scholarly journals Evaluating firefly extinction risk: Initial red list assessments for North America

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259379
Author(s):  
Candace E. Fallon ◽  
Anna C. Walker ◽  
Sara Lewis ◽  
Joseph Cicero ◽  
Lynn Faust ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
North America ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
The United States ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Habitat Specificity ◽  
Data Deficient ◽  
Systematic Compilation

Fireflies are a family of charismatic beetles known for their bioluminescent signals. Recent anecdotal reports suggest that firefly populations in North America may be in decline. However, prior to this work, no studies have undertaken a systematic compilation of geographic distribution, habitat specificity, and threats facing North American fireflies. To better understand their extinction risks, we conducted baseline assessments according to the categories and criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List for 132 species from the United States and Canada (approximately 79% of described species in the region). We found at least 18 species (14%) are threatened with extinction (e.g. categorized as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable) due to various pressures, including habitat loss, light pollution, and climate change (sea level rise and drought). In addition, more than half of the species (53%) could not be evaluated against the assessment criteria due to insufficient data, highlighting the need for further study. Future research and conservation efforts should prioritize monitoring and protecting populations of at-risk species, preserving and restoring habitat, gathering data on population trends, and filling critical information gaps for data deficient species suspected to be at risk.

scholarly journals Predicting Extinction Risk for Data Deficient Bats

Diversity ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Welch ◽  
Jeremy Beaulieu
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Species Vulnerability ◽  
Data Coverage ◽  
Data Deficient

Conservation biology aims to identify species most at risk of extinction and to understand factors that forecast species vulnerability. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is a leading source for extinction risk data of species globally, however, many potentially at risk species are not assessed by the IUCN owing to inadequate data. Of the approximately 1150 bat species (Chiroptera) recognized by the IUCN, 17 percent are categorized as Data Deficient. Here, we show that large trait databases in combination with a comprehensive phylogeny can identify which traits are important for assessing extinction risk in bats. Using phylogenetic logistic regressions, we show that geographic range and island endemism are the strongest correlates of binary extinction risk. We also show that simulations using two models that trade-off between data complexity and data coverage provide similar estimates of extinction risk for species that have received a Red List assessment. We then use our model parameters to provide quantitative predictions of extinction risk for 60 species that have not received risk assessments by the IUCN. Our model suggests that at least 20 bat species should be treated as threatened by extinction. In combination with expert knowledge, our results can be used as a quick, first-pass prioritization for conservation action.

scholarly journals Using publicly available data to conduct rapid assessments of extinction risk

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael O Levin ◽  
Jared B Meek ◽  
Brian Boom ◽  
Sara M Kross ◽  
Evan A Eskew
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Global Biodiversity Information Facility ◽  
Red List Species ◽  
Data Deficient ◽  
Biodiversity Information

The IUCN Red List plays a key role in setting global conservation priorities. Species are added to the Red List through a rigorous assessment process that, while robust, can be quite time-intensive. Here, we test the rapid preliminary assessment of plant species extinction risk using a single Red List metric: Extent of Occurrence (EOO). To do so, we developed REBA (Rapid EOO-Based Assessment), a workflow that harvests and cleans data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), calculates each species' EOO, and assigns Red List categories based on that metric. We validated REBA results against 1,546 North American plant species already on the Red List and found ~90% overlap between REBA's rapid classifications and those of full IUCN assessments. Our preliminary workflow can be used to quickly evaluate data deficient Red List species or those in need of reassessment, and can prioritize unevaluated species for a full assessment.

scholarly journals Mollinedia ruschii (Monimiaceae, Mollinedioideae), a new Critically Endangered species microendemic to the Atlantic rainforest, eastern Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 154 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-158
Author(s):  
Elton John De Lírio ◽  
Raquel Negrão ◽  
Paulo Takeo Sano ◽  
Ariane Luna Peixoto
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Habitat Specificity ◽  
Critically Endangered Species ◽  
Eastern Brazil ◽  
Extinction Risk Assessment

Background – Studies of neotropical Monimiaceae revealed a new species of Mollinedia endemic to the state of Espírito Santo, eastern Brazil. In this study, we describe, illustrate, and compare the new species with related taxa. In addition, ecological comments and extinction risk assessment of the new species are provided.Methods – This study was based on herbarium material and field work observations. The risk of extinction assessment follows the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species’ Criteria and Categories and the latest version of the IUCN Guidelines.Results – Mollinedia ruschii sp. nov. has habitat specificity with few individuals recorded, mainly in the Estação Biológica de Santa Lúcia, a protected area created by Augusto Ruschi, a Brazilian naturalist and researcher, to whom we dedicate the name of the new species. Phytosociological and forest dynamics studies and intensive field work in the area where the species occurs, enabled the detection of the decline of mature individuals in previous decades. Following the IUCN Red List criteria, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered.

