Life Sciences Commons^™

Main Achievements, Challenges, And Recommendations Of Biodiversity Conservation In China, Fuwen Wei, Xiaoge Ping, Yibo Hu, Yonggang Nie, Yan Zeng, Guangping Huang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

After nearly 30 years of development, China has basically realized the comprehensive conservation of biodiversity. Biodiversity conservation has been upgraded to a national strategy and incorporated into the top-level design, with laws and regulations gradually being improved and major scientific breakthroughs continuously being achieved. Through the implementation of major biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration projects, establishment of protected area system, and delineation of ecological red line, important ecosystems and endangered species have been effectively protected, and social participation and public awareness have been significantly improved. In addition, by signing a number of biodiversity-related international conventions and agreements and proposing the …

Review On Biodiversity Science In China, Xiangcheng Mi, Gang Feng, Jian Zhang, Yibo Hu, Li Zhu, Keping Ma

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

There have been rapid progresses in biodiversity science of China in recent two decades. These progresses have been achieved in six key respects: species catalogue, origination and evolution of biodiversity, biodiversity maintenance and its relationships with ecosystem functioning and services, threats to biodiversity and biodiversity's responses to global change, biodiversity and ecological security, and construction of research platforms. However, we still lack theoretical breakthrough in biodiversity science. For further progresses, we propose to: (1) translate basic biodiversity research into biodiversity conservation for sustainable utilization; (2) strengthen application of advanced technologies, including high-throughput sequencing, genomics, and remote sensing; and (3) strengthen …

Main Progress Of Biodiversity Conservation In China And Some Suggestions For Further Work, Ming Yang, Ju Zhou, Yan Zeng, Ming Sun

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Biological diversity is the foundation for the survival and development of human beings. Biodiversity conservation in China has been of great concern to the central government, which has implemented a series of policies and action plans to promote the conservation of biodiversity and species restoration. However, the crisis of biodiversity loss at the global level remains serious due to human activities. Region-wide cooperations are required to strengthen the protection of global biodiversity. The paper systematically reviews the actions and achievements of biodiversity protection in China in recent years, as well as the work of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in …

Progress And Prospect Of Wild Germplasm Conservation, Dezhu Li, Jie Cai, Wei He, Xiangyun Yang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Genetic resources are important strategic resources for the national interest, security, and sustainable economic and social development of a country. Wild germplasm with their great potential in bio-industry applications, received wide attention globally, specifically in wild plant preservation. China has achieved great progress in the infrastructure building and preservation of wild germplasm. This study suggests that it is crucial to develop China's national strategy of wild germplasm preservation by improving the top-down design and overall planning, other suggestions include enhancing the survey and collection projects of wild species and the evaluation of germplasm traits; enforcing and implementing laws and regulations …

Strengthen Ex Situ Conservation Of Plants And Promote Protection And Utilization Of Plant Resources, Ju Zhou, Ming Yang, Xiangying Wen, Nan Li, Hai Ren

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Plant resources are the basis of human survival and development. Due to human and natural disturbance, plant diversity is facing a serious threat. Ex situ conservation is an important way to remove the threat. Botanical garden and germplasm bank are the main institutions of ex situ conservation. A total of 105 634 species of plants have been ex situ protected in the global botanical gardens, accounting for about 30% of the global total, and more than 40% of the threatened species have been protected. More than 3 million crop germplasm resources have been collected in more than 500 germplasm banks …

Important Supporting Role Of Biological Specimen In Biodiversity Conservation And Research, Peng He, Jun Chen, Hongzhi Kong, Lei Cai, Gexia Qiao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Biological specimens are important materials in the field of biological research and non-renewable strategic biological resources. The specimen collection of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is the center of conservation, research, and scientific education. It plays an irreplaceable role in the research and protection of biodiversity in China. Biological specimens can provide important information in three dimensions: species, space, and time. The use of different levels of such information supports the research areas of species cognition, biodiversity cataloging, protection and management of endangered species, prevention and control of alien invasion, biodiversity monitoring, and species distribution pattern and biodiversity change. …

