1
|
Quiroz D, van Andel T. Evidence of a link between taboos and sacrifices and resource scarcity of ritual plants. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2015; 11:5. [PMID: 25573058 PMCID: PMC4326513 DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-11-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the main obstacles for the mainstreaming of religious traditions as tools for the conservation of nature is the limited applicability of research results in this field. We documented two different restrictions implemented by local people (taboos and sacrifices) related to the use of ritual plants in Benin (West Africa) and Gabon (Central Africa). METHODS To see whether these restrictions reflected plant scarcity from an etic perspective (official threat status) and an emic viewpoint (perceived scarcity by local people), we conducted 102 interviews with traditional healers and adepts of traditional faiths. RESULTS We documented a total of 618 ritual plants, from which 52 species were used in both countries. In Benin, the use of 63 of the 414 ritual plant species was restricted; while in Gabon 23 of the 256 ritual plants were associated with taboos and sacrifices. In Benin, restricted plants were significantly more often officially threatened, perceived as scarce, and actively protected than non-restricted plants. In the more forested and less densely populated Gabon, plants that were perceived as scarce were more often associated to local restrictions than officially threatened species. CONCLUSIONS These results prove the presence of a form of adaptive management where restrictions are related to resource scarcity and protection of ritual plant species. By providing baseline data on possibly endangered species, we demonstrate how plant use in the context of religious traditions can yield important information for conservation planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Quiroz
- />Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- />Wageningen University, Biosystematics, P.O. Box 647, 6700AP Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tinde van Andel
- />Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hoffmann M, Belant JL, Chanson JS, Cox NA, Lamoreux J, Rodrigues ASL, Schipper J, Stuart SN. The changing fates of the world's mammals. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2011; 366:2598-610. [PMID: 21844039 PMCID: PMC3140737 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent complete assessment of the conservation status of 5487 mammal species demonstrated that at least one-fifth are at risk of extinction in the wild. We retrospectively identified genuine changes in extinction risk for mammals between 1996 and 2008 to calculate changes in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Index (RLI). Species-level trends in the conservation status of mammalian diversity reveal that extinction risk in large-bodied species is increasing, and that the rate of deterioration has been most accelerated in the Indomalayan and Australasian realms. Expanding agriculture and hunting have been the main drivers of increased extinction risk in mammals. Site-based protection and management, legislation, and captive-breeding and reintroduction programmes have led to improvements in 24 species. We contextualize these changes, and explain why both deteriorations and improvements may be under-reported. Although this study highlights where conservation actions are leading to improvements, it fails to account for instances where conservation has prevented further deteriorations in the status of the world's mammals. The continued utility of the RLI is dependent on sustained investment to ensure repeated assessments of mammals over time and to facilitate future calculations of the RLI and measurement against global targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hoffmann
- IUCN Species Survival Commission, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196 Gland, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Buerki S, Phillipson PB, Callmander MW. A TAXONOMIC REVISION OF GOUANIA (RHAMNACEAE) IN MADAGASCAR AND THE OTHER ISLANDS OF THE WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN (THE COMORO AND MASCARENE ISLANDS, AND THE SEYCHELLES). Ann Mo Bot Gard 2011; 98:157-195. [PMID: 22053117 PMCID: PMC3205988 DOI: 10.3417/2007075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A taxonomic revision of the genus Gouania Jacq. (Rhamnaceae) is presented for Madagascar and the other western Indian Ocean islands. Seventeen species are recognized, of which nine are described and published as new (all endemic to Madagascar): G. ambrensis Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., G. callmanderi Buerki, G. cupreifolia Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., G. cupuliflora Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., G. gautieri Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., G. perrieri Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., G. phillipsonii Buerki, G. taolagnarensis Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., and G. zebrifolia Buerki, Phillipson & Callm. Sixteen species occur in Madagascar, of which 13 are endemic and three are common to Madagascar and one or more of the smaller Indian Ocean islands. The latter include G. laxiflora Tul., a species which is also present on mainland Africa. One species, G. mauritiana Lam., is endemic to Réunion Island. We recognize two subspecies within G. scandens (Gaertn.) R. B. Drumm.: G. scandens subsp. scandens and G. scandens subsp. glandulosa (Boivin ex Tul.) Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., the latter transferred from G. glandulosa Boivin ex Tul. Past confusion about the identity of this species is discussed. Five names are lectotypified: G. aphrodes Tul., G. glandulosa [= G. scandens subsp. glandulosa], G. laxiflora, G. lineata Tul., and G. tiliifolia Lam. Both lectotype and epitype are designated for G. mauritiana. Conservation assessments are provided for all species within their primary areas of occurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Buerki
