Conservation status assessment of the highest forests in the world: Polylepis flavipila forests as a case study

Polylepis forests are one of the most threatened high Andean ecosystems, with 15 species and eight subspecies being categorized as critically endangered, vulnerable or near threatened by IUCN. However, their conservation status is poorly evaluated and could be outdated. As a case study, we evaluated Polylepis flavipila, a species endemic to the Peruvian central Andes, that is categorized as Vulnerable in Peru and is not mentioned in the Global Threatened Species Red List. We used two methods to categorize P. flavipila: (1) a species-level assessment using criteria proposed by IUCN and (2) a population-level assessment of four forests using the more specific criteria proposed by Navarro and collaborators. We recorded 350 relicts of P. flavipila forests as identified from herbariums and other sources. Forest cover was reduced 53% over 45 years as evaluated using satellite images from 1975 and 2020 and we estimated a total area of 458 and 216 km2, respectively. Thus, according to the IUCN criteria, P. flavipila should be classified as Endangered. At the population level, the application of the criteria of Navarro and collaborators results in different threat categories: one of the studied forests is classified as Critically Endangered, two forests as Vulnerable and one as Least Concern. We stress the need for updated categorizations for the 45 described Polylepis tree and shrub species based on the following facts: the only species we tested should change category, the IUCN categorizations were performed 16 to 22 years ago, and there have been many changes in the taxonomy of the genus. The assessment using IUCN criteria should also be complemented with more detailed evaluations at the population level since important differences were detected at a smaller scale, which could help target conservation and restoration resources more efficiently.Fil: Ames Martínez, Fressia Nathalie. Universidad Continental Huancayo; PerúFil: Quispe Melgar, Harold Rusbelth. Asociación ANDINUS; PerúFil: Renison, Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas; Argentin

Heavy metals in soils and edible tissues of Lepidium meyenii (maca) and health risk assessment in areas influenced by mining activity in the Central region of Peru

Heavy metal contamination of soil and agricultural products is an environmental problem, has an adverse effect on the quality of food crops, and is a danger to food security and public health. The concentration of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in surface soils and edible hypocotyls tissues of two ecotypes of Lepidium meyenii Walpers (maca) was evaluated in three districts of the Junín province, Peru. In addition, the risk to human health due to exposure to heavy metals from maca consumption was evaluated. Soil samples and maca hypocotyls were collected in areas influenced by mining and metallurgical activity. The mean concentration of Cd (0.32 ± 0.23 mg/kg) and Pb (0.20 ± 0.12 mg/kg) in maca samples exceeded the values established by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization. The bioconcentration factor was less than 1. The estimated daily intake of each metal was below the oral reference dose. The hazard quotient and hazard index were less than 1, it is unlikely to cause non-cancer adverse health outcome. The cancer risk for As and Cd was higher than the tolerable limit (1 × 10−6) in children and adults. In the district of Ondores, the cancer risk for As in children was higher than the acceptable limit (1 × 10−4). Residents of the Ondores district would be more exposed to As and Cd from consumption of maca hypocotyls. It is very important to carry out continuous monitoring of other toxic metals in different ecotypes of maca (red, black, yellow, purple, creamy white, pink) in order to evaluate the variation in the accumulation of heavy metals and the level of toxicity of each metal between ecotypes.Revisón por pare

New distribution records of Anairetes alpinus (Carriker, 1933) (Aves, Tyrannidae), a highly specialized and endangered bird of Polylepis forests in Junín, Peru

The Ash-breasted Tit-tyrant, Anairetes alpinus (Carriker, 1933) (Aves, Tyrannidae), is an endangered and highly specialized bird that inhabits the Polylepis forests (Rosaceae) of Peru and Bolivia. Here, we report 2 new localities in the department of Junín, central Peru, where it was detected in forests dominated by Polylepis canoi, P. rodolfo-vasquezii, and a third undescribed Polylepis species. We conclude that a residential population is the more likely possibility although the possibility of dispersal individuals should also be considered

¿Cómo avanzar en la conservación de los bosques de Polylepis y su diversidad biológica?

