bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Vulturine Parrot, Psittrichas fulgidus, a threatened New Guinea endemic: notes on its biology and conservation
Authors: Mack Andrew L. , Wright Debra D. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryVulturine Parrots Psittrichas fulgidus are endemic to the island of New Guinea. A review of the literature and specimen holdings indicate the species mostly occurs 500 to 1800 m a.s.l. Observations suggest the species occurs in low densities. The species is a highly specialized frugivore feeding on just a few species of figs (Ficus, Moraceae). These parrots are heavily exploited (often by destroying scarce nesting cavities) in Papua New Guinea for their feathers, used in traditional adornment. This practice might not be sustainable and four possible conservation measures are suggested: (1) increase field studies; (2) restrict transport of live birds on domestic flights; (3) replace use of Psittrichas feathers with dyed chicken feathers; (4) instruct tourists not to purchase handicrafts containing Psittrichas or other animal parts.
Failure of translocated, captive-bred North Island Weka Gallirallus australis greyi to establish a new population
Authors: Bramley Gary N. , Veltman Clare J. 
Published: May 2010

SummarySince i960 107 translocations of wild-caught Weka (genus Gallirallus) have occurred in New Zealand. Only four of these Weka liberations resulted in a population that persisted for more than 10 years and only one was successful on the North Island (the resultant population is now believed extinct). The reason for these failures was not known. In 1991 members of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society commenced breeding North Island Weka Gallirallus australis greyi in captivity for another liberation. Between 1992 and 1996 101 weka were released. We used radio telemetry to follow the fates of the first 17 Weka released in the Karangahake Gorge, near Paeroa, North Island, New Zealand to determine possible outcomes of the liberation. Only one of the 17 birds released survived until 242 days post release. Most newly released Weka were killed by predators, mainly dogs. Future Weka and flightless rail introductions should occur only in areas where predators are being removed to allow survival of released birds and production of young to exceed mortality.
Genetic differentiation, taxonomy and conservation of Australasian tealsAnasspp.
Authors: Daugherty Charles H. , Williams Murray , Hay Jennifer M. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryAustralasian teal consist of five taxa (Anas gracilis, A. castanea, A. chlorotis, A. aucklandicaandA. nesiotis) whose taxonomic identities and relationships have been uncertain. Analysis of variation at 14 allozyme loci indicates limited but clear divergence of New Zealand taxa (A. chlorotis, A. aucklandica, A. nesiotis), in agreement with previous studies of morphological variation. The New Zealand taxa are “terminal and evolutionarily independent units” that clearly meet the criteria for specific recognition in line with the phylogenetic species concept (PSC). Because each is also geographically restricted and has small world population size, specific recognition supports increased conservation status for each. The three New Zealand species do not form a sister group withA. castanea, as previously hypothesized; instead,A. castaneaandA. gracilisare sister taxa.
The impact of human forest disturbance on the endemic avifauna of the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Fjeldså Jon 
Published: May 2010

SummaryStudies of how avian communities are affected by human forest disturbance have given variable results. In order to focus conservation efforts we need comparative data for studying the relationship between community resilience and ecological predictability over much longer periods of time. This paper compares avian communities in mature forest and adjacent disturbed forest at a site in the Tanzania-Malawi Mountains which has probably had humid forest cover permanently since the Tertiary. At the same time the study presents a possible model design for such studies, which may be a suitable compromise between the needs for quantitative data and logistical constraints during exploratory visits to areas difficult of access. The method is highly time efficient as it is based on continuous recording of all birds during “random” walking through the forest. There were at least 70 species in disturbed, against 61–65 species in different kinds of adjacent mature forest, but with a marked loss of range-restricted species as we passed from mature to disturbed forest. Most seriously affected were birds of the shaded forest understorey, but also the larger insectivores of mixed canopy feeding parties declined. These species search for food in the masses of epiphytic lichens, mosses and ferns in mature forest canopies. Comments are given on the specific requirements of six species of conservation concern.
