Rabbits, Hares and Pikas : Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. 

168 Seiten, zahlreiche s/w-Fotos und Landkarten.
IUCN, Gland.ISBN 2-8317-0019-1.

Aus dem Vorwort:

The   Lagomorph   Specialist   Group   reviewed   for   the   first time  the  status  of  the  worlds’  lagomorphs,  critically  examined those  species  which  appeared  to  require  attention,  and  listed important  decisions  for  future  conservation  action  concerning the volcano rabbit Romerolagus  diazi (Mexico), riverine rabbit Bunolagus monticularis (South  Africa),  hispid  hare  Caprolagus hispidus (India and Nepal), Sumatran rabbit Nesolagus netscheri   (Indonesia)  and  Amami  rabbit Pentalagus furnessi (Japan).

Emphasis  was  placed  on  the  need  for  a  comprehensive    review  of  hares  and  for  the  development  of  programs  for monitoring   lagomorphs   and   their   habitat   wherever   required. The  need  to  bring  these  matters  to  the  attention  of  Governments  was  given  high  priority.  Project  proposals  resulting  from these  deliberations  were  submitted  to  the  Commission  for inclusion  in  the  IUCN  Conservation  Programme  for  Sustainable   Development.

The Lagomorph Group, building on its good start, soon assumed responsibility for providing the information necessary for preparing and updating lagomorph entries in the Red Data Book and for submissions to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It holds a strong position against the introduction of the eastern cottontail to Europe, and has willingly participated in discussions on the subject when requested.

The Group also continues to take the lead in keeping lagomorphs on conference agenda at international meetings, and has widened its in recent years to look at the status of some of the lesser known races or subspecies of the more common lagomorphs. Lagomorphs are relatively small mammals and do not excite the curiosity and appeal of some of their larger kind.

There has thus never been much financial support for conservation. But they are of critical importance in world ecosystems and I applaud the action taken by the Species Survival Commission in setting up this Group when it did. I am particularly pleased that IUCN has agreed to fund this publication of the Lagomorph Specialist Group Action Plan. The achievement of main objectives depends to a large extent on the continued activities of small teams of dedicated people like those who constitute this Group; the publication will give them an opportunity to say what they are trying to do.

Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus 1766) – Scorpion Mud Turtle.

In: Rhodin, A.G.J., Pritchard, P.C.H., van Dijk, P.P., Saumure, R.A., Buhlmann, K.A., Iverson, J.B., and Mittermeier, R.A. (Eds.). Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 5, pp. 063.1–063.15, doi:10.3854/crm.5.063.scorpioides.v1.2011, http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/cbftt/.

Summary:

Kinosternon scorpioides, the Scorpion Mud Turtle (Family Kinosternidae), is a medium to large-sized mud turtle, with adult males in some populations regularly exceeding 200 mm in carapace length. The species occurs from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas in Gulf of Mexico drainages, southward throughout the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, and throughout most of Central and South America in both Atlantic and Pacific drainages at least to the upper Río Paraná in northern Argentina. Four subspecies are currently recognized, which vary in morphology: K. s. scorpioides, K. s. abaxillare, K. s. albogulare, and K. s. cruentatum. Maximum size in various populations ranges from 150 to over 200 mm carapace length. Mature females lay up to five clutches of 1–8 eggs during an extended annual reproductive season. The species is exploited in parts of its range for tourist trinkets, pet trade, medicine, and food, but the greatest threats to its survival are from habitat degradation and alteration. Conservation measures should include expanded studies of the status of the species throughout its range, as well as detailed studies of its life history, habitat utilization, diseases, and the effects of habitat modification on individuals and populations across its range.

The  Conservation  Biology of Tortoises.

Occasional Papers  of the  IUCN  Species  Survival Commission  (SSC) No. 5. 204 Seiten.
Published by IUCN,  Gland,  Switzerland. ISBN  2-88032-986-8.

Aus der Einleitung:

This contribution to the Occasional Papers of the IUCN Species Survival Commission  (SSC)  on  the  status  and distribution  of the  Testudinidae,  or  terrestrial  tortoises,  is  the  result  of  five years of work by members of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise Specialist Group  (which  has  since become the  Tortoise  and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group) and is published on the occasion of the First World Congress of Herpetology at the University of Kent, September  1989.   This  work  was  stimulated  by  our  lack  of knowledge  regarding  the  forty  species  of tortoises  which  became apparent at our inaugural meeting at  Oxford  in  October 1981  and our inability to answer many  of the basic  questions relating  to their conservation. It was  executed under the  title "Operation  Tortoise."

