1
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Jense C, Adams M, Raadik TA, Waters JM, Morgan DL, Barmuta LA, Hardie SA, Deagle BE, Burridge CP. Cryptic diversity within two widespread diadromous freshwater fishes (Teleostei: Galaxiidae). Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11201. [PMID: 38799386 PMCID: PMC11116845 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Identification of taxonomically cryptic species is essential for the effective conservation of biodiversity. Freshwater-limited organisms tend to be genetically isolated by drainage boundaries, and thus may be expected to show substantial cryptic phylogenetic and taxonomic diversity. By comparison, populations of diadromous taxa, that migrate between freshwater and marine environments, are expected to show less genetic differentiation. Here we test for cryptic diversity in Australasian populations (both diadromous and non-diadromous) of two widespread Southern Hemisphere fish species, Galaxias brevipinnis and Galaxias maculatus. Both mtDNA and nuclear markers reveal putative cryptic species within these taxa. The substantial diversity detected within G. brevipinnis may be explained by its strong climbing ability which allows it to form isolated inland populations. In island populations, G. brevipinnis similarly show deeper genetic divergence than those of G. maculatus, which may be explained by the greater abundance of G. maculatus larvae in the sea allowing more ongoing dispersal. Our study highlights that even widespread, 'high-dispersal' species can harbour substantial cryptic diversity and therefore warrant increased taxonomic and conservation attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Jense
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Mark Adams
- Evolutionary Biology UnitSouth Australian MuseumAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Tarmo A. Raadik
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate ActionArthur Rylah Institute for Environmental ResearchHeidelbergVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - David L. Morgan
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler InstituteMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Scott A. Hardie
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Bruce E. Deagle
- Australian National Fish CollectionCSIRO National Research Collections AustraliaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Christopher P. Burridge
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
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2
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Legge S, Rumpff L, Garnett ST, Woinarski JCZ. Loss of terrestrial biodiversity in Australia: Magnitude, causation, and response. Science 2023; 381:622-631. [PMID: 37561866 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg7870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Australia's biota is species rich, with high rates of endemism. This natural legacy has rapidly diminished since European colonization. The impacts of invasive species, habitat loss, altered fire regimes, and changed water flows are now compounded by climate change, particularly through extreme drought, heat, wildfire, and flooding. Extinction rates, already far exceeding the global average for mammals, are predicted to escalate across all taxa, and ecosystems are collapsing. These losses are symptomatic of shortcomings in resourcing, law, policy, and management. Informed by examples of advances in conservation practice from invasive species control, Indigenous land management, and citizen science, we describe interventions needed to enhance future resilience. Many characteristics of Australian biodiversity loss are globally relevant, with recovery requiring society to reframe its relationship with the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Legge
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
- Fenner School of Society and the Environment, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Libby Rumpff
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen T Garnett
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - John C Z Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
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3
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Tims AR, Saupe EE. Forecasting climate‐driven habitat changes for Australian freshwater fishes. DIVERS DISTRIB 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Tims
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Erin E. Saupe
- Department of Earth Sciences University of Oxford Oxford UK
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4
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Theis S, Castellanos‐Acuña D, Hamann A, Poesch MS. Small‐bodied fish species from the western United States will be under severe water stress by 2040. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Theis
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences University of Alberta, Fisheries, and Aquatic Conservation Lab Edmonton Canada
| | - Dante Castellanos‐Acuña
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences University of Alberta, Spatial Information Systems Lab Edmonton Canada
| | - Andreas Hamann
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences University of Alberta, Spatial Information Systems Lab Edmonton Canada
| | - Mark S. Poesch
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences University of Alberta, Fisheries, and Aquatic Conservation Lab Edmonton Canada
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5
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Ward M, Southwell D, Gallagher RV, Raadik TA, Whiterod NS, Lintermans M, Sheridan G, Nyman P, Suárez‐Castro AF, Marsh J, Woinarski J, Legge S. Modelling the spatial extent of post‐fire sedimentation threat to estimate the impacts of fire on waterways and aquatic species. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ward
