Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eric M. Davis, Yu Sun, Yanling Liu, Pandurang Kolekar, Ying Shao, Karol Szlachta, Heather L. Mulder, Dongren Ren, Stephen V. Rice, Zhaoming Wang, Joy Nakitandwe, Alexander M. Gout, Bridget Shaner, Salina Hall, Leslie L. Robison, Stanley Pounds, Jeffery M. Klco, John Easton, Xiaotu Ma
Summary: The study proposed a new computational method, SequencErr, to measure errors in sequencing instruments, revealing the sequencer error rate to be around 10 per million. The method demonstrated a 10-fold lower error rate compared to popular error correction methods and can provide novel insights into DNA sequencing errors.
Article
Ecology
Christopher A. Lepczyk, Brian T. Klingbeil, Rebecca A. Christoffel, Daniel T. Rutledge, Curtis H. Flather
Summary: The listing process of endangered species is influenced not only by causal factors but also by human perception, especially in terms of observability. Our study found that ecological indicators associated with human perception changed noticeably over time for listed species under the US Endangered Species Act. This temporal shift in listings suggests that the approaches to listing species may need to be reevaluated and methodologically revised.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jamie M. Cameron, Conrad Holc, Alexander J. Kibler, Catherine L. Peake, Darren A. Walsh, Graham N. Newton, Lee R. Johnson
Summary: This Tutorial Review highlights the importance of redox-active molecules in unlocking the potential of lithium-air, lithium-sulfur, and redox-flow batteries. The role of these molecules varies depending on the type of battery, but their solubility, electrochemical and chemical stability, and redox potentials are crucial factors influencing their performance. Collaborations within the chemical community are essential for the development and utilization of redox-active molecules in next-generation batteries.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yue Xu, Runguo Zang
Summary: Rare and endangered plant species (REPs) in China are at high risk of extinction, but there is a lack of comprehensive and up-to-date review on their conservation. This paper collected studies and achievements on REPs conservation, including surveys, in situ and ex situ conservation, reintroduction, propagation, legislation, public participation, and progress in implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity. Despite advancements in policies, protection systems, research, education, and international collaborations, conservation efficiency is hindered by the conflict between economic growth and biodiversity conservation in China. More work should be done on investigation, observation, advanced technologies, and application-oriented research to meet biodiversity goals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stefania Squadrone, Maria Cesarina Abete, Oto Miedico, Stefania Gavinelli, Bruno Neri, Fabio Busico, Sesto Berretta, Leonardo Carosielli, Giuseppe Carrabs, Antonio E. Chiaravalle
Summary: A thresher shark caught by fishermen in Central Italy was found to contain high levels of Hg and other chemical contaminants, with Hg exceeding the maximum limit set by EU Regulation. Consumption of thresher shark flesh is strongly discouraged due to the contamination levels.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ruchika Sharma, Chandragouda Patil, Jaseela Majeed, Subodh Kumar, Geeta Aggarwal
Summary: Medicinal plants have been widely used as traditional herbal medicines for various diseases. The increased demand for these plants emphasizes the need for conservation, especially for endangered species. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have made significant advancements in medicinal plant research, making it more cost-effective and time-efficient. NGS systems allow for high-throughput whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and transcriptome analysis, providing valuable data for various areas of study.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zoe Diaz-Martin, Jeremie Fant, Kayri Havens, William Cinea, Joanna M. Tucker Lima, M. Patrick Griffith
Summary: Endangered plant species can benefit from ex situ cultivation to safeguard against loss of genetic diversity and possible extinction. However, this study found that current propagation practices in ex situ collections of Attalea crassispatha lead to self-fertilization and fail to adequately steward genetic diversity.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Fabian Augusto Aldaba Nunez, Emily Veltjen, Esteban Manuel Martinez Salas, Marie-Stephanie Samain
