Floristic Diversity and Conservation Status of Guineo-Congolese Species in Southeastern Cameroon: The Case of the Gari-Gombo Communal Forest

The conservation of plant biodiversity has become one of the most important objectives in the sustainable management of Guinean-Congolese ecosystems. However, in the south-east zone of Cameroon, there is a lack of rigor in the management of these forests, which can result in the loss of species of high conservation value. The study was carried out in communal forests in the south-east zone of Cameroon. Its aim was to carry out a floristic inventory and then compare the list of species with the IUCN catalog. Twenty-four plots, each with a surface area of 0.2 ha, were set up in the Gari-Gombo communal forest. All timbers with a DBH ≥ 5 cm were systematically counted. A total of 176 species, belonging to 144 genera and 45 families, were surveyed. Fabaceae (42.08%), Malvaceae (39%), Euphorbiaceae (24.64%), Moraceae (20.92%), Apocynaceae (18.64%), Cecropiaceae (16.60%), Ulmaceae (14.76%), Meliaceae (14.61%), Violaceae (14.08%), Combretaceae (12.67%), Theobroma cacao (21.17%), Baphia leptobotrys (18.06%), Rinorea sp. (14.09%), Musanga cecropioides (12.18%), Terminalia superba (10.32%), Neosloetiopsis kamerunensis (10.14%), Celtis zenkeri (8.29%) and Alstonia boonei (7.77%) were the most important taxa. Nearly 90% of the species in this forest are Guinean species, with a dominance of Guinean-Congolese species (66%). Fourteen (14) threatened species have been identified in the FCGG. This study, which highlights the rich biodiversity of communal forests, is important for guiding biodiversity conservation policies in ecosystems used for production.

Population and conservation status of the Himalayan Griffon(Gyps himalayensis) at the Drigung Thel Monastery,Tibet,China

The Himalayan Griffon(Gyps himalayensis), occurring mainly in the Tibetan Plateau, is one of the scavengers of Old World vultures. As of now, knowledge about the Himalayan Griffon in China remains scarce. Estimates of its number, habitat, and conservation status were carried out in 2003, 2009 and 2102 in the Lhasa River Valley, where we paid particular attention to the population living at the Drigung Thel Monastery, Mzizhokunggar County. The resident species occupies alpine meadows in the daytime and roosts at the upper parts of cliffs at night between 4400–5000 m elevation. The number of individual birds of the Himalayan Griffon around the monastery was estimated as 230 in 2003, 250 in 2009 and 200 in 2012. This population is considered relatively stable, thanks to the current conservation measures by Buddhist monks and local people. Given the lack of any baseline information, it is difficult for us to recommend and provide any effective conservation measures.

Assessment of Diversity, Distribution, Conservation Status and Preparation of Management Plan for Medicinal Plants in the Catchment Area of Parbati Hydroelectric Project Stage-Ⅲ in Northwestern Himalaya

