Scientists' warning to humanity on insect extinctions

Here we build on the manifesto ‘World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity, issued by the Alliance of World Scientists. As a group of conservation biologists deeply concerned about the decline of insect populations, we here review what we know about the drivers of insect extinctions, their consequences, and how extinctions can negatively impact humanity. We are causing insect extinctions by driving habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, use of polluting and harmful substances, the spread of invasive species, global climate change, direct overexploitation, and co-extinction of species dependent on other species. With insect extinctions, we lose much more than species. We lose abundance and biomass of insects, diversity across space and time with consequent homogenization, large parts of the tree of life, unique ecological functions and traits, and fundamental parts of extensive networks of biotic interactions. Such losses lead to the decline of key ecosystem services on which humanity depends. From pollination and decomposition, to being resources for new medicines, habitat quality indication and many others, insects provide essential and irreplaceable services. We appeal for urgent action to close key knowledge gaps and curb insect extinctions. An investment in research programs that generate local, regional and global strategies that counter this trend is essential. Solutions are available and implementable, but urgent action is needed now to match our intentions.Peer reviewe

Solutions for humanity on how to conserve insects

The fate of humans and insects intertwine, especially through the medium of plants. Global environmental change, including land transformation and contamination, is causing concerning insect diversity loss, articulated in the companion review Scientists' warning to humanity on insect extinctions. Yet, despite a sound philosophical foundation, recognized ethical values, and scientific evidence, globally we are performing poorly at instigating effective insect conservation. As insects are a major component of the tapestry of life, insect conservation would do well to integrate better with overall biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. This also involves popularizing insects, especially through use of iconic species, through more media coverage, and more inclusive education. Insect conservationists need to liaise better with decision makers, stakeholders, and land managers, especially at the conceptually familiar scale of the landscape. Enough evidence is now available, and synthesized here, which illustrates that multiple strategies work at local levels towards saving insects. We now need to expand these locally-crafted strategies globally. Tangible actions include ensuring maintenance of biotic complexity, especially through improving temporal and spatial heterogeneity, functional connectivity, and metapopulation dynamics, while maintaining unique habitats, across landscape mosaics, as well as instigating better communication. Key is to have more expansive sustainable agriculture and forestry, improved regulation and prevention of environmental risks, and greater recognition of protected areas alongside agro-ecology in novel landscapes. Future-proofing insect diversity is now critical, with the benefits far reaching, including continued provision of valuable ecosystem services and the conservation of a rich and impressive component of Earth's biodiversity.Peer reviewe

Testing a global standard for quantifying species recovery and assessing conservation impact.

Recognizing the imperative to evaluate species recovery and conservation impact, in 2012 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) called for development of a "Green List of Species" (now the IUCN Green Status of Species). A draft Green Status framework for assessing species' progress toward recovery, published in 2018, proposed 2 separate but interlinked components: a standardized method (i.e., measurement against benchmarks of species' viability, functionality, and preimpact distribution) to determine current species recovery status (herein species recovery score) and application of that method to estimate past and potential future impacts of conservation based on 4 metrics (conservation legacy, conservation dependence, conservation gain, and recovery potential). We tested the framework with 181 species representing diverse taxa, life histories, biomes, and IUCN Red List categories (extinction risk). Based on the observed distribution of species' recovery scores, we propose the following species recovery categories: fully recovered, slightly depleted, moderately depleted, largely depleted, critically depleted, extinct in the wild, and indeterminate. Fifty-nine percent of tested species were considered largely or critically depleted. Although there was a negative relationship between extinction risk and species recovery score, variation was considerable. Some species in lower risk categories were assessed as farther from recovery than those at higher risk. This emphasizes that species recovery is conceptually different from extinction risk and reinforces the utility of the IUCN Green Status of Species to more fully understand species conservation status. Although extinction risk did not predict conservation legacy, conservation dependence, or conservation gain, it was positively correlated with recovery potential. Only 1.7% of tested species were categorized as zero across all 4 of these conservation impact metrics, indicating that conservation has, or will, play a role in improving or maintaining species status for the vast majority of these species. Based on our results, we devised an updated assessment framework that introduces the option of using a dynamic baseline to assess future impacts of conservation over the short term to avoid misleading results which were generated in a small number of cases, and redefines short term as 10 years to better align with conservation planning. These changes are reflected in the IUCN Green Status of Species Standard

Predicted range shifts of dragonflies over a wide elevation gradient in the southern hemisphere