Distribution of birds along an elevational gradient in the Atlantic forest of Brazil: implications for the conservation of endemic and endangered species
Authors: Goerck Jaqueline M. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryIn this study I compare bird communities along an elevational gradient in an Atlantic forest remnant (Pico do Corcovado in Ubatuba) in coastal Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Forests at low elevations are structurally more complex and more diverse in plant species than those along the slopes and at higher elevations in this remnant. Consequently it is hypothesized that low elevation forests contain a greater diversity of bird species. Results from the study in the Corcovado area show clear differences in the distribution of forest birds along the elevational gradient from both qualitative and quantitative aspects. The structurally more complex forest at low elevations contains the most diverse avifauna, including several of the rarest and most threatened species. The importance of this remnant as a whole is apparent due to the high diversity observed (254 species), the high proportion of endemic species, and the extent to which the avifauna is endangered. Protection of forests at all elevations along the Serra do Mar is required to maintain diversity of bird species, particularly the many endemic and endangered species restricted to specific elevations.
Managing a breeding population of the Hooded Plover Thinornis rubricollis in a high-use recreational environment
Authors: Dowling Bernice , Weston Michael A. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryMornington Peninsula National Park, Victoria, Australia, is heavily used by recreationists. It also holds a breeding population of the Hooded Plover Thinornis rubricollis, a rare endemic shorebird. We monitored the population of plovers over seven breeding seasons, 1991–1998. Mortality of nests (about 60%), and of chicks (over 70%) was high, but preliminary data suggests mortality was low in juveniles. The major cause of mortality of nests was trampling by people. The causes of mortality in chicks is unknown, but mortality was age dependent, and was highest in the youngest chicks. A combination of management techniques that have been phased into operation over the seven years of the study appear to be increasing the reproductive success of the population.
Altitudinal distribution, habitat use, and abundance of Grallaria antpittas in the Central Andes of Colombia
Authors: Kattan Gustavo H. , Beltran J. William 
Published: May 2010

SummaryGrallaria antpittas are a group of little known birds from the understorey of humid forests of the tropical Andes, with several species having very narrow distributions. At Ucumari Regional Park, which protects the Otún River watershed in the Central Andes of Colombia, five species occur sympatrically at 2,400 m, including the recently rediscovered G. milleri, of which this is the only known population. We studied the patterns of altitudinal distribution, habitat use and abundance of the five species in the park. We found altitudinal segregation at a local scale, with two species, G. ruficapilla and G. squamigera, found at lower elevations (1,800–2,500 m) and two other species, G. nuchalis and G. rufocinerea, at higher elevations (2,400–3,000); G. milleri was recorded only in the 2,400–2,600 m range. The five species overlap in the range 2,400–2,600 m, where they occur in three habitats: early regeneration, overgrown alder plantations and 30-year-old forest. There were no differences in density among habitats for any species; the five species used the three habitats in proportion to their occurrence in the landscape. Grallaria milleri had the highest overall density (1.3 ind/ha) while G. squamigera had the lowest density (0.2 ind/ha), and the other three species were intermediate. We estimated 106 individuals of G. milleri in an area of 63 ha, and only seven individuals of G. squamigera. The Otún River watershed concentrates an unusual number of Grallaria antpittas, including three endemic species, and the information presented here is fundamental to any future habitat management plans to ensure the persistence of these populations.