- Institut de Botanique, Université de Neuchâtel, Emile-Argand 11, CH-2009 Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Current address: Molecular Systematics Section, Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3DS, United Kingdom.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodríguez JP, Rodríguez-Clark KM, Baillie JEM, Ash N, Benson J, Boucher T, Brown C, Burgess ND, Collen B, Jennings M, Keith DA, Nicholson E, Revenga C, Reyers B, Rouget M, Smith T, Spalding M, Taber A, Walpole M, Zager I, Zamin T. Establishing IUCN Red List criteria for threatened ecosystems. Conserv Biol 2011; 25:21-9. [PMID: 21054525 PMCID: PMC3051828 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2010.01598.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2009] [Revised: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The potential for conservation of individual species has been greatly advanced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) development of objective, repeatable, and transparent criteria for assessing extinction risk that explicitly separate risk assessment from priority setting. At the IV World Conservation Congress in 2008, the process began to develop and implement comparable global standards for ecosystems. A working group established by the IUCN has begun formulating a system of quantitative categories and criteria, analogous to those used for species, for assigning levels of threat to ecosystems at local, regional, and global levels. A final system will require definitions of ecosystems; quantification of ecosystem status; identification of the stages of degradation and loss of ecosystems; proxy measures of risk (criteria); classification thresholds for these criteria; and standardized methods for performing assessments. The system will need to reflect the degree and rate of change in an ecosystem's extent, composition, structure, and function, and have its conceptual roots in ecological theory and empirical research. On the basis of these requirements and the hypothesis that ecosystem risk is a function of the risk of its component species, we propose a set of four criteria: recent declines in distribution or ecological function, historical total loss in distribution or ecological function, small distribution combined with decline, or very small distribution. Most work has focused on terrestrial ecosystems, but comparable thresholds and criteria for freshwater and marine ecosystems are also needed. These are the first steps in an international consultation process that will lead to a unified proposal to be presented at the next World Conservation Congress in 2012.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Paul Rodríguez
- Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones CientíficasApdo. 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela
- ProvitaApdo. 47552, Caracas 1041-A, Venezuela
| | - Kathryn M Rodríguez-Clark
- Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones CientíficasApdo. 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela
| | | | - Neville Ash
- IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland
| | - John Benson
- Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain TrustMrs. Macquaries Road, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Timothy Boucher
- The Nature Conservancy4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606, U.S.A.
| | - Claire Brown
- United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom
| | - Neil D Burgess
- Conservation Science ProgramWWF-US, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, D.CConservation Science Group, Zoology Department, Cambridge UniversityDowning Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJUnited Kingdom; Centre for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Biology DepartmentUniversitetsparken 15, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ben Collen
- Zoological Society of LondonRegent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Jennings
- Department of Geography, McClure Hall 203, University of IdahoMoscow, Idaho 83844-3021, U.S.A.
| | - David A Keith
- Biodiversity and Research Division, New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife ServiceP.O. Box 1967, Hurstville, NSW 2220, Australia
| | - Emily Nicholson
- Imperial College London, Division of BiologySilwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - Carmen Revenga
- The Nature Conservancy4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606, U.S.A.
| | - Belinda Reyers
- Council for Scientific and Industrial ResearchP.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa
| | - Mathieu Rouget
- South African National Biodiversity InstituteP/Bag X101, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Tammy Smith
- South African National Biodiversity InstituteP/Bag X101, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Mark Spalding
- The Nature Conservancy and University of Cambridge93 Centre Drive, Newmarket CB8 8AW, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Taber
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)P.O. Box 0113 BOCBD, Bogor 16000, Indonesia
| | - Matt Walpole
- United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Zager
- ProvitaApdo. 47552, Caracas 1041-A, Venezuela
| | - Tara Zamin
- Department of Biology, Queen's UniversityKingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Callmander MW, Laivao MO, Randrianaivo R. A new species of Pandanaceae from northern Madagascar, Pandanus ankaranensis. Novon (St Louis) 2010; 20:243-247. [PMID: 21698065 PMCID: PMC3118430 DOI: 10.3417/2009105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A new species, Pandanus ankaranensis Callm. & Laivao (Pandanaceae), is described from the karst region of Ankarana in northern Madagascar. It resembles P. grallatus B. C. Stone, another member of Pandanus sect. Mammillares H. St. John occurring in the area. The new taxon can be distinguished by its larger and wider leaves that are persistent on the branches, the stipe often lying on the rocks where plants grow, and its larger syncarps. Pandanus ankaranensis is classified as Vulnerable based on the IUCN Red List criteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin W Callmander
- Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, U.S.A., and Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève, ch. de l'Impératrice 1, CP 60, 1292 Chambésy, Switzerland.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Callmander MW, Rakotovao C, Razafitsalama J, Phillipson PB, Buerki S, Hong-Wa C, Rakotoarivelo N, Andriambololonera S, Koopman MM, Johnson DM, Deroin T, Ravoahangy A, Solo S, Labat JN, Lowry PP. New species from the Galoka and Kalabenono massifs: two unknown and severely threatened mountainous areas in NW Madagascar. Candollea 2009; 64:179-202. [PMID: 21857767 PMCID: PMC3157048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Galoka mountain chain, comprising principally the Galoka and Kalabenono massifs, situated at the northern edge of the Sambirano Region in NW Madagascar is an area that was virtually unknown botanically. It was visited three times between 2005 and 2007 as part of a floristic inventory. Both massifs contain the last remaining primary forests in the Galoka chain, which extends parallel to the coastline from South of Ambilobe to North of Ambanja. Several new species have been discovered amongst the collections, eight of which are described here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin W Callmander
- Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, Missouri, 63166-0299, U.S.A. and Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève, ch. de l'Impératrice 1, CP 60, 1292 Chambésy, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Callmander MW, Buerki S, Wohlhauser S. A new threatened species of Pandanaceae from northwestern Madagascar, Pandanus sermolliana. Novon (St Louis) 2008; 18:421-424. [PMID: 21750602 PMCID: PMC3132438 DOI: 10.3417/2007101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Pandanus sermolliana Callmander & Buerki (Pandanaceae) is described from humid forests in the Galoka mountain chain in northwestern Madagascar. The new species can be easily distinguished from the other members of the genus it most closely resembles, P. insuetus Huynh and P. perrieri Martelli, by several morphological characters including drupes that are incompletely fused, with each of the dome-like carpels separated from the base of the pileus, and stigmas that are sub-vertical or rarely sub-horizontal, slightly spinescent, and raised on an incompletely united base. This distinctive species is rare and is classified as Critically Endangered based on IUCN threat criteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin W. Callmander
- Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166–0299, USA.; Université de Neuchâtel, Laboratoire de Botanique Evolutive, Rue Emile-Argand 11, Case postale 158, 2009 Neuchâtel, Suisse
| | - Sven Buerki
- Université de Neuchâtel, Laboratoire de Botanique Evolutive, Rue Emile-Argand 11, Case postale, 158, 2009 Neuchatel, Suisse
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Parasite-driven declines in wildlife have become increasingly common and can pose significant risks to natural populations. We used the IUCN Red List of Threatened and Endangered Species and compiled data on hosts threatened by infectious disease and their parasites to better understand the role of infectious disease in contemporary host extinctions. The majority of mammal species considered threatened by parasites were either carnivores or artiodactyls, two clades that include the majority of domesticated animals. Parasites affecting host threat status were predominantly viruses and bacteria that infect a wide range of host species, including domesticated animals. Counter to our predictions, parasites transmitted by close contact were more likely to cause extinction risk than those transmitted by other routes. Mammal species threatened by parasites were not better studied for infectious diseases than other threatened mammals and did not have more parasites or differ in four key traits demonstrated to affect parasite species richness in other comparative studies. Our findings underscore the need for better information concerning the distribution and impacts of infectious diseases in populations of endangered mammals. In addition, our results suggest that evolutionary similarity to domesticated animals may be a key factor associated with parasite-mediated declines; thus, efforts to limit contact between domesticated hosts and wildlife could reduce extinction risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy B Pedersen
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Butchart SHM, Stattersfield AJ, Baillie J, Bennun LA, Stuart SN, Akçakaya HR, Hilton-Taylor C, Mace GM. Using Red List Indices to measure progress towards the 2010 target and beyond. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2005; 360:255-68. [PMID: 15814344 PMCID: PMC1569445 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2004.1583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List is widely recognized as the most authoritative and objective system for classifying species by their risk of extinction. Red List Indices (RLIs) illustrate the relative rate at which a particular set of species change in overall threat status (i.e. projected relative extinction-risk), based on population and range size and trends as quantified by Red List categories. RLIs can be calculated for any representative set of species that has been fully assessed at least twice. They are based on the number of species in each Red List category, and the number changing categories between assessments as a result of genuine improvement or deterioration in status. RLIs show a fairly coarse level of resolution, but for fully assessed taxonomic groups they are highly representative, being based on information from a high proportion of species worldwide. The RLI for the world's birds shows that that their overall threat status has deteriorated steadily during the years 1988-2004 in all biogeographic realms and ecosystems. A preliminary RLI for amphibians for 1980-2004 shows similar rates of decline. RLIs are in development for other groups. In addition, a sampled index is being developed, based on a stratified sample of species from all major taxonomic groups, realms and ecosystems. This will provide extinction-risk trends that are more representative of all biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S H M Butchart
- BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|