Understanding Effects Of Large-Scale Development On Bird Migration And Habitats Through Cutting Edge Avian Monitoring Techniques, Lei Cao, Fanjuan Meng, Qingshan Zhao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The linkage created by migratory birds in time and space and between different global ecosystems, local biodiversity and diverse human culture epitomises the concept of “All Life on Earth”. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, referred to as the Ramsar Convention below, uses bird abundance as a means to identify the relative significance of Wetlands of International Importance, tightly linking the most threatened wetlands on our planet with waterbird conservation. Wetland loss and degradation in Asia has caused a dramatic decrease in waterbird abundance and diversity, underlining the critical need for monitoring and conserving those …

To Harmonize Relationship Between Human And Nature And Achieve Sustainable Development: Unesco’S Man And The Biosphere Programme In China, Ding Wang, Ning Liu, Xiangjun Chen, Yijie Xian

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

It has been 50 years since UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme was launched in 1971. China joined this global inter-governmental scientific program in 1973, and the Chinese National Committee for the UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB China) was founded in 1978, with the support of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in collaboration with other ministries engaged in the administration of environmental conservation, forestry, agriculture, education, ocean and atmosphere, and so on. Since then, MAB China has carried out diverse explorations combining the value of UNESCO-MAB and the needs of the natural reserves in China. MAB has …

Data Information: Overview Of Global Biodiversity Research

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Vertebrate Impact On A Newly Deployed Shoreline Stabilization Project By Wildlife Camera Analysis, Julia Rifenberg, Jason Litwak, Rebecca Fillyaw

The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal

Living shoreline stabilization is a technique that utilizes plants and other natural elements to protect estuarine coasts. Research has provided minimal information about which vertebrate species utilize living shorelines post-deployment. For this project, ten wildlife cameras were placed along a living shoreline site in Canaveral National Seashore (CANA) to document which vertebrate species utilize the living shoreline and surrounding vegetation. This shoreline was stabilized with red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) and eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) shell bags in June 2019. The cameras, activated by motion sensors, remained at the site for five days a month for seven …

Checklist Of The Inland Fishes Of Louisiana, Michael H. Doosey, Henry L. Bart Jr., Kyle R. Piller

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

Since the publication of Freshwater Fishes of Louisiana (Douglas, 1974) and a revised checklist (Douglas and Jordan, 2002), much has changed regarding knowledge of inland fishes in the state. An updated reference on Louisiana’s inland and coastal fishes is long overdue. Inland waters of Louisiana are home to at least 224 species (165 primarily freshwater, 28 primarily marine, and 31 euryhaline or diadromous) in 45 families. This checklist is based on a compilation of fish collections records in Louisiana from 19 data providers in the Fishnet2 network (www.fishnet2.net). The checklist has grown because of descriptions of three new species, new …

Protura (Arthropoda: Hexapoda) In Slovenian Caves, Loris Galli, Franc Janžekovič, Peter Kozel, Tone Novak

International Journal of Speleology

Protura is a small class of Hexapoda, generally poorly known, and rather scarce data on its occurrence in caves are scattered throughout literature on fauna in caves and in some papers on Protura. Although the cave-dwelling fauna is relatively well studied in Slovenia, published records on Protura are rare. In this paper, data on the occurrence and abundance of Protura in Slovenian caves are considered. Various statistical analyses were performed to compare caves with Protura to those without in 60 intensively monitored cavities to detect any differences in the selected environmental conditions. No significant difference was obtained. Samples collected from …

Distribution Pattern And Phytosociological Study Of Trees Associated With Agroforestry In Poonch District Of Jammu And Kashmir, India, Javed Manzoor, Mohd Junaid Jazib

Journal of Bioresource Management

The focus of present study was to find the phytosociology, distribution pattern, and diversity of different species of trees associated with traditional agroforestry in the district of Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Data was collected through quadrat survey method. A total of fifty quadrats of the size (10x10m) each were thrown randomly in agriculture fields. Total 26 tree species belonging to 16 families and 21 genera were encountered in the agricultural fields with Grewia optiva, Pyrus persica and Celtis australis being the tree species in dominance. The most dense species of tree recorded was Grewia optiva with a density value …

