title: Ancient landscapes of the Namib Desert harbor high levels of genetic variability and deeply divergent lineages for Collembola.

authors: Collins, Gemma Elyse

subjects: Collembola

abstract: Aim: To assess spatial patterns of genetic and species-level diversity for Namib Desert Collembola using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. Location: Namib Desert gravel plains. Taxon: Collembola (springtails). Methods: A total of 77 soil samples were collected along NE-SW (60 km) and E-W (160 km) transects from within a 4,000 km2 area of the Namib Desert gravel plains. We extracted 434 springtails from the 37 samples which contained Collembola and sequenced them at the COI gene locus. In the absence of specific taxonomic keys and previous genetic data for these taxa, we used Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) analyses to provide putative species-level designations. Results: We obtained 341 successful COI sequences, 175 of which were unique haplotypes. GMYC analyses identified 30 putative species, with up to 28% sequence divergence (uncorrected p-distance). The distribution of genetic variants was disjunct, with 97% of haplotypes and 70% of "GMYC species" found only at single sites. Main conclusions: Dispersal events, although rare, may be facilitated by environmental events such as prevailing onshore winds or occasional flow of rainwater to the coast. We conclude that the high genetic diversity we observed is the result of ancient springtail lineages, patchy distribution of suitable habitats, and limited dispersal (gene flow) among habitable locations.

text: Ancient landscapes of the Namib Desert harbor high levels of genetic variability and deeply divergent lineages for Collembola. Aim: To assess spatial patterns of genetic and species-level diversity for Namib Desert Collembola using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. Location: Namib Desert gravel plains. Taxon: Collembola (springtails). Methods: A total of 77 soil samples were collected along NE-SW (60 km) and E-W (160 km) transects from within a 4,000 km2 area of the Namib Desert gravel plains. We extracted 434 springtails from the 37 samples which contained Collembola and sequenced them at the COI gene locus. In the absence of specific taxonomic keys and previous genetic data for these taxa, we used Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) analyses to provide putative species-level designations. Results: We obtained 341 successful COI sequences, 175 of which were unique haplotypes. GMYC analyses identified 30 putative species, with up to 28% sequence divergence (uncorrected p-distance). The distribution of genetic variants was disjunct, with 97% of haplotypes and 70% of "GMYC species" found only at single sites. Main conclusions: Dispersal events, although rare, may be facilitated by environmental events such as prevailing onshore winds or occasional flow of rainwater to the coast. We conclude that the high genetic diversity we observed is the result of ancient springtail lineages, patchy distribution of suitable habitats, and limited dispersal (gene flow) among habitable locations.

year: 2019

title: Reproductive biology and spawning substrate preferences of European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) from two New Zealand lakes

authors: Whitaker-White, Hannah

abstract: European perch (Perca fluviatilis) has dominated freshwater systems in New Zealand since its introduction in 1868. This introduced species has established itself by outcompeting native species and altering the physicochemical properties of habitats. Eradication and control efforts in New Zealand seldom focus on initiating management at spawning, with little attention to their reproductive biology and plasticity. Despite many studies across the world focusing on these aspects, most are in the context of population protection within their native territories or in fisheries. Lake Rototoa and the Hamilton Lake (also known as Lake Rotoroa) are two lakes within the North Island of New Zealand that vary considerably in size and quality, and host populations of European perch that have dominated both systems. 
Sampling from both lakes occurred over a 12-month period, where measurements of body size, gonad development, fecundity and condition were collected to provide insight into each population’s health and reproductive biology. An artificial spawning substrate experiment over six weeks consisted of three different substrates at five sites in both lakes and in laboratory tanks to investigate the potential for spawning substrate preferences.  
A total of 159 perch were caught and dissected from the Hamilton Lake, and 126 were caught and dissected from Lake Rototoa. Spawning appeared to be asynchronous at Lake Rototoa from condition and GSI results, and synchronous at the Hamilton Lake. Size and condition indices were higher at the Hamilton Lake and displayed some seasonal patterns. Fecundity at the Hamilton Lake ranged from 71,202 to 80,400.96 compared to 40,844 to 73,232.21 eggs per female at Lake Rototoa during the spawning season. Oocyte diameters were slightly larger at the Hamilton Lake, with a range of 0.836 mm and 2.019 mm compared to 0.839 mm and 1.886 mm at Lake Rototoa. Perch did not use any artificial spawning substrates at all three sites. 
Results suggested a more stunted population at Lake Rototoa, likely due to different water qualities and resource availability. These results provide a solid foundation for control methods targeting spawning strategies in European perch. However, improved techniques for artificial spawning substrates are necessary, particularly focusing on the location and timing of where and when they are deployed.

