Amphibian Conservation: A Novel Detection Method for the Pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)

There are approximately 6000 species of amphibians that have been described worldwide. Of these, nearly half are threatened with extinction and approximately 500 of that total currently face threats that cannot be effectively stemmed. The primary threat is a waterborne chytridiomycete fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). In moist, cool conditions the fungus rapidly spreads and can eliminate 80% or more of a population in one year. The Amphibian Conservation Action Plan relies upon rapid, accurate detection of this pathogen. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is the common method used to detect Bd. This method can be inaccurate, expensive, and time-limiting. We report on the development of an antibody-based test that will be inexpensive, Bd-specific, and performed in the field. This test will be vital in tracking the spread of chytridiomycosis, particularly in developing countries seeking to conserve rare, endemic species on an insufficient budget.

Nepal, with its rich diversity of several critically endangered species, serves both as a source and a transit for wildlife trade. Wildlife crime control strategies have been evolving in Nepal since early 19th century. However, effectiveness of the adopted strategies was never assessed. We report on effectiveness of the current wildlife crime control strategy in Nepal to fill this knowledge gap. This study is based on a synthesis of expert knowledge and opinions along with the critical examination of the wildlife crime control strategies existed at different times. Current integrated wildlife crime control strategy that mobilizes different institutions to act simultaneously for the control of wildlife related crime has been the most effective strategy till date. However, illegal trade reportedly continues threatening biodiversity of the country. We also analyzed the preference of traders to use different available routes in the country. Location data on seizures and arrests show that routes are not chosen based on the wildlife parts being traded. Traders generally preferred safest route, which is not surprising. However, as opposed to common notion shorter routes did not have significant effect in choosing routes for trading wildlife products. The results contribute in improvising wildlife trade control strategy and the trade route analysis objectively guides the law enforcement agencies.

An ethnoecological assessment study was carried out during September 2010 to August 2011 in Kathar Game Reserve in Rawalpindi District of Pakistan, to evaluate its ethnoecological potential. 35 plant species were recorded from the reserve belonging to 23 families; one belonged to Gymnosperm Family and 22 belonged to Angiosperms. The area was found dominated by trees like Acacia modesta, Olea ferrugenia and Pinus roxburghii while shrubs like Carissa opaca, Dodonaea viscosa, Justicia adhatoda and Nerium oleander. Family Sapindaceae showed the highest FIVI of 15.37 while the lowest FIVI was recorded in Asteraceae of 0.56. Soil analysis of the Reserve showed that the soil texture was overall loamy.The Carbon sequestration of the Reserve was calculated by the evenness and commonness of plant species present in the area. The dominant trees and shrubs were selected on random basis and the calculations were made. The highest calculated carbon sequestration among trees was of Pinus roxburghii having 83452 kg. While among shrubs, the highest sequestered carbon was found in Dodonaea viscosa with 485.71 kg of carbon.The Reserve showed very limited amount of carbon sequestration from trees and shrubs, as compared to the literature survey of other forests. The high dependence of locals on the area and the pressures exerted by the native communities are degrading the forest vegetation. There is heavy grazing in these forests throughout the year.

Mainstreaming conservation priorities into REDD+ decision making process is one of the biggest challenges for conservation. Adoption of systematic conservation planning principles for REDD+ site selection can be a solution. This research explores the feasibility of integrating conservation and REDD+ spatial planning at national level in Tanzania. Marxan with Zonae Cogito software was used for selection of REDD+ sites using relative land value as cost and reducing deforestation, maintaining carbon reserve, provisioning biodiversity conservation, participatory management and other socio-economic benefits as targets to achieve. Using GIS based datasets potential REDD+ sites were mapped under different decision scenario. Maps of selected REDD+ sites in Tanzania were easily interpretable and showed logical response in sensitivity analysis under different decision scenario. These sites showed congruence of conservation priorities in terms of biodiversity richness, rareness and complimentarity. This selection mechanism can be used for subsequent stakeholder consultation in systematic planning process. Marxan has the potential to become key REDD+ spatial planning software with some adaptation. Successful adoption of systematic planning and use of Marxan as decision support tool for REDD+ site selection with due importance to biodiversity and its habitats can change the face of conservation efforts across prospective REDD+ countries.

This study was undertaken to quantify the vegetation ecosystem services and the anthropogenic pressure on them. People derive essential goods from nature, yet linkages between biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being are poorly understood. There have been no previous quantitative risk analysis studies in the Western Himalaya. Phytosociological attributes of species like density, cover and frequency were measured alongside environmental variables. Abundance in terms of Importance Values (IV) from field data were calculated for total of 198 species from 68 families at 144 stations along 24 transects across an elevation range of 2450-4400 m. Data collected through social surveys provided information on indigenous knowledge of local plant names and uses. Use Values (UV) for all species were calculated and the IV and UV data were brought together in their analyses to understand vegetation ecosystem service values. Integration of data sets revealed that 50.8% of the species had residual values greater than the standard deviation, signifying risks of their rarity and extinction due to overuse by the indigenous inhabitants. These species are also highly habitats specific and under tremendous use as trend mentioned by indigenous people. The results contribute to (i) anthropogenic influences on plant diversity; (ii) risk analysis for highly used species; (iii) regional plant conservation priorities.