Microhabitat Selection Of A Sicilian Subterranean Woodlouse And Its Implications For Cave Management, Giuseppe Nicolosi, Stefano Mammola, Salvatore Costanzo, Giorgio Sabella, Rosolino Cirrincione, Giovanni Signorello, Marco Isaia

International Journal of Speleology

Human activities in subterranean environments can affect different ecosystem components, including the resident fauna. Subterranean terrestrial invertebrates are particularly sensitive to environmental change, especially microclimatic variations. For instance, microclimate modifications caused by the visitors may directly affect local fauna in caves opened to the public. However, since numerous factors act synergistically in modulating the distribution and abundance of subterranean species, it remains challenging to differentiate the impact of human intervention from that of other factors. Therefore, evidence of the impact of tourism on cave invertebrate fauna remains scarce. Over a year and with approximately two visits a month, we investigated …

Occurrence Of Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) On Birds In Northwestern Lower Michigan, 2011-2019, William C. Scharf, Lisa Aukland, Gary W. Shugart, Sarah A. Hamer

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Abstract

Monitoring tick infestation of wildlife provides baseline tick

occurrence data that may have human or animal health implications. We collected 312 ticks of four species from 5,122 birds of 93 species while monitoring bird migration during 15 fall and spring seasons between 2011 and 2019 in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Twenty-seven of 93 bird species hosted ticks with an overall prevalence (=at least one tick) of 3.6% (185/5,122). Median burden was one tick/per infested bird with a range of 1-16 ticks per infested bird. Tick species collected were primarily Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (Packard) and Ixodes scapularis Say, with …

Habitat Characteristics Of Two Scorpion Species, Liocheles Australasiae (Fabricius, 1775) And Isometrus Maculatus (De Geer, 1778) In Miyako Islands, Japan, Kazusa Kawai

Euscorpius

Scorpion surveys were conducted in the five islands: Miyakojima, Ikemajima, Kurimajima, Irabujima, and Shimojishima (Miyako Islands, part of Nansei/Ryukyu Islands of Japan). Eight individuals of Liocheles australasiae (Hormuridae) and 16 individuals of Isometrus maculatus (Buthidae) were observed in a total of 10 points on four islands, except Ikemajima. The localities of both species are recorded in this survey, focusing on altitude, distance from the nearest coast, and sunlight. The lowest temperatures in the habitat are also examined, and the cold tolerance of the species is discussed.

Scorpions Of The Horn Of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part Xxvi. Records Of Hottentotta Polystictus (Pocock, 1896), With Descriptions Of H. Haudensis Sp. N. And H. Nigrimontanus Sp. N. (Buthidae) From Somaliland, František Kovařík, Graeme Lowe

Euscorpius

The distribution of Hottentotta polystictus (Pocock, 1896) is summarized according to recently confirmed records. Two new species, Hottentotta haudensis sp. n. and H. nigrimontanus sp. n. from the Somaliland, are described, compared with H. polystictus, and fully illustrated with color photos showing their morphology, habitus and collection areas. H. haudensis sp. n. is the smallest known species of the genus Hottentotta Birula, 1908, while H. nigrimontanus sp. n. is larger than H. polystictus.

Spatio-Temporal Variation Patterns Of Bird Community In The Oasis Ecosystem Of The North Of Algerian Sahara, Lasad Chiheb, Bensaci Ettayib, Nouidjem Yassine, Hadjab Ramzi

Journal of Bioresource Management

The spatial and temporal variation patterns of birds were investigated in the Oasis ecosystem of the North of Algeria Sahara. This contribution aimed to investigate the poorly studied bird fauna of Bousaâda oasis. The direct observation method was used for bird counts, adopted only during the breeding period. A total of 53 species of birds from 29 families and 16 orders were assessed in the different habitats of the Oasis (palm, fruit trees and, cultivated crops). The Passeriformes order was the most abundant represented by 35 species and 16 families. The relative abundance and species richness were recorded during our …

Predation Of Ananteris Spp. (Scorpiones: Buthidae) By Ants And A Social Wasp (Hymenoptera: Formicidae, Vespidae) In Panama, Central America, Roberto Miranda, Luis F. De Armas, Roberto A. Cambra

Euscorpius

Two events of predation on Ananteris spp. were observed in the Parque Nacional Darién, Darién Province, Panama. The first case involved the social wasp Agelaia centralis (Cameron, 1907) (Vespidae); the second one, a ponerine ant Leptogenys cf. cuneata Lattke, 2011 (Formicidae). This is the first time that predation by a social wasp on a scorpion is observed. They also represent the first recorded predators for Panamanian Ananteris species.

