Development and characterization of 43 microsatellite markers for the critically endangered primrose Primula reinii using MiSeq sequencing

Primula reinii(Primulaceae), a perennial herb belonging to the Primula section Reinii, occurs on wet,shaded rocky cliffs in the mountains of Japan. This threatened species comprises four varieties; these plants are very localized and rare in the wild. In this study, 43 microsatellite markers were developed using MiSeq sequencing to facilitate conservation genetics of these critically endangered primroses. We developed novel microsatellite markers for three varieties of P. reinii, and tested its polymorphism and genetic diversity using natural populations. These novel markers displayed relatively high polymorphism; the number of alleles and expected heterozygosities ranged from 2 to 6(mean = 3.2) and 0.13 to 0.82(mean = 0.45), respectively. All loci were in Hardye Weinberg equilibrium. These microsatellite markers will be powerful tools to assess P. reinii genetic diversity and develop effective conservation and management strategies.

Assessment of Reproductive Potential of Different Populations of Angelica glauca Edgew.,a Critically Endangered Himalayan Medicinal Herb

Angelica glauca is one of the important medicinal plants and it is widely used by indigenous communities for different purposes. The present study analyzes variability in reproductive characters of A. glauca. The reproductive parts were found having significant positive correlation with altitude (e.g.,number of umbellets /umber r= 0.857,p<0.05; umbel diameter r=0.735,p<0.05).

Population Structure and Spatial Pattern of Critically Endangered Dipterocarpaceae Tree Species in Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Mindanao, Philippines

Dipterocarps tree species are the key species in most tropical forests because of their economic and ecological value in nature. The present study was carried out to determine the population structure and spatial pattern distribution of critically endangered dipterocarps trees in Mt. Malindang. A total of 638 individuals belonging to 86 species among the 62 genera were recorded at all sites. The highest diversity index was recorded in the elevation range of 700 - 900 masl (3.53). Dipterocarpaceae family had the highest importance value (157.66) among the families recorded in this study. Seven dipterocarp tree species were recorded in this study. Shorea negrosensis Foxw, Shorea polysperma (Blanco) Merr., and Shorea contorta S.Vidal, Shorea squamata (Turcz.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex DC. are listed as critically endangered and Dipterocarpus grandiflorus (Blanco) Blanco as Vulnerable. Soil moisture has a great influence on Anisoptera thurifera (Blanco) Blume, whereas light is positively correlated with Shorea polysperma and negatively correlated with elevation. Diameter-class distribution of critically endangered dipterocarps tree species showed an interrupted growth pattern and because a fewer number of seedlings or saplings were found in each species, this suggested that regeneration is not good. However, threats and disturbances such as illegal poaching, slash and burn, roads, and land conversion to agricultural crops and settlements contribute to the declining population of critically endangered dipterocarps species. Thus, conservation, protection and prioritization management activities in Mt. Malindang are needed.

Ecological niche modelling of a critically endangered species Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari using bioclimatic and non-bioclimatic variables

