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Feature Papers in Animal Diversity
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Feature Papers in Animal Diversity

A topical collection in Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This collection belongs to the section "Animal Diversity".

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Editor

Prof. Dr. Luc Legal

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l’Environnement, CRBE, UMR 5300 (CNRS-UPS-INPT), Université Paul Sabatier, Batiment IVR1-Room 359, 118, Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse CEDEX 9, France
Interests: molecular evolution; dynamic of communities and populations; plant–insect interactions, ecology; tools: mitochondrial DNA; ISSR; cuticular hydrocarbons; field ecology; model organisms: lepidoptera; diptera; spiders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Topical Collection Information

 Dear Colleagues,

As Diversity is a generalist journal, we hereby propose to authors to submit articles outlining the state-of-the-art on some special features concerning animal diversity.
The papers will be presented in the form of articles/reviews that can cover all subdivisions of biodiversity: natural history, evolution, phylogeny, biogeography, conservation, and even revisions of the systematics of related taxa.
They must represent a starting point to further research and be equally accessible to nonbiologists and to specialists in the field.

Dr. Luc Legal
Collection Editor

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (18 papers)

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2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021

81 pages, 10652 KiB  
Review
Amphibians of Rwanda: Diversity, Community Features, and Conservation Status
by J. Maximilian Dehling and Ulrich Sinsch
Diversity 2023, 15(4), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15040512 - 02 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3088
Abstract
The diversity and distribution of the amphibians in Rwanda was critically reviewed to provide a reliable species inventory for informed conservation management. The checklist of the amphibian species of Rwanda is based on results of our own fieldwork, historical records compiled from the [...] Read more.
The diversity and distribution of the amphibians in Rwanda was critically reviewed to provide a reliable species inventory for informed conservation management. The checklist of the amphibian species of Rwanda is based on results of our own fieldwork, historical records compiled from the literature, and examination of voucher specimens in museum collections. A total of 62 species are recorded, and 22 further species listed in field guides and open-access data bases are discussed, identified as erroneous records, and consequently not included in the country list. We provide diagnostic characters of external morphology and the advertisement call for each validated species, and a short synopsis of geographic distribution, altitudinal range, occurrence in the provinces of Rwanda, and habitat preference. We provide keys to all genera, and all taxonomically described species based on morphological characters and additional keys based on features of the advertisement calls. We discuss features of amphibian communities including local community structure and delimitation of altitudinal metacommunities. Based on the IUCN red list assessment and our field surveys, we propose for the first time a national red list of amphibians in Rwanda. Full article
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15 pages, 1346 KiB  
Article
Invasion Potential of Ornamental Terrestrial Gastropods in Europe Based on Climate Matching
by Lucie Bohatá and Jiří Patoka
Diversity 2023, 15(2), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020272 - 14 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1936
Abstract
Invasive species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. Pet trade is a well-known pathway for the introduction of non-native species. Prevention is the most effective, least time-consuming, and least financially demanding way to protect biodiversity against the spreading of [...] Read more.
Invasive species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. Pet trade is a well-known pathway for the introduction of non-native species. Prevention is the most effective, least time-consuming, and least financially demanding way to protect biodiversity against the spreading of invasive species. The main part of prevention is the early detection of a potentially high-risk species, as well as the successful implementation of prevention strategies in legislation and practice. This study summarizes the pre-introduction screening of pet-traded terrestrial gastropod species and their potential occurrence in the EU territory. Based on the list of species traded in the Czech Republic, one of the most important global hubs of the pet trade, 51 species (49 snails and 2 slugs) were analysed. Due to a lack of certain native occurrence data, only 29 species (28 snails and 1 slug) from 10 families were modelled using MaxEnt software. Twenty species from seven families have potential occurrence in the EU territory. Based on MaxEnt modelling, we considered the following species to be high-risk candidates for the EU: Anguispira alternata, A. strongylodes, Laevicaulis alte, Megalobulismus oblongus, Rumina decollata, and R. saharica. Based on this estimation, we present considerations with which to further improve the risk assessment and recommend continuous monitoring of the pet trade market. Full article
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10 pages, 1019 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity of Five Galician (Northwestern Spain) Local Primitive Bovine Breeds Using Pedigree Records
by María Asunción García-Atance, Carlos Carleos, Sandra Andrino, José Ramón Justo, Castor José Rivero, Miguel Fernández, Javier Cañon and Oscar Cortes
Diversity 2023, 15(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020252 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1061
Abstract
Characterization, inventory and monitoring trends of animal genetic resources of local breeds are crucial factors for the development of conservation strategies. Using genealogical information, the genetic diversity of five Spanish local bovine breeds located in the northwest of Spain in the region of [...] Read more.