We  have  provided  the  latest  information  on  each  species, including the Latin name, common names, description, taxonomy, geographic variation, status and distribution, habitat and ecology  (particularly  behaviour,  reproduction,  and  feeding), threats  to  survival,  conservation  reserves  and  recommendations,  and current research.   We have also provided the most complete bibliography on  the Testudinidae ever published.

In drawing up this report we have been concerned that the information is as up-to-date as possible, but we expect, indeed hope, that it will be redundant in a few years as more and more people work on these fascinating animals.  We have also been conscious of the needs of the local people and their interests, a vital  part  of  any  successful  conservation  programme  as  so clearly  demonstrated  by  the  Group's  successful  Project  Angonoka/Kapidolo in Madagascar, and the SOPTOM project in southern  France.    The  SSC  Tortoise  and  Freshwater  Turtle Group Action Plan, also published at the Kent Congress, goes even  further in  an  attempt to integrate  scientific  and practical conservation.

Manouria emys (Schlegel and Müller 1840) – Asian Giant Tortoise, Giant Asian Forest Tortoise.

In: Rhodin, A.G.J., Pritchard, P.C.H., van Dijk, P.P., Saumure, R.A., Buhlmann, K.A., Iverson, J.B., and Mittermeier, R.A. (Eds.). Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Chelonian Research Monographs (ISSN 1088-7105) No. 5, doi:10.3854/crm.5.086.emys.v1.2015, http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/cbftt/.

Summary:

The Giant Asian Forest Tortoise, Manouria emys (Family Testudinidae), is the largest tortoise species in mainland Asia, with a straight carapace length (CL) of up to at least 600 mm, and mass up to 37 kg. Two subspecies, M. e. emys and M. e. phayrei, are distinguished by geographic distribution, coloration, plastral scute pattern, and maximum size. Manouria is considered to be among the most primitive of living tortoise genera. The species occurs in hilly wet forest; its diet includes green vegetation, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and fallen fruits. Unlike most tortoises, which tend to prefer relatively arid habitats, M. emys prefers a mesic habitat and is often found in and around cool flowing streams, sitting for days in water or mud, or foraging in such habitats. Although the species is active all year round, some individuals exhibit an inactive period of up to two months in the cool dry season. The species exhibits unusual nesting activity; females build mound nests of forest floor debris, deposit large annual clutches of up to 60 eggs, and guard the nest for the early portion of incubation. Despite their size, the behavioral ecology of M. emys has been little studied. The species has apparently been extirpated in the westernmost portion of its range and is highly threatened everywhere else. Healthy populations are known to occur in a few protected areas in Thailand and Indonesia, but most remaining habitat is being rapidly degraded and destroyed, and the species continues to be collected for food and smuggled into the pet trade.

Terrapene carolina (Linnaeus 1758) – Eastern Box Turtle, Common Box Turtle.

In: Rhodin, A.G.J., Pritchard, P.C.H., van Dijk, P.P., Saumure, R.A., Buhlmann, K.A., Iverson, J.B., and Mittermeier, R.A. (Eds.). Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Chelonian Research Monographs 5(8):085.1–25, doi:10.3854/crm.5.085.carolina.v1.2015, http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/cbftt/.

Summary:

The Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina (Family Emydidae), as currently understood, contains six living subspecies of small turtles (carapace lengths to ca. 115–235 mm) able to close their hinged plastrons into a tightly closed box. Although the nominate subspecies is among the most widely distributed and well-known of the world’s turtles, the two Mexican subspecies are poorly known. This primarily terrestrial, though occasionally semi-terrestrial, species ranges throughout the eastern and southern United States and disjunctly in Mexico. It was generally recognized as common in the USA throughout the 20th century, but is now threatened by continuing habitat conversion, road mortality, and collection for the pet trade, and notable population declines have been documented throughout its range. In the United States, this turtle is a paradigm example of the conservation threats that beset and impact a historically common North American species. In Mexico, the greatest need for the subspecies that occur there is to further assess their distribution, habitat requirements, economic status, and conservation threats.