Summary: The Mexican state of Veracruz has experienced high deforestation rates, leading to fragmented remnants of Magnolia species. A study revealed at least three possible species, suggesting a downgrade to four conservation units. Weak genetic evidence in some sympatric species raises questions about their classification as separate entities.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Vivienne P. Groner, Jessica J. Williams, Richard G. Pearson
Summary: Biodiversity plays a crucial role in providing ecosystem services, but the contribution of rare and endangered species (RES) to these services is unclear. A systematic review found a lack of quantitative research on the role of RES in agricultural production, which is a major driver of biodiversity change. Further research is urgently needed to inform conservation and agricultural policies.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Forestry
Julianus Kinho, Suhartati, Husna, Faisal Danu Tuheteru, Diah Irawati Dwi Arini, Moh. Andika Lawasi, Resti Ura', Retno Prayudyaningsih, Yulianti, Subarudi, Lutfy Abdulah, Ruliyana Susanti, Totok Kartono Waluyo, Sona Suhartana, Andianto, Marfuah Wardani, Titi Kalima, Elis Tambaru, Wahyudi Isnan, Adi Susilo, Ngatiman, Laode Alhamd, Dulsalam, Soenarno
Summary: Indonesia has a diverse range of wood species, with around 4000 species and 10% (400) being commercial wood. One of the commercial wood species is kayu kuku (Pericopsis mooniana Thwaites), native to Southeast Sulawesi. This species has faced challenges due to excessive logging and difficulties in seedling production and nursery technology. Efforts are being made to conserve and sustainably use P. mooniana through improved silviculture techniques and both in situ and ex situ conservation measures.
Review
Plant Sciences
Mauricio Moreno-Camarena, Maria Pilar Ortega-Larrocea
Summary: The Irapeana section of the valuable orchid genus Cypripedium, consisting of three distinct Mesoamerican species, has experienced a significant reduction in habitat. Predicting potential distributions based on environmental parameters allows for the identification of suitable habitats. Ex situ conservation strategies, such as asymbiotic and symbiotic propagation, depend on the culture media used for seedling development. Mycorrhizal isolates play a crucial role in the compatibility and further development of germinated seeds. The genus Cypripedium poses challenges for ex situ conservation, highlighting the need for in situ conservation to preserve and protect this species to avoid extinction.
Review
Ecology
Marie Tosa, Emily H. Dziedzic, Cara L. Appel, Jenny Urbina, Aimee Massey, Joel Ruprecht, Charlotte E. Eriksson, Jane E. Dolliver, Damon B. Lesmeister, Matthew G. Betts, Carlos A. Peres, Taal Levi
Summary: Ecologists are seeing a renaissance in natural history, now characterized by technological advancements and statistical tools that enable systematic collection and analysis of detailed observations, providing a foundation for hypothetico-deductive research and conservation efforts. Next-generation natural history datasets have transformed anecdotal observations into robust scientific evidence, encouraging scientists to embrace detailed descriptions of nature and engaging both scientists and non-scientists in the wonders of the natural world.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Arjun Srivathsa, Ryan G. Rodrigues, Kok Ben Toh, Arun Zachariah, Ryan W. Taylor, Madan K. Oli, Uma Ramakrishnan
Summary: Accurate population counts of endangered species are crucial for conservation biology, but reliable density estimates are still unavailable for many species. This study successfully generated dhole density estimates by identifying individual dholes from genetic samples, providing important ecological information for the species' scientific management efforts.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ju-Hee Kim, Chang-Min Kim, Seung-Hoon Yoo
Summary: The South Korean government is interested in the environmental conservation value of Cypripedium japonicum and conducted a study using contingent valuation to assess people's willingness to pay for its conservation. The average household willingness to pay is estimated to be KRW 3,770 (USD 3.07) per annum, totaling KRW 76.72 billion (USD 62.42 million) per year. The estimated value of conserving the species seems to outweigh the cost of conservation, making it socially desirable to continue conservation efforts in a stable manner.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ling Hu, Xin-Gui Le, Shi-Shun Zhou, Can-Yu Zhang, Yun-Hong Tan, Qiang Ren, Hong-Hu Meng, Yupeng Cun, Jie Li
Summary: Trigonobalanus doichangensis, a rare and endangered species, exhibits high genetic diversity among populations, despite moderate genetic differentiation. Habitat destruction and excessive exploitation have caused low gene flow and differences in morphological traits. In situ conservation and artificial seedlings are recommended, with priority given to the ML and XSBN populations.