Fetilinia Dentator Gen. Et Sp. N. From Pakistan (Scorpiones: Buthidae), Graeme Lowe, František Kovařík

Euscorpius

We describe from northern Pakistan a new buthid genus Fetilinia gen. n., monotypic with type species F. dentator sp. n., belonging to the Palaearctic ‘Buthus’ group. It bears some similarities to Kraepelinia Vachon, 1974, in having enlarged metasomal dentition, and to Orthochirus Karsch, 1891, and related genera in having a trapezoidal carapace and small abbreviated pedipalps.

Integrated Water Resources Management: A Tool For Sustainable Development, Helene Hanna Jazi Dr.

Future Engineering Journal

The recent trends show a decrease in water supply coupled with water losses due to inefficient management and pollution. The phenomenon is called water scarcity and he’s affecting people’s livelihoods around the world. Many approaches have been investigated through international water conferences and forums to develop tools for sustainable water management. IWRM (Integrated Water Resources Management) is one of the most widely adopted tools focusing on a holistic and participatory approach, involving users, planners and policy makers at all levels. In this study, the key concepts of IWRM and its potential in improving the water sector and inducing sustainable …

Thinking Like A Raven: Restoring Integrity, Stability, And Beauty To Western Ecosystems, John M. Marzluff, Matthias-Claudio Loretto, Cameron K. Ho, Georgia W. Coleman, Marco Restani

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Common ravens (Corvus corax; ravens) are generalist predators that pose a threat to several rare wildlife species in the western United States. Recent increases in raven populations, which are fueled by increased human subsidies—notably food, water, and nest sites—are concerning to those seeking to conserve rare species. Due to the challenges and inefficiencies of reducing or eliminating subsidies, managers increasingly rely on lethal removal of ravens. Over 125,000 ravens were killed by the U.S. Government from 1996 to 2019, and annual removals have increased 4-fold from the 1990s to mid-2010s. We contend that lethal removal of ravens, while capable …

Local People’S Perceptions Of Benefits And Costs Of Protected Areas: The Case Of Tarangire National Park And The Surrounding Ecosystem, Northern Tanzania, Felix J. Mkonyi

Journal of Ecological Anthropology

A

A better understanding of the benefits and costs of conservation to people living adjacent to protected areas is fundamental to balancing their conservation goals and needs. This study, based in the Tarangire-Simanjiro ecosystem, explored the costs, benefits and attitudes of local people living adjacent to Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 respondents which were randomly selected from the ‘population’ of 300 respondents used previously for the main survey. Results indicate mixed responses towards protected areas. The majority of respondents held positive attitudes toward the park (56.7%) and park staff (63.3%) but had negative …

A Desert Tortoise–Common Raven Viable Conflict Threshold, Kerry L. Holcomb, Peter S. Coates, Brian G. Prochazka, Timothy Shields, William I. Boarman

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Since 1966, common raven (Corvus corax; raven) abundance has increased throughout much of this species’ Holarctic distribution, fueled by an ever-expanding supply of anthropogenic resource subsidies (e.g., water, food, shelter, and nesting substrate) to ecoregion specific raven population carrying capacities. Consequently, ravens are implicated in declines of both avian and reptilian species of conservation concern, including the California (USA) endangered and federally threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii; desert tortoise). While ravens are a natural predator of desert tortoises, the inter-generational stability of desert tortoise populations is expected to be compromised as annual juvenile survival is …

