scholarly journals Recovery of skeletal elements and extended wing from a mounted specimen of the nearly extinct Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris)

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Pavia ◽  
Gion Boano
Keyword(s):  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Museum Specimens ◽  
Museum Collections ◽  
Extinct Species ◽  
The World

The Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) is a very rare Palaearctic Scolopacidae, classified Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with the last accepted record in 2001. In the museum collections, it is commonly preserved with mounted specimens and study skins, but only two skeletons have been reported in the world. Here we present the re-preparation of a mounted specimen from the collection of the Museo di Zoologia of the Torino University in order to obtain as much osteological material as possible. This practice, especially with rare or extinct species, is recommended in different papers to maximize the value of the museum specimens and remedy the lack of skeletal elements of very rare or extinct species.

Shedding new light on old species identifications: morphological and genetic evidence suggest a need for conservation status review of the critically endangered bat, Saccolaimus saccolaimus

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian J. Milne ◽  
Felicity C. Jackling ◽  
Manpreet Sidhu ◽  
Belinda R. Appleton
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Museum Specimens ◽  
Museum Collections ◽  
Species Classification ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Identification Of Species ◽  
Vital Component

Information based on the accurate identification of species is a vital component for achieving successful outcomes of biodiversity conservation and management. It is difficult to manage species that are poorly known or that are misidentified with other similar species. This is particularly problematic for rare and threatened species. Species that are listed under endangered species classification schemes need to be identified accurately and categorised correctly so that conservation efforts are appropriately allocated. In Australia, the emballonurid Saccolaimus saccolaimus is currently listed as ‘Critically Endangered’. On the basis of new observations and existing museum specimens, we used a combination of genetic (mitochondrial DNA sequence) and morphological (pelage characteristics, dig III : phalanx I length ratio, inter-upper canine distance) analyses to identify six new geographic records for S. saccolaimus, comprising ~100 individuals. Our analyses also suggested that there are likely to be more records in museum collections misidentified as S. flaviventris specimens. The external morphological similarities to S. flaviventris were addressed and genetic, morphological and echolocation analyses were used in an attempt to provide diagnostic characters that can be used to readily identify the two species in the field. We recommend genetic testing of all museum specimens of Australian Saccolaimus to clarify species’ distributions and provide data for reassessing the conservation status for both S. saccolaimus and S. flaviventris. Museum curators, taxonomists and wildlife managers need to be aware of potential species misidentifications, both in the field and laboratory. Misidentifications that result in misclassification of both threatened and non-threatened species can have significant implications.

scholarly journals Peptide sequences from the first Castoroides ohioensis skull and the utility of old museum collections for palaeoproteomics

2016 ◽  
Vol 283 (1832) ◽  
pp. 20160593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy P. Cleland ◽  
Elena R. Schroeter ◽  
Robert S. Feranec ◽  
Deepak Vashishth
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Collagen I ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Museum Specimens ◽  
Museum Collections ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
The World

Vertebrate fossils have been collected for hundreds of years and are stored in museum collections around the world. These remains provide a readily available resource to search for preserved proteins; however, the vast majority of palaeoproteomic studies have focused on relatively recently collected bones with a well-known handling history. Here, we characterize proteins from the nasal turbinates of the first Castoroides ohioensis skull ever discovered. Collected in 1845, this is the oldest museum-curated specimen characterized using palaeoproteomic tools. Our mass spectrometry analysis detected many collagen I peptides, a peptide from haemoglobin beta, and in vivo and diagenetic post-translational modifications. Additionally, the identified collagen I sequences provide enough resolution to place C. ohioensis within Rodentia. This study illustrates the utility of archived museum specimens for both the recovery of preserved proteins and phylogenetic analyses.

Structure and Dynamics of Crucians’ Settlements (Cypriniformes, Carassius) in Water Systems of Eastern Ukraine

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-284
Author(s):  
S. V. Mezhzherin ◽  
A. V. Kulish ◽  
S. V. Kokodiy
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Crucian Carp ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Museum Collections ◽  
Numerous Species ◽  
Extinct Species ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
Competitive Relations