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- WWF‐Aus Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Darren Southwell
- Conservation Biology Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
| | - Rachael V. Gallagher
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Penrith New South Wales Australia
| | - Tarmo A. Raadik
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Nick S. Whiterod
- Aquasave−Nature Glenelg Trust Victor Harbor South Australia Australia
| | - Mark Lintermans
- Centre for Applied Water Science University of Canberra Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Gary Sheridan
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Petter Nyman
- Alluvium Consulting Australia Cremorne Victoria Australia
| | - Andrés F. Suárez‐Castro
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Australian Rivers Institute Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Jessica Marsh
- Harry Butler Research Institute Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
| | - John Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin Northern Territory Australia
| | - Sarah Legge
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin Northern Territory Australia
- Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
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6
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Lavery TH, Lindenmayer DB, Allan H, Southwell D, Woinarski JCZ, Lintermans M. Monitoring populations and threats to range‐restricted freshwater fishes: A case study of the Stocky Galaxias (
Galaxias tantangara
). ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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7
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McDonald PJ, Brown RM, Kraus F, Bowles P, Arifin U, Eliades SJ, Fisher RN, Gaulke M, Grismer LL, Ineich I, Karin BR, Meneses CG, Richards SJ, Sanguila MB, Siler CD, Oliver PM. Cryptic extinction risk in a western Pacific lizard radiation. BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2022; 31:2045-2062. [PMID: 35633848 PMCID: PMC9130968 DOI: 10.1007/s10531-022-02412-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Cryptic ecologies, the Wallacean Shortfall of undocumented species' geographical ranges and the Linnaean Shortfall of undescribed diversity, are all major barriers to conservation assessment. When these factors overlap with drivers of extinction risk, such as insular distributions, the number of threatened species in a region or clade may be underestimated, a situation we term 'cryptic extinction risk'. The genus Lepidodactylus is a diverse radiation of insular and arboreal geckos that occurs across the western Pacific. Previous work on Lepidodactylus showed evidence of evolutionary displacement around continental fringes, suggesting an inherent vulnerability to extinction from factors such as competition and predation. We sought to (1) comprehensively review status and threats, (2) estimate the number of undescribed species, and (3) estimate extinction risk in data deficient and candidate species, in Lepidodactylus. From our updated IUCN Red List assessment, 60% of the 58 recognized species are threatened (n = 15) or Data Deficient (n = 21), which is higher than reported for most other lizard groups. Species from the smaller and isolated Pacific islands are of greatest conservation concern, with most either threatened or Data Deficient, and all particularly vulnerable to invasive species. We estimated 32 undescribed candidate species and linear modelling predicted that an additional 18 species, among these and the data deficient species, are threatened with extinction. Focusing efforts to resolve the taxonomy and conservation status of key taxa, especially on small islands in the Pacific, is a high priority for conserving this remarkably diverse, yet poorly understood, lizard fauna. Our data highlight how cryptic ecologies and cryptic diversity combine and lead to significant underestimation of extinction risk. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10531-022-02412-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. McDonald
- Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, PO Box 240, Apia, Samoa
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment, Parks, and Water Security, Northern Territory Government, Alice Springs, NT 0870 Australia
| | - Rafe M. Brown
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, KS 66044 USA
| | - Fred Kraus
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Philip Bowles
- Biodiversity Assessment Unit, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Conservation International, Washington, DC 20009 USA
| | - Umilaela Arifin
- Universität Hamburg, Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for the Analyses of Biodiversity Change, Zoological Museum Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Samuel J. Eliades
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73072 USA
| | - Robert N. Fisher
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 4165 Spruance Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92101 USA
| | - Maren Gaulke
- GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - L. Lee Grismer
- Department of Biology, La Sierra University, 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA 92505 USA
| | - Ivan Ineich
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) - Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, École Pratique des Hautes Études, Université des Antilles, CNRS - CP 30, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Benjamin R. Karin
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Camila G. Meneses
- Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
| | - Stephen J. Richards
- Department of Herpetology, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000 Australia
| | - Marites B. Sanguila
- Biodiversity Informatics and Research Center and Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division, Arts and Sciences Program, Father Saturnino Urios University, Agusan del Norte, 8600 Butuan City, Philippines
| | - Cameron D. Siler
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73072 USA
| | - Paul M. Oliver
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD 4111 Australia
- Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Queensland Museum, South Brisbane, QLD 4101 Australia
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8
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Tims AR, Alroy J. Phylogeny-based conservation priorities for Australian freshwater fishes. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13811. [PMID: 34288119 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Conservation scientists are increasingly interested in the question of how extinction prunes the tree of life. This question is particularly important for Australian freshwater fishes because there is a broad mix of ∼300 old and young species, many of which are severely threatened. We used a complete species-level phylogeny of Australian freshwater fishes to examine phylogenetic nonrandomness of extinction risk. We computed the potential loss of phylogenetic diversity by simulating extinction across the tree under a pattern weighted based on International Union for Conservation of Nature extinction risk category and compared this loss to projected diversity loss under a random null model of extinction. Finally, we calculated EDGE (evolutionary distinctiveness, global endangerment) scores for 251 freshwater and 60 brackish species and compiled a list of high-priority species for conservation actions based on their extinction risk and evolutionary uniqueness. Extinction risk was not random and was clustered in both diversity cradles (recently diversifying, species-rich clades, such as Galaxiidae and Percichthyidae) and museums (older, species-poor groups, such as freshwater chondrichthyans). Clustered extinction made little difference to the average expected loss of phylogenetic diversity. However, the upper bound of loss was higher under a selective model of extinction, particularly when the counts of species lost were low. Thus, the loss of highly threatened species would diminish the tree of life more than a null model of randomly distributed extinction. High priority species included both widely recognized and charismatic ones, such as the Queensland lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), river sharks, and freshwater sawfishes, and lesser-known species that receive less public attention, including the salamanderfish (Lepidogalaxias salamandroides), cave gudgeons, and many galaxiids, rainbowfishes, and pygmy perches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Tims
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Alroy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Cryopreservation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Ovarian Tissue in Murray River Rainbowfish, Melanotaenia fluviatilis. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060794. [PMID: 35327190 PMCID: PMC8944819 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Freshwater fish populations are in global decline, with many Australian freshwater species expected to become extinct in the next twenty years. The storage of reproductive cells and tissues at extremely cold temperatures in bio-banks known as “Frozen Zoos”, allows for the indefinite storage of genetic material, meaning that in the event of an extinction, we have a genetic blueprint available to produce new individuals and reintroduce a species into the wild. Here we have developed a cryopreservation protocol for the storage of ovarian tissue from the threatened Murray River Rainbowfish. Many Australian freshwater fish species are threatened with extinction, our methodology provides a framework for the conservation of other fish species in Australia and globally. Abstract Freshwater fish populations are declining with many small, Australian fish species at risk of extinction within the next twenty-years. Cryopreservation of reproductive cells and tissues makes it possible to reproduce individuals from a species even after they are extinct in the wild. We describe the successful cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in the Murray River Rainbowfish, Melanotaenia fluviatilis (Order: Atheriniformes). Histology showed that oogonia are 13.70 µm ± 1.75 µm in size, stain positive for germ-line marker Vasa, and represent approximately 2.29 ± 0.81% of cells in the ovary. Flow cytometry was used to analyse ovarian cell suspensions, requiring an optimised tissue digestion protocol. We found that 0.25% trypsin with 1.13 mM EDTA produced cell suspensions with the highest viability (76.28 ± 4.64%) and the highest number of cells recovered per gram of tissue (1.2 × 108 ± 4.4 × 107 cells/g). Subsequent sorting of ovarian cell suspensions by flow cytometry increased oogonial cells in suspension from 2.53 ± 1.31% in an unsorted sample to 5.85 ± 4.01% in a sorted sample (p = 0.0346). Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue showed DMSO-treated samples had higher cell viability post-thaw (63.5 ± 18.2%) which was comparable to fresh samples (82.5 ± 7.1%; p = 0.36). Tissue cryopreserved in 2.0 M DMSO had the highest cell viability overall (76.07 ± 3.89%). This protocol could be applied to bio-banking programs for other species in the Melanotaeniidae, and perhaps species in other families and orders of Australian fish.