Remote Ornithology: Studying Nesting Behavior Of Bermuda Petrels Via Live Webcam, Ragupathy Kannan, Bala Chander, Jack Jackson, Tara Chander

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We observed over 167 hours of video of a Bermuda Petrel Pterodroma cahow nest during the 2019 nesting season. The publicly available webcam feed was provided live over the internet by Nonsuch Expeditions and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Live webcams open new avenues of data collection resulting in observations previously deemed impractical. They help surpass logistic and financial hurdles in conducting field studies. From our offices and homes in Arkansas and New York, we documented behaviors and involuntary movements of the nesting pair in Bermuda. We noted relative roles played by each parent in incubation, and behaviors of the incubating …

Distribution And History Of The Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea Ajaja) In Arkansas, C. Renn Tumlison, Grace Wills, Karen Rowe

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Roseatte Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a rare bird in Arkansas and was not reported from the state until 1959, when it was seen in southwestern Arkansas. By use of online sources for citizen science, we elucidate the history of occurrence and present analysis of seasonal distribution of this bird in Arkansas. Individuals arrive in Arkansas as early as April, observations peak in August, and the birds may remain to late October when colder weather promotes southward migration. Most observations are of a few birds, but a maximum of 128 has been counted at one location and time. …

An Updated Checklist Of The Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) Of Arkansas, Henry W. Robison, C. Renn Tumlison, Paula E. Cushing, Peggy R. Dorris

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

A total of 510 species of spiders representing 43 families and 215 genera are herein reported from Arkansas. The most diverse families of state spiders were Salticidae (64 species), Lycosidae (59 species), Araneidae (55 species), and Gnaphosidae (54 species). Twelve families had only a single representative species in the state. Additional taxa will surely be added to the checklist with future taxonomic studies incorporating molecular analyses and additional collecting. This updated checklist is intended to be of use to arachnologists, researchers, naturalists, professional biologists, and managers in determining the biodiversity for Arkansas. We have worked to insure that the taxonomy …

Investigation Of Fluorescence In Selected Mammals Of Arkansas, C. Renn Tumlison, Terry L. Tumlison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The adaptive value of fluorescence among the vertebrates has been studied most in fishes and birds, and only a few observations have been published regarding fluorescence in the pelage of mammals. Recently, reports of fluorescence in some marsupials, the platypus, and in flying squirrels have become available. We report the occurrence of fluorescent properties in some mammals from Arkansas. Most carnivores, bats, and rodents did not exhibit the property when viewed under UV light. However, opossums, rabbits, a weasel, muskrats, and moles showed substantial UV response, and a few other mammals showed minor fluorescence. Colors fluoresced included pink, green, and …

Bird Usage Of Black Marasmius Fibers As Nest Material, Haris Rana, Shayla Smithson, Jack Jackson, Ragupathy Kannan

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Black Marasmius fungal fibers have been frequently observed in neotropical bird nests. We tested to determine if superior tensile strength and temperature moderation contributes to why these fibers are preferred by some species over other available nesting materials. Marasmius fibers from nests of Yellow-olive Flycatchers (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) were compared to grass fibers from a Yellow-tailed Oriole (Icterus mesomelas) nest from the same area in Belize, Central America. We measured tensile strengths by a universal strength tester which stretched the fibers to their breaking point. We also used HOBO data loggers to compare the temperature differential between …

Diatoms Of The Northeastern Gulf Of Mexico: Light And Electron Microscope Observations Of Sulcatonitzschia, A New Genus Of Nitzschioid Diatoms (Bacillariales: Bacillariaceae) With A Transverse Sulcus, James A. Nienow, Akshinthala K. S. K. Prasad

Gulf and Caribbean Research

During a systematic investigation of phytoplankton assemblages in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon blowout we encountered a population of diatoms morphologically similar to Nitzschia ossiformis (Taylor) Simonsen located about 75 km offshore and concentrated at a depth of 60—120 meters. The density of individuals in the population was sufficient to make detailed observations using light and electron microscopy. Our specimens were frequently united into short ribbon—like colonies. This, plus features of the fine structure of valve (biseriate striae, raphe canal without pores and flush with the valve surface) suggest the GOM population …