CITATION: Simaika, J. P. & Samways, M. J. 2015. Predicted range shifts of dragonflies over a wide elevation gradient in the southern hemisphere. Freshwater Science, 34(3):1133–1143, doi:10.1086/682686.The original publication is available at http://www.journals.uchicago.eduHuman-induced climate change is among the greatest threats to biodiversity, especially when coupled with habitat destruction. For an already water-stressed country like South Africa, changes in temperature and precipitation regimes, coupled with increasing water demands, are likely to lead to losses in biodiversity. Dragonflies are a well-studied surrogate taxon for aspects of freshwater biodiversity. We created species distribution models for 14 dragonfly species, and predicted the changes in species richness, extent of occurrence, and habitat suitability for the years 2050 and 2080 in South Africa, a poorly studied area for range-change predictions for insects. Model predictions for 2 different emissions scenarios suggest that at least 2 species will be lost from the area by 2050, and 3 by 2080. All are widespread Afrotropical species, but with narrow elevation ranges in South Africa. Only 1 species is predicted to benefit greatly from climate change. The remaining species are predicted to persist with reduced extents of occurrences at higher elevations. Most species we studied (12 of 14) thrive in artificial environments. Therefore, to a certain extent, loss in connectivity is unlikely to play a role for these species. However, the 2 stream specialists that occur in the area are particularly vulnerable because of loss of habitat. Species that currently occur farther north in southern Africa and South Africa also are likely to move southward in the future. Thus, species richness may not necessarily decrease, but replacement of species within communities will be significant.http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/682686Publisher's versio

An easy-to-use index of ecological integrity for prioritizing freshwater sites and for assessing habitat quality

The original publication is available at http://link.springer.com/journal/10531Prioritizing and assessing the condition of sites for conservation action requires robust and ergonomic methodological tools. We focus here on prioritizing freshwater sites using two promising biodiversity indices, the Dragonfly Biotic Index (DBI) and Average Taxonomic Distinctness (AvTD). The AvTD had no significant association with either species richness or endemism. In contrast, the DBI was highly significantly associated with species richness and endemism, although the strengths of the associations were weak. These associations are related to how the sub-indices in the DBI are weighted, and how species are distributed geographically. Additionally, the DBI was found to be very useful for site selection based on its ability to measure ecological integrity, combined with level of threat, at multiple spatial scales. The AvTD was found to be useful principally for regional use. As the DBI is a low-cost, easy-to-use method, it has the additional use as a method for assessing habitat quality and recovery in restoration programs. The DBI operates at the species level, and is therefore highly sensitive to habitat condition and has great potential for environmental assessment and monitoring freshwater biodiversity and quality. Practical, worked examples of river restoration are given here. In view of the ease and versatility by which the DBI can be employed, we recommend its testing and possible integration into freshwater management and conservation schemes elsewhere in the world. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.Post-prin

Damselflies and Dragonflies of Mabamba Bay and other sites of Lake Victoria, Uganda