Background The aim of this study is to examine the effects of four different bioclimatic predictors(current,2050,2070,and 2090 under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways SSP2-4.5)and non-bioclimatic variables(soil,habitat heterogeneity index,land use,slope,and aspect)on the habitat suitability and niche dimensions of the critically endangered plant species Commiphora wightii in India.We also evaluate how niche modelling affects its extent of occurrence(EOO)and area of occupancy(AOO).Results The area under the receiver operating curve(AUC)values produced by the maximum entropy(Maxent)under various bioclimatic time frames were more than 0.94,indicating excellent model accuracy.Non-bioclimatic characteristics,with the exception of terrain slope and aspect,decreased the accuracy of our model.Additionally,Maxent accuracy was the lowest across all combinations of bioclimatic and non-bioclimatic variables(AUC=0.75 to 0.78).With current,2050,and 2070 bioclimatic projections,our modelling revealed the significance of water availability parameters(BC-12 to BC-19,i.e.annual and seasonal precipitation as well as precipitation of wettest,driest,and coldest months and quarters)on habitat suitability for this species.However,with 2090 projection,energy variables such as mean temperature of wettest quarter(BC-8)and isothermality(BC-3)were identified as governing factors.Excessive salt,rooting conditions,land use type(grassland),characteristics of the plant community,and slope were also noticed to have an impact on this species.Through distribution modelling of this species in both its native(west-ern India)and exotic(North-east,Central Part of India,as well as northern and eastern Ghat)habitats,we were also able to simulate both its fundamental niche and its realized niche.Our EOO and AOO analysis reflects the possibility of many new areas in India where this species can be planted and grown.Conclusion According to the calculated area under the various suitability classes,we can conclude that C.wight-ii’s potentially suitable bioclimatic distribution under the optimum and moderate classes would increase under all future bioclimatic scenarios(2090>2050≈current),with the exception of 2070,demonstrating that there are more suitable habitats available for C.wightii artificial cultivation and will be available for future bioclimatic projections of 2050 and 2090.Predictive sites indicated that this species also favours various types of landforms outside rocky environments,such as sand dunes,sandy plains,young alluvial plains,saline areas,and so on.Our research also revealed crucial information regarding the community dispersion variable,notably the coefficient of variation that,when bioclimatic non-bioclimatic variables were coupled,disguised the effects of bioclimatic factors across all time frames.

A review of therapeutic potential of Ajuga bracteosa:A critically endangered plant from Himalaya

Medicinal plants are the nature’s gift for the humanity to treat various ailments and to spend a prosperous healthy life.There are almost 300 species of Ajuga.Among them,Ajuga bracteosa Wall.ex Benth(A.bracteosa)is an important medicinal plant of Himalaya regions.Its medicinal potential is due to the presence of various pharmacologically active compounds such as neo-clerodane diterpenoids,flavonol glycosides,iridoid glycosides,ergosterol-5,8-endoperoxide and phytoecdysones.The aim of this review article was to gather information about A.bracteosa which is currently scattered in form of various publications.This review article tried to attract the attention from people for therapeutic potential of A.bracteosa.The present review comprises upto date information of botanical aspects,active ingredients,traditional uses,and pharmacological activities such as antitumor,antimicrobial,antimalarial,anti-inflammatory,cardiotonic activity,antiarthritic activity,antioxidant activity and in vitro production of secondary metabolites for pharmaceuticals.Due to remarkable medicinal potential and commercialization,this species is indexed into critically endangered category and it is facing extremely high risk of extinction.Conservation practices and management techniques should be carried out to protect this important species from extinction.Recent biotechnological approaches will be quite helpful for its conservation.

Conservation status evaluation of Berberis species across the Karakoram Mountain Ranges, Pakistan using IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria

Berberis species medicinal plants in Pakistan are endangered, high-value with important eco-cultural, commercial and livelihood roles in mountain communities. To assess the geographical distribution of Berberis species across the Karakoram Mountain Ranges in Pakistan, we used IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria （2001） to calculate the extent of occurrence （EOO, 〈100 km^2） and the area of occupancy （AOO, 〈10 km^2） of Berberis pseudumbellata subsp, pseudumbellata and B. pseudumbellata subsp. gilgitica. Overgrazing and habitat loss were key population- limiting factors. The two subspecies had contrasting responses to temperature, elevation, precipitation and insect susceptibility. B. pseudumbellata subsp, gilgitica is endemic to Gilgit-Baltistan and grows in single-cropping zone （ar- eas 〉 200 m a.s.1.）. Status evaluation revealed that both subspecies meet the criteria set for critically endangered species. Prolonged disregard of its declining population trend might lead to its extinction; therefore, integrated con- servation efforts are necessary.