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10
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Muñoz NJ, Reid B, Correa C, Madriz RI, Neff BD, Reynolds JD. Emergent trophic interactions following the Chinook salmon invasion of Patagonia. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J. Muñoz
- Earth to Ocean Research Group Simon Fraser University Burnaby British Columbia Canada
| | - Brian Reid
- Laboratorio de Limnología Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia Coyhaique Chile
| | - Cristian Correa
- Instituto de Conservación Biodiversidad y Territorio Universidad Austral de Chile Valdivia Chile
- Centro de Humedales Río Cruces Universidad Austral de Chile Valdivia Chile
| | - Ruben Isaí Madriz
- Independent Investigator Puerto Rio Tranquilo Chile
- Independent Investigator Aurora Illinois USA
| | - Bryan D. Neff
- Department of Biology University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
| | - John D. Reynolds
- Earth to Ocean Research Group Simon Fraser University Burnaby British Columbia Canada
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11
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Legge S, Woinarski JCZ, Scheele BC, Garnett ST, Lintermans M, Nimmo DG, Whiterod NS, Southwell DM, Ehmke G, Buchan A, Gray J, Metcalfe DJ, Page M, Rumpff L, Leeuwen S, Williams D, Ahyong ST, Chapple DG, Cowan M, Hossain MA, Kennard M, Macdonald S, Moore H, Marsh J, McCormack RB, Michael D, Mitchell N, Newell D, Raadik TA, Tingley R. Rapid assessment of the biodiversity impacts of the 2019–2020 Australian megafires to guide urgent management intervention and recovery and lessons for other regions. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Legge
- Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Science University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Mark Lintermans
- Centre for Applied Water Science University of Canberra Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | | | - Darren M. Southwell
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | | | - Anne Buchan
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch, Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | | | | | - Manda Page
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science Moggill Qld Australia
| | - Libby Rumpff
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Stephen Leeuwen
- School of Molecular & Life Sciences Curtin University Bentley WA Australia
| | - Dick Williams
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Shane T. Ahyong
- Australian Museum Research Institute Sydney NSW Australia
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Kensington NSW Australia
| | - David G. Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton, Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Mitch Cowan
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Md Anwar Hossain
- Climatic and Metabolic Ecology Lab Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of BioSciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Mark Kennard
- Australian Rivers Institute Griffiths University Nathan Qld Australia
| | | | - Harry Moore
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Jessica Marsh
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Robert B. McCormack
- Australian Crayfish Project Australian Aquatic Biological Pty Ltd Swan Bay NSW Australia
- Section of Invertebrate Zoology Carnegie Museum of Natural History Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Damian Michael
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Nicola Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
| | - David Newell
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering Southern Cross University East Lismore NSW Australia
| | - Tarmo A. Raadik
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Reid Tingley
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton, Melbourne Vic. Australia
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12
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Ward M, Carwardine J, Yong CJ, Watson JEM, Silcock J, Taylor GS, Lintermans M, Gillespie GR, Garnett ST, Woinarski J, Tingley R, Fensham RJ, Hoskin CJ, Hines HB, Roberts JD, Kennard MJ, Harvey MS, Chapple DG, Reside AE. A national-scale dataset for threats impacting Australia's imperiled flora and fauna. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11749-11761. [PMID: 34522338 PMCID: PMC8427562 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Australia is in the midst of an extinction crisis, having already lost 10% of terrestrial mammal fauna since European settlement and with hundreds of other species at high risk of extinction. The decline of the nation's biota is a result of an array of threatening processes; however, a comprehensive taxon-specific understanding of threats and their relative impacts remains undocumented nationally. Using expert consultation, we compile the first complete, validated, and consistent taxon-specific threat and impact dataset for all nationally listed threatened taxa in Australia. We confined our analysis to 1,795 terrestrial and aquatic taxa listed as threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered) under Australian Commonwealth law. We engaged taxonomic experts to generate taxon-specific threat and threat impact information to consistently apply the IUCN Threat Classification Scheme and Threat Impact Scoring System, as well as eight broad-level threats and 51 subcategory threats, for all 1,795 threatened terrestrial and aquatic threatened taxa. This compilation produced 4,877 unique taxon-threat-impact combinations with the most frequently listed threats being Habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation (n = 1,210 taxa), and Invasive species and disease (n = 966 taxa). Yet when only high-impact threats or medium-impact threats are considered, Invasive species and disease become the most prevalent threats. This dataset provides critical information for conservation action planning, national legislation and policy, and prioritizing investments in threatened species management and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ward
