Assessing the invertebrate fauna trajectories in remediation sites of Winstone Aggregates Hunua quarry in Auckland

This study monitored the invertebrates in restoration plantings in the Winstone Aggregates Hunua Quarry. This was to assess the re-establishment of invertebrates in the restoration planting sites and compare them with unplanted control and mature sites. This study follows on from a baseline study carried out in 2014-2015 measuring the restoration trajectory of invertebrates in the Winstone Aggregate Hunua quarry site. A range of entomological monitoring techniques were used and found that dung beetles, millipedes, foliage moths, leaf litter moths and some mite species increased in numbers from the control sites through to the mature sites, while ants, rove beetles, grass moths, some carabid beetles, and worms showed a downwards trend from the mature sites to the control sites. Further monitoring of invertebrates in the restoration area should be carried out

Trends in the Discovery of New Marine Natural Products from Invertebrates over the Last Two Decades – Where and What Are We Bioprospecting?

It is acknowledged that marine invertebrates produce bioactive natural products that may be useful for developing new drugs. By exploring untapped geographical sources and/or novel groups of organisms one can maximize the search for new marine drugs to treat human diseases. The goal of this paper is to analyse the trends associated with the discovery of new marine natural products from invertebrates (NMNPI) over the last two decades. The analysis considers different taxonomical levels and geographical approaches of bioprospected species. Additionally, this research is also directed to provide new insights into less bioprospected taxa and world regions. In order to gather the information available on NMNPI, the yearly-published reviews of Marine Natural Products covering 1990–2009 were surveyed. Information on source organisms, specifically taxonomical information and collection sites, was assembled together with additional geographical information collected from the articles originally describing the new natural product. Almost 10000 NMNPI were discovered since 1990, with a pronounced increase between decades. Porifera and Cnidaria were the two dominant sources of NMNPI worldwide. The exception was polar regions where Echinodermata dominated. The majority of species that yielded the new natural products belong to only one class of each Porifera and Cnidaria phyla (Demospongiae and Anthozoa, respectively). Increased bioprospecting efforts were observed in the Pacific Ocean, particularly in Asian countries that are associated with the Japan Biodiversity Hotspot and the Kuroshio Current. Although results show comparably less NMNPI from polar regions, the number of new natural products per species is similar to that recorded for other regions. The present study provides information to future bioprospecting efforts addressing previously unexplored taxonomic groups and/or regions. We also highlight how marine invertebrates, which in some cases have no commercial value, may become highly valuable in the ongoing search for new drugs from the sea

Modelling the impact of toxic and disturbance stress on white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) populations

Several studies have related breeding success and survival of sea eagles to toxic or non-toxic stress separately. In the present investigation, we analysed single and combined impacts of both toxic and disturbance stress on populations of white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), using an analytical single-species model. Chemical and eco(toxico)logical data reported from laboratory and field studies were used to parameterise and validate the model. The model was applied to assess the impact of ∑PCB, DDE and disturbance stress on the white-tailed eagle population in The Netherlands. Disturbance stress was incorporated through a 1.6% reduction in survival and a 10–50% reduction in reproduction. ∑PCB contamination from 1950 up to 1987 was found to be too high to allow the return of white-tailed eagle as a breeding species in that period. ∑PCB and population trends simulated for 2006–2050 suggest that future population growth is still reduced. Disturbance stress resulted in a reduced population development. The combination of both toxic and disturbance stress varied from a slower population development to a catastrophical reduction in population size, where the main cause was attributed to the reduction in reproduction of 50%. Application of the model was restricted by the current lack of quantitative dose–response relationships between non-toxic stress and survival and reproduction. Nevertheless, the model provides a first step towards integrating and quantifying the impacts of multiple stressors on white-tailed eagle populations

Labor And The Politics Of Structural Adjustment In Australia And Indonesia

The labour forces of Australia and Indonesia are compared for the period from the late 1960s to the 1990s. The position of labour in a global economy is also considered. It is determined that the outlook for organised labour is bleak, however its position is also contingent upon national circumstance

Beetles of conservation interest from the Three Kings Islands: a report submitted to the Department of Conservation, Northland Conservancy

The aim of this report is to summarise the current state of knowledge of seven species of Three Kings Islands’ beetles that have a high conservation value and are considered to be vulnerable species. The report provides information on taxonomy, non-technical identification, biology, habitat, distribution and conservation for each species. This information may encourage field staff to study these species (and others) during visits to the islands. The species covered here are mainly larger, less mobile (mostly flightless) species, which are especially susceptible to predation. There are many other species - mostly smaller, less apparent species - that are also worthy of consideration, but require more specialised entomological knowledge to study and are beyond the scope of this report. This report also aims to draw attention to the very high conservation value of the islands’ beetle fauna as a whole and the need to develop a conservation management strategy for this fauna

Xylotoles costatus Pitt Island Longhorn: a manual with aids to identification

The Pitt Island longhorn, Xylotoles costatus, is a medium sized (17 - 20 mm long) beetle. It is the largest of a number of species of longhorn beetles, (family Cerambycidae) that occur on the Chatham Islands. Beetles of this family can generally be recognised by their elongate shape and long antennae, that are normally at least three quarters of the length of the beetle and sometimes even longer then the beetle

Hadramphus spinipennis coxella weevil: a manual with aids to identification and descriptions of plant damage

The coxella weevil, Hadramphus spinipennis, is a large stout, knobbly-backed weevil that feeds on coxella, Aciphylla dieffenbachii. Because of its large size (20-25 mm in length) it cannot be confused with any other species of weevil or beetle occurring on the Chatham Islands. Both adults and larvae feed on coxella, and this is the only known food plant. Adults and larvae produce characteristic feeding damage on coxella. Recognition of the feeding damage is an important aid in location of beetle colonies. This feeding damage is divided into four main types