Status and conservation of seabirds breeding in Argentina
Authors: Yorio Pablo , Frere Esteban , Gandini Patricia , Conway William 
Published: May 2010

SummaryWe present information on the current population status of seabirds that breed along the Patagonian coast obtained between 1993 and 1995. A total of 16 species, including two penguins, one petrel, five cormorants, three gulls, three terns and two skuas, breed along the 3,400-km coast from southern Buenos Aires (38°58'S) to Tierra del Fuego (54°50'S). Breeding seabirds are not as abundant in coastal Argentina as was previously thought. Eleven of the 16 species have less than 5,000 pairs. The most abundant seabird is the Magellanic PenguinSpheniscus magellanicuswith 964,000 pairs, an order of magnitude higher than all other species. As well as Magellanic Penguins, Kelp GullsLarus dominicanus, and Imperial CormorantsPhalacrocorax atricepsare relatively abundant and have a wide distribution. Other seabirds, such as Red-legged Cormorants P.gaimardi, Olrog's GullsL. atlanticus, and Dolphin Gulls L.scoresbii, have a highly restricted distribution or nest in small colonies at a few sites in Argentina. The Patagonian coast is one of the most pristine coastal ecosystems in the world and, thus far, few seabirds are seriously threatened. However, oil pollution and commercial fisheries are having a negative impact on some seabirds and some colonies have shown recent declines. Current threats and impacts, including pollution, fisheries, human disturbance, guano harvesting, and introduction of alien species are discussed. There are currently 34 protected coastal areas, although in many cases protection measures are not adequately enforced and some areas with high seabird diversity and abundance still lack legal and effective protection. Conservation actions and requirements, including direct actions, monitoring and research are suggested.
The avifauna and conservation status of the Namuli Massif, northern Mozambique
Authors: Ryan Peter G. , Bento Carlos , Cohen Callan , Graham John , Parker Vincent , Spottiswoode Claire 
Published: May 2010

SummaryWe report the current status of birds at the Namuli Massif, northern Mozambique. Despite being the only known locality for the Namuli ApalisApalis lynesiand the nominate race of the DapplethroatArcanator orostruthus,the mountain is very little known ornithologically. Prior to our survey it had only been visited by an ornithologist in 1932, when Jack Vincent collected in the area for three weeks. During our week-long survey in November-December 1998 we recorded 130 bird species from the Namuli area, including all three globally threatened species reported by Vincent (Thyolo AletheAlethe choloensis,Dapplethroat and Namuli Apalis). The higher-elevation (>1,500 m) forests are still largely intact, but most of those at lower elevations have been cleared for agriculture. The alethe and apalis are common, occurring in remnant forest patches and secondary scrub as well as pristine forest from 1,160 to 2,000 m. The Dapplethroat is restricted to large, intact forests above 1,500 m, but also is fairly common (up to 2–3 singing males per hectare; greater densities than recorded elsewhere). Red-rumped SwallowHirundo dauricawas recorded for the first time in Mozambique, and was suspected of breeding at 1,400 m. We estimate that some 1,300 ha of pristine forest remains on the main massif between Gurue and Mount Namuli, but this area is being reduced by burning and “subsistence” logging. Approximately 7,000 people currently live in the area east of the main forest. Grazing by goats and pigs on the montane grasslands surrounding the forests is another problem, but the gravest threat is posed by improved road access to the area, which could open the forests to commercial logging. In addition to being the sole locality known for the Namuli Apalis and the nominate race of Dapplethroat, the Namuli forests probably support the largest single populations of Thyolo Alethe and the well-markedbelcherirace of Green Barbet. These populations make Namuli arguably the most critical Important Bird Area for Mozambique, and the remaining forests have a high priority for conservation action.
A review of the success of major crane conservation techniques
Authors: Davis Carmen 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe purpose of this paper is to review the success of different crane conservation techniques in order to determine which combinations of techniques are most promising. Six major crane conservation techniques were defined and a literature review was conducted. A summary of each technique was prepared, including several examples of the technique's use and possible negative effects. All of the evaluated techniques were successful in at least some cases. Habitat and legal protection are general measures that are required for every species regardless of other conservation techniques being used. Artificial feeding is successful in rapidly bolstering some crane populations but may not be desirable as a long-term conservation technique. Powerline modification or removal should be used to preserve all localized or endangered crane populations. The release of captive-reared cranes shows promise as a conservation technique but should only be used as a last resort. Likewise, manipulation of wild crane eggs should only be used when absolutely necessary to establish or bolster captive flocks.