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- World Wide Fund for Nature‐AustraliaBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | | | - Chuan J. Yong
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - James E. M. Watson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Jennifer Silcock
- Department of Environment and ScienceQueensland HerbariumBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Gary S. Taylor
- School of Biological SciencesAustralian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and BiodiversityThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Mark Lintermans
- Centre for Applied Water ScienceUniversity of CanberraCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Graeme R. Gillespie
- Flora and Fauna DivisionDepartment of Environment, Parks and Water SecurityNorthern TerritoryPalmerstonSAAustralia
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Threatened Species Recovery HubResearch Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNTAustralia
| | - John Woinarski
- Threatened Species Recovery HubResearch Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNTAustralia
| | - Reid Tingley
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Rod J. Fensham
- Department of Environment and ScienceQueensland HerbariumBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Conrad J. Hoskin
- College of Science & EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
| | - Harry B. Hines
- Department of Environment and ScienceQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service and PartnershipsBellbowrieQLDAustralia
- BiodiversitySouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - J. Dale Roberts
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaAlbanyWAAustralia
| | - Mark J. Kennard
- Australian Rivers InstituteGriffith UniversityNathanQLDAustralia
- National Environmental Science ProgrammeNorthern Australia Environmental Resources HubDarwinNTAustralia
| | - Mark S. Harvey
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaAlbanyWAAustralia
- Department of Terrestrial ZoologyWestern Australian MuseumWeslshpool DCWAAustralia
| | - David G. Chapple
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - April E. Reside
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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13
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Allan H, Duncan RP, Unmack P, White D, Lintermans M. Reproductive ecology of a critically endangered alpine galaxiid. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 98:622-633. [PMID: 33111318 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Stocky galaxias Galaxias tantangara is a newly described freshwater fish restricted to a single population, occupying a 3 km reach of a small headwater stream in the upper Murrumbidgee River catchment of south-eastern Australia. This species is listed as critically endangered under IUCN Red List criteria, and knowledge of the species' ecology is critical for future conservation efforts to establish additional populations by translocation and captive breeding. This study details the first account of spawning and reproductive ecology of G. tantangara, including reproductive development, timing of spawning and a description of one spawning site. Peak gonadosomatic index was observed in March/April in males and in October in females. Absolute fecundity ranged from 211 oocytes for a 76 mm length to caudal fork (LCF) fish to 810 oocytes for a 100 mm LCF fish. The observation of spent females in mid-November 2017 and discovery of an egg mass 8 days later suggest that spawning had occurred, and over a relatively short period. Larvae were subsequently detected in monthly electrofishing surveys in December 2017. Findings from this study provide new understanding of existing and future threats to G. tantangara and have important implications for conservation management of not only this species but also other closely related threatened Galaxias species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh Allan
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Richard P Duncan
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Peter Unmack
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Duanne White
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Mark Lintermans
- Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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14
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Emery J, Mitchell NJ, Cogger H, Agius J, Andrew P, Arnall S, Detto T, Driscoll DA, Flakus S, Green P, Harlow P, McFadden M, Pink C, Retallick K, Rose K, Sleeth M, Tiernan B, Valentine LE, Woinarski JZ. The lost lizards of Christmas Island: A retrospective assessment of factors driving the collapse of a native reptile community. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jon‐Paul Emery
