Report ◽  
Environmental Integrity

Tungiasis is a neglected parasitic skin disease, caused by the female sand flea Tunga penetrans penetration, that is associated with poverty and occurs in many poor resourced communities in the Caribbean, South America and Africa. Although its effects on humans and domestic animals are well described in the literature, its epidemiology in indigenous populations remains enigmatic and little is known about the tungiasis impact on wild animals, such as jaguars, the only Panthera genus member on the American continent, an important species as an indicator of environmental integrity, which, in Brazil, is on the list of animals threatened with extinction by the Environment Ministry, categorized as vulnerable. The carnivore population decline in Amazon would be accelerated, especially in the eastern and southern border of the Amazonian domain, and it is known that anthropic factors favor the spread of generalist pathogens to new environments and species, representing a greater risk for wild populations. Thus, ectoparasites identification in jaguars is important not only to understand the role of this feline in maintaining the vectors in the wild, but also to know possible agents that can be transmitted by them. The objective of the present work is to report the tungiasis occurrence in five jaguars run over in Sinop, Sorriso and Lucas do Rio Verde, northern MT, between 2018 and 2020; this being the first scientific report found of parasitism by T. penetrans in jaguars in the Amazon biome. The lesions were found on the animals paws, characterizing phases two to five of the Fortaleza classification, and the infestations were evaluated as high, in the youngest animals, to low, suggesting that parasitism degree would be related to the age of the host.

scholarly journals Microsatellite analysis reveals low genetic diversity in managed populations of the critically endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Surya Prasad Sharma ◽  
Mirza Ghazanfarullah Ghazi ◽  
Suyash Katdare ◽  
Niladri Dasgupta ◽  
Samrat Mondol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Genetic Status ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Gavialis Gangeticus

AbstractThe gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a critically endangered crocodylian, endemic to the Indian subcontinent. The species has experienced severe population decline during the twentieth century owing to habitat loss, poaching, and mortalities in passive fishing. Its extant populations have largely recovered through translocation programmes initiated in 1975. Understanding the genetic status of these populations is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the ongoing conservation efforts. This study assessed the genetic diversity, population structure, and evidence of genetic bottlenecks of the two managed populations inhabiting the Chambal and Girwa Rivers, which hold nearly 80% of the global gharial populations. We used seven polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci and a 520 bp partial fragment of the mitochondrial control region (CR). The overall mean allelic richness (Ar) was 2.80 ± 0.40, and the observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities were 0.40 ± 0.05 and 0.39 ± 0.05, respectively. We observed low levels of genetic differentiation between populations (FST = 0.039, P < 0.05; G’ST = 0.058, P < 0.05 Jost’s D = 0.016, P < 0.05). The bottleneck analysis using the M ratio (Chambal = 0.31 ± 0.06; Girwa = 0.41 ± 0.12) suggested the presence of a genetic bottleneck in both populations. The mitochondrial CR also showed a low level of variation, with two haplotypes observed in the Girwa population. This study highlights the low level of genetic diversity in the two largest managed gharial populations in the wild. Hence, it is recommended to assess the genetic status of extant wild and captive gharial populations for planning future translocation programmes to ensure long-term survival in the wild.

scholarly journals Developing indicators for European birds

2005 ◽  
Vol 360 (1454) ◽  
pp. 269-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D Gregory ◽  
Arco van Strien ◽  
Petr Vorisek ◽  
Adriaan W Gmelig Meyling ◽  
David G Noble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Farmland Birds ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Field Methods ◽  
Biodiversity Indicators ◽  
Farmland Bird