The status and conservation of threatened and near-threatened species of birds in the Red River Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Pedersen Anita , Nielsen Sanne Schnell , Thuy Le Dien , Trai Le Trong 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe Red River Delta in northern Vietnam is an important stopover and wintering site for migratory waterbirds. During the spring of 1994, six globally threatened and five near-threatened species were observed in the coastal areas of the Delta. According to current applications of threat categories, one of the species has Critical status (Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor), three are Endangered (Nordmann's GreenshankTringa guttifer, Saunders's Gull Larus saundersi and Chinese EgretEgretta eulophotes), two are Vulnerable (Spoonbill SandpiperEurynorhynchus pygmaeusand Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis) and five are Near-threatened (Asian DowitcherLimnodromus semipalmatus, Grey-headed LapwingVanellus cinereus, Black-headed IbisThreskiornis melanocephalus, Painted Stork Mycterialeucocephalaand Japanese Paradise-FlycatcherTerpsiphone atrocaudata). A nature reserve, also listed as a Ramsar area, already exists in the middle of the Delta. The Cua Day Estuary in the southern part of the delta is not included in either the nature reserve or Ramsar area. However, observations of 260 Saunders's Gulls and 41 Black-faced Spoonbills, which represent 9% and 12% of the estimated respective world populations, indicates the international importance of this area. The major threats to the waterbirds using the delta are reclamation of intertidal sand- and mudflats for aquaculture, increased disturbance associated with collection of sea products and hunting. Recommendations are made for future conservation actions.
Distribution and conservation of the Javan Hawk-eagleSpizaetus bartelsi
Authors: van Balen S. (BAS) , Nijman Vincent , Sözer Resit 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe Javan Hawk-eagleSpizaetus bartelsiis endemic to the island of Java. Severe habitat fragmentation and small population size, aggravated by illegal hunting have put this rainforest species on the list of threatened bird species. Intensive searching since 1986 resulted in the discovery of a large number of localities additional to the historic ones. All known locality records of Javan Hawk-eagle have been scrutinized and are listed in the present paper. Confirmed post-1980 records are from 24 forest fragments of varying sizes: 10 (including 28 discrete localities) in west, seven (including 14 discrete localities) in central and seven (including 20 discrete localities) in east Java. The configuration of available habitat in forest clusters is evaluated. The co-existence with other threatened bird taxa, and the need for further field surveys and studies of the Javan Hawk-eagle are discussed.
Swine influenza vaccines: current status and future perspectives
Authors: Ma Wenjun , Richt Jürgen A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSwine influenza is an important contagious disease in pigs caused by influenza A viruses. Although only three subtypes of influenza A viruses, H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2, predominantly infect pigs worldwide, it is still a big challenge for vaccine manufacturers to produce efficacious vaccines for the prevention and control of swine influenza. Swine influenza viruses not only cause significant economic losses for the swine industry, but are also important zoonotic pathogens. Vaccination is still one of the most important and effective strategies to prevent and control influenza for both the animal and human population. In this review, we will discuss the current status of swine influenza worldwide as well as current and future options to control this economically important swine disease.
Temporal dynamics of Prochlorococcus ecotypes in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans
Authors: Malmstrom Rex R , Coe Allison , Kettler Gregory C , Martiny Adam C , Frias-Lopez Jorge , Zinser Erik R , Chisholm Sallie W 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
To better understand the temporal and spatial dynamics of Prochlorococcus populations, and how these populations co-vary with the physical environment, we followed monthly changes in the abundance of five ecotypes—two high-light adapted and three low-light adapted—over a 5-year period in coordination with the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series (BATS) and Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) programs. Ecotype abundance displayed weak seasonal fluctuations at HOT and strong seasonal fluctuations at BATS. Furthermore, stable ‘layered’ depth distributions, where different Prochlorococcus ecotypes reached maximum abundance at different depths, were maintained consistently for 5 years at HOT. Layered distributions were also observed at BATS, although winter deep mixing events disrupted these patterns each year and produced large variations in ecotype abundance. Interestingly, the layered ecotype distributions were regularly reestablished each year after deep mixing subsided at BATS. In addition, Prochlorococcus ecotypes each responded differently to the strong seasonal changes in light, temperature and mixing at BATS, resulting in a reproducible annual succession of ecotype blooms. Patterns of ecotype abundance, in combination with physiological assays of cultured isolates, confirmed that the low-light adapted eNATL could be distinguished from other low-light adapted ecotypes based on its ability to withstand temporary exposure to high-intensity light, a characteristic stress of the surface mixed layer. Finally, total Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus dynamics were compared with similar time series data collected a decade earlier at each location. The two data sets were remarkably similar—testimony to the resilience of these complex dynamic systems on decadal time scales.
