The Role of DNA Barcodes in Understanding and Conservation of Mammal Diversity in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is recognized as a region of very high biodiversity, much of which is currently at risk due to habitat loss and other threats. However, many aspects of this diversity, even for relatively well-known groups such as mammals, are poorly known, limiting ability to develop conservation plans. This study examines the value of DNA barcodes, sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene, to enhance understanding of mammalian diversity in the region and hence to aid conservation planning.DNA barcodes were obtained from nearly 1900 specimens representing 165 recognized species of bats. All morphologically or acoustically distinct species, based on classical taxonomy, could be discriminated with DNA barcodes except four closely allied species pairs. Many currently recognized species contained multiple barcode lineages, often with deep divergence suggesting unrecognized species. In addition, most widespread species showed substantial genetic differentiation across their distributions. Our results suggest that mammal species richness within the region may be underestimated by at least 50%, and there are higher levels of endemism and greater intra-specific population structure than previously recognized.DNA barcodes can aid conservation and research by assisting field workers in identifying species, by helping taxonomists determine species groups needing more detailed analysis, and by facilitating the recognition of the appropriate units and scales for conservation planning

Classifying chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) landscapes across large scale environmental gradients in Africa

Primates are sometimes categorized in terms of their habitat. Although such categorization can be over-simplistic, there are scientific benefits from the clarity and consistency that habitat categorization can bring. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) inhabit various environments, but researchers often refer to ‘forest’ or ‘savanna’ chimpanzees. Despite the wide use of this forest-savanna distinction, clear definitions of these landscapes for chimpanzees, based on environmental variables at study sites or determined in relation to existing bioclimatic classifications, are lacking. The robustness of the forest-savanna distinction thus remains to be assessed. We review 43 chimpanzee study sites to assess how the landscape classifications of researchers fit with the environmental characteristics of study sites and with three bioclimatic classifications. We use scatterplots and Principal Components 15 Analysis to assess the distribution of chimpanzee field sites along gradients of environmental 16 variables (temperature, rainfall, precipitation seasonality, forest cover and satellite-derived 17 Hansen tree cover). This revealed an environmental continuum of chimpanzee study sites 18 from savanna to dense forest, with a rarely acknowledged forest mosaic category in between, 19 but with no natural separation into these three classes and inconsistencies with the bioclimatic 20 classifications assessed. The current forest–savanna dichotomy therefore masks a progression 21 of environmental adaptation for chimpanzees, and we propose that recognizing an additional, 22 intermediate ‘forest mosaic’ category is more meaningful than focusing on the ends of this 23 environmental gradient only. Future studies should acknowledge this habitat continuum, place their study sites on the forest–savanna gradient, and include detailed environmental data to support further attempts at quantification

Parks, people, and conservation: A review of management issues in nepal's protected areas

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43480/1/11111_2005_Article_BF01254607.pd

The state of Nepal birds 2010

The national status of Nepal birds was determined using the IUCN Red List criteria and following IUCN regional guidelines. Records of all species identified as potentially at high risk were extracted from all relevant references in a comprehensive, up-to-date Nepal bird bibliography. In addition, numerous previously undocumented records were obtained from observers in Nepal. The initial list of potentially threatened species was revised as records were accumulated. Literature reviews were made of current pressures on Nepal birds, responses to these pressures and recommendations for the future. Finally a comprehensive summary table was compiled for all nationally threatened species, including their world distribution, global threat status, national threat status, occurrence, habitat, main altitudinal range, population, key threats, research needs, and key conservation interventions needed. In 2010, 149 bird species (17% of the total recorded) of Nepal birds were considered nationally threatened: 53 Critically Endangered species, 48 Endangered and 47 Vulnerable. Near Threatened species were not assessed due to lack of time available for the necessary research. An additional 16 species were considered threatened in 2010 compared with 2004; no species assessed as threatened in 2004 was considered non-threatened in 2010. When habitat types are considered wetland species are the most threatened (35% of the total wetland species), followed by grassland species (23%). When altitudinal preferences are considered lowland species are the most threatened (36% of all lowland species), followed by species only occurring in the middle hills (17%). Human activities leading to habitat loss and damage are the major threats, with agriculture the root cause; hunting and trapping are other important threats. Effective responses for conservation include Nepal protected areas network, community forestry, designation of Ramsar sites, National Wetland Policy implementation, surveys of globally threatened species and their conservation needs, and conservation awareness activities. Recommendations for future actions by non governmental organisations are made

Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in autumn 1991

Volume: 8Start Page: 97End Page: 11

Some important birds and forests in Nepal

Volume: 1Start Page: 53End Page: 6

A proposed new genus of booted eagles (tribe Aquilini)

Volume: 132Start Page: 70End Page: 7