The global pledge to deliver ‘a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss by 2010’ is echoed in a number of regional and national level targets. There is broad consensus, however, that in the absence of conservation action, biodiversity will continue to be lost at a rate unprecedented in the recent era. Remarkably, we lack a basic system to measure progress towards these targets and, in particular, we lack standard measures of biodiversity and procedures to construct and assess summary statistics. Here, we develop a simple classification of biodiversity indicators to assist their development and clarify purpose. We use European birds, as example taxa, to show how robust indicators can be constructed and how they can be interpreted. We have developed statistical methods to calculate supranational, multi-species indices using population data from national annual breeding bird surveys in Europe. Skilled volunteers using standardized field methods undertake data collection where methods and survey designs differ slightly across countries. Survey plots tend to be widely distributed at a national level, covering many bird species and habitats with reasonable representation. National species' indices are calculated using log-linear regression, which allows for plot turnover. Supranational species' indices are constructed by combining the national species' indices weighted by national population sizes of each species. Supranational, multi-species indicators are calculated by averaging the resulting indices. We show that common farmland birds in Europe have declined steeply over the last two decades, whereas woodland birds have not. Evidence elsewhere shows that the main driver of farmland bird declines is increased agricultural intensification. We argue that the farmland bird indicator is a useful surrogate for trends in other elements of biodiversity in this habitat.

scholarly journals Conservation of Britain’s biodiversity: Distribution and status of the Welsh endemic Hieracium breconicola, Beacons Hawkweed (Asteraceae)

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Lee ◽  
Timothy C.G. Rich
Keyword(s):  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Threat Status ◽  
In The Wild

Hieracium breconicola P.D. Sell, Beacons Hawkweed, is a Welsh endemic plant confined to the Brecon Beacons. Field surveys 2009-2020 indicate only one plant survives in one of its three sites. The IUCN threat status is ‘Critically Endangered’; unless conservation action is undertaken soon, this species will soon be extinct in the wild.

Avifauna of Patan Wetland, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Santi Ranjan Dey ◽  
Keyword(s):  
General Health ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Sensitive Species ◽  
North West ◽  
Forested Area ◽  
Cultivable Land ◽  
Human Habitation ◽  
Fauna Composition ◽  
Conservation Plans ◽  
Wetland Resources

Biodiversity enumeration of ecologically sensitive species is important for estimating the general health as well as development of proper conservation plans for the entire ecosystem. ‘Patan beel’ an relatively unexplored wetland of North-West Murshidabad is located between latitude 24°2’4” North to 24°3’ 20’’North and longitude 88°1’18’’ East to 88°0’15’’ East. The approximately 500 acres wetland contains forested area, some human habitation, and low but cultivable land. The area is unique in flora and fauna composition. This study has revealed that ‘Patan beel’ contains 49 species of birds. Some of the birds are totally aquatic. Some are migratory in nature. To conserve and manage wetland resources, it is imperative to have inventory of wetlands and their aqua-resources.

Conservation biology of the critically endangered salamander, Paradactylodon persicus gorganensis (Clergue-Gazeau & Thorn, 1979) (Amphibia: Hynobiidae) in northeastern Iran

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Seyyed Saeed Hosseinian Yousefkhani
Keyword(s):  
High Elevation ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Agriculture Industry ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Future Viability ◽  
Anthropogenic Threats

Abstract Paradactylodon persicus gorganensis is a critically endangered salamander found in northeastern Iran which faces increasing major anthropogenic threats such as agriculture, industry and mining. The aim of the current study is to identify key environmental variables associated with the species’ presence. Also, measuring and comparing the water quality parameters in habitats where P. p. gorganensis is present and absent are the other aims of the study. The results indicate that high pH and dissolved oxygen values have a negative effect on the species’ presence, while its presence was strongly correlated with low mean water temperatures. The species’ range in response to the climate change will shift to the south and east, where areas of high elevation occur, because the species favors cold habitats. This study indicates that it will be particularly important to evaluate the whole range where P. p. gorganensis exists when preparing conservation action plans. It is recommended that ex-situ conservation programs are incorporated into conservation planning for the species, because the number of individuals in the wild is so low and their future viability is fragile.

Influence of historical and contemporary habitat changes on the population genetics of the endemic South African parrot Poicephalus robustus

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-259
Author(s):  
WILLEM G. COETZER ◽  
COLLEEN T. DOWNS ◽  
MIKE R. PERRIN ◽  
SANDI WILLOWS-MUNRO
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Population Bottlenecks ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Fragmented Forests