Characterization, inventory and monitoring trends of animal genetic resources of local breeds are crucial factors for the development of conservation strategies. Using genealogical information, the genetic diversity of five Spanish local bovine breeds located in the northwest of Spain in the region of Galicia, and called in the past Morenas Gallegas (Cachena, Caldelá, Frieiresa, Limiá and Vianesa), has been analysed. The results achieved a good quality of pedigree records in terms of integrity and deepness. In spite of the low census of the five breeds, (no more or even less than one thousand animals), the strategies developed for genetic diversity conservation since the end of the last century revealed positive results. An increase of generation intervals, the use of reproductive technologies and a higher animal exchange between herds are some strategies suggested to preserve the genetic diversity of the five Galician bovine breeds analysed Full article
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12 pages, 2011 KiB  
Article
Isotopic Space of the House Mouse in the Gradient of Anthropogenic Habitats
by Linas Balčiauskas, Andrius Garbaras, Vitalijus Stirkė, Raminta Skipitytė and Laima Balčiauskienė
Diversity 2023, 15(2), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020173 - 26 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1155
Abstract
The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a most extensively distributed omnivorous rodent species, usually living in close association with humans. Its diet includes various vegetable matter, insects and any available human food. For the first time, we assessed the dietary niche [...] Read more.
The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a most extensively distributed omnivorous rodent species, usually living in close association with humans. Its diet includes various vegetable matter, insects and any available human food. For the first time, we assessed the dietary niche of this species by the isotopic (δ15N and δ13C) compositions of animal hair samples in the gradient of habitats, ranging from natural to fully commensal. The main factors explaining the differences in the isotopic niche of the mice, being the proxy of their diet, were the season and the source of available food. Influence of the habitat was weak, while gender, age, body mass and body condition had no influence on the diet differences. We found that M. musculus dietary niches overlap between different habitats if mice have access to human food. Niches diverge when mice forage outdoors on natural food compared to farms where livestock feed is available. Compared to omnivorous bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) living synoptically, M. musculus has much wider dietary niche and consumes more foods of animal origin. Variability of the diet increases the ecological plasticity of this strongly commensal species and, together with behavioural and reproductive adaptability, allows irresistibly occupy various environments. Full article
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17 pages, 1960 KiB  
Article
Pool Age and Local Habitat Are Associated with Effective Number of Breeders in Spotted Salamander Populations Colonizing Created Vernal Pools
by Alice R. Millikin, Stephanie S. Coster, Amy B. Welsh and James T. Anderson
Diversity 2023, 15(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020124 - 17 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1578
Abstract
Population genetics can reveal whether colonization of created habitats has been successful and inform future strategies for habitat creation. We used genetic analysis to investigate spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) colonization of created vernal pools and explored the impact of habitat characteristics [...] Read more.
Population genetics can reveal whether colonization of created habitats has been successful and inform future strategies for habitat creation. We used genetic analysis to investigate spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) colonization of created vernal pools and explored the impact of habitat characteristics on the genetic diversity and connectivity of the pools. Our first objective was to examine genetic structure, differentiation, diversity, and potential for a founder effect. Our second objective was to determine if habitat characteristics were associated with effective number of breeders, relatedness, or genetic diversity. We sampled spotted salamander larvae in 31 created vernal pools (1–5 years old) in Monongahela National Forest (WV) in May and June 2015 and 2016. The youngest pools exhibited genetic differentiation, a founder effect, and low effective number of breeders. Effective number of breeders was positively associated with pool age, vegetation cover, pool diameter, and sample size. Vegetation cover was also negatively associated with relatedness. Genetic diversity did not have strong environmental predictors. Our results indicated the effective number of breeders increased and genetic differentiation decreased within 4–5 years of pool creation, a sign of rapid colonization and potential population establishment. Our research also showed that higher vegetative cover within the pool and larger pool diameters could impact habitat quality and should be incorporated into future pool creation. Full article
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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021

14 pages, 858 KiB  
Article
Den-Dwelling Carnivores in Central Poland: Long-Term Trends in Abundance and Productivity
by Dagny Krauze-Gryz and Jakub Gryz
Diversity 2023, 15(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15010032 - 27 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1746
Abstract
The monitoring of medium-sized carnivores is essential because of their role in disease transmission and as predators. We focused on red foxes, badgers, raccoon dogs, and domestic dogs, and considered 9441 ha of field–forest mosaic in Central Poland. We compared current (2011–2018) abundance [...] Read more.