Polylepis is the dominant genus of the high Andean forest vegetation and they have a crucial ecological role. However, these forests are highly endangered and many of their biological aspects are still unknown. In this context, a series of questions were formulated with the aim that their resolution would contribute to a better understanding of Polylepis’dynamics and biological diversity, as well as improve their conservation efforts. Twenty one speakers from the V International Congress of Conservation and Ecology of Polylepis forests participated in the formulation of 67 questions related to these forests. Comments and additional information were received via email and google doc spreadsheet, open to the participants. Afterwards, two workshops were organized with the researchers to formulate, discuss, analyze and define the final list, narrowing down to a total of 40 questions. The questions were categorized into 6 different topics: Taxonomy, Ecology and Biogeography, Genetics, Conservation, Ethnobiology and Climate Change. We hope these questions will be considered as a priority for new research agendas and to define joint efforts for Polylepis forest conservation. El género Polylepis es dominante en los bosques a mayor elevación en los Andes y es de excepcional importancia ecológica. Sin embargo, estos bosques están gravemente amenazados y muchos aspectos de su biología permanecen poco conocidos. A razón de esto, identificamos preguntas que al ser resueltas contribuirán al mejor entendimiento de la dinámica de los bosques de Polylepis y con esto mejorar las acciones para su conservación y su diversidad biológica. Veintiún conferencistas que asistieron al V Congreso Internacional de Ecología y Conservación de los bosques de Polylepis participaron en la formulación de 67 preguntas asociadas a estos bosques. Los comentarios e insumos fueron recibidos mediante correo electrónico y a través de una matriz desarrollada en hojas de cálculo de google compartida con los participantes. Se realizaron dos talleres continuos con los investigadores, obteniendo una lista final de 40 preguntas formuladas, discutidas, analizadas y consensuadas. Las preguntas están divididas en 6 áreas temáticas: Taxonomía, Ecología y Biogeografía, Genética, Conservación, Etnobiología y Cambio Climático. Esperamos que estas preguntas sean consideradas como prioritarias para la agenda de investigación ya que pretenden generar un marco general para definir esfuerzos conjuntos para la conservación de los bosques de Polylepis

Seed weight and elevation influence germination of a keystone high Andean tree species

The use of quality seeds is the basis for reforestation and ecosystem restoration programs; however, in the Andes few species have been evaluated to determine the factors that influence seed quality and most native trees used for restoration are not produced using seeds. We evaluate seed physical and physiological characteristics in the keystone high Andean tree species Polylepis incana and relate to the mother tree and the microsite characteristics. An analysis based on seed lots by weight, germination tests in nursery, incubator and tetrazolium tests were carried out in 12812 seeds. Our results indicate that seeds of higher weight and those coming from higher elevation have better germination performance, while dasometric variables of the mother tree and the other environmental variables (slope, % rock and light hours) were not associated to seed performance. Moreover, seed weight was negatively associated to increase of slope and light hours received by the mother tree. Also, tetrazolium tests and fruit dissection showed that the average germination (≈ 30%) is due to a very high value of degraded (38.7%), empty (19.1%) and non-viable (12.7%) seeds. We conclude Polylepis incana saplings can be produced using seeds in combination with cuttings, and that it is possible to select trees with environmental conditions that favor seed performance. We also advise collecting seeds from as many trees as possible to ensure genetic diversity and establish more resilient populations in a context of climate change.Fil: Quispe-Melgar, Harold Rusbelth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas; ArgentinaFil: Renison, Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas; Argentin

Setting large‑ and medium‑sized mammal restoration goals in a last mountain Chaco remnant from central Argentina