17.08.2016

Graptemys flavimaculata Cagle 1954 – Yellow-Blotched Sawback, Yellow-Blotched Map Turtle.

In: Rhodin, A.G.J., Pritchard, P.C.H., van Dijk, P.P., Saumure, R.A., Buhlmann, K.A., Iverson, J.B., and Mittermeier, R.A. (Eds.). Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 5, pp. 052.1–052.11, doi:10.3854/crm.5.052.flavimaculata.v1.2011, http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/cbftt/.

Summary:

The Yellow-blotched Sawback, Graptemys flavimaculata (Family Emydidae), is a small to medium-sized riverine species endemic to the Pascagoula River drainage of southeast Mississippi, USA. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, with adult females attaining more than twice the length and ten times the mass of adult males. Although the species is locally abundant, populations are threatened by habitat destruction, collection for the pet trade, invasive species, water quality degradataion, and other human impacts. Previously listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, the species has recently been downlisted to Vulnerable due to improved population estimates, newly discovered localities, and improved water qualities leading to some recovered populations. It remains Threatened because of its small range, large number of potential threats, and moderately severe declines in the largest population.

Conservation of the Sunda gharial Tomistoma schlegelii in Lake Mesangat, Indonesia.

International Zoo Yearbook 49: 137–149. ISSN 0074-9644.DOI: 10.1111/izy.12068.

Abstract:

Although featured in many international zoo collections for decades, little was known about the natural history of Sunda gharial Tomistoma schlegelii until recently. Zoos rarely keep large individuals and breeding success has been low. As late as 1998, even though most conservationists regarded the conservation status of the species as Endangered, the reality was that over most of the range the actual status of the Sunda gharial was Data Deficient. Beginning with surveys of the species by international and local scientists in Indonesian Sumatra and, later, in Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature/Species Survival Commission Crocodile Specialist Group, more details on the broad distribution of this crocodilian came to light. Ironically, rediscovery of a large and healthy population of T. schlegelii in East Kalimantan arose from an oil-palm company accessing the area to develop a site called Danau Mesangat. Subsequently through a cooperation agreement with the oil-palm company's conservation department and a local foundation, a group of dedicated zoos in Europe and America, and the Tomistoma Task Force set up by the Crocodile Specialist Group, provided funding for three consecutive years of field studies by a research group. These studies investigated the ecology of T. schlegelii and of a sympatric population of the Critically Endangered Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis. The role of the zoos, including their role in the development of the research programme, is described. Accounts are given of the characteristics of the Mesangat habitat, some new details about the distribution and abundance of Sunda gharial and Siamese crocodiles in the habitat, and information about reproduction in T. schlegelii. In summary, an overview of threats and suggestions for conservation actions needed at the Mesangat site are provided.

Regional Red List status of carnivores in the Arabian Peninsula.

49 Seiten, Abbildungen, Verbreitungskarten. IUCN, Gland und Cambrige und The Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Government of Sharjah, UAE

Abstract:

A Regional Red List Workshop for the carnivores of the Arabian Peninsula took place 8-10 February 2011. The aim of the workshop was to assess the regional conservation status of terrestrial carnivores in the Arabian Peninsula. The information provided here will help to put national conservation priorities into a regional context, thus maximising the effectiveness of local and national conservation measures, and facilitating the development of integrated regional conservation strategies. This Red List publication summarizes results for terrestrial carnivores and provides the first overview of the conservation status of these species to follow IUCN Regional Red Listing guidelines. It identifies species that are threatened with extinction at the regional level – in order that appropriate conservation action can be taken to improve their status.

European Red List of Freshwater Fishes.

viii + 60 Seiten, mit Grafiken, Farbfotos, Verbreitungskarten und Tabellen.
Publications Office of the European Union, Luxemburg. ISBN 978-92-79-20200-1; doi:10.2779/85903.

Executive Summary:

Aim: The European Red List is a review of the conservation status of c. 6,000 European species to date (dragonflies, butterflies, freshwater fishes, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and selected groups of beetles, molluscs, and vascular plants) according to IUCN regional Red Listing guidelines. It identifies those species that are threatened with extinction at the regional level – in order that appropriate conservation action can be taken to improve their status. This Red List publication summarizes the results for all described native European freshwater fishes and lampreys (hereafter referred to as just freshwater fishes).