Abstract The analysis of present-day crucians’ settlements in water systems of Eastern Ukraine designated the predominance of the digeneous Goldfish, C. auratus, in the region, the number of which made 78.7 %, from the total number of the examined representatives of the genus. The second group consists of gynogenetic Prussian carps, C. gibelio (14.3 %); it is represented by the clone biotype and recombinant individuals. Crucian carp, C. carassius (3.6 %), turned out to be rare and its number did not exceed the number of the caught hybrids C. auratus × C. carassius (3.4 %). The retrospective analysis of literature data and museum collections gave an opportunity to describe the changes in species composition of the genus which took place during the last 150 years. Within this period the crucian carp, which used to be the single and most common representative of genus Carassius (Jarocki, 1822) in the region, became nearly an extinct species. In the meanwhile the representatives of the group of species of Prussian carps, C. auratus + C. gibelio, which appeared in the region in the late 1960s, rapidly increased their number and became the most numerous fish of the Eastern Ukraine. The discovered tendency is not unique for the researched region; in general it reflects the European tendency for the crucian species. The reasons for that are rivers’ regulation and destruction of bottomland ecosystems. The secondary factors for the elimination of C. carassius are the competitive relations of individuals representing both species and easy hybridization, during which the more numerous species C. auratus absorbs the rare C. carassius.

scholarly journals Fish and Chaps: Some Ethnoarchaeological Thoughts on Fish Skin Use in European Prehistory

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 329-347
Author(s):  
Roman Vávra
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Museum Collections ◽  
Fish Skin ◽  
Subsistence Strategies ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
The World

AbstractThe following study summarizes the available ethnographical, historical, and archaeological data about the use of fish skin as a material. Fish skin and the methods of its processing are described. The fish skin utilisation accounts from around the world are collected in an organized matter. Afterwards the various factors affecting the use of this material are discussed and some concluding remarks about the further research possibilities are proposed. The use of fish skin does not appear to be based purely on climate, subsistence strategies, or the availability of fish, but also on cultural norms and traditions. Careful hypotheses can be made by using relational analogies, but ultimately a re-examination of museum collections or new archaeological discoveries are fundamental in furthering this field of research.

scholarly journals Monitoring invasive mammalian predator populations sharing habitat with the Critically Endangered Puerto Rican parrot Amazona vittata

Oryx ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Engeman ◽  
Desley Whisson ◽  
Jessica Quinn ◽  
Felipe Cano ◽  
Pedro Quiñones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
The World ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Amazona Vittata ◽  
Black Rats

Critically Endangered Puerto Rican parrots Amazona vittata are one of the rarest birds in the world. Several exotic mammal species capable of preying on Puerto Rican parrots cohabit the Caribbean National Forest with the only wild population of these parrots. We used tracking plates, monitoring blocks and trapping to index black rats, small Indian mongooses and feral cats in parrot habitat and in public-use areas in the same habitat type. We had high trap success for black rats at all sites (42% of all sites combined), among the highest reported in the world. Rat response to monitoring (nontoxic bait) blocks was universally high, regardless of ground or tree placement. Mongooses were present at all sites, with a greater proportion of plates tracked within the forest than at public-use sites. Cats were present at all forest sites and one of the public-use sites. Presence of the three species did not appear to be linked to human disturbance. Because only 30–40 Puerto Rican parrots survive in the wild, with as few as three pairs nesting in 2002, we concluded that the abundance and pervasiveness of exotic mammalian predators poses a greater threat to the parrots than has been generally acknowledged. This is evidenced by mammalian predation during recent parrot breeding seasons, including six fledglings taken by mongooses and one nest failure from rats during 2000–2003.

scholarly journals Invasion history of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Ecuador

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia ◽  
Emilia Peñaherrera-Romero
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Harmonia Axyridis ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
Invasion History ◽  
Museum Specimens ◽  
Agricultural Pest ◽  
Harlequin Ladybird ◽  
The World ◽  
History Of ◽  
Harmonia Axyridis Pallas

AbstractHarmonia axyridis is a ladybird extensively used around the world for biological control of agricultural pest. However, it has become invasive in several countries, producing negative ecological and socio-economic impacts. Herein, we review the invasion history of the Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) in Ecuador. Although first reported in Ecuador in 2012, museum specimens date back to 2004 and it is currently established across the country, especially along the Andean region. Due to its invasive nature, further studies are urgently needed to evaluate possible impacts of H. axyridis on the Ecuadorian biodiversity and agroindustry.