The monitoring of medium-sized carnivores is essential because of their role in disease transmission and as predators. We focused on red foxes, badgers, raccoon dogs, and domestic dogs, and considered 9441 ha of field–forest mosaic in Central Poland. We compared current (2011–2018) abundance (i.e., number of natal dens recorded annually) and breeding parameters (assessed with the aid of camera traps) with published past data (1980s–1990s). The red fox population increased after rabies vaccinations were introduced and has increased further in the last few years. The population is now stable, which suggests that other factors, possibly mange, limit the population instead. Contrary to historical data, one-fourth of red fox females now breed outside of forests areas, indicating the high plasticity of the species. The number of natal dens of badgers and recruitment rates have also increased. The mean litter sizes of these two species are positively affected by small rodent availability. The raccoon dog, which is an alien and invasive species, used to be recorded sporadically but now breeds regularly (1.8 breeding cases yearly). Nowadays, free-ranging/feral domestic dogs are not controlled by culling, so they have started to breed in the wild (1.6 cases per year), which is a new occurrence. Full article
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16 pages, 1759 KiB  
Article
Why Did Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Disappear from Some Areas in Central Poland?
by Jakub Gryz and Dagny Krauze-Gryz
Diversity 2022, 14(6), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14060465 - 10 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2173
Abstract
Brown hares originated in the open steppe grasslands of Eurasia and have adapted very successfully to a mixed, arable agriculture environment. In the last decades of the 20th century, a decline in brown hare populations has been observed in many European countries. In [...] Read more.
Brown hares originated in the open steppe grasslands of Eurasia and have adapted very successfully to a mixed, arable agriculture environment. In the last decades of the 20th century, a decline in brown hare populations has been observed in many European countries. In this study, we documented a long-term (1965–2018) decline in the hare population in a field and forest mosaic in central Poland (from over 30 ind./100 ha in the mid-1960s to 1–2 ind./100 ha in the past decade). We showed that the recent autumn densities were the same as compared to the preceding spring densities (suggesting a low recruitment rate) and that the recent densities recorded in the fields were no longer higher than in the forests (probably due to a decrease in the habitat quality of arable lands). We also showed that the share of hares in a red fox diet was now very low (0.1% vs. 13% in the past). We compared the recent (2004–2018) population estimates to another area that was located 70 km east (with a similar habitat structure, a community of predators and climate conditions, but with less intense agriculture), where the hare population was increasing. We suggested that the farming practices were the most important factor for the hare population decrease in our study area. Full article
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8 pages, 569 KiB  
Article
Helminth Community of the Black Margate Anisotremus surinamensis (Teleostei: Haemulidae), from Coral Reefs off the Veracruz Coast, Mexico, Southern Gulf of Mexico
by Jesús Montoya-Mendoza, Guillermo Salgado-Maldonado, Carlos Roberto Blanco-Segovia, Edgar F. Mendoza-Franco and Fabiola Lango-Reynoso
Diversity 2022, 14(5), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050368 - 06 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1806
Abstract
We describe the composition and structure of the helminth community of the black margate Anisotremus surinamensis in coral reefs from the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV) off the Veracruz coast. We examined a total of 78 specimens (total length TL range 21.7–77.9, [...] Read more.
