2 research outputs found
Synchrotron radiation photoionization mass spectrometry of laser ablated species
The present paper describes an experimental apparatus suitable to create and study free clusters by combining laser ablation and synchrotron radiation. First tests on sulfur samples, S, showed the production, through laser ablation, of neutral Sn clusters (n = 1–8). These clusters were ionized using synchrotron radiation at photon energies from 160 eV to 175 eV, across the S 2p core edge. The feasibility of such combined ablation–synchrotron radiation experiments is demonstrated, opening new possibilities on the investigation of free clusters and radical
Current threats faced by Neotropical parrot populations
Berkunsky I, Quillfeldt P, Brightsmith DJ, et al. Current threats faced by Neotropical parrot populations. Biological Conservation. 2017;214:278-287.Psittaciformes (parrots, cockatoos) are among the most endangered birds, with 31% of Neotropical species under
threat. The drivers of this situation appear to be manifold and mainly of anthropogenic origin. However, this
assessment is based on the last extensive consultation about the conservation situation of parrots carried out in
the 1990s. Given the rapid development of anthropogenic threats, updated data are needed to strategize conservation actions. Using a population approach, we addressed this need through a wide-ranging consultation
involving biologists, wildlife managers, government agencies and non-governmental conservation organizations.
We gathered up-to-date information on threats affecting 192 populations of 96 Neotropical parrot species across
21 countries. Moreover, we investigated associations among current threats and population trends. Many populations were affected by multiple threats. Agriculture, Capture for the Pet Trade, Logging, each of them affected > 55% of the populations, suggesting a higher degree of risk than previously thought. In contrast to
previous studies at the species level, our study showed that the threat most closely associated with decreasing
population trends is now Capture for the local Pet Trade. Other threats associated with decreasing populations
include Small-holder Farming, Rural Population Pressure, Nest Destruction by Poachers, Agro-industry Grazing,
Small-holder Grazing, and Capture for the international Pet Trade. Conservation actions have been implemented
on < 20% of populations. Our results highlight the importance of a population-level approach in revealing the
extent of threats to wild populations. It is critical to increase the scope of conservation actions to reduce the
capture of wild parrots for pets