Meiofauna reduces bacterial mineralization of naphthalene in marine sediment
Authors: Näslund Johan , Nascimento Francisco J A , Gunnarsson Jonas S 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The role of sediment-living meiofauna, benthic invertebrates smaller than 1000 μm such as nematodes and ostracods, on the mineralization of naphthalene, a common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in marine sediments, was studied in microcosms using radiorespirometry. A method to extract live meiofauna was developed and used in order to experimentally manipulate meiofauna abundance and group diversity. Higher abundances of meiofauna were found to significantly decrease naphthalene mineralization. Furthermore, a change in the bacterial community composition (studied using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism) was also observed in presence of higher meiofauna abundance, as well as a lower number of cultivable naphthalene-degrading bacteria. The reduced mineralization of naphthalene and the altered bacterial community composition in the presence of increased meiofauna abundance is likely the result of top-down control by meiofauna. This study shows that higher abundances of meiofauna can significantly decrease the microbial mineralization of PAHs such as naphthalene and also significantly modify the bacterial community composition in natural marine sediments.
Variation of Herbivore-Induced Volatile Terpenes among Arabidopsis Ecotypes Depends on Allelic Differences and Subcellular Targeting of Two Terpene Synthases, TPS02 and TPS03
Authors: Huang Mengsu , Abel Christian , Sohrabi Reza , Petri Jana , Haupt Ina , Cosimano John , Gershenzon Jonathan , Tholl Dorothea 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWhen attacked by insects, plants release mixtures of volatile compounds that are beneficial for direct or indirect defense. Natural variation of volatile emissions frequently occurs between and within plant species, but knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms is limited. We investigated intraspecific differences of volatile emissions induced from rosette leaves of 27 accessions of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) upon treatment with coronalon, a jasmonate mimic eliciting responses similar to those caused by insect feeding. Quantitative variation was found for the emission of the monoterpene (E)-β-ocimene, the sesquiterpene (E,E)-α-farnesene, the irregular homoterpene 4,8,12-trimethyltridecatetra-1,3,7,11-ene, and the benzenoid compound methyl salicylate. Differences in the relative emissions of (E)-β-ocimene and (E,E)-α-farnesene from accession Wassilewskija (Ws), a high-(E)-β-ocimene emitter, and accession Columbia (Col-0), a trace-(E)-β-ocimene emitter, were attributed to allelic variation of two closely related, tandem-duplicated terpene synthase genes, TPS02 and TPS03. The Ws genome contains a functional allele of TPS02 but not of TPS03, while the opposite is the case for Col-0. Recombinant proteins of the functional Ws TPS02 and Col-0 TPS03 genes both showed (E)-β-ocimene and (E,E)-α-farnesene synthase activities. However, differential subcellular compartmentalization of the two enzymes in plastids and the cytosol was found to be responsible for the ecotype-specific differences in (E)-β-ocimene/(E,E)-α-farnesene emission. Expression of the functional TPS02 and TPS03 alleles is induced in leaves by elicitor and insect treatment and occurs constitutively in floral tissues. Our studies show that both pseudogenization in the TPS family and subcellular segregation of functional TPS enzymes control the variation and plasticity of induced volatile emissions in wild plant species.