Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jalil Noroozi, Masoud Minaei, Sina Khalvati, Akram Kaveh, Hanieh Nafisi, Behnaz Nazari, Golshan Zare, Ernst Vitek, Karl Huelber, Gerald M. Schneeweiss
Summary: This study aims to investigate the biodiversity hotspots and conservation status of subalpine-alpine habitats in Southwest Asia. Using distribution data of subalpine vascular plant species, the researchers identified hotspots and conservation gaps. The results show that a large proportion of these hotspots are unprotected, highlighting the need for new nature reserves in these areas.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marthe A. Hoiberg, John S. Woods, Francesca Verones
Summary: This study developed a Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) approach to estimate a spatially differentiated indicator of potential macroplastic entanglement impacts in the world's oceans, contributing to the inclusion of plastic litter effects in impact assessments.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Melanie Tietje, Alexandre Antonelli, Felix Forest, Rafael Govaerts, Stephen A. Smith, Miao Sun, William J. Baker, Wolf L. Eiserhardt
Summary: Regions with high unique phylogenetic diversity (PD) are important for conservation. The global distribution of plant PD remains poorly understood, but our analysis using a comprehensive global checklist of vascular plants identifies hotspots of unique plant PD. Our results support three hypotheses: PD is more evenly distributed than species diversity, areas of highest PD do not maximize cumulative PD, and multiple biomes are needed to maximize cumulative PD.
Article
Plant Sciences
Moises Guardiola, Llorenc Saez
Summary: This study calculated taxonomic and phylogenetic metrics for the endemic flora of the Balearic Islands and identified spatial patterns and environmental factors that explain the endemism. Hotspots of species and phylogenetic endemism were identified, and gaps in the protected areas were highlighted. This study demonstrates the importance of considering both taxonomic and phylogenetic information in conservation planning.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carlos A. Guerra, Miguel Berdugo, David J. Eldridge, Nico Eisenhauer, Brajesh K. Singh, Haiying Cui, Sebastian Abades, Fernando D. Alfaro, Adebola R. Bamigboye, Felipe Bastida, Jose L. Blanco-Pastor, Asuncion de los Rios, Jorge Duran, Tine Grebenc, Javier G. Illan, Yu-Rong Liu, Thulani P. Makhalanyane, Steven Mamet, Marco A. Molina-Montenegro, Jose L. Moreno, Arpan Mukherjee, Tina U. Nahberger, Gabriel F. Penaloza-Bojaca, Cesar Plaza, Sergio Pico, Jay Prakash Verma, Ana Rey, Alexandra Rodriguez, Leho Tedersoo, Alberto L. Teixido, Cristian Torres-Diaz, Pankaj Trivedi, Juntao Wang, Ling Wang, Jianyong Wang, Eli Zaady, Xiaobing Zhou, Xin-Quan Zhou, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
Summary: Soils are fundamental for terrestrial ecosystems, but a global assessment of hotspots for soil nature conservation is still lacking, hindering the establishment of conservation priorities. A global field survey identified different ecological dimensions of soils in various regions of the planet, emphasizing the importance of accounting for the multidimensionality of soil for future conservation efforts.
Article
Ecology
Eliza Fragkopoulou, Ester A. Serrao, Olivier De Clerck, Mark J. Costello, Miguel B. Araujo, Carlos M. Duarte, Dorte Krause-Jensen, Jorge Assis
Summary: This study provides a global analysis of species richness and endemicity of kelp and fucoid biomes. Temperature and light were found to be the main predictors shaping the distribution of subtidal species, while wave energy, temperature, and salinity were the main predictors of intertidal species. The highest regional species richness for kelp was found in the north-east Pacific, and for fucoids in south-east Australia. Low species richness was observed in regions with extensive ice coverage and low-salinity regimes. The Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, South Africa, and East Russia were identified as regions of high endemism for both kelp and fucoids.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Daniela Mardones, Rosa A. Scherson
Summary: Given the continuous loss of biodiversity, it is urgent to study its patterns and implement conservation measures. Incorporating evolutionary aspects into traditional biodiversity measures allows us to understand the historical processes behind current biodiversity. In this study, patterns of richness and endemism were compared with phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic endemism indices for woody flora in Chile. Evolutionary hotspots were identified, indicating the importance of considering evolutionary aspects in conservation efforts.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Joyce J. L. Ong, Jonathan A. Walter, Olaf P. Jensen, Malin L. Pinsky
Summary: The study revealed high synchrony among global fisheries catch time series, with synchrony being a better predictor of regional catch portfolio effects than catch diversity. Regions with higher synchrony had lower stability, which could have negative consequences for food security and economic wealth.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Daiana Kaster Garcez, Crislaine Barbosa, Murilo de Oliveira Fernandes, Matheus Vieira Volcan, Lizandra Jaqueline Robe
Summary: The study aims to assist in delimiting micro-hotspots of endemism, sympatry, and richness of annual fish species along the Patos-Mirim Lagoon System, while evaluating conservation priorities. Results show a heterogeneous distribution of annual fish along the sampling area, with specific regions requiring urgent conservation efforts.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peter A. U. Staehr, Karsten Dahl, Helle Buur, Cordula Goeke, Rumakanta Sapkota, Anne Winding, Marina Panova, Matthias Obst, Per Sundberg