SummaryThe Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus is a habitat specialist, restricted to forest patches in the Eastern Cape (EC), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. Recent census estimates suggest that there are less than 1,600 parrots left in the wild, although historical data suggest that the species was once more numerous. Fragmentation of the forest biome is strongly linked to climate change and exploitation of the forest by the timber industry. We examine the subpopulation structure and connectivity between fragmented populations across the distribution of the species. Differences in historical and contemporary genetic structure of Cape Parrots is examined by including both modern samples, collected from 1951 to 2014, and historical samples, collected from 1870 to 1946. A total of 114 individuals (historical = 29; contemporary = 85) were genotyped using 16 microsatellite loci. We tested for evidence of partitioning of genotypes at both a temporal and spatial scales by comparing shifts in allelic frequencies of historical (1870–1946) and contemporary (1951–2014) samples across the distribution of the species. Tests for population bottlenecks were also conducted to determine if anthropogenic causes are the main driver of population decline in this species. Analyses identified three geographically correlated genetic clusters. A southern group restricted to forest patches in the EC, a central group including birds from KZN and a genetically distinct northern Limpopo cluster. Results suggest that Cape Parrots have experienced at least two population bottlenecks. An ancient decline during the mid-Holocene (∼ 1,800-3,000 years before present) linked to climate change, and a more recent bottleneck, associated with logging of forests during the early 1900s. This study highlights the effects of climate change and human activities on an endangered species associated with the naturally fragmented forests of eastern South Africa. These results will aid conservation authorities with the planning and implementation of future conservation initiatives. In particular, this study emphasises the Eastern Cape mistbelt forests as an important source population for the species and calls for stronger conservation of forest patches in South Africa to promote connectivity of forest taxa.

scholarly journals A Case of Letting the Cat out of The Bag—Why Trap-Neuter-Return Is Not an Ethical Solution for Stray Cat (Felis catus) Management

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Crawford ◽  
Calver ◽  
Fleming
Keyword(s):  
Community Education ◽  
Urban Wildlife ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Early Age ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
Human Habitation ◽  
Stray Cat ◽  
Almost All

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, in which stray cats are captured, neutered and returned to the environment are advocated as a humane, ethical alternative to euthanasia. We review the TNR literature in light of current debate over whether or not there should be further TNR trials in Australia. We revisit the problems arising from stray cats living in association with human habitation and estimate how many stray cats would have to be processed through a scientifically-guided TNR program to avoid high euthanasia rates. We also identify 10 ethical and welfare challenges that have to be addressed: we consider the quality of life for stray cats, where they would live, whether the TNR process itself is stressful, whether TNR cats are vulnerable to injury, parasites and disease, can be medically treated, stray cats’ body condition and diet, and their impacts on people, pet cats, and urban wildlife, especially endemic fauna. We conclude that TNR is unsuitable for Australia in almost all situations because it is unlikely to resolve problems caused by stray cats or meet ethical and welfare challenges. Targeted adoption, early-age desexing, community education initiatives and responsible pet ownership have greater promise to minimize euthanasia, reduce numbers rapidly, and address the identified issues.

scholarly journals Integrating genealogical and dynamical modelling to infer escape and reversion rates in HIV epitopes

2013 ◽  
Vol 280 (1762) ◽  
pp. 20130696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duncan Palmer ◽  
John Frater ◽  
Rodney Phillips ◽  
Angela R. McLean ◽  
Gil McVean
Keyword(s):  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Accurate Estimate ◽  
Viral Escape ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Systematic Bias ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

The rates of escape and reversion in response to selection pressure arising from the host immune system, notably the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response, are key factors determining the evolution of HIV. Existing methods for estimating these parameters from cross-sectional population data using ordinary differential equations (ODEs) ignore information about the genealogy of sampled HIV sequences, which has the potential to cause systematic bias and overestimate certainty. Here, we describe an integrated approach, validated through extensive simulations, which combines genealogical inference and epidemiological modelling, to estimate rates of CTL escape and reversion in HIV epitopes. We show that there is substantial uncertainty about rates of viral escape and reversion from cross-sectional data, which arises from the inherent stochasticity in the evolutionary process. By application to empirical data, we find that point estimates of rates from a previously published ODE model and the integrated approach presented here are often similar, but can also differ several-fold depending on the structure of the genealogy. The model-based approach we apply provides a framework for the statistical analysis and hypothesis testing of escape and reversion in population data and highlights the need for longitudinal and denser cross-sectional sampling to enable accurate estimate of these key parameters.

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