Diversity, Distribution Pattern and Conservation Status of the Plants Used in Liver Diseases/Ailments in Indian Himalayan Region

In the Indian Himalayan Region, th studies focused on diversity of the plants used fo treating liver diseases/ailments have not been carried out so far. Therefore, the present attempt has been made to study the diversity, distribution pattern and conservation status of the plant species used fo treating liver diseases/ailments in that region. A tota of 138 species (35 species of trees, 22 shrubs and 8 herbs) belonging to 98 genera in 60 families hav been recorded. Amongst the families, Euphorbiacea (9 species), and altitudinal zone <1,800 m, (i.e., 11 species) are rich in species. Traditionally, variou plant parts, such as roots/rhizomes/tubers (46 species), leaves (31), whole plants (30), barks (15) fruits (13), seeds and unspecified parts (8 each), and inflorescence (1) are used for the treatment of live diseases/ailments. 34 species are native, 3 ar endemic and 15 near endemic. 7 species ar categorized as Critically Endangered (Betula utilis) Endangered (Podophyllum hexandrum, Ephedra gerardiana, and Nardostachys grandiflora) and Vulnerable (Bergenia ligulata, B. stracheyi, and Hedychium spicatum) using new IUCN criteria Available chemical composition of plant parts used fo the treatment of liver diseases/ailments have beengiven. Assessment of the populations of threatened species, development of an appropriate strategy, action plan for the conservation and sustainable utilization of such components of plant diversity are suggested.

New combination in Veronica (Scrophulariaceae s.l.) based on morphological characters and the seed storage protein polymorphism

Veronica erciyasdagi （M. A. Fischer） C. Vural comb. ＆ stat. nov., previously regarded as a variety, is proposed as a new combination, based on the morphological characters and seed storage protein polymorphism presented in this study. In addition, information about the ecology and conservation status of Veronica erciyasdagi was reported. This taxon is endemic to central Anatolia, Turkey and is critically endangered.

Biological Status of Indus River Dolphin （Platanista Minor Owen） in Indus River, Northern Pakistan

A study was aimed to determine the biological status of the Indus river dolphin, Platanista minor Owen in Indus river with respect to distribution, threats and protection throughout its range in Northern Pakistan. For this purpose, a survey was conducted in an area of 103.5 km including the Indus river and its tributaries in March 2009 for estimating its distribution and population size using both direct observations of the dolphin as well as indirect evidences from its signs. The best group size was estimated with an abundance of 54 dolphins. Approximately 53.7% （1.07 dolphin＆m） of the dolphin-population occurred in 27 km from Miran onward to Ramak, however, 38.9% （0.46 dolphin/km） occurred in 46 km from Dera Ismail （D.I.） Khan bridge to Miran, moreover, 7.4% （0.13 dolphin/kin） occurred in 30.5 km from Saggu, near Meetapur-village to D.I. Khan bridge in the Indus river. The highest density was found between Miran and Ramk. A pronounced increase in dolphin encounter rate and abundance were observed in a downstream-direction. Threats to dolphins include too much vessel-traffic, disturbance by the crane, duck-hunters, and no effective-protection. Dolphins are particularly vulnerable to the high levels of anthropogenic activities because of their restricted habitat. Threats vary geographically in their importance, but generally include accidental killing during fishing-operations, habitat-loss and population-fragmentation from water development. Deliberate killing for dolphin products also threatens the dolphins. Potential for protections and possibilities for dolphin eco-tourism measures must be taken.

Present Status of Aquatic Resource and Its Catch of Mogra River in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is very rich in aquatic fauna with a biodiversity.The present study,conducted during 2015 to 2019,recorded a total number of 131 species(104 fish,09 prawn,01 snail,04 crabs,and 13 turtles)belonging to 26 families were identified from the Mogra River and its flood plain.About ten types of fishing gears,different crafts,hook and line were found operative in the river.Increasing rates of using current jal(16.0-26.40%)and Kapuri jal(11.0-16.70%)were identified as detrimental gears destroying different species.The fish productivity was decreased dramatically from 170.63±10.81mt to 134.75±8.02 mt with a decreasing percentage of 6.26 to 21.03%within five years.Three important aquatic species turtiles(Cyclem-ys oldhami,Melanocheelys tquuga and Morenia petersi)became rare and 17 commercially important aquatic species were at the edge of extinction(critically endangered,CR).From the study,67 species were recorded in the endangered(EN)category,20 species vulnerable status(VU),11 species lower risk(LR),07 species Least concern(LC)and 04 Data deficient(DF).To save the existing aquatic species in the studied riverine ecosystem and ensure better liveHhood of the fishes,a team of local management committee,similar to the Hilsa fisheries management technology is needed.