scholarly journals Species conservation profiles of tarantula spiders (Araneae, Theraphosidae) listed on CITES

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Fukushima ◽  
Jorge Mendoza ◽  
Rick West ◽  
Stuart Longhorn ◽  
Emmanuel Rivera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Central Pacific ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
The Impact

CITES is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Regarding spiders, all species listed in CITES are tarantulas. They are included in Appendix II, meaning that they are species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that they may become so unless trade is closely controlled. Many tarantulas are legally and illegally traded in the pet market and they are one of the most traded invertebrate groups. Originally, the CITES list published in 1995 included all the current species of the genus Brachypelma Simon, 1891 plus Aphonopelma pallidum (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897) and the so-called Aphonopelma albiceps (Pocock, 1903). After that, some taxonomic changes were done, as well as descriptions of new species in the genus Brachypelma. The objective of this paper is to assess the 21 taxonomically valid spider species listed on CITES according to the IUCN criteria, study the general patterns and trends and advise on possible future conservation actions critical for the survival of endangered species. Amongst all 21 species assessed, 16 had sufficient data on their distribution, ecology and threats to properly understand their current status and suggest possible conservation measures. A decline in the area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) was inferred to almost all species, caused mostly by human activities (urbanisation, roads, agricultural and touristic activities), which often lead to the complete loss of subpopulations across their range. Hurricanes and frequent rising water, which are increasing in frequency due to climate change, can cause decline in habitat quality and consequent change in EOO and AOO of some species and should also be considered when planning conservation actions. Severe fragmentation was detected in 13 species and is therefore one of the most relevant threats to the most endangered Brachypelma species and should be made a priority aspect to deal with when proposing conservation actions for the group. Regarding the loss of individuals in wild populations, the main cause seems to be the overharvesting to meet the illegal trade. The most important conservation actions identified across species include preserving their natural habitat through protected areas, establishing management plans for both the species and their habitats and undertaking systematic monitoring to provide information about population recovery and species re-introduction programmes. In general, we propose to prioritise and support research on the population trends and distribution, as well as on the impact of land use and habitat degradation. Special attention regarding conservation actions and research plans has to be given to the central Pacific coastal area of Mexico, particularly around Guerrero State where five species of Brachypelma occur. Critically, for some of the most endangered species, such as B. baumgarteni and B. hamorii, there is no official protected area in their range of occurrence. It would therefore be highly recommended to establish at least one conservation unit which focuses on protecting each of these species in situ. In some cases, basic taxonomic research is needed before development of any appropriate conservation action can be proposed.

scholarly journals Species conservation profiles of cave-dwelling arthropods from Azores, Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Borges ◽  
Lucas Lamelas-Lopez ◽  
Isabel Amorim ◽  
Anja Danielczak ◽  
Mário Boieiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Arthropod Species ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
The Creation

Azorean volcanic cave biodiversity is under considerable pressure due to ongoing threats of pollution, land use change, touristic activities or climate change. In this contribution, we present the IUCN Red List profiles of 15 cave-adapted arthropod species, endemic to the Azorean archipelago, including species belonging to the speciose genus Trechus (Carabidae), which is represented in Azores by seven species. The objective of this paper is to assess all endemic Azorean cave-adapted species and advise on possible future research and conservation actions critical for the long-term survival of the most endangered species. Most species have a restricted distribution (i.e. occur in one or two caves), very small extent of occurrence (EOO) and a small area of occupancy (AOO). A continuing decline in the number of mature individuals is inferred from the ongoing cave habitat degradation. The two troglobitic species of the homopteran genus Cixius are in great danger of extinction due to major land-use changes in epigean habitats above their known localities. We suggest, as future measures of conservation, the regular monitoring of the species (every five years), the creation of additional protected caves, the limitation of several aggressive activities around the caves (e.g. decreasing pasture intensification) and in some cases the creation of fences in the entrance of the most important caves.

scholarly journals New island record and conservation status of Puerto Rican Bank endemic plant species, Ruehssia woodburyana (Acev.-Rodr.) Goyder, comb. nov., formally transferred from Marsdenia

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Bárrios ◽  
José Sustache ◽  
David Goyder ◽  
Martin Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fires ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
British Virgin Islands ◽  
Area Of Occupancy

Thought to be endemic to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Ruehssia woodburyana (Apocynaceae) was recently discovered at a single location on Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands. Despite an increase in the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, this species meta-population is very limited with a total of 37 individuals known in the wild. The largest subpopulation, on Mona Island, has only 26 individuals. The species suitable habitat is experiencing a continuing decline due to urban development, grazing by feral ungulates and human-induced forest fires. Conservation action is urgently needed and should be directed towards establishing genetically representative ex situ collections, such as seed for long term storage and live material for propagation. This species is evaluated as Critically Endangered (CR), based on Criteria C2a(i)+D, according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (version 3.1) and guidelines (Subcommittee IUCN Standards and Petitions 2016). Extensive and regular surveys to the region enable the discovery of new plant records for different countries and islands. In this paper, we record a new island record for Ruehssia woodburyana on Norman Island, in the British Virgin Islands and discuss the species conservation status. Marsdenia woodburyana is transferred to the genus Ruehssia to reflect the resurrection of that genus for species of Marsdenia native to the New World.