Summary: This study investigated the use of eDNA metabarcoding as a supplement to traditional diver-based monitoring of marine boulder reef biodiversity within the photic zone. The results showed that eDNA sampling provided a substantial supplement to traditional monitoring, despite a low detection of macroalgae. This suggests that eDNA methods should be added to conventional monitoring programs in the future.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ali Asghar Maassoumi, Parvaneh Ashouri
Summary: This study revealed the species richness, sections, centers of endemism, and distribution patterns of the genus Astragalus in the Old-World using a comprehensive dataset. Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan were identified as the main centers of diversity and endemism for Astragalus. The Irano-Anatolian hotspot, followed by the Caucasus, Mountains of Central Asia, Himalayas, and Mediterranean Basin, were the most critical hotspots for Astragalus with the strongest species diversification.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Laura Becerril, Luis E. Lara, Valentina Astudillo
Summary: The study analyzed the construction and erosion rates of Robinson Crusoe and Alejandro Selkirk Islands in the southeast Pacific (Chile). Despite their different ages and evolutionary stages, the total average long-term growth rates of these two volcanoes were found to be very similar. Robinson Crusoe basins exhibited lower erosion rates, indicating a closer equilibrium profile, while Alejandro Selkirk basins had higher erosion rates.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew S. Mills, Mari E. Deinhart, Mackenzie N. Heagy, Tom Schils
Summary: Crustose calcifying red algae (CCRA) play important roles in reef health in the tropics, but their diversity has been underestimated. This study used DNA barcoding to investigate the CCRA diversity in Guam and found a much higher species richness than previously assumed, with many potentially new species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Brittany T. Trew, Ilya M. D. Maclean
Summary: The review highlights the importance of climatic processes in shaping biodiversity hotspots and emphasizes the need to consider spatio-temporal variability in climate for vulnerability assessments. It suggests that fine-scale spatial variability and stability in climate may buffer some hotspots from future changes, while others with more variable climates may have greater resilience. Higher-resolution forecasts are necessary to inform conservation strategies and address the physiological responses of organisms to climate variability.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis, Ioannis P. Kokkoris, Maria Panitsa, Athanasios Kallimanis, Arne Strid, Panayotis Dimopoulos
Summary: This study conducted phylogenetically informed identification of vascular plant diversity hotspots and endemism centres in Greece for the first time, aiming to comply with international biodiversity targets. The results provide valuable insights into conservation prioritization and reveal gaps in current protection schemes. This work contributes to national conservation efforts and highlights the need for a critical re-assessment of conservation strategies to safeguard Greek plant diversity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ivan A. Hinojosa, German Zapata-Hernandez, Amelia E. Fowles, Carlos F. Gaymer, Rick D. Stuart-Smith
Summary: Research in Rapa Nui found that fishes are more abundant during the day on shallow reefs, while mobile invertebrates are more abundant at night. This variation may be related to trade-offs between feeding and predation.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniela M. Carranza, Katerina Varas-Belemmi, Diamela De Veer, Claudia Iglesias-Mueller, Diana Coral-Santacruz, Felipe A. Mendez, Elisa Torres-Lagos, Francisco A. Squeo, Carlos F. Gaymer
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alan M. Friedlander, Carlos F. Gaymer
Summary: The people of the Pacific have a deep understanding of the marine environment and the importance of conservation. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are proven to be effective in conserving biodiversity and managing fisheries, with Chile emerging as a global leader in marine conservation by creating large-scale MPAs. Effective management and understanding social-ecological interactions remain the key challenges facing MPAs in the Pacific Islands.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naiti A. Morales, Maike Heidemeyer, Robert Bauer, Sebastian Hernandez, Enzo Acuna, Alan M. Friedlander, Carlos F. Gaymer
Summary: This study investigated the movements of Galapagos sharks and yellowtail amberjacks in and around the Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Park, finding that the sharks spent most of their time inside the park with high individual variability in movement dynamics, while the amberjack had a smaller range of movement. The findings provide valuable insights for the creation of marine protected areas in the region and beyond.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Boris Dewitte, Carlos Conejero, Marcel Ramos, Luis Bravo, Veronique Garcon, Carolina Parada, Javier Sellanes, Ariadna Mecho, Praxedes Munoz, Carlos F. Gaymer
Summary: Global warming is causing significant changes in the circulation of the South-eastern Pacific, particularly with the southward shift and intensification of the anticyclone, and coastal surface warming. These changes are projected to increase coastal upwelling and south-easterly trade winds, altering the distribution patterns of marine life and habitats.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
