Mixing with Mallards: The integrity of the Australian Pacific Black Duck at risk due to hybridisation with Mallards?

The threat of hybridisation with Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) posed to many dabbling duck species is one that is commonly overlooked. Introduced Mallards have interbred with the Pacific Black Duck (A. superciliosa), to the extent that the New Zealand subspecies is now considered endangered. In Australia, introduced Mallards are typically of domestic origin and were originally believed to be restricted to urban areas. The degree of hybridisation between Mallard and the Pacific Black Duck is currently unknown, largely because hybrid backcrosses are difficult to visually identify. A technique using microsatellite markers was established to genetically identify hybrids. This system utilises 12 markers that were tested on putatively pure Pacific Black Ducks and domestic Mallards. Assignment tests, performed with the program Structure, had a 99% likelihood that specimens of a known species (Mallard or Black Duck) were assigned to the correct group. The marker set established was used to test the rate of hybridisation throughout rural Victoria and Tasmania. Assignment tests performed, as previously, on 200 specimens found the likelihood that individuals were of Mallard origin was

One of the key biological criteria for deciding which sites should be designated as marine protected areas (MPAs) is biodiversity, and endemism contributes to the biodiversity value of a potential MPA site. Limited dispersal potential and restricted geographic ranges characterize endemic species, placing them at a greater risk of extinction than widespread species. Because of these attributes, it is assumed that endemic species have lower levels of connectivity than widespread species. This study utilized genetic markers to investigate whether endemic and widespread reef fishes exhibit different patterns of genetic connectivity. The Hawaiian Archipelago is a hotspot for endemic reef fishes, making it an ideal system for this study. Levels of genetic connectivity were assessed throughout the archipelago for two Hawaiian endemic (Abudefduf abdominalis and Chromis ovalis) and two Indo-Pacific (A. vaigiensis and C. vanderbilti) damselfish species. Both of the endemic species demonstrated multiple genetic breaks in the archipelago, as did C. vanderbilti. In particular, these three species shared a break between the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument - a break also seen in two other endemic damselfishes. Management of the archipelago should be mindful of this emergent pattern among endemic damselfish species, which suggests limited connectivity between the MHI and the largest marine conservation area under U.S. jurisdiction.

Over the past decade there has been increasing recognition of the biogeographical complexity of terrestrial ice-free Antarctica. Concomitant with this recognition is an increased understanding of the biology of these areas. The vulnerability of these terrestrial ecosystems has also become more evident, in the face of increasing human presence and a changing climate. Here we provide an entirely new perspective on the biogeography of the Antarctic. By using a comprehensive new biodiversity dataset, in conjunction with previously unpublished spatial frameworks, we identify a set of Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions (ACBRs) that best represent biodiversity across the terrestrial Antarctic. Our work provides a novel, first tier set of sites that now form the basis of a systematic conservation planning framework, as is required by the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. It also shows that the current network of Antarctic Specially Protected Areas fails to represent biodiversity adequately. The ACBRs also provide a first tier set of sites among which biosecurity measures within Antarctica must be improved to prevent homogenisation of biodiversity. This work is already changing the way area protection and conservation is undertaken in Antarctica. In its current form and through future development at finer resolutions, the ACBRs form a foundational element of evidence based Antarctic conservation policy.

The Appalachian region of the eastern United States is a hotspot of salamander diversity, but many species are experiencing declines, including the hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis). Although climate change is considered a serious threat to these species, little is known about how temperature affects salamander health. More frequent drought and intense rain are predicted in Appalachia, resulting in more variable water temperatures for stream-dwelling species. We investigated the health impacts of variable temperatures using a captive population of hellbenders. Tank temperatures were programmed to recreate a 7-day period of rapid warming and cooling (16-26-16°C) recorded in the population's natal stream. A control group was maintained at a constant, mean temperature (21°C). Body weight, leukocyte counts, corticosterone levels and plasma bacterial killing ability (BKA) were evaluated every 14 days during 6 consecutive temperature cycles. Analyses revealed increased BKA in hellbenders exposed to variable temperatures (P < 0.05), while all other metrics were similar to the control group. These data indicate that in situ patterns of temperature change elicit a functional immune response in hellbenders. Furthermore, this "cryptic" physiological response is not detectable using conventional stress indicators (i.e., corticosterone or leukocytes). Collectively, our findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to understanding climate change physiology.

21st century conservation must balance the demands of a growing human footprint with the capacity of a finite set of natural resources, requiring us to focus on combined solutions to environmental and social challenges. Delivering effective outcomes requires consistent collaboration between conservation implementing communities (largely in NGOs and the public and private sector), policy communities, and a wide range of largely academic discovery communities ranging from natural and physical sciences to social sciences, economics, and sociology. Here we review current efforts within academic institutions, governments and civil society to bridge these gaps and create these collaborative structures. Central to all of these efforts are 1) the need to deliver research results at a speed relevant to policy decision-making 2) the importance of collaborative structures that create the difficult links between communities, 3) the question of which communities should decide on the most important questions, 4) the difficulty in mapping needs, incentives and currencies, from discovery communities to implementing communities.