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Nicola J. Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Harold Cogger
- John Evans Memorial Fellow, Australian Museum Research Institute Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Jessica Agius
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney Brownlow Hill New South Wales Australia
| | - Paul Andrew
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Tanya Detto
- Christmas Island National Park Drumsite Territory of Christmas Island Australia
| | - Don A. Driscoll
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Geelong, Burwood Campus Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Samantha Flakus
- Christmas Island National Park Drumsite Territory of Christmas Island Australia
| | - Peter Green
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Peter Harlow
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Michael McFadden
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Caitlyn Pink
- Christmas Island National Park Drumsite Territory of Christmas Island Australia
| | - Kent Retallick
- Christmas Island National Park Drumsite Territory of Christmas Island Australia
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Brendan Tiernan
- Christmas Island National Park Drumsite Territory of Christmas Island Australia
| | - Leonie E. Valentine
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - John Z. Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northwest Territories Australia
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15
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Kraus D, Murphy S, Armitage D. Ten bridges on the road to recovering Canada’s endangered species. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife is declining around the world. Many developed nations have enacted legislation on endangered species protection and provide funding for wildlife recovery. Protecting endangered species is also supported by the public and judiciary. Yet, despite what appear as enabling conditions, wild species continue to decline. Our paper explores pathways to endangered species recovery by analyzing the barriers that have been identified in Canada, the United States, and Australia. We summarize these findings based on Canada’s Species at Risk Conservation Cycle (assessment, protection, recovery planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation) and then identify 10 “bridges” that could help overcome these barriers and bend our current trajectory of wildlife loss to recovery. These bridges include ecosystem approaches to recovery, building capacity for community co-governance, linking wildlife recovery to ecosystem services, and improving our storytelling about the loss and recovery of wildlife. The focus of our conclusions is the Canadian setting, but our findings can be applied in other national and subnational settings to reverse the decline of wildlife and halt extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kraus
- Faculty of Environment, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Environment 2, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Nature Conservancy of Canada, 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 410, Toronto, ON M4P 3J1, Canada
| | - Stephen Murphy
- Faculty of Environment, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Environment 2, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Derek Armitage
- Faculty of Environment, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Environment 2, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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Cryopreservation of testicular tissue from Murray River Rainbowfish, Melanotaenia fluviatilis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19355. [PMID: 33168894 PMCID: PMC7653925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76378-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, fish populations are in decline from overfishing, habitat destruction and poor water quality. Recent mass fish deaths in Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin highlight the need for improved conservation methods for endangered fish species. Cryopreservation of testicular tissue allows storage of early sperm precursor cells for use in generating new individuals via surrogacy. We describe successful isolation and cryopreservation of spermatogonia in an Australian rainbowfish. Testis histology showed rainbowfish spermatogonia are large (> 10 μm) and stain positive for Vasa, an early germ line-specific protein. Using size-based flow cytometry, testis cell suspensions were sorted through “A” (> 9 μm) and “B” gates (2–5 μm); the A gate produced significantly more Vasa-positive cells (45.0% ± 15.2%) than the “B” gate (0.0% ± 0.0%) and an unsorted control (22.9% ± 9.5%, p < 0.0001). The most successful cryoprotectant for “large cell” (> 9 μm) viability (72.6% ± 10.5%) comprised 1.3 M DMSO, 0.1 M trehalose and 1.5% BSA; cell viability was similar to fresh controls (78.8% ± 10.5%) and significantly better than other cryoprotectants (p < 0.0006). We have developed a protocol to cryopreserve rainbowfish testicular tissue and recover an enriched population of viable spermatogonia. This is the first step in developing a biobank of reproductive tissues for this family, and other Australian fish species, in the Australian Frozen Zoo.
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