‘An exceedingly simple, little ecosystem’: Devils Hole, endangered species conservation, and scientific environments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin C. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
State Agencies ◽  
Vertebrate Species ◽  
Critically Endangered Species ◽  
The Third ◽  
Devils Hole ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Scientific Environment

This article explores the history of the Devils Hole pupfish ( Cyprinodon diabolis ), regarded by scientists as having the smallest range of any vertebrate species in the world, a single 10 × 60 ft pool in the Amargosa Valley of southern Nye County, Nevada, USA. It considers the impact of ‘scientific environments’ on the possibilities for pupfish survival as well as potential human uses of the desert. Scientific environment is defined as the knowledge and conceptualization of the environment produced from particular questions and methods and that influence how a species, habitat or region is managed. Three successive scientific environments have shaped the conservation of the pupfish since the 1890s: the first led by taxonomic analyses of the pupfish, the second by ecological and hydrological investigations of Devils Hole, as well as its surrounding desert, and the third by genetic analysis of pupfish DNA. The science in each era has shaped (and responded to) the way in which federal and state agencies have worked to conserve this critically endangered species. The article contributes to an understanding of how concepts and practices at the heart of ecological sciences develop from, and impact, particular spaces and species.

scholarly journals New records, potential distribution, and conservation of the Near Threatened cave bat Natalus macrourus in Brazil

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 579-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Delgado-Jaramillo ◽  
Eder Barbier ◽  
Enrico Bernard
Keyword(s):  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Environmental Suitability ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Near Threatened

AbstractSpecies with specific roosting, foraging or breeding requirements are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. For bats, the availability and environmental condition of caves can be a limiting factor. The cave specialist Natalus macrourus (formerly Natalus espiritosantensis) is categorized as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List but as Vulnerable in Brazil, based on a projected population reduction and a decline in its area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat. There is a lack of knowledge about the species’ distribution, natural history and ecology, information that is required for conservation. Using new occurrence data and potential distribution modelling we evaluated the distribution of N. macrourus in Brazil, analysed pressures on and threats to the species, and assessed the species’ conservation needs. Natalus macrourus is positively associated with areas with higher probability of cave occurrence and negatively associated with areas of high variation in mean daily temperature and mean annual rainfall. Areas with high environmental suitability for N. macrourus correspond to only 3% of the potential distribution modelled. We estimate that the species has already lost 54% of its natural habitat and that there is < 35% of habitat remaining in areas with high environmental suitability. We calculated that approximately half of the caves in areas with high environmental suitability are < 5 km from mining operations and only 4% of the species’ potential distribution lies within protected areas. Given the strong association of N. macrourus with caves, it is important to protect these habitats, and we recommend that caves where the species is present should receive immediate protection.

scholarly journals Monitoring of Seahorse Populations, in the Ria Formosa Lagoon (Portugal), Reveals Steep Fluctuations: Potential Causes and Future Mitigations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Correia
Keyword(s):  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Population Fluctuations ◽  
Illegal Fishing ◽  
Hippocampus Guttulatus ◽  
Ria Formosa ◽  
Caulerpa Prolifera ◽  
South Portugal ◽  
Local Extirpation ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAfter seahorse population fluctuations were revealed in previous studies, probably due to changes in their natural habitat, this study sought to determine the current status of the populations of the two existing seahorse species in the Ria Formosa lagoon, by revisiting previously surveyed sites, while assessing the main drivers for detected changes. Hippocampus guttulatus densities decreased significantly between 2002 and 2008, followed by a significant increase between 2008 and 2012 and a significant decrease between 2012 and 2018. There were no significant differences in H. guttulatus populations between the 2002 and 2012 surveys, and between 2008 and 2018. As for Hippocampus hippocampus, there were no significant differences comparing densities from all the different dates. Among the different variables tested in this study, holdfast coverage seems to have played a crucial role in seahorse decline. It is important to further assess the impact on seahorse populations of two recently reported events, the illegal fishing of seahorses and the expansion of Caulerpa prolifera algae in the Ria Formosa lagoon, South Portugal. Considering the existent threats and the probable causes behind the recent seahorse abundance decline, seahorses’ low densities make them even more susceptible to local extirpation due to continuous threats, which emphasizes the dire urgency to put in place mitigative actions to contribute to the conservation of these iconic species.