Article
Forestry
Naoyuki Nakahama, Tomohiro Furuta, Haruko Ando, Suzuki Setsuko, Atsushi Takayanagi, Yuji Isagi
Summary: The study found that sika deer primarily depend on non-preferred and preferred plants for food in forests with degraded understory vegetation, particularly in the summer and autumn seasons, with preferred plant biomass playing a significant role in maintaining population density.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Naoyuki Nakahama, Ryosuke Okano, Yuichiro Nishimoto, Ayumi Matsuo, Noboru Ito, Yoshihisa Suyama
Summary: The study reveals that the genetic diversity of Thalassoduvalius masidai is higher, with populations divided into three groups: western Seto Inland Sea, eastern Seto Inland Sea, and Japan Sea coasts. The beetle may have migrated and dispersed from the south-western area of Japan through ocean currents.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Naoyuki Nakahama, Toshimichi Hanaoka, Tateo Itoh, Toshio Kishimoto, Atsushi Ohwaki, Ayumi Matsuo, Masahiko Kitahara, Shin-ichi Usami, Yoshihisa Suyama, Takeshi Suka
Summary: The study identified two conservation units of Aporia hippia in Japan based on genetic proximity, but also suggested considering all populations as one conservation unit given the risk of inbreeding depression or difficulty of adaptation in different environments.
JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ayako Izuno, Yusuke Onoda, Gaku Amada, Keito Kobayashi, Mana Mukai, Yuji Isagi, Kentaro K. Shimizu
Summary: This study examined how ecological divergence continues in the face of gene flow in the woody species Metrosideros polymorpha. The research found substantial genetic and phenotypic diversity among the three genetic clusters in different environments, and suggested that the ecological divergence possibly began before the species colonized the island of Hawaii.
Article
Plant Sciences
Daiki Takahashi, Yuji Isagi, Pan Li, Ying-Xiong Qiu, Hiroaki Setoguchi, Yoshihisa Suyama, Ayumi Matsuo, Yoshihiro Tsunamoto, Shota Sakaguchi
Summary: Tertiary relict plants often exhibit evolutionary stasis, but recent studies have shown that some relict species have undergone physiological, ecological, and morphological changes. This study investigated the evolution of ecological and morphological traits as well as population demographic history in the genus Tanakaea. The results revealed divergence of the two species approximately 6.8 million years ago and strong genetic differentiation of regional populations. While population sizes remained stable during climate changes, morphological assessments showed changes in reproductive characteristics and leaf traits. Hence, relict species do not demonstrate evolutionary stasis in every aspect.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Naoyuki Nakahama, Masato Hayamizu, Kenta Iwasaki, Noritoshi Nitta
Summary: This study examines the effects of shelterbelts and their regeneration on the diversity of butterflies and flowering plants in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, Japan. The results show that shelterbelt regeneration and the surrounding environment contribute to the diversity of these species, including endangered ones.
ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haruko Ando, Susumu Ikeno, Ayu Narita, Taketo Komura, Atsushi Takada, Yuji Isagi, Hiroyuki Oguma, Tomomi Inoue, Akio Takenaka
Summary: This study used faecal DNA metabarcoding to reveal the complex pattern of dietary niche partitioning among dabbling ducks in agricultural landscapes. Large-bodied ducks intensively used crop plants, while other ducks relied on different plant resources to avoid competition.
