International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

About: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources is a nonprofit organization based out in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Biodiversity & Population. The organization has 1317 authors who have published 1870 publications receiving 97588 citations.

Algal Taxonomy in Limnology: An Example of the Declining Trend of Taxonomic Studies?

Abstract: The recent decline in taxonomic studies is well recognized. Algae-related papers (390) published in five leading limnology journals (1971–2004) were consulted to assess similar trends in limnology by taking algae as a test aquatic group. The study showed a decrease of algae-only studies and an increase of multi-group studies (algae plus one or more aquatic groups). Identification of species decreased while mentioning of ecological groups (phytoplankton, epiphytes, etc.) increased while presenting results. Species identification, however, was not associated with number of aquatic groups or number of algal species included in a study. Problems probably lie with the old-fashioned image of taxonomy and it being threatened by the recent advancement in evolutionary and molecular biology. Issues like the changing research patterns in freshwater ecology, scope of limnological works, its workers and relevant journals are also shaping the status of traditional taxonomy in limnology. Practices such as giving of at least (algal) genera in community studies, and of the current names of studied species in physiological/molecular works and also in studies on particular supra-generic taxa (Class, Family, etc.), could help sustaining of taxonomy in limnology.

Dynamics of Coral Reef Recovery

Abstract: Among all marine habitats, coral reef ecosystems support the highest concentration of marine biodiversity. Yet, corals are declining around the world at an alarming rate, mainly as a result of more frequent, larger, and longer-lasting bleaching events observed in recent decades ( 1 – 3 ). The study of reef resilience and recovery at the isolated Scott Reef, reported by Gilmour et al. on page 69 of this issue ( 4 ), offers hope that coral reef ecosystems can recover after mass bleaching events, if anthropogenic threats can be greatly reduced or eliminated.

Newly developed microsatellite markers for the pan‐European duck mussel, Anodonta anatina: revisiting the main mitochondrial lineages

Abstract: Freshwater mussels of the family Unionidae are one of the most threatened groups worldwide and have suffered severe decline over recent decades. Although the freshwater duck mussel, Anodonta anatina (Linnaeus, 1758), is still widespread, this species has shown evidence of recent declines and is already protected in some European countries. Informed conservation efforts must take into account patterns in genetic diversity and phylogeography. In the present study, 20 newly developed polymorphic loci were described and tested in seven populations of A. anatina, belonging to three previously detected divergent mtDNA lineages. The genetic diversity patterns, within and among A. anatina populations, were evaluated to test their congruence with those lineages. A high genetic differentiation (FST) was found among all populations, with the exception of those in Central Europe (Germany) and the UK, which were not strongly structured. The present study confirms the division of the species into three evolutionarily significant units corresponding to the three previously detected mtDNA lineages, which should be managed independently. Furthermore, owing to the high differentiation among southern European populations, the establishment of distinct management units for the Guadalquivir, Guadiana and Douro populations in the Iberian Peninsula is also proposed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Action Plan for Australian Lizards and Snakes 2017

Abstract: Lizards and snakes (squamate reptiles) are the most diverse vertebrate group in Australia, with approximately 1000 described species, representing about 10% of the global squamate diversity. Squamates are a vital part of the Australian ecosystem, but their conservation has been hindered by a lack of knowledge of their diversity, distribution, biology and key threats. The Action Plan for Australian Lizards and Snakes 2017 provides the first comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of Australian squamates in 25 years. Conservation assessments are provided for 986 species of Australian lizards and snakes (including sea snakes). Over the past 25 years there has been a substantial increase in the number of species and families recognised within Australia. There has also been an increase in the range and magnitude of threatening processes with the potential to impact squamates. This has resulted in an increase in the proportion of the Australian squamate fauna that is considered Threatened. Notably over this period, the first known extinction (post-European settlement) of an Australian reptile species occurred – an indication of the increasingly urgent need for better knowledge and management of this fauna. Six key recommendations are presented to improve the conservation management and plight of Australian squamates. This Action Plan represents an essential resource for research scientists, conservation biologists, conservation managers, environmental consultants, policy makers from Commonwealth and State/Territory governments, and the herpetological community.