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 Biodiversity and Stage of the Art of Three Pollinators Taxa in Mexico: An Overview

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9051
Author(s):  
David Urbán-Duarte ◽  
José Fernando De La Torre-Sánchez ◽  
Yooichi Kainoh ◽  
Kazuo Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Species At Risk ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Pollinator Species ◽  
The Status ◽  
Abundance And Diversity ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
The Impact

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) confirmed that pollinators have declined in abundance and diversity; additionally, there is insufficient data for Latin America. Thus, we performed a review on scientific studies and databases to determine the state of the art of the diversity of three pollinator animals (bees, hummingbirds, and bats) in Mexico as well as an analysis of relevant public policies to conserve these species. We found 2063 bee species reported to be present in Mexico. The biodiversity of hummingbirds (58 species) and pollinator bats (12 species) is well known. We identified 57 scientific studies published in the last 20 years related to the biodiversity of bees (30 studies), hummingbirds (16 studies), and pollinator bats (11 studies). Relatively few, or no current studies on hummingbirds and pollinators bats at risk as well as for more than 1000 bee species is available. Great efforts have been made about policies and programs to improve the knowledge and conservation of pollinators in Mexico the last years such as the Species at Risk Conservation Program (PROCER), the Species Conservation Action Program (PACE), and the Natural Protected Ares System (CONANP). However, information of the status of many species and regions is still scarce. Thus, more studies about biodiversity, density, and trends as well as studies of the impact of policies and programs on pollinator species in Mexico are needed.

scholarly journals Species conservation profile of moths (Insecta, Lepidoptera) from Azores, Portugal

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e23311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Borges ◽  
Jose Pérez Santa-Rita ◽  
Rui Nunes ◽  
Anja Danielczak ◽  
Axel Hochkirch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Climatic Changes ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Large Distribution

The few remnants of Azorean native forests harbour a unique set of endemic moths (Insecta, Lepidoptera), some of them under severe long term threats due to small sized habitats or climatic changes. In this contribution, we present the IUCN Red List profiles of 34 endemic moths to the Azorean archipelago, including species belonging to two diverse families: Noctuidae (11 species) and Crambidae (eight species). The objective of this paper is to assess all endemic Azorean moth species and advise on possible future research and conservation actions critical for the long-trem survival of the most endangered species. Most species have a large distribution (i.e. 58% occur in at least four islands), very large extent of occurrence (EOO) and a relatively large area of occupancy (AOO). Only nine species are single-island endemics, three of them from Flores, three from São Miguel and one from Pico, São Jorge and Faial. Most of the species also experience continuing decline in habitat quality, number of locations and subpopulations caused by the ongoing threat from pasture intensification, forestry, invasive plant species and future climatic changes. The lack of new records may indicate that one of the species previously named is extinct (Eupitheciaogilviata). Therefore, we suggest as future conservation actions: (1) a long-term species monitoring plan and (2) control of invasive species.

scholarly journals Rare and endangered species of invertebrate animals of Mongolia: Current status, threats and measures of protection

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-132
Author(s):  
Vladimir V. Bobrov
Keyword(s):  
International Trade ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Food Plants ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Rare And Endangered Species ◽  
Wild Fauna ◽  
Invertebrate Animals ◽  
Rare And Endangered

Based on the information provided in the 2nd and 3rd editions of the Red Book of Mongolia, the current state of the rare and endangered species of mollusks, crustaceans and insects of Mongolia and the threat to their existence are analyzed: water pollution and accidental catch during fishing (for aquatic species); degradation of habitats (haying, draining of swamps); overgrazing; collecting. The effectiveness of protection measures has been identified: the habitats of some species are included in the boundaries of specially protected natural territories; some species are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which will establish strict control over the international trade of rare and endangered species of invertebrates in Mongolia. It is indicated that the conservation of certain species of mollusks, crustaceans and insects requires additional and more specific measures: prevention of habitat degradation, including overgrazing and pollution of water bodies; a ban on collecting; conducting research to identify the concentration of populations, as well as assess the resources of food plants.

Impact of habitat degradation on species diversity and nest abundance of five African stingless bee species in a tropical rainforest of Kenya

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (03) ◽  
pp. 189-197
Author(s):  
Nkoba Kiatoko ◽  
Suresh Kumar Raina ◽  
Frank van Langevelde
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Tropical Rainforest ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Stingless Bee ◽  
Fauna Composition ◽  
Indigenous Forest ◽  
The Impact

AbstractNatural habitat degradation often involves the reduction or disappearance of bee species. In Africa, stingless bees are hunted for honey, which is used as food, for medicinal purposes, and for traditional rituals. Severe habitat degradation due to human settlement is hypothesized to have a negative impact on the species diversity of the African stingless bee species. In this paper, we assess the impact of habitat degradation on the diversity of five stingless bee species across different habitats in the tropical rainforest of Kenya (indigenous forest, mixed indigenous forest) and its neighbouring landscape (grassland, village) in western Kenya. The species fauna, nest occurrence, and species diversity of the stingless bee species varied across the different habitats. The number of nesting habitats of the meliponine species varied between habitats in the tropical rainforest.Meliponula ferruginea(reddish brown) nested in five habitats, whileMeliponula bocandeiandMeliponula ferruginea(black) nested only in two habitat types. The species richness decreased within the different types of habitats and the indigenous and mixed indigenous forest contained more species than other habitats. The fauna composition in both homesteads was exclusively similar, while the indigenous and mixed indigenous forests were mostly similar. Similarity in habitat preferences for nesting was revealed betweenM. bocandeivsPlebeina hildebrandtiandM. ferruginea(reddish brown) vsHypotrigona gribodoi. The natural native indigenous forest had the most diverse community compared to the degraded habitats. There are taxon-specific responses to habitat change; and in our study, there is clear value in conserving the native indigenous forest.

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