Article
Zoology
Ko Tomikawa, Yuichiro Nishimoto, Naoyuki Nakahama, Takafumi Nakano
Summary: This study describes a new species of Pseudocrangonyx, Pseudocrangonyx dunan sp. nov., from Yonaguni Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Phylogenetic analyses revealed its sister relationship with Pseudocrangonyx sp. 4 from Honshu Island, Japan. The study also identified three monophyletic groups within the genus Pseudocrangonyx, with the phylogenetic positions of several species still unknown. Divergence dating showed that the differentiation of major lineages of Pseudocrangonyx concentrated around 20 million years ago, and the formation of the Sea of Japan is suggested to have played a major role in promoting the speciation of Pseudocrangonyx endemic to the archipelago.
ZOOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yayan Wahyu Candra Kusuma, Ayumi Matsuo, Yoshihisa Suyama, Stefan Wanke, Yuji Isagi
Summary: This study evaluates the genetic diversity and structure of three Rafflesia species in Java and provides corresponding conservation strategies. The results show that the genetic diversity of Rafflesia populations in Java is low, and clonality and different genotypes are present. Therefore, scattered and fragmented populations need to be considered in designing appropriate conservation strategies, and ex-situ collections can preserve genetic diversity for future reintroduction programs.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Naoko Emura, Tomoaki Muranaka, Takaya Iwasaki, Mie N. Honjo, Atsushi J. Nagano, Yuji Isagi, Hiroshi Kudoh
Summary: The study on S. taccada plant reveals that fruit morphology can strongly influence genetic structure. Beach populations bridge the heterogeneous landscapes by producing two different fruit types, while elevated sites rely on bird dispersal of the pulp morph to achieve genetic dispersal. The differences in fruit morphology lead to contrasting patterns of gene flow.
Article
Zoology
Naoyuki Nakahama, Takeshi Yamasaki, Masaki Komazawa, Takafumi Nakano
Summary: The taxonomic status of Galloisiana yezoensis and its relatives in Hokkaido, Japan, was reexamined using molecular and morphological analyses. The results suggest the formation of a unique clade distinct from the Galloisiana clade, leading to the establishment of a new genus, Arctigalloisiana, and the description of two new species, A. poropnetopa and A. yubariensis.
ZOOLOGISCHER ANZEIGER
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mayu Shibabayashi, Taiga Shimizu, Chinatsu Tokuhiro, Yoshihisa Suyama, Shota Sakaguchi, Takuro Ito, Chih-Chieh Yu, Kuo-Fang Chung, Jun'ichi Nagasawa, Toshiaki Shiuchi, Goro Kokubugata, Atsushi Abe, Akiyo Naiki, Atsushi J. Nagano, Yuji Isagi
Summary: As biodiversity loss continues, it is crucial to develop efficient conservation measures to protect diversity with limited resources. Detailed assessments of phylogenetic genetic status and uniqueness of rare species are necessary to set appropriate and effective conservation measures. This study evaluated the conservation status and value of Vaccinium emarginatum and Elatostema platyphyllum, two species growing across national borders, and provided useful information for appropriate conservation measures based on the species' phylogenetic traits and genetic diversity.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Naoyuki Nakahama, Ryosuke Okano, Yuichiro Nishimoto, Yusuke Nakatani, Asato Noishiki, Naoki Ogawa
Summary: In this study, a Macroplea species was discovered in Aomori Prefecture, Honshu Island, Japan. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed that the discovered individuals were likely M. mutica, although there were some differences observed. This is the second Macroplea species recorded in Japan, and its discovery highlights the need for conservation policies and further distributional surveys.
ENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Naoyuki Nakahama, Seikan Kurata, Atushi Ushimaru
Summary: Semi-natural grasslands maintained by moderate anthropogenic disturbance have been declining globally, leading to biodiversity degradation. In Japan, conservation and management of semi-natural grassland organisms have been a major concern due to their threatened extinction. This review examines the current trends in conservation-ecological studies on Japanese semi-natural grassland organisms using genetic information, highlighting five categories of research and the applicability of high-throughput sequencing.
PLANT SPECIES BIOLOGY
(2023)