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most endangered habitats on Earth greatly suffering from anthropogenic impacts across the globe. Reliable monitoring of threatened freshwater species is crucial for data-driven conservation actions in this context but remains a challenge owing to non-standardized methods that depend on practical and taxonomic expertise, which is steadily declining. Here, we show that a diversity of rare and threatened European freshwater animals - representing amphibians, fish, mammals, insects and crustaceans - can be detected and quantified based on DNA obtained directly from small water samples of lakes, ponds and streams. We successfully validate our findings in a controlled mesocosm experiment and show that DNA becomes undetectable within 2 weeks after removal of animals, indicating that DNA traces are near contemporary with species presence. We also test the comparative performance of conventional monitoring methods and environmental DNA detection in the field showing promising evidence of high sensitivity in DNA based surveys. Lastly, we demonstrate that eDNA from small water samples can be used to exhaustively detect entire assemblages of amphibians and fish by high-throughput sequencing. Our findings underpin the ubiquitous nature of DNA traces in the environment and support the use of environmental DNA as a tool for monitoring rare and threatened species across a wide range of taxonomic groups.

This ethnographic paper analyzes a current conservation conflict?between a prominent transnational conservation NGO and an 'indigenous' ethno-nationalist environmental movement?in terms of 'ontological dissonance' and (anti-)ethnopolitics. Presently amid war and refugee crisis, the biodiverse Himalayan subtropical foothills and rainforests of Kachin land in northern Burma/Myanmar have recently been the site of notable conservation controversies. These have, among others, involved the NYC-based Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS) "world's largest tiger reserve" and the globally headlines-making Myanmar anti-Myitsone Dam campaign. The heated conflict between the WCS and Kachin environmentalists is here explored through the two sides' divergent ontological theories, particularly about species 'extinction,' and clashing ethno-political interventions. The study calls attention to the socio-cultural, identitarian, religious, and geopolitical 'pre-histories' to different formations of environmental subjecthood and theorizations of 'nature'. Responding to the conference theme of 'Connecting Systems, Disciplines and Stakeholders', the presentation questions the potential for integrating the 'environmentalist systems' of these embattled 'stakeholders'. Yet, their continuing disconnect hinders efforts at ecological conservation in the face of, mainly Chinese-led, large-scale resource extraction projects and endangered wildlife trade on-going in the militarized landscapes of Kachin.

Land use is a precondition for the existence of species-rich grasslands in the temperate zone, but highly intensive land use leads to a drastic drop in species richness. The Biodiversity Exploratories (www.biodiversity-exploratories.de), a broad scale research project with 300 people involved in Germany, addresses interactions between land-use intensity, biodiversity and ecosystem processes in agricultural grasslands. We assessed data on grazing, fertilization and mowing intensities, on diversity, productivity, biomass nutrients and the delta15N isotopic composition of 150 grassland plots. Productivity, nutrient concentrations and delta15N in biomass were positively related to land-use and especially fertilization intensity, while plant species richness was clearly negatively related. Highest plant species richness was found under P- or NP co-limitation. Our results showed multiple negative impacts of intensive land use on the conservation value of temperate grasslands. Analyzing a subset of organic grasslands revealed that plant species richness did not benefit from reduced land-use intensity under organic management. A seed addition experiment implied that a gap between potential and realized plant species richness exists, where former land use was highly intensive. These results indicate that dispersal limitation is a major obstacle for species richness to benefit from reduced land-use intensity and to effectively conserve and restore grassland biodiversity.

The conservation-support program concept described in Meretsky, et al. 2012 has merit. NatureServe has pursued these goals since the 1970s. We see the concept as having two interrelated components: 1) developing consistent information about the classification, distribution, status, and trends of key resources on multiple scales; and 2) applying that knowledge in a broader, coordinated fashion. Implicit is the need for increased consistency across state lines to achieve landscape-level outcomes. The framework must support assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring at scales from local communities to regional landscapes. NatureServe has existing tools, business processes, data, expertise and partnerships enabling immediate contributions to these core functions. We understand the value of public/private partnerships and practical methods. We currently work with AFWA and the Western Governors Association to develop and deliver biodiversity data in support of State Wildlife Action Plans and the Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool. Greater mission success is possible if our work could be linked to a nationally-coordinated, implementation framework as envisioned in Meretsky, et al. This vision will only succeed with the explicit support of state and federal agencies, scientific rigor, a non-advocacy position, and new, sustained funding streams that support the whole value chain including data gathering, information management, analysis, decision support, and implementation.