Two new species of Lagenandra (Araceae) from the Wet Zone of Sri Lanka

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 522 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-199
Author(s):  
INDRAKHEELA MADOLA ◽  
DEEPTHI YAKANDAWALA ◽  
KAPILA YAKANDAWALA ◽  
SENANI KARUNARATNE
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
The Other ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Taxonomic Key ◽  
The World ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
Conservation Assessments ◽  
Wet Zone

Taxonomic revisions are the most reliable pathway in unfolding new species to the world. During such a revision of the genus Lagenandra in Sri Lankan, we came across two new species: Lagenandra kalugalensis and Lagenandra srilankensis from the Wet Zone of Sri Lanka. The two new species were studied in detail and compared with the morphology of the other species described in the genus, and based on field collected data conservation assessments were performed. A detailed description for the two new species and an updated taxonomic key to the Sri Lankan Lagenandra is presented here for easy identification. Recognizing two new endemic members enhances the number of Sri Lankan species of Lagenandra to eleven and global to nineteen. According to the IUCN red data category guidelines, L. kalugalensis qualifies for Critically Endangered category under Criterion B1ab (ii,iii,v) + B2ab (ii,iii,v) while L. srilankensis qualifies for Critically Endangered category under B1ab (iii, iv) + C2 (a) (i, ii). Hence, immediate conservation measures are imperative.

First report of rare pomfrets (Teleostei: Bramidae) from Brazilian waters, with a key to Western Atlantic species

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2290 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALFREDO CARVALHO-FILHO ◽  
GUY MARCOVALDI ◽  
CLÁUDIO L. S. SAMPAIO ◽  
M. ISABEL G. PAIVA ◽  
LUIZ A. G. DUARTE
Keyword(s):  
Deep Water ◽  
New Records ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
Museum Collections ◽  
Southwestern Atlantic ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Deep Waters ◽  
The World ◽  
First Time

This is the first in a series of reports describing new records caught with circle hooks, a method only now being employed in exploratory fishing in Brazilian deep waters. Several new records of deep-water fishes were obtained with this equipment. In this paper we record for the first time the occurrence of two genera and species of Bramidae in Brazilian waters: the tropical pomfret Eumegistus brevorti and the keeltail pomfret Taractes rubescens. We also report on previously unnoticed collection records from preserved specimens of Pterycombus brama in museum collections, and the first capture of an adult bigscale pomfret Taractichthys longipinnis in Brazil. These new records increase the number of bramid species known from Brazilian waters to ten. The addition of P. brama to the Brazilian Bramidae makes the Southwestern Atlantic the only known area of the world where two species of Pterycombus are found together. Meristic, biometric, and new biological data are presented for Eumegistus brevorti. Some species of bramids are rather rare and even if well described in the literature there are morphological characters and behavioral aspects yet to be added. Herein we present detailed descriptions of some bramid species to add to their published descriptions. A key to the Western Atlantic Bramidae is provided.

scholarly journals Population status and trend of the Critically Endangered Montserrat Oriole

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
STEFFEN OPPEL ◽  
ANDREW CASSINI ◽  
CALVIN FENTON ◽  
JAMES DALEY ◽  
GERARD GRAY
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Future Trend ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
World Population ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Forest Habitat ◽  
Monitoring Design ◽  
The World

SummaryMany island endemics are of great conservation concern due to small range and population sizes. The Montserrat Oriole Icterus oberi is a forest passerine endemic to the Caribbean island of Montserrat, where recent volcanic activity has destroyed a large proportion of suitable forest habitat. From 1997 to 2000 the Montserrat Oriole population declined dramatically even in the remaining forest habitat, leading to its classification as ‘Critically Endangered’. We present trend estimates of the Montserrat Oriole population from 2000 to 2013, and estimate the world population size in 2012 based on repeat point counts and beta-binomial mixture models. Montserrat Orioles recovered between 2003 and 2005, and we found no evidence for a continuing population decline. However, there was large uncertainty around trend estimates, and the power to detect a shallow negative trend was very low. Based on the comparison of count data at 42 points, the Montserrat Oriole population in 2013 was less than half as large as in 1998. To improve future trend estimates a new monitoring design was introduced in 2011, and applied to all subpopulations of the species in 2012. The world population in 2012 was estimated to hold between 307 (95% credible interval 212–503) and 690 birds (476–1131) birds in the two forest fragments on Montserrat, depending on whether the sampling area around each point count was assumed to encompass 100 m or 150 m. Based on these estimates, the Montserrat Oriole currently does not meet the IUCN criteria for ‘Critically Endangered’, and we recommend a revision of the species’ conservation status.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document