fieldguide . - ISBN 978-90-73445-36-

Syncordulia gracilis Burmeister

Syncordulia gracilis (Burmeister) — ‘Yellow Presba’ Figs 1, 5, 9, 13, 17–18. Epophthalmia gracilis Burmeister, 1839: 847. Holotype ♂: origin unknown (MCZ) [not examined, but diagnosed in detail by Lieftinck (1961: 414)]. Oxygastra gracilis (Burmeister, 1839) – Selys-Longchamps (1871: 307 bulletin, 73 reprint). Gomphomacromia (Syncordulia) gracilis (Burmeister, 1839) – Selys-Longchamps (1882: clxviii). Syncordulia gracilis (Burmeister, 1839) – Kirby (1890: 52). Presba piscator Barnard, 1933: 168. Lectotype ♂ (designated by Kimmins 1968: 299): Cape Province, Groot Drakenstein, xii. 1931, A.C. Harrison (BMNH) [examined]; junior synonym – Lieftinck (1961: 410). Chlorosoma gracilis (Burmeister, 1839) – Anonymous, in litt. in Lieftinck (1961: 414). Further material: 1 ď, Natal, Cat[h]kin Peak, 5.x. 1948, Dr. H.A. Newton (NMBZ); 1 Ψ, Cape Province, Ouderbosch [= Oubos], near Rivier Zonderend [= Riviersonderend], 15.xii. 1968, C.G.C. Dickson (NMBZ); 1 Ψ, Cape Province, Matroosberg, 16.xii. 1975, Neville Duke (NMBZ); 5 ď, 3 Ψ, Bain’s Kloof, N. of Stellenbosch, 1–6.xii. 1987, D.A.L. Davies (CUMZ); 1 ď, Du Toit’s Kloof, N. of Stellenbosch, 1.xii. 1987, D.A.L. Davies (RMNH); 1 ď, Western Cape, Bontebok National Park, rest camp at Breede River, 9.xi. 1997, D. Paulson (Coll. D. Paulson); 1 Ψ, Eastern Cape, Prentjiesberg, Mooirivier, 10.xi. 2000, M.J. Samways and R. Kinvig (SUEC); 7 ď, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Oudeboschrivier, 18.xi. 2000, M.J. Samways (SUEC); 1 Ψ, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, hawking over fynbos, date unknown, P.B.C. Grant (Coll. M. May). Observations: 1 ď, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Palmiet River, 16.xi. 2000, M.J. Samways; 1 Ψ, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Oudeboschrivier, 2.i. 2002, M.J. Samways. Unverified records: larval exuviae (cannot be identified to species), Ceres, iii. 1922, K.H. Barnard (Barnard 1937; not found in SAMC); larval exuviae (cannot be identified to species), Bain’s Kloof, Wellington Mts, Breede River side, v. 1933, K.H. Barnard (Barnard 1937; SAMC). Range and ecology. This species has a greater extent of occurrence than other Syncordulia (Fig. 17), but the area of occupancy is relatively small. In the Western Cape it is restricted to the south-western mountains, but is fairly widespread there (Fig. 18), while single locations in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are the only ones of the genus outside the Western Cape. This disjunct distribution suggests that the species’s area of occupancy was once much greater. Details of adult activity in the Western Cape are given by Samways & Grant (2007), with the first individuals appearing in October, a peak in November and December, and rapid decline in January. At least in the Western Cape, S. gracilis is distinctly a fynbos species, associated with small, rapid, stony-bottomed streams and rivers. In the Eastern Cape, it is known from streams with solid rocky bottoms. Adults typically remain away from water, hawking over low bushes.Published as part of Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B., Samways, Michael J. & Simaika, John P., 2007, Two new relict Syncordulia species found during museum and field studies of threatened dragonflies in the Cape Floristic Region (Odonata: Corduliidae), pp. 19-34 in Zootaxa 1467 on pages 22-23, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17660

Syncordulia

Key to Syncordulia species Unique characters of each morphological type in the genus are asterisked: gracilis, serendipator and legator – venator. These are potential autapomorphies of the groups (see Discussion). 1 Synthorax with dark-bordered cream stripes posterior to humeral and metapleural sutures*. Costa pale, contrasting with dark Pt*. Dorsal carina of S 2–9 pale* (Fig. 1). ď: Abdomen slender, thickest (indistinctly in dorsal view) at S 4–6 * (Fig. 1). Cerci only bent toward each other at tips*; epiproct almost as long as cerci, with a pair of small dorsal teeth at about midlength (sometimes lost) and an apical knob* (Fig. 5). Ψ: Vulvar scale with inconspicuous appressed and incurved lateral lobes* (Fig. 13)...................... gracilis - Synthorax rather more uniform, at most darker on sutures. Costa dark, like Pt. Dorsal carina of S 2–9 (largely) black (Figs 2–4). ď: Abdomen club-shaped, thickest (in dorsal and lateral view) at S 7–8 (Figs 2– 4). Cerci bent toward each other at about midlength, obscuring epiproct in dorsal view; epiproct less than three-quarters as long as cerci, apex without knob but hooked (Figs 10–12). Ψ: Vulvar scale with prominent, often finger- or petal-like, lateral lobes (Figs 14–16)......................................................................... 2 2 Pale markings on S 3–8 concentrated apically on segments (Fig. 4). ď: Cerci stout, less than 3 x as long as S 10, robustly angled ventrally near base and laterally near apex*; epiproct bifurcate* (Fig. 12). S 1 ventrally without spikes; hamules massive* (Fig. 8). Ψ: Lobes of vulvar scale less than half as long as the distance between their bases (Fig. 16) .................................................................................. serendipator n. sp. - Pale markings on S 3–8 concentrated basally on segments (Figs 2–3). ď: Cerci slender, over 3 x as long as S 10, at most weakly angled ventrally near midlength and laterally near base*; epiproct triangular (Figs 10–11). S 1 ventrally with pair of spikes*; hamules small (Figs 6–7). Ψ: Lobes of vulvar scale over half as long as the distance between their bases* (Figs 14–15)............................................................................. 3 3 Small dorsal plate at base of each costa is pale, contrasting with dark surroundings. S 3–10 brown-yellow, with contrasting narrow black line over dorsal carina and broadly black sides (Fig. 2). Sum of Fw Ax and Px equals 24–28. ď: Cerci not angled laterally; epiproct just under half as long as cerci (Fig. 10). Ventral spikes on S 1, border of genital fossa and genital lobe pale, contrasting with dark surroundings; spikes short (Fig. 6). Ψ: Lobes of vulvar scale narrow and finger-like; cerci about 2 x as long as S 10 (Fig. 14).... .................................................................................................................................................. legator n. sp. - Costal plates dark, like surroundings. S 3–10 deep red-brown grading into black at base and along dorsal carina; basal black enclosing pairs of contrasting whitish triangular spots (Fig. 3). Sum of Fw Ax and Px equals 28–35. ď: Cerci angled laterally near base; epiproct half as long as cerci or slightly longer (Fig. 11). Ventral spikes on S 1, border of genital fossa and genital lobe dark, like surroundings; spikes long (Fig. 7). Ψ: Lobes of vulvar scale broad and petal-like; cerci about as long as S 10 (Fig. 15) ......... venatorPublished as part of Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B., Samways, Michael J. & Simaika, John P., 2007, Two new relict Syncordulia species found during museum and field studies of threatened dragonflies in the Cape Floristic Region (Odonata: Corduliidae), pp. 19-34 in Zootaxa 1467 on page 21, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17660