A Silenced Population

Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 433-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Gryglewicz ◽  
Melanie Bozzay ◽  
Brittany Arthur-Jordon ◽  
Gabriela D. Romero ◽  
Melissa Witmeier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
At Risk Youth ◽  
Peer Relationship ◽  
Student Records ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Method Student

Abstract. Background: Given challenges that exceed the normal developmental requirements of adolescence, deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) youth are believed to be at elevated risk for engaging in suicide-related behavior (SRB). Unfortunately, little is known about the mechanisms that put these youth potentially at risk. Aims: To determine whether peer relationship difficulties are related to increased risk of SRB in DHH youth. Method: Student records (n = 74) were retrieved from an accredited educational center for deaf and blind students in the United States. Results: Peer relationship difficulties were found to be significantly associated with engagement in SRB but not when accounting for depressive symptomatology. Limitations: The restricted sample limits generalizability. Conclusions regarding risk causation cannot be made due to the cross-sectional nature of the study. Conclusion: These results suggest the need for future research that examines the mechanisms of the relationship between peer relationship difficulties, depression, and suicide risk in DHH youth and potential preventive interventions to ameliorate the risks for these at-risk youth.

scholarly journals Global extinction risk for seahorses, pipefishes and their near relatives (Syngnathiformes)

Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Riley A. Pollom ◽  
Gina M. Ralph ◽  
Caroline M. Pollock ◽  
Amanda C.J. Vincent
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Selective Extraction ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Point Estimate ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Data Deficient

Abstract Few marine taxa have been comprehensively assessed for their conservation status, despite heavy pressures from fishing, habitat degradation and climate change. Here we report on the first global assessment of extinction risk for 300 species of syngnathiform fishes known as of 2017, using the IUCN Red List criteria. This order of bony teleosts is dominated by seahorses, pipefishes and seadragons (family Syngnathidae). It also includes trumpetfishes (Aulostomidae), shrimpfishes (Centriscidae), cornetfishes (Fistulariidae) and ghost pipefishes (Solenostomidae). At least 6% are threatened, but data suggest a mid-point estimate of 7.9% and an upper bound of 38%. Most of the threatened species are seahorses (Hippocampus spp.: 14/42 species, with an additional 17 that are Data Deficient) or freshwater pipefishes of the genus Microphis (2/18 species, with seven additional that are Data Deficient). Two species are Near Threatened. Nearly one-third of syngnathiformes (97 species) are Data Deficient and could potentially be threatened, requiring further field research and evaluation. Most species (61%) were, however, evaluated as Least Concern. Primary threats to syngnathids are (1) overexploitation, primarily by non-selective fisheries, for which most assessments were determined by criterion A (Hippocampus) and/or (2) habitat loss and degradation, for which assessments were determined by criterion B (Microphis and some Hippocampus). Threatened species occurred in most regions but more are found in East and South-east Asia and in South African estuaries. Vital conservation action for syngnathids, including constraining fisheries, particularly non-selective extraction, and habitat protection and rehabilitation, will benefit many other aquatic species.

scholarly journals Conservation Status of Marine Biodiversity in Oceania: An Analysis of Marine Species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth A. Polidoro ◽  
Cristiane T. Elfes ◽  
Jonnell C. Sanciangco ◽  
Helen Pippard ◽  
Kent E. Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Conservation Action

Given the economic and cultural dependence on the marine environment in Oceania and a rapidly expanding human population, many marine species populations are in decline and may be vulnerable to extinction from a number of local and regional threats. IUCN Red List assessments, a widely used system for quantifying threats to species and assessing species extinction risk, have been completed for 1190 marine species in Oceania to date, including all known species of corals, mangroves, seagrasses, sea snakes, marine mammals, sea birds, sea turtles, sharks, and rays present in Oceania, plus all species in five important perciform fish groups. Many of the species in these groups are threatened by the modification or destruction of coastal habitats, overfishing from direct or indirect exploitation, pollution, and other ecological or environmental changes associated with climate change. Spatial analyses of threatened species highlight priority areas for both site- and species-specific conservation action. Although increased knowledge and use of newly available IUCN Red List assessments for marine species can greatly improve conservation priorities for marine species in Oceania, many important fish groups are still in urgent need of assessment.