Industrial activity is a major driver of fragmentation, but each type of activity has a different impact. Quarrying causes the removal of initial habitat and may hence increase landscape fragmentation. Conversely, it may create particular habitats such as pioneer habitats or wetlands, probably increasing this way the connectivity for species associated with those environments. Moreover, the spatial configuration of quarries (i.e. isolated, clustered, or in stepping-stone networks) may modulate those effects. To assess the effects of quarries on landscape connectivity, we used a landscape genetic approach on two niche-separated anurans: the natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) and the common toad (Bufo bufo). Because the natterjack toad prefers poor-vegetated habitat while the common toad looks for heavily vegetated and forested habitats, this study tests the hypothesis that quarry density has positive effects on natterjack toad connectivity and negative effects on common toad connectivity. We compared genetic structure, gene flow levels and directions in seven areas with different densities of quarries. We also used an optimization process to assess resistance of quarries on gene flow in both species. In light of our results, we propose integrated landscape conservation measures for quarrying activities.

In order to understand the short- and long-term conservation outcomes and impacts of a small grants program, we undertook an evaluation of the Southeast Rivers and Streams Support Fund, the World Wildlife Fund’s grant program in the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile River Basins. The evaluation included both a measurement of the project performance of each grant, as well as an evaluation by grantees of the long-term effects of the grant. Project performance was evaluated by the authors via a review of all objectives for each grant and documentation of achievement of those objectives on a five-point scale. Each project was then rated according to how well it fulfilled all stated objectives. Grantees were surveyed in order to document outcomes beyond the granting period both in terms of conservation objectives and capacity building of the organization. Since 2003, over $1,600,000 has been awarded to 81 groups spanning 224 projects. The vast majority of projects either fulfilled or exceeded their stated objectives during the term of the grant. Long-term impacts varied considerably from project to project but included restoration of a threatened fish population, greater organizational capacity for fundraising, and a reduction in storm water run-off due to rain garden plantings and rain barrel projects. This evaluation provides a model for evaluating short- and long-term outcomes from a portfolio of projects.

The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, the largest remnant of East Africa Coastal Dry Forest, is home to six globally endangered bird species. The forest merges with Mida Creek, a tidal inlet and roosting site for migrant birds. Together they form an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Famous for its birds and rare mammals, this reserve attracts more than 4,000 tourists every year. Nevertheless, the cost of living drives families to overexploit these sites through illegal hunting, fishing, and logging. For years, Kenyan reserves were regarded as government property; neighboring communities had no say in management or direct benefits accrued from natural resources. This resulted in antagonism between conservationists and those earning their livings from these resources. In order to link conservation and development efforts, A Rocha Kenya designed ASSETS (Arabuko-Sokoke Schools and Eco-Tourism Scheme), a program that channels income accrued from sustainable eco-tourism to the nearby communities for secondary school scholarships. This school year 135 students are supported; 485 students from many communities have been supported since initiation. This is contributing to a significant change of attitude toward the reserve from beneficiary communities. Furthermore, students and their families planted >20,000 trees around their homes, including >1,500 mangroves at Mida Creek. This is an excellent model for other conservation projects in Kenya and around the world.

The waters of Maui County are essential to the livelihood of its residents. In addition to sustenance value, annual revenue from international tourism and marine activities keeps the island's economy afloat. Overuse of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), due to their appeal as aesthetically vivid, conservation districts, has potential to degrade the very systems that MPAs are intended to protect. Marine ecotourism activities have been previously indicated as factors involved in coral reef degradation. We attempted to establish whether or not there was a notable decline in benthic substrate biodiversity in the MPA-managed areas of Maui County relative to that of non-conserved areas. Based on biodiversity indices, we hypothesized that there would be lower benthic biodiversity at MPA sites relative to those sites with no protected-status, within the boundaries of Maui County. Photographic quadrats of benthic organisms and substrate from 4 accessible conservation sites and 8 biogeographically similar controls were quantified and assessed through the use of biodiversity indices at two depth ranges. Using MANOVAs, we found significantly lower biodiversity indices in MPAs relative to control areas. Given the lengthy establishment of MPAs in Maui County and the importance of marine preservation for the aesthetics, economy and biology of Maui county, these results suggest the need for change in the level of MPA usage and regulation of that usage.