Syncordulia Selys

Syncordulia Selys — ‘Presbas’ Gomphomacromia (Syncordulia) Selys, 1882: clxviii [type species: Epophthalmia gracilis Burmeister, 1839; by monotypy]. Syncordulia Selys, 1882 – Kirby (1890: 52). Presba Barnard, 1933: 167 [type species: Presba venator Barnard, 1933; by original designation]; junior synonym – Lieftinck (1961: 410). Etymology. The etymology of Presba was never specified, but probably derives from the Greek presbys (elder). Meaning honoured or august, it conveys the distinct and ancient character of the genus. Barnard (1933) honoured two friends, an angler and a hunter (of insects), with the names piscator and venator. In keeping with this, it seems appropriate to honour ‘the gatherer’. We propose legator to highlight the legacy of collectors like Pinhey and Duke, who assembled most material of the species by that name. As was the case for the fourth species, most new species are chance discoveries: serendipator is derived from ‘The Three Princes of Serendip’. Horace Walpole coined the word serendipity to describe how the fairy-tale’s heroes “were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of” (Winstanley 1984). The names acknowledge the importance of collections and renewed surveys and emphasize that voucher specimens play an important role in conservation biology. The form presba is feminine, and therefore does not match well with Barnard’s names, which are masculine nouns (H. Fliedner in litt.). However, because Barnard did not specify the etymology and gender of Presba, and because we regard the names as nouns in apposition, we do not amend them, placing nomenclatory stability and uniformity above a possible imbalance of gender. Diagnosis. The only corduliid genus in the region, where its venation is unique: (1) Fw with 7–10 Ax and 5–8 Px; (2) sectors of arculus not fused; (3) Fw with one, Hw with two Cux; (4) triangles, subtriangles and supratriangles in all wings uncrossed (save occasional exceptions); (5) Fw discoidal field of single cell-row at base; (6) Hw arculus distinctly proximal of triangle; (7) anal loop bow-shaped, with 6–11 cells in males and 9–14 in females. A notable feature of all species is that the eyes are bluish grey, whereas they are typically bright green in Corduliidae (including Macromiinae).Published as part of Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B., Samways, Michael J. & Simaika, John P., 2007, Two new relict Syncordulia species found during museum and field studies of threatened dragonflies in the Cape Floristic Region (Odonata: Corduliidae), pp. 19-34 in Zootaxa 1467 on pages 20-21, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17660

Syncordulia legator Dijkstra, Samways & Simaika, 2007, n. sp.