scholarly journals Increasing accuracy: The advantage of using open access species occurrence database in the Red List assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iyan Robiansyah ◽  
Wita Wardani
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Species Occurrence ◽  
Extent Of Occurrence ◽  
Area Of Occupancy

Abstract. Robiansyah I, Wardani W. 2020. Increasing accuracy: The advantage of using open access species occurrence database in the Red List assessment. Biodiversitas 21: 3658-3664. IUCN Red List is the most widely used instrument to assess and advise the extinction risk of a species. One of the criteria used in IUCN Red List is geographical range of the species assessed (criterion B) in the form of extent of occurrence (EOO) and/or area of occupancy (AOO). While this criterion is presumed to be the easiest to be completed as it is based mainly on species occurrence data, there are some assessments that failed to maximize freely available databases. Here, we reassessed the conservation status of Cibotium arachnoideum, a tree fern distributed in Sumatra and Borneo. This species was previously assessed by Praptosuwiryo (2020, Biodiversitas 21 (4): 1379-1384) which classified the species as Endangered (EN) under criteria B2ab(i,ii,iii); C2a(ii). Using additional data from herbarium specimens recorded in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) website and from peer-reviewed scientific papers, in the present paper we show that C. arachnoideum has a larger extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO), more locations and different conservation status compared to those in Praptosuwiryo (2020). Our results are supported by the predicted suitable habitat map of C. arachnoideum produced by MaxEnt modelling method. Based on our assessment, we propose the category of Vulnerable (VU) C2a(i) as the global conservation status for C. arachnoideum. Our study implies the advantage of using open access databases to increase the accuracy of extinction risk assessment under the IUCN Red List criteria in regions like Indonesia, where adequate taxonomical information is not always readily available.

A new forest dwelling button spider from South Africa (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4700 (4) ◽  
pp. 584-600
Author(s):  
B.M.O.G. WRIGHT ◽  
C. D. WRIGHT ◽  
C.L. SOLE ◽  
R. LYLE ◽  
R. TIPPETT ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Ventral Surface ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
African Species ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Coi Barcoding ◽  
Sand Forest ◽  
New Forest ◽  
Data Deficient

The medically important spider genus Latrodectus Walckenaer 1805, commonly referred to as “button spiders” in South Africa, is represented by six species in the country. Using morphology and the COI barcoding gene we describe a new forest dwelling species, Latrodectus umbukwane n. sp. Wright, Wright, Lyle and Engelbrecht. Females have red markings on both the ventral and posterior dorsal surfaces of the abdomen, parallel spermathecae and three loops of the copulatory ducts. Males have an embolus with four loops and diagnostic white markings on the ventral surface of the abdomen that darken with age. Egg sacs are smooth, large, and bright purple when freshly laid, turning shiny grey with time. Latrodectus umbukwane n. sp. is known only from sand forest vegetation types in northern Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A predicted geographic distribution for this species is provided based on cartographic mapping of known habitat and altitudinal preference, from which area of occupancy (AOO; 698 km2) and extent of occurrence (EOO; 4963 km2) were calculated to assess potential IUCN Red List status. Due to the uncertainty of the distribution of this species, a Red List status of Data Deficient (DD) is recommended. An updated key to the southern African species of Latrodectus is provided. 

scholarly journals The dynamics underlying avian extinction trajectories forecast a wave of extinctions

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 20190633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie J. Monroe ◽  
Stuart H. M. Butchart ◽  
Arne O. Mooers ◽  
Folmer Bokma
Keyword(s):  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Extinction Rate ◽  
Critically Endangered Species ◽  
Extinction Rates ◽  
Historical Times ◽  
Risk Categories

Population decline is a process, yet estimates of current extinction rates often consider just the final step of that process by counting numbers of species lost in historical times. This neglects the increased extinction risk that affects a large proportion of species, and consequently underestimates the effective extinction rate. Here, we model observed trajectories through IUCN Red List extinction risk categories for all bird species globally over 28 years, and estimate an overall effective extinction rate of 2.17 × 10 −4 /species/year. This is six times higher than the rate of outright extinction since 1500, as a consequence of the large number of species whose status is deteriorating. We very conservatively estimate that global conservation efforts have reduced the effective extinction rate by 40%, but mostly through preventing critically endangered species from going extinct rather than by preventing species at low risk from moving into higher-risk categories. Our findings suggest that extinction risk in birds is accumulating much more than previously appreciated, but would be even greater without conservation efforts.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document