The developmental activities, particularly the construction of hydroelectric projects are causing a great loss of biodiversity in the Indian Himalayan Region. The Himaehal Pradesh, a part of IHR is well known for the development of hydroelectric projects. The Parbati H.E. Project is amongst the major projects of the State. The different stages of the project are all causing loss of biodiversity of the area. Stage Ⅲ of the Parbati H.E. Project is a run of the river scheme on the Sainj River downstream of Power House of Parbati H.E. Project Stage Ⅱ. The project shall utilize regulated discharge of Parbati H.E. Project Stage Ⅱ and inflow of River Sainj for power generation, and has been contemplated as a peaking station operating in tandem with Stage Ⅱ. The present study has been undertaken to see the impact of hydroelectric project on the biodiversity, particularly on medicinal plants. A total of 104 species of medicinal plants, belonging to different life forms, i.e., trees （23 spp.）, shrubs （22 spp.）, herbs （57 spp.） and ferns （2 spp.） were recorded. The species have been analyzed and studied for their distribution, classification, altitudinal zones, part （s） used, indigenous uses, nativity, endemism and rarity.Different parts of these species, such as whole plants, roots （including rhizomes and tubers）, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, stems, barks, spikes, nuts and insect galls are used by the inhabitants for curing various diseases and ailments. 3o species are native to the Himalayan region, 9 species native to the Himalayan region and adjacent countries also and 65 species are non-natives. 9 species are near endemics. Considering the whole Himalaya as a biogeographie unit （sensu lato）, the near endemics are endemic to the Himalaya. Among these species, Zanthoxylum armature is categorized as Endangered and Valeriana wallichii as Vulnerable. Hedychium spicatum, Rhus javanica, Berberis lycium, Thalictrum foliolossum, Salvia lanata, Rubia cordifolia and Bergenia ligulata may be considered as threatened species due to their over exploitation for trade. 90 species are propagated by seeds, 8 species by seeds and rhizomes/roots/tubers, 4 species by seeds and cuttings, and 2 species by sori. A management plan for the cultivation and conservation of the medicinal plants in the dam submergence area, and the commercially viable medicinal plants with high value in the catchment area is suggested.

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus(J.F.Gmelin,1788)in Armenia:Update on Conservation Status

The monitoring of the Booted Eagles Hieraaetus pennatus in Armenia,conducted during 2003-2019 shows that the species breeds in northern,north-eastern,central,southern,and south-eastern regions,inhabiting various deciduous and mixed woodlands at elevation range 1,200-2,300 m above sea level.The area of occupancy makes 5,110 km2.According to the last estimation,there are 48-72 breeding pairs of Booted Eagles in the country.The population trend during 2003-2019 demonstrates stability(p>0.05,n=21).Among 24 cases of three nests observed during 2011-2018,in 20 cases(83%)the nest consisted of two hatchlings,however in 11 nests out of those 20(55%)the older and stronger nestling was killing the younger and weaker one.The average breeding success makes 1.33±0.28 fledglings per occupied nest.Our questioning of hunters shows that poaching can be a threat for the species due to low level of education of local hunters.The present conservation measures are not enough.The conservation status of the species should remain the same:Vulnerable D1,but the proposed conservation measures should include:(1)nation-wide educational program on raptors;(2)increase of punishments for illegal hunting and trapping of the species;(3)setting up a state exam for the hunters to check their knowledge;(4)strengthening of Inspectorate for Nature Protection and Mineral Resources;(5)assisting farmers and pigeon breeders to improve facilities for protection of domestic birds.The continuous monitoring of the species remains essential to track its further population trend,and to indicate the efficiency of undertaken conservation measures.

The Current Conservation Efforts and Future Prospects for the Endangered Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana ibex) in Sudan

A comprehensive action plan for the conservation of the endangered species, the Nubian ibex in Sudan, can be developed by gaining a thorough understanding of their current status, conservation strategy, and relevant laws and regulations, as well as raising awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species. The Nubian ibex is listed as an endangered species on The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, highlighting the need for further research on population conservation efforts due to insufficient population data. To address this knowledge gap, a questionnaire was conducted with various stakeholders, including police officers, researchers, and lecturers, representing a diverse range of organizations and universities. The findings revealed that hunting is the primary factor contributing to endangerment. Mammals account for 80% of endangered species, while reptiles comprise less than one-tenth. Research centers are recognized as the main governing body, and 85% of participants are concerned about the declining population. Hunting accounted for less than half of the threats to the ibex population in Sudan, while habitat loss made up a quarter. Mining, climate change, human activity, and agriculture were also identified as risks. However, there were no plans, strategies, procedures, or measures in place to conserve the Nubian ibex. There were also no initiatives to preserve its biodiversity, and awareness about endangered species was lacking. Although participants believed that laws were effective in protecting the ibex, no licenses were issued for its conservation, and annual surveys were not conducted. Additionally, there were no recorded instances of Mukhalfat related to the Nubian ibex. In light of these findings, we propose various conservation measures to address these challenges. These measures include the implementation of laws and regulations, conducting annual surveys to monitor population trends, protecting habitats, establishing breeding and releasing programs, launching awareness campaigns, undertaking rehabilitation efforts, enhancing research efforts, and developing comprehensive conservation strategies. Additionally, it is crucial to foster cooperation among wildlife institutes to ensure the effective implementation of these conservation measures.