<i>Syncordulia legator</i> n. sp. — ‘Gilded Presba’ <p>Figs 2, 6, 10, 14, 19.</p> <p> <b>Type material:</b> Holotype ď, paratype Ψ, Cape Province, Fransc[h]hoek Pass, 20.xi.1975, Neville Duke (NMBZ).</p> <p> <b>Further material:</b> 1 ď, 1 Ψ (paratypes <i>venator</i>), Cape Province, French Hoek [= Franschhoek], 8.x.1933, K.H. Barnard (RMNH); 1 ď Hott[entots] Holl[and] Mts, Steenbras, xi.1932, K.H. Barnard (SAMC); 1 ď, W. Cape Province, Clanwilliam, 17.ix.1977, Neville Duke (NMBZ); 2 ď, 1 Ψ, Cape Prov., Hawekwasberg [= Hawequas Mts], Du Toit’s Kloof, 5.xi.1977, Neville Duke (NMBZ); 1 Ψ, SW Cape, upper reaches of the Palmiet River (19°25’E 34°34’S), 20.xii.1992, leg. unknown (SUEC); 3 Ψ Western Cape Province, Franschhoek Pass, lower Du Toit’s River, 18.x.2006, M.J. Samways and J.P. Simaika (SUEC).</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> Holotype male. Measurements (mm): total length: 49.4, abdomen length (excluding appendages): 34.7, Fw length: 32.3, Hw length: 30.9, Fw Pt: 3.0. Head brownish yellow, darkened at base of labrum, centres of postclypeus and antefrons, dorsum of vertex and lateral corners of occipital triangle; postgenae with two smudged dark bars near excision of eye margin. Anterior and dorsal surfaces of head covered with dense black hairs, posterior surfaces with longer but equally dense pale hairs. Thorax glossy dark brown, broadly but indistinctly black on humeral, metapleural and ventral part of interpleural sutures; middorsal carina contrasting pale brown-yellow. Thorax densely covered with pale long hairs, especially long on mesepisternum. Legs black, pale keels present on anterior face of slightly more than apical half of fore and middle tibiae, and just over three-quarters of hind tibiae. Venation and Pt blackish, more basal Ax brown. In contrast, dorsal sclerites at base of costa of all four wings (the ‘intermediary’ or ‘distal costal’ plates) pale yellow. Wings clear, very faintly smoky towards tips. Membranule pale grey, slightly darker on outer-posterior border. Venation typical of genus. 8 Ax in both Fw, 5 in Hw; 6 Px in Fw, 7 in Hw; anal loops of 7 cells. Abdomen slightly clubbed, brown-yellow, marked with black as in Fig. 2, ventral border of tergites narrowly pale yellow (broadest on border of genital fossa), contrasting with black sides. Sternites black. Appendages black, save yellow spot at base of cerci, shaped as in Fig. 10; in lateral view, cerci straighter and epiproct shorter than in <i>S. venator</i> (epiproct 40–47% as long as cerci vs 50–56%). Secondary genitalia as in Fig. 6. Hamules deeply folded longitudinally, their borders concealed behind border of genital fossa. Anterior half of hamule black, posterior half pale yellow. Ventral borders of tergite of S1 posteriorly drawn out into elongate processes: this pair of ventral spikes reaching about 20% of distance from base of S2 to tip of genital lobe (about 40% in <i>S. venator</i>). Profile of genital fossa (lateral view) straighter than in <i>S. venator</i>.</p> <p> Paratype female. Measurements (mm): total length: 48.9, abdomen length (excluding appendages): 35.5, Fw length: 33.5, Hw length: 32.0, Fw Pt: 3.0. Heavier than holotype with straight-sided abdomen, but coloration similar. All wings lightly but distinctly yellow in subcostal and cubital spaces, approximately to Ax2 and Cux1, and faintly smoky anteriorly from base to tip. 8 Ax in both Fw, 5 in Hw; 6 Px in Fw, 7–8 in Hw; anal loops of 11 cells. Vulvar scale appressed, black, as in Fig. 14 with distinct finger-like lateral extensions. Cerci black, slender with pointed tips, about twice as long as S10 and paraprocts (clearly longer than in <i>S. venator</i>).</p> <p> <b>Variation.</b> Coloration rather consistent, but may be darker than in Fig. 2 and wings are tinged deeper in younger specimens. Size variation is considerable, as in <i>S. venator</i>. Males (n = 5): abdomen length (excluding appendages): 31.1–34.7 mm, Hw 27.4–32.5 mm, Fw 7–8 Ax and 5–7 Px, anal loop of 6–9 cells. Females (n = 5): abdomen length (excluding appendages): 32.0– 35.7 mm, Hw 31.6–33.2 mm, Fw 7–8 Ax and 5–6 Px, anal loop of 10–11 cells.</p> <p> <b>Range and ecology.</b> This species has been recorded from the Cederberg and the Hawequas and Hottentots-Holland Mountains (Fig. 19). It is associated with tree-lined streams with distinct deposition zone pools. It flies swiftly up and down streams, over boulders and pools, and over fynbos. It has been recorded from September, earlier than any other <i>Syncordulia</i>, to December.</p>Published as part of <i>Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B., Samways, Michael J. & Simaika, John P., 2007, Two new relict Syncordulia species found during museum and field studies of threatened dragonflies in the Cape Floristic Region (Odonata: Corduliidae), pp. 19-34 in Zootaxa 1467</i> on pages 23-25, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/176602">10.5281/zenodo.176602</a&gt