Setting large- and medium-sized wild mammal (≥ 2 kg) restoration goals is important due to their role as ecosystem engineers and generalized numeric reductions. However, determining wild mammal restoration goals is very challenging due to difficulties in obtaining data on current mammal density and due to unclear information on what mammal density values should be used as a reference. Here we chose a 154 ha conservation area within one of the last remnants of the mountainous Chaco from central Argentina. We suspected that extensive and unreported defaunation had occurred due to past human pressure and the introduction of non-native mammals. To conduct the analyses, we used a simplified technique that integrates methods used in rangeland and ecological sciences. Results: Eight native mammal species including only one herbivore species, and four non-native mammal species including three herbivore species were detected during 6113 camera trap days. We used known cattle densities as estimated by droppings and direct counts, together with the relative abundance indexes obtained from camera trap photos to calculate the densities of the other species, correcting for mammal size. Densities for the least and most abundant native species were 0.2 and 1.33 individuals km−2, respectively; and for non-native species, 0.03 and 5.00 individuals km−2, respectively. Native and non-native species represented 0.8% and 99.2%, respectively, of the biomass estimates. Reference values for native herbivore biomass, as estimated from net primary productivity, were 68 times higher than values estimated for the study area (3179 vs. 46.5 kg km−2). Conclusions: There is an urgent need to increase native mammals, with special emphasis on herbivore biomass and richness, while non-native mammal numbers must be reduced. As cattle are widespread in large portions of the globe and there is a lot of experience estimating their abundances, the ratio method we used extrapolating from cattle to other large- and medium-sized mammals could facilitate estimating mammal restoration goals in other small and defaunated areas, where traditional methods are not feasible when target mammal densities get very low.Fil: Renison, Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas; ArgentinaFil: Quispe Melgar, Harold Rusbelth. Universidad Continental; PerúFil: Cuyckens, Griet An Erica. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas; ArgentinaFil: Cingolani, Ana María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina. Ecosistemas Argentinos; Argentin

FIGURE 6 in Myoxanthus anancusiensis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), a new species from the inter-Andean valley of Huancavelica, Peru

FIGURE 6. Myoxanthus anancusiensis in situ. A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Habitat. Photographs by Robinson Daniel Cuadros-Rojas.Published as part of <i>Cuadros-Rojas, Robinson Daniel, Quispe-Melgar, Harold Rusbelth, Calderon-Quispe, Fernando H. & Singer, Rodrigo B., 2023, Myoxanthus anancusiensis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), a new species from the inter-Andean valley of Huancavelica, Peru, pp. 155-164 in Phytotaxa 622 (2)</i> on page 162, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.622.2.5, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/10147158">http://zenodo.org/record/10147158</a&gt

FIGURE 5 in Myoxanthus anancusiensis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), a new species from the inter-Andean valley of Huancavelica, Peru

FIGURE 5. Distribution map of Myoxanthus anancusiensis H.R.Quispe, R.D.Cuadros & F.H.Calderon and the most similar species M. serripetalus and M. oliviae in Peru. The red asterisk indicates a record that needs to be corroborated.Published as part of <i>Cuadros-Rojas, Robinson Daniel, Quispe-Melgar, Harold Rusbelth, Calderon-Quispe, Fernando H. & Singer, Rodrigo B., 2023, Myoxanthus anancusiensis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), a new species from the inter-Andean valley of Huancavelica, Peru, pp. 155-164 in Phytotaxa 622 (2)</i> on page 161, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.622.2.5, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/10147158">http://zenodo.org/record/10147158</a&gt

FIGURE 2 in Myoxanthus anancusiensis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), a new species from the inter-Andean valley of Huancavelica, Peru

FIGURE 2. Holotype of Myoxanthus anancusiensis H.R.Quispe, R.D.Cuadros & F.H.Calderon. Specimen deposited in the HOXA Herbarium. Photographed by Shane Verde.Published as part of <i>Cuadros-Rojas, Robinson Daniel, Quispe-Melgar, Harold Rusbelth, Calderon-Quispe, Fernando H. & Singer, Rodrigo B., 2023, Myoxanthus anancusiensis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), a new species from the inter-Andean valley of Huancavelica, Peru, pp. 155-164 in Phytotaxa 622 (2)</i> on page 158, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.622.2.5, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/10147158">http://zenodo.org/record/10147158</a&gt