Floristic composition,growth temperament and conservation status of woody plant species in the Cameroonian tropical rainforests

Introduction:Cameroon’s tropical rainforests are nowadays strewn with rural forests maintained by local popula‑tions;however,these forests are not officially recognized in the non‑permanent forest domain.Rural forests are non‑delimited riparian areas within the dense moist forest,reserved for rural housing,agricultural activities and agroforestry practices,freely exploited by the local communities for their livelihood without them having any rights to artisanal and commercial logging.This study aimed at contributing to the flora knowledge and the conservation state of woody plant species in rainforests.The study was carried out in two rural forests located in the Eastern and Southern agroforestry zones of Cameroon.Methods:The method adopted for floristic inventories combined a fixed area sampling unit and a variable area sampling unit.Woody individuals with diameter at breast height(dbh)<3.2 cm were counted and shrubs of 3.2≤dbh<10 cm were measured to analyse the understorey,while trees with dbh≥10 cm were measured and identified to characterize the canopy.Results:In the Essiengbot‑Mbankoho rural forest in Eastern Cameroon,468 species belonging to 61 families were recorded in the understory while 227 species belonging to 53 families were identified at the canopy level.A total of 40(7.68%)threatened species,18(3.45%)Near Threatened species and 408(78.31%)Least Concern species were recorded.In the Nbgwassa‑Opkweng rural forest in Southern Cameroon,534 species belonging to 64 families were identified in the understory while 225 species belonging to 43 families were recorded in the canopy.A total of 54(9.69%)threatened species,25(4.49%)Near Threatened species and 421(75.58%)Least Concern species were identified in this forest.Shannon’s diversity indices were above five in the understories and canopies of both forests.Shade‑bearer species were the most represented in the understories while the non‑pioneer light‑demanding and shade‑bearer species were the most abundant in the canopies.Conclusions:Despite the influence of slash‑and‑burn agriculture and subsistence farming practices,rural forests managed by local populations provide opportunities for preserving plant biodiversity.However,the presence of threatened species,pioneer species and non‑pioneer light‑demanding species in these forests is an indicator of mod‑erate and man‑induced disturbances that,in the absence of a forest management plan or sustainable management,may threaten this biodiversity.Legal management of rural forests could help in limiting the anthropogenic activities and pressures on community forests.

Conservation status of Chinese species:(2)Invertebrates

A total of 2441 invertebrate species were evaluated using the IUCN Red List Criteria and Regional Guidelines.Approximately 30 experts were involved in this project,which covered a wide range of species,including jellyfish,corals,planarians,snails,mollusks,bivalves,decapods,benthic crustaceans,arachnids(spiders,scorpions),butterflies,moths,beetles,sea cucumbers,sea urchins,sea stars,acorn worms and lancelets.In general,invertebrate species in China were found to be severely threatened,with 0.9%being critically endangered,13.44%endangered and 20.63%vulnerable.All species of hermatypic corals and planarians are threatened.More than 80%of evaluated species face serious threat due to habitat destruction by coral collection,logging,non-woody vegetation collection,timber plantations,non-timber plantations,extraction and/or livestock.Other threats are intrinsic factors,harvesting by humans,alien invasive species and pollution.The main intrinsic factors contributing to the high levels of threat are limited dispersal and restricted range.No conservation measures have been taken for 70%of the threatened invertebrates evaluated.Existing conservation measures include:strengthening of national and international legislation(Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora),increasing public awareness,studying population trends/monitoring,and establishment of protected areas.The major conservation measure employed is strengthening of policies.Relative to the situation worldwide(2006 IUCN Red List),there is little information available about invertebrate extinctions in China.