We describe the composition and structure of the helminth community of the black margate Anisotremus surinamensis in coral reefs from the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV) off the Veracruz coast. We examined a total of 78 specimens (total length TL range 21.7–77.9, mean 33.7 cm) (28 males, TL range 22.5–51.5, mean 32.7 cm; 50 females, TL range 21.7–77.9, mean 34.3 cm) of A. surinamensis. At least nine helminth taxa (seven intestinal) were found, for all of which A. surinamensis is a new host. Our inventory includes two new geographic records for the southern Gulf of Mexico: the digeneans Cainocreadium oscitans (Linton, 1910) and Infundiburictus longovatus (Hopkins, 1941). Observed component community richness (S = 9) and infracommunity richness (mean ± SD, S = 2.8 ± 1.3) for A. surinamensis were lower than previously recorded richness for the sympatric A. virginicus and other coral reef fishes from the PNSAV. Numerically dominant taxa were trematodes (four taxa) and monogeneans (two), followed by nematodes (one), acanthocephalans (and) and cestodes (one). The trematode Monorchis latus was the more prevalent, more abundant and numerically dominant helminth species in the community of parasites of A. surinamensis. Full article
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2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022

16 pages, 1705 KiB  
Article
Highly Productive Tropical Seagrass Beds Support Diverse Consumers and a Large Organic Carbon Pool in the Sediments
by Chen-Lu Lee, Wei-Jen Lin, Pi-Jen Liu, Kwang-Tsao Shao and Hsing-Juh Lin
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110544 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5636
Abstract
Tropical seagrass beds are productive coastal ecosystems that are important blue carbon sinks and crucial habitats and feeding grounds for consumers at high trophic levels. To understand how energy sustains the ecosystem from seagrass production, we constructed an Ecopath trophic model to reveal [...] Read more.
Tropical seagrass beds are productive coastal ecosystems that are important blue carbon sinks and crucial habitats and feeding grounds for consumers at high trophic levels. To understand how energy sustains the ecosystem from seagrass production, we constructed an Ecopath trophic model to reveal the possible pathways of energy flow in the tropical seagrass beds around Dongsha Island, South China Sea. The model indicates that Dongsha seagrass beds were developing but well-structured ecosystems. The productive seagrasses were rarely directly consumed by herbivores and, ultimately, flowed into detrital pools. Detritus was the main food source used to support diverse consumers in the food web. Nevertheless, the low cycling rate (2.74%) suggests that most detritus was not reused or exported and was stored as a large organic carbon pool in the sediments. The detritus-feeding invertebrates are keystone groups in the Dongsha seagrass beds, as they recycle energy from detritus and transfer to top predators such as sharks. The predation of top predators affected the biomasses of other compartments, leading to strong top-down control via a trophic cascade effect. Full article
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21 pages, 12547 KiB  
Article
Breeding Density and Collision Mortality of Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area
by K. Shawn Smallwood and Noriko L. Smallwood
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110540 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2222
Abstract
Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) has declined across most or all of its geographic range. The species’ raptorial behavior requires maintenance of large territories, which means populations of breeding shrikes require large areas of habitat and are therefore sensitive to habitat loss [...] Read more.
Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) has declined across most or all of its geographic range. The species’ raptorial behavior requires maintenance of large territories, which means populations of breeding shrikes require large areas of habitat and are therefore sensitive to habitat loss and habitat fragmentation. We estimated breeding densities of loggerhead shrikes in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area (APWRA), California, where annual shrike mortality caused by wind turbine collisions was high until just before our study began in 2016. Based on surveys across an annual average 50 randomized sampling plots in 2016–2019, we estimated an average 129 breeding pairs/year across the 167.6-km2 APWRA. Relative to the size of the study area, density in the APWRA was relatively high compared to densities reported from other study sites across North America. It was higher than predicted by application of the Partners in Flight estimator, which was based on Breeding Bird Surveys along roads. We also found that loggerhead shrikes in the APWRA were limited by the availability of nest substrate and by California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) and their burrow complexes, which have keystone effects on vegetation and wildlife in the APWRA. To most effectively conserve loggerhead shrikes in the APWRA, wind turbine mortality should be minimized, ground squirrels conserved instead of eradicated as pests, and appropriate trees and shrubs cultivated where they are needed. Full article
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18 pages, 2102 KiB  
Article
Aquatic Habitat Bird Occurrences at Photovoltaic Solar Energy Development in Southern California, USA
by Karl Kosciuch, Daniel Riser-Espinoza, Cyrus Moqtaderi and Wallace Erickson
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110524 - 23 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4414
Abstract
The development of photovoltaic (PV) utility-scale solar energy (USSE) in the desert Southwest has the potential to negatively affect birds through collision mortality. Based on early patterns in fatality monitoring data, the lake effect hypothesis (LEH) was developed and suggested that birds misinterpret [...] Read more.
