Genetic Variation and Genetic Structure of Two Closely Related Dipterocarp Species, Dryobalanops aromatica C.F. Gaertn. and D. beccarii Dyer

Large-scale genetic structure revealed in tree populations in SE Asia, as well as in many temperate forests, has been shaped by climatic fluctuation in the late Pleistocene, most importantly by that in the last glacial period. In a comparative study of the phylogeographic patterns of two closely related dipterocarp species, Dryobalanops aromatica C.F.Gaertn. and D. beccarii Dyer, we investigated how changes in land area associated with changes in climate affected large-scale genetic structure. We examined the genetic variation of D. aromatica, collected from nine populations throughout the Sundaic region, and of D. beccarii, collected from 16 populations mainly in Borneo, using seven polymorphic microsatellite markers. The two species were clearly distinguishable in the STRUCTURE analysis, although hybridisation probably occurred in sympatric populations and also in several other populations. The D. aromatica populations were divided into two main groups by the STRUCTURE analysis: Malay–Sumatra and Borneo. Mixing of the Sumatra and Borneo clusters occurred on the Malay Peninsula, supporting the hypothesis that tropical rainforests expanded over a dried Sunda Shelf during the last glacial period. The two main genetic clusters might have been formed by repeated cycles of fluctuation in land area. The D. beccarii populations in Borneo were divided into four geographically distinct groups: western Sarawak, central inland Sarawak, central coastal Sarawak and Sabah. The population on the Malay Peninsula (Gunung Panti) was an admixture of the four Bornean clusters. This suggests that this population is a relic of the recent range expansion of D. beccarii during the last glacial period

Population Genetic Diversity in The Genus Dryobalanops Gaertn. f. (Dipterocarpaceae) Based on Nuclear Microsatellite Markers

Abstract The genus Dryobalanops Gaertn. f. is a small but important genus that contains seven species and is found in the Southeast Asian tropical rain forests. Seven polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers were analyzed in 46 natural populations of six extant Dryobalanops species (N = 700 individuals) covering the distribution range in Western Malesia. The mean gene diversity at the species level ranged from 0.392 in D. rappa to 0.635 in D. aromatica. The F ST value ranged from 0.156 in D. keithii to 0.283 in D. beccarii and all F ST values were highly significantly greater than zero. These results suggest that gene flow between populations has been limited and intensive genetic drift has occurred in all of the species. Plants with narrowly distributed species such as D. keithii and D. rappa, which are endemic to Borneo, tend to have lower levels of genetic diversity compared with widespread species such as D. aromatica. STRUCTURE analysis revealed that at least two of the six species could be effectively discriminated each other. The results of this study will be helpful for building effective conservation schemes as well as for providing basic data for future provenance trials of Dryobalanops species

Molecular database for classifying Shorea species (Dipterocarpaceae) and techniques for checking the legitimacy of timber and wood products

The extent of tropical forest has been declining, due to over-exploitation and illegal logging activities. Large quantities of unlawfully extracted timber and other wood products have been exported, mainly to developed countries. As part of the export monitoring effort, we have developed methods for extracting and analyzing DNA from wood products, such as veneers and sawn timbers made from dipterocarps, in order to identify the species from which they originated. We have also developed a chloroplast DNA database for classifying Shorea species, which are both ecologically and commercially important canopy tree species in the forests of Southeast Asia. We are able to determine the candidate species of wood samples, based on DNA sequences and anatomical data. The methods for analyzing DNA from dipterocarp wood products may have strong deterrent effects on international trade of illegitimate dipterocarp products. However, the method for analyzing DNA from wood is not perfect for all wood products and need for more improvement, especially for plywood sample. Consequently, there may be benefits for the conservation of tropical forests in Southeast Asia. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10265-010-0348-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

The Asia‐Pacific Biodiversity Observation Network : 10‐year achievements and new strategies to 2030.