German Zapata-Hernandez, Javier Sellanes, Yves Letourneur, Chris Harrod, Naiti A. Morales, Paula Plaza, Erika Meerhoff, Beatriz Yannicelli, Sergio A. Carrasco, Ivan Hinojosa, Carlos F. Gaymer
Summary: The study used stable isotope analysis to characterize the trophic structure and organic matter pathways supporting food webs in the Rapa Nui coastal marine ecosystem. Results showed distinct patterns of C-13 and N-15 enrichment across different consumer groups, indicating varying trophic positions and exploitation of different trophic resources. This provides key insights for conservation efforts, management planning, and the implementation of marine protected areas.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
David Veliz, Carlos F. Gaymer, Alan M. Friedlander
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Ignacio J. Petit, Carlos F. Gaymer, Alan M. Friedlander, Joao B. Gusmao
Summary: Global overexploitation of species has led to simplified food webs and ecosystems degradation. In the case of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), severe decline in nearshore fish populations due to overfishing has been observed. Herbivorous fishes play a crucial role in controlling algal growth on the island's coastal benthic community.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY OF FISHES
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Naiti A. Morales, Amy Rose Coghlan, Erin E. Easton, Alan M. Friedlander, James Herlan, Carlos F. Gaymer
Summary: New records of the subtropical greater amberjack have been reported in the south-east Pacific Ocean. While only one species was previously scientifically recorded on Easter Island, traditional ecological knowledge suggests the existence of the subtropical greater amberjack as a pre-existing species in the region.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
James P. Delgado, Michael L. Brennan, Sergio A. Rapu Haoa, Julianna H. Rapu Leong, Carlos F. Gaymer, Diego Carabias, Emily Stokes, Daniel Wagner
Summary: The waters surrounding the Salas y G ' omez and Nazca ridges have a rich and diverse human history, from indigenous cultures to European colonial exploration and the modern global economy. Understanding this history is crucial for managing marine resources effectively, as natural and cultural resources are intertwined. While most areas are beyond national jurisdiction, there is interest from various parties in protecting this remote region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ignacio J. Petit, Carlos F. Gaymer, Alan M. Friedlander, Joao B. Gusmao
Summary: Spearfishing has been found to strongly affect the behavior of target fish species, and in this study, the flight initiation distance (FID) of Kyphosus sandwicensis was measured at different depths around Rapa Nui. The results showed significant differences in FID between shallow and deeper waters, and higher biomass of K. sandwicensis at deeper depths, supporting the hypothesis of depth refuge from fishing. Based on these findings, spatial and technical management strategies are proposed to help conserve the nearshore fish populations.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angie C. Montenegro-Hoyos, Eduardo A. Munoz-Carvajal, Britt N. Wallberg, Mylene E. Seguel, Sergio A. Rosales, Natalia A. Vina-Trillos, Denisse S. Torres-Aviles, Alejandro E. Villarroel, Carlos F. Gaymer, Francisco A. Squeo
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global socio-economic crisis and a pause in people's activities. This presents an unprecedented opportunity to study the impact on biodiversity and the interaction between humans and nature. The socioeconomic and public health characteristics of each country influence how biodiversity is portrayed in the media.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ben Boteler, Daniel Wagner, Carole Durussel, Emily Stokes, Carlos F. Gaymer, Alan M. Friedlander, Daniel C. Dunn, Felipe Paredes Vargas, David Veliz, Carolina Hazin
Summary: Connectivity is important in marine conservation measures, but it is often overlooked in the Southeast Pacific. The Salas y Gomez and Nazca ridges are ecologically significant areas, but they lack protection and are under threat. This study provides a synthesis of connectivity in these ridges and offers practical recommendations for integrating this knowledge into conservation and management measures.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Studies
Vasco Chavez -Molina, Daniel Wagner, Emily S. Nocito, Michelle Benedum, Carlos F. Gaymer, Duncan Currie, Emily Golden Beam, Cassandra M. Brooks
Summary: Seamount ecosystems in the Southeast Pacific are biodiversity hotspots, but currently lack comprehensive protection. The BBNJ Agreement may provide a solution, however, it has not yet been adopted. Our study examines current conservation measures and identifies potential pathways for protecting this unique region.
Review
Environmental Studies
Daniel Wagner, Liesbeth van der Meer, Matthias Gorny, Javier Sellanes, Carlos F. Gaymer, Eulogio H. Soto, Erin E. Easton, Alan M. Friedlander, Dhugal J. Lindsay, Tina N. Molodtsova, Ben Boteler, Carole Durussel, Kristina M. Gjerde, Duncan Currie, Matthew Gianni, Cassandra M. Brooks, Marianne J. Shiple, T. Aulani Wilhelm, Marco Quesada, Tamara Thomas, Piers K. Dunstan, Nichola A. Clark, Luis A. Villanueva, Richard L. Pyle, Malcolm R. Clark, Samuel E. Georgian, Lance E. Morgan
Summary: The Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are two seamount chains in the southeastern Pacific, known for their unique biodiversity and high levels of marine endemism, serving as important habitats and ecological stepping stones.