The development of photovoltaic (PV) utility-scale solar energy (USSE) in the desert Southwest has the potential to negatively affect birds through collision mortality. Based on early patterns in fatality monitoring data, the lake effect hypothesis (LEH) was developed and suggested that birds misinterpret PV solar panels for water. As the LEH was only recently defined and inference beyond bird mortality is limited, our research objective was to examine the species composition, abundance, and distribution of live and dead aquatic habitat birds at five PV solar facilities and paired reference areas in southern California. Further, we collected data from a small regional lake as an indicator of the potential aquatic habitat bird community that could occur at our study sites. Using an ordination analysis, we found the lake grouped away from the other study sites. Although the bird community (live and dead) at the solar facilities contained aquatic habitat species, Chao’s diversity was higher, and standardized use was more than an order of magnitude higher at the lake. Finally, we did not observe aquatic habitat bird fatalities in the desert/scrub and grassland reference areas. Thus, the idea of a “lake effect” in which aquatic habitat birds perceive a PV USSE facility as a waterbody and are broadly attracted is likely a nuanced process as a PV solar facility is unlikely to provide a signal of a lake to all aquatic habitat birds at all times. Full article
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15 pages, 27783 KiB  
Communication
Zoometric Characterization of Creole Cows from the Southern Amazon Region of Peru
by Ricardo Encina Ruiz, José Américo Saucedo-Uriarte, Segundo Melecio Portocarrero-Villegas, Hurley Abel Quispe-Ccasa and Ilse Silvia Cayo-Colca
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110510 - 20 Oct 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3511
Abstract
Bovine breeding began in Peru more than five centuries ago; since then, adaptation has started. Nowadays, Creole cattle are part of economic activities of Peruvian farmers, as they supply food and profits, among other things, for families in Andean region. Creole cattle have [...] Read more.
Bovine breeding began in Peru more than five centuries ago; since then, adaptation has started. Nowadays, Creole cattle are part of economic activities of Peruvian farmers, as they supply food and profits, among other things, for families in Andean region. Creole cattle have many strengths such as resistance to diseases, low nutrient requirements and easy adaptation to different levels of altitude and environmental conditions. However, even with all these attributes, they are not valued within production systems. Moreover, these valuable genetic resources are disappearing gradually in Perú. For this reason, this study aims to characterize the zoometry of Creole cows from the Southern Amazonas region of Peru. Biotype classification was performed by hierarchical cluster and multivariate factors analysis. Qualitative traits were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Duncan’s test (α = 0.05) was used to compare means among groups. Associations between qualitative traits were determined with Chi-square. We distinguished three biotypes of Creole cows with characteristics for meat and milk production. This information is helpful for future conservation programs for Creole cattle. Full article
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18 pages, 4160 KiB  
Article
Mitogenomes of Three Satyrid Butterfly Species (Nymphalidae: Lepidoptera) and Reconstructed Phylogeny of Satyrinae
by Zhicuo Dan, Lei Duan, Zhenning Chen, Delong Guan and Shengquan Xu
Diversity 2021, 13(10), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13100468 - 27 Sep 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2215
Abstract
Satyrinae is a 3000-species butterfly subfamily of Nymphalidae. The higher-level classification of this family is still controversial. In this research, we sequenced the complete mitogenomes of three satyrid butterfly species, Hipparchia autonoe, Paroeneis palaearctica, and Oeneis buddha, and studied the [...] Read more.