Plant diversity in Yunnan:Current status and future directions

Yunnan,located in southwestern China,harbors more than 19,000 higher plants,which represents the highest plant diversity in the country.However,plant diversity in Yunnan faces enormous threats today,including habitat destruction and fragmentation,environmental pollution,and over-exploitation of natural resources.Despite recent efforts to protect biodiversity,there are still thousands of threatened species,some of which have become extinct.We analyzed available data to gain a greater understanding of plant diversity and the status of plant conservation in Yunnan.We found that southern,southeastern,and northwestern Yunnan are hotspots of total species,endemic species,specimens,new species and threatened species,whereas southeastern Yunnan is a hotspot for plant species with extremely small populations.Moreover,we found that there are still conservation gaps and poorly protected areas in central,eastern,and northeastern Yunnan.We conclude that conservation of plant diversity in Yunnan requires modern field investigation,systematic research,the development of comprehensive databases,and government support.We recommend that conservationists pay more attention to building and improving functional protection systems and popularizing science.

Migration routes,population status and important sites used by the globally threatened Black-faced Spoonbill(Platalea minor):a synthesis of surveys and tracking studies

Background:The Black-faced Spoonbill(Platalea minor)is a globally threatened species,nesting mainly in western Korea with smaller numbers breeding in Liaoning Province,China,and Far East Russia.Recent winter field surveys to estimate the species'population size were almost totally conducted in coastal areas,but tracking studies showed that some individuals now winter inland.To ensure its long-term survival,we need a more comprehensive assessment of the current distribution and abundance of the species.Methods:We combined the most recent count data and satellite tracking information to update existing informa-tion about the population abundance and distribution of the Black-faced Spoonbill at all stages of its annual life cycle,and how these have changed during 2004-2020.Results:Black-faced Spoonbills mainly breed on the west coast of the Korean peninsula,while immature birds show a wider summer distribution throughout Yellow Sea coastal areas,when a few remain on wintering sites in the south.Combined tracking results and mid-winter counts confirmed known wintering sites on the east and south coasts of China,but showed that the species also winters on wetlands in the Yangtze River floodplain and in Southeast Asia.During 2004-2020,counts of wintering birds in coastal habitats increased from 1198 to 4864,with numbers wintering on the island of Taiwan contributing most to the overall increase.Latest counts found 5222 in 2021.We also identify key wintering and stopover sites as well as their current conservation status.Conclusions:This study revised the known summering and wintering ranges of the Black-faced Spoonbill and assessed the conservation status of key sites based on a combination of field survey and satellite tracking data.We recommend prioritisation of further field research to identify and survey inland wintering areas in the Yangtze River floodplain and summering areas of immature birds.More tracking of adult individuals and birds during spring migration is necessary to fill these information gaps.We also suggest establishing a Black-faced Spoonbill monitoring platform to store,share and show real-time distribution range and population abundance data.

Floristic, Structural, and Conservation Analysis of the Habitats Occupied by Dupont’s Lark, Chersophilus duponti, in the Northwest Edge of Its Distributional Range

This paper describes and analyzes floristic, structural and conservation features of the shrubland occupied by Chersophilus duponti in the northwest corner of its world distribution range. This study relates the coverage, floristic composition with estimated lark density in the area. We identified four types of shrublands, three of them varied significantly in floristic composition for the habitats of this species in contrast with those of their world distribution: Cistus ladanifer scrubs;heaths dominated by Ericaceae, and scrubs dominated by the genera Lavandula, Thymus and Cytisus. The fourth type, dominated by aromatic chamaephytes and grass, fits descriptions of the bird’s typical habitat. The areas sampled are subject to different categories of threats, the most significant being the natural succession process due to the cessation of grazing, reforestation measures and the use of flat areas for farmlands or other uses. The density of larks in this area was directly related to coverage-composition of plant community.