The Asia-Pacific Biodiversity Observation Network (APBON) was launched in 2009, in response to the establishment of the Biodiversity Observation Network under the Group on Earth Observations in 2008. APBON's mission is to increase exchange of knowledge and know-how between institutions and researchers concerning biodiversity science research in the Asia-Pacific (AP) region and thereby contribute to evidence-based decision-making and policy-making. Here we summarize APBON activities and achievements in its first 10 years. We review how APBON has developed networks, facilitated communication for sharing knowledge, and built capacity of researchers and stakeholders through workshops and publications as well as discuss the network plan. Key findings by APBON members include descriptions of species new to science, mapping tropical forest cover change, evaluating impacts of hydropower dams and climate change on fish species diversity in the Mekong, and mapping “Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas” in the oceans. APBON has also contributed to data collection, sharing, analysis, and synthesis for regional and global biodiversity assessment. A highlight was contributing to the “Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services” regional report. New strategic plans target the development of national-level BONs and interdisciplinary research to address the data and knowledge gaps and increase data accessibility for users and for meeting societal demands. Strengthening networks in AP region and capacity building through APBON meetings will continue. By promoting monitoring and scientific research and facilitating the dialogue with scientists and policymakers, APBON will contribute to the implementation of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the entire AP region.publishedVersio

In Situ Enzyme Activity in the Dissolved and Particulate Fraction of the Fluid from Four Pitcher Plant Species of the Genus Nepenthes

The genus Nepenthes, a carnivorous plant, has a pitcher to trap insects and digest them in the contained fluid to gain nutrient. A distinctive character of the pitcher fluid is the digestive enzyme activity that may be derived from plants and dwelling microbes. However, little is known about in situ digestive enzymes in the fluid. Here we examined the pitcher fluid from four species of Nepenthes. High bacterial density was observed within the fluids, ranging from 7×106 to 2.2×108 cells ml−1. We measured the activity of three common enzymes in the fluid: acid phosphatases, β-d-glucosidases, and β-d-glucosaminidases. All the tested enzymes detected in the liquid of all the pitcher species showed activity that considerably exceeded that observed in aquatic environments such as freshwater, seawater, and sediment. Our results indicate that high enzyme activity within a pitcher could assist in the rapid decomposition of prey to maximize efficient nutrient use. In addition, we filtered the fluid to distinguish between dissolved enzyme activity and particle-bound activity. As a result, filtration treatment significantly decreased the activity in all enzymes, while pH value and Nepenthes species did not affect the enzyme activity. It suggested that enzymes bound to bacteria and other organic particles also would significantly contribute to the total enzyme activity of the fluid. Since organic particles are themselves usually colonized by attached and highly active bacteria, it is possible that microbe-derived enzymes also play an important role in nutrient recycling within the fluid and affect the metabolism of the Nepenthes pitcher plant

Forest structure and recovery in selectively logged forests in Sarawak, Malaysia

In Sarawak, Malaysia, logging is conducted with a 25-year harvesting cycle; however, it remains largely unclear if this cycle length is sufficient for forest recovery. This study aims to investigate how the structure of logged forests recovered along the periods after logging. We conducted this study in the Anap-Muput Forest Management Unit (AMFMU), Sarawak. We first established permanent sample plots with different logging history; that is, from 5 years to more than 37 years after the most recent logging. Using the various sample plots, we assessed the stem density, basal area (BA), proportion of dipterocarps, growth and mortality. To compare the forest structure of the logged over forests with that of primary forests, we used our previous data of a primary forest in Batang Ai National Park. We found significant differences in the stem density, total BA, and the proportion of dipterocarp among the plots. Generally, the stem density and total BA increased with the period after logging and decreased with diameter at breast height (DBH) size classes, except of tree of ≥60 cm DBH in several plots. The growth rates and mortalities were higher in more recent logged forests. These results indicated that logged forest was recovering with periods after logging partly because of higher growth rate; however, even in a forest of 37 years after logging, the forest structure was not fully recovered compared to the primary forest. Thus, we concluded that a 25-year harvesting cycle in the selective logging system would not be sufficient for the AMFMU forest to recover. We further need other effective strategies with systematic monitoring