Satyrinae is a 3000-species butterfly subfamily of Nymphalidae. The higher-level classification of this family is still controversial. In this research, we sequenced the complete mitogenomes of three satyrid butterfly species, Hipparchia autonoe, Paroeneis palaearctica, and Oeneis buddha, and studied the phylogeny of Satyrinae with all known complete mitogenomes. The results showed that the lengths of the three satyrid butterfly mitogenomes are 15,435 bp (H. Autonoe), 15,942 bp (P. palaearctica), and 15,259 bp (O. buddha). Gene content and arrangement of newly sequenced mitogenomes are highly conserved and are typical of Lepidoptera. These three mitogenomes were found to have a typical set of 37 genes and an A + T-rich region. The tRNA genes in these three mitogenomes showed a typical clover leaf structure, but the stem of tRNASer (AGN) was lacking dihydroacridine. In these three species, the lengths of the A + T-rich regions were different, which led to differences in mitochondrial genome sizes. The characterizations of the three mitogenomes enrich our knowledge on the Lepidopteran mitogenome and provide us genetic information to reconstruct the phylogenetic tree. Finally, the phylogenetic results confirmed the position of the genus Davidina in the subfamily Satyrini, had a closer phylogenetic relationship with Oeneis, and the phylogenetic analysis supported the formation of Oeneis buddha as an independent taxon in Oeneis. Full article
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12 pages, 1958 KiB  
Article
Application of eDNA Metabarcoding for Detecting Anura on a Tropical Island
by Wenhao Li, Tianjian Song, Xianglei Hou, Mingshuo Qin, Chunxia Xu and Yiming Li
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090440 - 12 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2618
Abstract
As anuran biodiversity quickly declines, it is important to understand local patterns of anuran occurrence. However, the limitations of traditional sampling methods make anuran biodiversity surveys inadequate. Tropical environments are rich in anuran species, which makes biodiversity measurements more difficult. Therefore, it is [...] Read more.
As anuran biodiversity quickly declines, it is important to understand local patterns of anuran occurrence. However, the limitations of traditional sampling methods make anuran biodiversity surveys inadequate. Tropical environments are rich in anuran species, which makes biodiversity measurements more difficult. Therefore, it is important to develop a rapid, inexpensive and nondestructive method to measure anuran biodiversity in tropical environments. We used eDNA metabarcoding to measure anuran diversity at 288 sites in 18 regions of Hainan Island. We also used traditional methods and compared the results with those obtained through the eDNA metabarcoding methods. We detected 9 anuran species by traditional sampling methods. We produced 626 million reads by eDNA metabarcoding and assigned them to 15 anuran species. Therefore, eDNA metabarcoding can be used for rapid and large-scale anuran biodiversity surveys. Full article
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18 pages, 2095 KiB  
Article
Comparative Phylogeography of Southern African Bird Species Suggests an Ephemeral Speciation Model
by Gary Voelker, Guinevere O. U. Wogan, Jerry W. Huntley and Rauri C. K. Bowie
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090434 - 09 Sep 2021
Viewed by 2477
Abstract
Southern Africa is remarkably rich in avian species diversity; however, the evolutionary and biogeographic mechanisms responsible for that diversity are, in general, poorly understood, and this is particularly true with respect to the many species that are endemic or near-endemic to the region. [...] Read more.
Southern Africa is remarkably rich in avian species diversity; however, the evolutionary and biogeographic mechanisms responsible for that diversity are, in general, poorly understood, and this is particularly true with respect to the many species that are endemic or near-endemic to the region. Here, we used mtDNA to assess genetic structure in three southern African bird species to determine whether each was genetically panmictic, or whether there was standing genetic variation upon which abiotic factors (e.g., climate, biome boundaries, geographic features) could have acted to drive lineage diversification. Haplotype diversity was partitioned into two (two species) or three (one species) distinct haplotype clusters that did not reflect biogeographic or biome partitioning; instead, haplotype clusters overlapped in central South Africa. Population and demographic analyses, along with ecological niche modeling and Bayesian Skyline Plots, indicated that each of the three species were likely isolated in refugia during Pleistocene climatic perturbations, with subsequent expansions from refugia resulting in present-day overlapping distributions. Collectively, our analyses suggest that an ephemeral speciation model is operating in southern Africa, driven by the dynamic climatic oscillations that characterize the region. At least some of the regional endemic bird species (e.g., White-eyes, Zosterops spp.) may be the result of sufficiently long periods in refugia as opposed to the distinct but ephemeral clusters recovered within our three focal species. Full article
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35 pages, 10736 KiB  
Article
Bioacoustics Reveal Hidden Diversity in Frogs: Two New Species of the Genus Limnonectes from Myanmar (Amphibia, Anura, Dicroglossidae)
by Gunther Köhler, Britta Zwitzers, Ni Lar Than, Deepak Kumar Gupta, Axel Janke, Steffen U. Pauls and Panupong Thammachoti
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090399 - 24 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3406
Abstract
Striking geographic variation in male advertisement calls was observed in frogs formerly referred to as Limnonectes doriae and L. limborgi, respectively. Subsequent analyses of mtDNA and external morphological data brought supporting evidence for the recognition of these populations as distinct species. We [...] Read more.