Quantifying Arborescent Flora Diversity in a Secondary Forest Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Assessment in Nambalan, Mayantoc, Tarlac, Philippines

Forest plays a crucial role in providing essential ecosystem services, including water supply, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to assess the current state of the forest in Barangay Nambalan, Mayantoc, Tarlac. The specific objectives were to identify tree species in the area and determine the tree diversity index, with a focus on endemism and conservation status. Two transect lines, each spanning one kilometer, were established and a total of 10 sampling quadrats were surveyed. Ecological parameters (relative frequency, relative density, relative dominance, and importance value index) and diversity indices (Shannon-Weiner index, Simpson’s index) were computed using the Paleontological Statistic Software Package for Educational Analysis (PAST 4.03). A comprehensive inventory revealed a total of 756 individuals representing 52 species, 46 genera, and 25 families. Among the recorded species, 10 (17.2%) were endemic and 11 (21.6%) were classified as threatened. The Fabaceae (20.8%), Moraceae (14.6%), and Euphorbiaceae (8.3%) were identified as the most abundant families. The computed diversity indices indicated that Barangay Nambalan retains a diverse forest cover;however, species composition was found to be relatively low. Based on the finding, this study recommends the strict enforcement of protective measures and legislation to mitigate further degradation of the remaining forest in Barangay Nambalan.

Waterbirds in the Wetlands of Casiguran, Aurora, Philippines

The wetlands of Casiguran, Aurora, Philippines are primarily the source of livelihood for most of the coastal communities of the area. However, this also serves as a feeding ground for many of the migratory and resident waterbirds. There are waterbird species occurring in the area that need protection but only a few studies of these species exist. This study was conducted from February to March 2019 to census and identify the water birds present in the study site, determine the conservation status and index of abundance of identified waterbirds, and describe their habitat association. Based on the result, 18 waterbird species in five families were present in the area. Family Ardeidae had six representative species, Family Charadriidae had five representative species, Family Scolopacidae had five representative species while only one species represents the Family Anatidae and Family Rallidae. Two waterbird species observed (Anas luzonica and Egretta eulophotes) were listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as vulnerable and another species (Numerius madagascariensis) was listed as endangered. In terms of abundance, Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia) was revealed as the most abundant (94.68%) among waterbirds. Different waterbird species prefer specific habitats. Some usually frequent freshwater and saltwater habitats, including mangroves, open sea, and watercourses inside forests while some were observed in mudflats, and rice fields during the survey.

Natural regeneration in logging gaps of different sizes in Subri River Forest Reserve(Ghana)

Subri River Forest Reserve(SR)is the most extensive forest area in Ghana with an accompanying rich floral species.Over the years,logging from both legally prescribed and illegal operations remain the predominant forest disturbance in SR.Gap creation following logging is crucial in determining tree species composition and diversity.Hence,the study evaluated the composition and diversity of naturally regenerated tree species in logging gaps of different sizes and,again examined the roles of these tree species in fulfilling the economic and ecological agenda of sustainable forest management after logging in SR.Twelve gaps were randomly selected:4 each were grouped into small size(≤200 m^(2)),medium size(201–300 m^(2)),and large size(≥300 m^(2)).Data were gathered from 1 m^(2) circular area at gap centres and repeatedly inside 1 m width strip along 20 m individual N-S-E-W transects.Species diversity differed significantly between gap sizes.Higher diversity indices were measured in large size gaps.Gap sizes shared similar species.There were significant differences among various height groupings of tree species across all three gap sizes.Pioneers preferred medium to large size gaps,while shadetolerant tree species preferred small size gaps for their abundance.Vulnerable and Lower Risk Near Threatened tree species under Conservation Status and,Premium and Commercial tree species under Utilisation Status preferred small size gaps for their proliferation and conservation.Therefore,we recommend the single tree-based selective logging for ensuring creations of small to medium size(200–300 m^(2))gaps through adjustments to the logging permit process,revision of Allocation Quota Permit,strict adherence to the 40-year polycyclic selection system,along with more dedicated enforcement and monitoring.Changes along these protocols would tremendously facilitate natural regeneration of different suites of timber species resulting in the improvement of the overall biodiversity conservation associated with the forest,more sustainable forest harvests and more income to those who receive permits.