text: Reproductive biology and spawning substrate preferences of European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) from two New Zealand lakes European perch (Perca fluviatilis) has dominated freshwater systems in New Zealand since its introduction in 1868. This introduced species has established itself by outcompeting native species and altering the physicochemical properties of habitats. Eradication and control efforts in New Zealand seldom focus on initiating management at spawning, with little attention to their reproductive biology and plasticity. Despite many studies across the world focusing on these aspects, most are in the context of population protection within their native territories or in fisheries. Lake Rototoa and the Hamilton Lake (also known as Lake Rotoroa) are two lakes within the North Island of New Zealand that vary considerably in size and quality, and host populations of European perch that have dominated both systems. 
Sampling from both lakes occurred over a 12-month period, where measurements of body size, gonad development, fecundity and condition were collected to provide insight into each population’s health and reproductive biology. An artificial spawning substrate experiment over six weeks consisted of three different substrates at five sites in both lakes and in laboratory tanks to investigate the potential for spawning substrate preferences.  
A total of 159 perch were caught and dissected from the Hamilton Lake, and 126 were caught and dissected from Lake Rototoa. Spawning appeared to be asynchronous at Lake Rototoa from condition and GSI results, and synchronous at the Hamilton Lake. Size and condition indices were higher at the Hamilton Lake and displayed some seasonal patterns. Fecundity at the Hamilton Lake ranged from 71,202 to 80,400.96 compared to 40,844 to 73,232.21 eggs per female at Lake Rototoa during the spawning season. Oocyte diameters were slightly larger at the Hamilton Lake, with a range of 0.836 mm and 2.019 mm compared to 0.839 mm and 1.886 mm at Lake Rototoa. Perch did not use any artificial spawning substrates at all three sites. 
Results suggested a more stunted population at Lake Rototoa, likely due to different water qualities and resource availability. These results provide a solid foundation for control methods targeting spawning strategies in European perch. However, improved techniques for artificial spawning substrates are necessary, particularly focusing on the location and timing of where and when they are deployed.

year: 2025-11

title: Indigenous psychology in Aotearoa/New Zealand and Australia

authors: Waitoki, Waikaremoana

subjects: Psychology

abstract: In Aotearoa/New Zealand and Australia, the development of Indigenous psychology is a response to the resilience of a colonised people, where the gaze of Western imperialism is ever present. The use of esoteric, ceremonial, environmental, and relational knowledge is included to counter balance the individualism inherent in mainstream psychology. Across both countries, connections to ancestors, land, language, customs and relationships are important. Dudgeon’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing model offers a transformative lens for addressing the significant disparities that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experience. While Māori wellbeing includes healthy relationships between physical, psychological, community, spirituality and environment domains. The chapter promotes a reclamation of Indigenous knowledge systems that, if not protected and promoted, could be lost from their cultural home.

text: Indigenous psychology in Aotearoa/New Zealand and Australia In Aotearoa/New Zealand and Australia, the development of Indigenous psychology is a response to the resilience of a colonised people, where the gaze of Western imperialism is ever present. The use of esoteric, ceremonial, environmental, and relational knowledge is included to counter balance the individualism inherent in mainstream psychology. Across both countries, connections to ancestors, land, language, customs and relationships are important. Dudgeon’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing model offers a transformative lens for addressing the significant disparities that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experience. While Māori wellbeing includes healthy relationships between physical, psychological, community, spirituality and environment domains. The chapter promotes a reclamation of Indigenous knowledge systems that, if not protected and promoted, could be lost from their cultural home.

year: 2018