Marine ecosystems worldwide are under threat with many fish species and populations suffering from human over-exploitation. This is greatly impacting global biodiversity, economy and human health. Intriguingly, marine fish are largely surveyed using selective and invasive methods and misidentification of species represents a major problem. For the first time, we investigated the potential of using metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA) obtained directly from seawater samples to account for marine fish and mammal biodiversity. We show that such marine eDNA can account for marine fish biodiversity using high-throughput sequencing. Promisingly, eDNA covered the fish diversity better than any of 9 methods, conventionally used in marine fish surveys. Additionally, we show that even short fish eDNA sequences in seawater degrades beyond detectable levels within days. The method is also used for detection of marine mammals focusing on the cetacean species harbor porpoise. The eDNA approach consistently detected the porpoise under controlled conditions, but in natural environments the method was less successful than acoustic detections. However, at one site, long-finned pilot whale – a species rarely sighted in the target area – was detected. Although further studies are needed to validate the eDNA approach in varying marine environmental conditions, our findings provide a strong proof-of-concept with great perspectives for future monitoring of marine biodiversity and resources.

The emphasis that academic departments and publishing companies place on citation rates and impact factors may be a barrier to bridging the gap between science and decision making. Not only are activities and publications that bridge the gap often not encouraged or recognized for their value, there is no systematic way to measure the impact of these activities when they do occur. Development of a robust way to track "real world" impacts of publications could increase the value that is placed both on the underlying research and outreach efforts that are directed at decision makers. Examining 987 citations from five federal wolf delisting regulations, I found that literature that is used by decision makers ("high management impact literature") differs from literature that is deemed high impact in academic and publishing circles. This case study of the use of scientific literature in decision documents is a first step in creating an alternative method of measuring the impact of scientific publications-a "management impact index." A better understanding of the real world impacts could challenge academic institutions and publishers to reconsider the value placed on applied research and outreach, which in turn can provide much needed incentives for academic researchers to engage in research that can be directly applied to issues faced by decision makers.

A Presidential Memorandum, a Dept. of Interior (DOI) Secretarial Order and the President’s Science Advisor’s memo directed Federal agencies to protect the integrity of science throughout the government. At DOI decisions are made by combining at least three foundational principles: Maintain fidelity to the law; Seek to protect long-term public interests; Use best available, credible, science. To protect the integrity, the credibility and trustworthiness of the science and scholarship used by DOI, the Department created its Policy on Scientific and Scholarly Integrity in 2011. The policy puts scientists in leadership roles by designating experienced scientists as Scientific Integrity Officers (SIOs). Their role is to promote and monitor integrity within their bureaus, act as confidential ombudsman for employees who request assistance, and process allegations of integrity loss. Having scientists in these roles encourages open dialog about science and scholarship and their proper roles in decision making and setting policy. The preventative nature of the policy helps to deal with minor irregularities and disputes early, allowing corrective action to prevent loss of integrity or worse. Leadership has embraced the policy, the SIO role, and scientists’ active role in handling allegations. As a result, science at DOI is held in high regard and the processes and products of science are respected. We are revising the policy to incorporate two years of lessons learned.

The rapid loss of habitable climate space in montane ecosystems has resulted in a disproportionate number of extinctions in high elevation-restricted amphibian species. However, species capable of plastically altering life history traits, such as larval development rate, may exhibit optimal strategies for resisting a warming climate. We examined the larvae of three high elevation Anuran species from the US Pacific Northwest, the Cascades frog (Rana cascadae), Western toad (Anaxyrus boreas), and Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla), for their ability to increase larval development rates in response to warming. Each species was exposed to two temperature regimes: the control treatment simulated historical, summer temperatures for the decade of 2001 to 2011; the warmed treatment mirrored the seasonal trend, but simulated a 4°C average increase in temperature. We quantified multiple larval growth characteristics to compare the variability in development as a function of these temperature regimes. We found significant acceleration in larval development rates under the warmed temperature regime (F=21.68, P

A species' vulnerability to extinction depends on extrinsic threats such as habitat loss, as well as its intrinsic ability to respond or adapt to such threats. We investigate the relative roles of extrinsic threats and intrinsic biological traits in determining extinction risk in the lizard fauna of New Zealand. Consistent with the results of previous studies on mammals and birds, we find that habitat specialization, body size and geographic range size are the strongest intrinsic predictors of extinction risk. However, our analysis also reveals that lizards that occupy areas with high levels of annual rainfall and are exposed to exotic predators and high human population densities are at greater risk. Thus, while the intrinsic traits that render species prone to extinction appear largely congruent across vertebrate taxa, our findings illustrate that both extrinsic threats and intrinsic traits need to be considered in order to accurately predict (and hence prevent) future population declines. Our predictions are currently being used by the New Zealand Department of Conservation to guide conservation rankings for poorly understood species, and to identify stable species that are prone to future decline.