Predicting avian distributions to evaluate spatiotemporal overlap with locust control operations in eastern Australia

Locusts and grasshoppers cause considerable economic damage to agriculture worldwide. The Australian Plague Locust Commission uses multiple pesticides to control locusts in eastern Australia. Avian exposure to agricultural pesticides is of conservation concern, especially in the case of rare and threatened species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the probability of pesticide exposure of native avian species during operational locust control based on knowledge of species occurrence in areas and times of application. Using presence-absence data provided by the Birds Australia Atlas for 1998 to 2002, we developed a series of generalized linear models to predict avian occurrences on a monthly basis in 0.5 degrees grid cells for 280 species over 2 million km 2 in eastern Australia. We constructed species-specific models relating occupancy patterns to survey date and location, rainfall, and derived habitat preference. Model complexity depended on the number of observations available. Model output was the probability of occurrence for each species at times and locations of past locust control operations within the 5-year study period. Given the high spatiotemporal variability of locust control events, the variability in predicted bird species presence was high, with 108 of the total 280 species being included at least once in the top 20 predicted species for individual space-time events. The models were evaluated using field surveys collected between 2000 and 2005, at sites with and without locust outbreaks. Model strength varied among species. Some species were under- or over-predicted as times and locations of interest typically did not correspond to those in the prediction data set and certain species were likely attracted to locusts as a food source. Field surveys demonstrated the utility of the spatially explicit species lists derived from the models but also identified the presence of a number of previously unanticipated species. These results also emphasize the need for special consideration of rare and threatened species that are poorly predicted by presence-absence models. This modeling exercise was a useful a priori approach in species risk assessments to identify species present at times and locations of locust control applications, and to discover gaps in our knowledge and need for further focused data collection Copyright 2009 by the Ecological Society ot America

Studies in the southern African species of <i>Justicia</i> and <i>Siphonoglossa</i> (Acanthaceae): indumentum

The trichome types present on all species of Justicia and  Siphonoglossa in the southern African region (as defined by the Flora of southern Africa) were examined with the dissecting and with the Scanning Electron Microscope. Both glandular and eglandular trichomes were observed, the former comprising both sessile, peltate glands and stalked glands of various lengths. Eglandular trichomes are either straight or sharply bent (anvil-shaped), and comprise two to many cells. They are either smooth or have raised ornamentation on the cell walls. The presence and morphology of the trichomes on various organs is recorded and measured, and the range of trichomes seen was illustrated. The possible significance of trichome type and ornamentation in the taxonomy and ecology of the genera is discussed

ACANTHACEAE

NOTES ON SOUTHERN AFRICAN SPECIES OF JUSTICIA L

MALPIGHIACEAE

NAME CHANGES AND CHANGES OF RANK IN  TRIASPIS BURCH

ACANTHACEAE

SIPHONOGLOSSA AND  AULOJUSTICIA IN SOUTHERN AFRIC

FSA contributions 15

Piperacea

FSA contributions 6: Orchidaceae: Holothrix

No abstract availabl

Studies in the southern African species of Justicia and Siphonoglossa (Acanthaceae): seeds

The seeds of all species of Justicia (except J. thymifolia (Nees) C.B. Cl.) and Siphonoglossa in the southern African region (as defined by the Flora of southern Africa) were examined with the Scanning Electron Microscope. A wide range of different seed surfaces were seen, many of which could be correlated with other characters to further reinforce grouping of species into sections. However, some species that on other characters, would be placed together, had widely differing seed testas. Gross surface morphology varied from smooth to colliculate, irregularly rugose, reticulate with the ridges variously arranged, wheel-shaped (radiate or ammonite-like), with a central ridge or with multicellular barbed scales. The seeds were without hairs, unlike some American species sometimes considered to belong in Justicia (Graham 1989). Micromorphology also provided useful characters, with seeds being reticulate, papillate, minutely or deeply rugose or with one to many crystals visible. Critical-point drying was sometimes helpful in viewing microstructure

Studies in the <i>Justicia</i> and <i>Siphonoglossa</i> (Acanthaceae) species of southern Africa: final conclusions

On the basis of seed surface micromorphology, pollen and inflorescence type, as well as characters of the capsule, seven sections can be distinguished in the southern African species of Justicia. The relationship of these to the sections recognised by Graham is discussed. A key to the sections and a synopsis of their main distinguishing characters are presented. One new section, sect. Minima lmmelman, is described. A short note on the generic position of the Siphonoglossa species of the region, following on from a previous paper, is also given