The State of Persian Wheatear Oenanthe chrysopygia de Filippi,1863 in Armenia

The monitoring of Persian or Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe chrysopygia was conducted during 2003-2019.The species breeds at the foothills of Urts and Meghri mountain ridges at elevation range from 700 to 1,200 meters above sea level and inhabits rocky semideserts.The total suitable habitat for Red-tailed Wheatear is estimated as 128.4 km2.The species disappeared at several gorges where larger scale new orchards have been launched.The population of Persian Wheatear makes from 70 to 105 breeding pairs.During last ten years the population shows moderate decline,p<0.05,which is mostly caused by launching of new orchards which occupy natural breeding habitat of the species.Although the species is evaluated as endangered in Armenian Red List,the existing conservation measures are insufficient and should include the following:(1)lobbying official adoption of the species distribution range into the Emerald Network protected under Bern Convention;(2)development of management plans for these Emerald Sites,which will consider a strict policy towards new orchards in the semi-deserts of Meghri and Urts mountains;(3)obligatory environmental impact assessment of any new orchard projects in those areas;(4)introduction of eco-friendly concepts in the horticulture in these areas.

Taxonomic bias in occurrence information of angiosperm species in China

Taxonomic bias is a well-known shortcoming of species occurrence databases.Understanding the causes of taxonomic bias facilitates future biological surveys and addresses current knowledge gaps.Here,we investigate the main drivers of taxonomic bias in occurrence data of angiosperm species in China.We used a database including 5,936,768 records for 28,968 angiosperm species derived from herbarium specimens and literature sources.Generalized additive models(GAMs)were applied to investigate explanatory powers of 17 variables on the variation in record numbers of species.Five explanatory variables were selected for a multi-predictor GAM that explained 69%of the variation in record numbers:plant height,range size,elevational range,numbers of scientific publications and web pages.Range size was the most important predictor in the model and positively correlated with number of records.Morphological and phenological traits and social-economic factors including economic values and conservation status had weak explanatory powers on record numbers of plant species,which differs from the findings in animals,suggesting that causes of taxonomic bias in occurrence databases may vary between taxonomic groups.Our results suggest that future floristic surveys in China should more focus on range-restricted and socially or scientifically less"interesting"species.

Winners and losers among tree species in Xishuangbanna: which traits are most important?

Massive human interference in natural ecosystems is resulting in a few ＂winners＂ and many ＂losers＂. However, the drivers of this winner-loser replacement pattern remain poorly understood. The aim of the study reported here was to identify winners among the tree flora of Xishuangbanna and compare their functional traits, specific leaf area （SLA）, wood density （WD）, seed mass （SM） and maximum height （MH） with previously identified losers （i.e., endangered species）. Fifteen native tree species were identified as winners from expert opinion, plot-based surveys of secondary forests and plotless surveys along roads. Twelve endangered tree species for which trait information could be obtained were used for comparison. Traits were compared with a Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Winners had significantly higher SLA, but lower WD. SM and MH did not differ significantly between groups. When the effects of phylogeny were removed by using phylogenetic generalized least squares, the difference in SLA became marginally insignificant. Principal component analysis resulted in two overlapping groups, showing that the selected traits were insufficient to distinguish winners and losers. Our results suggest that the ＂few winners, many losers＂ paradigm applies to trees in Xishuangbanna, with15 species accounting for most trees in the disturbed habitats sampled.