The global fisheries crisis has been illustrated by numerous examples: catches are declining despite increasing fishing effort; otherwise unprofitable fisheries are kept afloat by government subsidies; the state of stocks - except for a few areas with prudent management - is abysmal; and biodiversity is decreasing. In the world of marine fisheries and biodiversity, it is common to attempt to mitigate this fisheries crisis in the form of a zero-sum game, where increased fisheries yields are seen as incompatible with maintaining marine biodiversity. However if depleted stocks were allowed to rebuild, they would produce more in terms of fisheries yield and contribute to increased biodiversity in their ecosystems. This win-win situation logically follows from the basic principles of both fisheries and marine conservation science: in situations where stocks are overfished, allowing them to rebuild will, after a transition period, lead to potentially higher productivity and, if managed well, more sustainable catches. We estimate the potential for catch increases in 25 major fishing countries using a data-poor assessment method that relies on a time series of landings to estimate maximum sustainable yield and compare these potential catch estimates with results from ecosystem-based models. Results suggest that some countries are experiencing strong exploitation and that reduced fishing effort would allow key species’ biomass to increase, and thus their sustainable levels of yield.

The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for species detection has come to the forefront in the fight against aquatic invasive species. The technique works by extracting DNA shed into an organism's environment and using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify species specific DNA. The sensitivity of the technique is higher than that of more traditional methods (surveys) of species detection. This increased sensitivity is especially important because invasive species likely exist in low densities at the beginning of an invasion. Currently, eDNA is being used to detect Asian Carp, (Silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, and Bighead carp, H. nobilis) in the Chicago Area Waterways (CAWS). Positive eDNA samples have been found in the CAWS, but intense fishing in the area has only found one Bighead and no Silver carp. We aim to better understand the information that this tool provides by examining how DNA of Asian Carps gets into the environment and how quickly it degrades. In a controlled laboratory setting, we first measured how much DNA a single fish sheds and investigated the variability of these measurements using quantitative PCR (qPCR). In a series of manipulative lab experiments, we studied how temperature, biomass, and diet affect the shedding rate of eDNA by these fish. Ultimately this data will inform a probabilistic model that can be used by resource managers as a way to statistically infer the presence of live Asian Carps from positive eDNA hits.

Over the past decade, conservation planners have emphasised the importance of careful scoping of the conservation problem. However, few studies have presented a systematic process for problem scoping, particularly in the areas of problem identification and problem orientation. Such processes need to be established and implemented alongside conservation opportunity assessments to ensure that important elements of the conservation context are embedded in the assessment, including key stakeholders. This presentation will present an overview of one process for identifying and orienting the conservation opportunity problem, as developed by a team of researchers and practitioners who attended a workshop in Australia on The Development of New Tools and Processes for Assessing Conservation Opportunity (April 23-26 2013). The process links together elements of the Systematic Conservation Planning process with elements of established environmental policy and natural resource management processes. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of this process in regards to the translation of conservation priorities into effective conservation actions.

Poor reproductive success and high neonatal mortality threatens the demographic security and genetic diversity of both ex situ and in situ polar bear populations. Urine and feces were collected from polar bears in North American zoos for reproductive monitoring. Endocrine metabolite concentrations were examined through enzymeimmunoassay, and ceruloplasmin (CP) by its enzymatic activity. Matched urinary-fecal profiles suggest that urinary estrone-glucuronide was elevated during breeding similar to fecal testosterone, and that urinary progestagens (P) increased after breeding at a similar time and magnitude (~2 fold) as the increase of fecal P. Urinary P of both parturient and nonparturient females was also elevated for 50-137 days during late fall. CP activity was elevated during the initial P rise corresponding to presumed implantation in 1 parturient female examined whereas CP activity occurred 34-81 days prior to baseline P in 3 nonparturient females. CP activity also correlated with elevations in estrone-glucuronide and prostaglandin. These data are anticipated to improve understanding of polar bear reproductive physiology and guide management decisions for captive animals thereby helping build a more sustainable population. Greater knowledge of the reproductive physiology of captive animals also provides information on the timing and plasticity of reproductive events in free-ranging polar bears and insight into the causes of reproductive failures in declining populations.

Finding and enacting solutions to conservation challenges requires effective, innovative and well-networked leaders. Graduate education in conservation biology and related fields prepares students in many important skills, but misses some important leadership skills. Furthermore, students have easy access to academic networks but may have some difficulty branching out into wider networks. The Boreas Leadership Program at the University of Minnesota's (UMN) Institute on the Environment (IonE) is an innovative, co-curricular, non-credit education program working to fill some of these gaps in graduate education. By offering leadership training, networking, and skills building experiences Boreas complements more traditional graduate education programs. Skills workshops focus on communications and media, integrative leadership, systems thinking and tools, and mentoring. Networking events bring students into contact with leaders in global business, state government, NGO organizing and more. In its first two years of existence Boreas has trained over 200 graduate and professional students from over ten colleges at the UMN, and the program's breadth and depth of impact continue to grow. This presentation will outline the development of the Boreas Leadership Program, offer lessons learned from two years of experience, and reflect on the need to train the next generation of conservation leaders and how to do so effectively.