Striking geographic variation in male advertisement calls was observed in frogs formerly referred to as Limnonectes doriae and L. limborgi, respectively. Subsequent analyses of mtDNA and external morphological data brought supporting evidence for the recognition of these populations as distinct species. We describe two new frog species of the genus Limnonectes (i.e., L. bagoensis sp. nov. and L. bagoyoma sp. nov.) from Myanmar. Limnonectes bagoensis sp. nov. is closely related to L. doriae whereas L. bagoyoma sp. nov. is closely related to L. limborgi. Results of this integrative study provide evidence for the presence of additional undescribed species in these species complexes but due to the lack of bioacoustical data, we consider these additional diverging populations as candidate species that need further study to resolve their respective taxonomic status. Both new species are distributed in Lower Myanmar. Limnonectes doriae is restricted to southern Myanmar along the Malayan Peninsula whereas L. limborgi is known to occur in eastern Myanmar and northwestern Thailand. The remaining populations formerly referred to as either L. doriae or L. limborgi are considered representatives of various candidate species that await further study. We further provide a de novo draft genome of the respective holotypes of L. bagoensis sp. nov. and L. bagoyoma sp. nov. based on short-read sequencing technology to 25-fold coverage. Full article
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13 pages, 1325 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Climate Impacts on Vocal Activity in Two Neotropical Nonpasserines
by Cristian Pérez-Granados and Karl-L. Schuchmann
Diversity 2021, 13(7), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13070319 - 14 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3177
Abstract
Climatic conditions represent one of the main constraints that influence avian calling behavior. Here, we monitored the daily calling activity of the Undulated Tinamou (Crypturellus undulatus) and the Chaco Chachalaca (Ortalis canicollis) during the dry and wet seasons in [...] Read more.
Climatic conditions represent one of the main constraints that influence avian calling behavior. Here, we monitored the daily calling activity of the Undulated Tinamou (Crypturellus undulatus) and the Chaco Chachalaca (Ortalis canicollis) during the dry and wet seasons in the Brazilian Pantanal. We aimed to assess the effects of climate predictors on the vocal activity of these focal species and evaluate whether these effects may vary among seasons. Air temperature was positively associated with the daily calling activity of both species during the dry season. However, the vocal activity of both species was unrelated to air temperature during the wet season, when higher temperatures occur. Daily rainfall was positively related to the daily calling activity of both species during the dry season, when rainfall events are scarce and seem to act as a trigger for breeding phenology of the focal species. Nonetheless, daily rainfall was negatively associated with the daily calling activity of the Undulated Tinamou during the wet season, when rainfall was abundant. This study improves our understanding of the vocal behavior of tropical birds and their relationships with climate, but further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind the associations found in our study. Full article
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11 pages, 1115 KiB  
Article
Planarians, a Neglected Component of Biodiversity in Groundwaters
by Benedetta Barzaghi, Davide De Giorgi, Roberta Pennati and Raoul Manenti
Diversity 2021, 13(5), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13050178 - 22 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2825
Abstract
Underground waters are still one of the most important sources of drinking water for the planet. Moreover, the fauna that inhabits these waters is still little known, even if it could be used as an effective bioindicator. Among cave invertebrates, planarians are strongly [...] Read more.
Underground waters are still one of the most important sources of drinking water for the planet. Moreover, the fauna that inhabits these waters is still little known, even if it could be used as an effective bioindicator. Among cave invertebrates, planarians are strongly suited to be used as a study model to understand adaptations and trophic web features. Here, we show a systematic literature review that aims to investigate the studies done so far on groundwater-dwelling planarians. The research was done using Google Scholar and Web of Science databases. Using the key words “Planarian cave” and “Flatworm Cave” we found 2273 papers that our selection reduced to only 48, providing 113 usable observations on 107 different species of planarians from both groundwaters and springs. Among the most interesting results, it emerged that planarians are at the top of the food chain in two thirds of the reported caves, and in both groundwaters and springs they show a high variability of morphological adaptations to subterranean environments. This is a first attempt to review the phylogeny of the groundwater-dwelling planarias, focusing on the online literature. The paucity of information underlines that scarce attention has been dedicated to these animals. Further revisions, including old papers and books, not available online will be necessary. Full article
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