Scope: All species of freshwater fishes recorded from European freshwater waters are included. Marine migrants and species of brackish waters are also included if they regularly enter freshwater habitats. Species are only included if the record is based on individuals with locality data and reliable identification.

Red List assessments were made at two regional levels: for geographical Europe, and for the 27 current Member States of the European Union. The distribution of freshwater fishes is considered at the sub-river basin level. Therefore the distribution included here sometimes extends beyond the political boundaries.

Status assessment: The status of all species was assessed using the IUCN Red List Criteria, which are the world’s most widely accepted system for measuring extinction risk. All assessments followed the Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional Levels.

The status of species endemic to the Mediterranean basin is based on evaluations made during an IUCN workshop held in Malaga (Spain) in December 2004. All European sturgeons were assessed at a workshop held in Wuhan (China), during the 6th International Symposium on Sturgeon in October 2009. The status of all other European species has been evaluated when preparing the Handbook of European Freshwater Fishes during an IUCN workshop held in Berlin (Germany) in December 2006, in coordination with the IUCN Freshwater Biodiversity Assessment Unit. All species present in the 27 Member States of the EU were re-assessed for their regional conservation status in 2010. Assessments are available on the European Red List website and data portal: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/redlist and http://www.iucnredlist.org/europe.

The status of all European freshwater fish species has been reviewed. For certain species groups of Mediterranean river basins, the taxonomy has been revised since the  2004 Malaga workshop, requiring an update of their Red List status. Also, several species have been newly described since 2007. All this is leading to an improved understanding of their conservation status. Up-to-date information for all these species is included in this report. Evaluations have mostly been done through the formal IUCN validation procedure, except for a few species still awaiting comments by relevant specialist groups of the IUCN Species Survival Commission.

Freshwater fishes in Europe: As part of this Red List assessment, 531 native and described European species have been assessed, of which 381 are present in the 27 Member States of the European Union. Almost 80% of the European species are endemic to Europe (which means that they are unique to Europe and are found nowhere else in the world). About 50% of the species found in the 27 Member States of the EU are endemic to the EU. Seven species occur only marginally on the European continent, and are considered as Not Applicable in this assessment.

Results: Overall, at least 37% of Europe’s freshwater fishes are threatened at a continental scale, and 39% are threatened at the EU 27 level. A further 4% of freshwater fishes are considered Near Threatened. This is one of the highest threat levels of any major taxonomic group assessed to date for Europe. The conservation status of Europe’s eight sturgeon species is particularly worrying: all but one are Critically Endangered. By comparison, 44% of freshwater molluscs, 23% of amphibians, 19% of reptiles, 15% of mammals and dragonflies, 13% of birds, 9% of butterflies and 7% of aquatic plants are threatened at the European level.

Despite a lack of good trend data for certain countries, the current assessment shows that about 17% of Europe’s freshwater fish species have declining populations, whereas only 1% are on the increase, and 6% are considered stable. For the remaining 76%, the current level of knowledge is insufficient to define their population trends.

The highest levels of species diversity are found in the lower parts of the rivers draining into the Black and Caspian Seas. However, a number of species with restricted ranges are also encountered in the Alps, in Great Britain and Ireland, and around the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Most of the threatened species are confined to certain areas in southern Europe.

Most freshwater fishes are in some way affected by pollution of domestic, industrial and agricultural origin. Another primary threat to Europe’s freshwater fishes is habitat loss due to over-abstraction of water. Additional major threats are the introduction of alien species, overfishing (particularly in the larger rivers of Eastern Europe) and a massive increase in the construction of dams, blocking migration and altering stream habitats.

Conclusions and recommendations:

• Freshwater fishes are one of the most highly threatened species groups in Europe. At least 37% of all European species are threatened at a continental scale, and 39% are threatened at the EU 27 level. Of all assessed species groups, this level of threat is second only to the one for freshwater molluscs. The conservation status of Europe’s eight sturgeon species is particularly worrying: all but one are Critically Endangered.
• There is an ongoing extinction crisis affecting Europe’s freshwater fishes. At least 13 species are now globally Extinct. Five additional species are Possibly Extinct, but the information is currently inadequate to certify their extinction. Furthermore, several freshwater fish species are currently under immediate threat of extinction, amongst them several species of sturgeons, and certain species of the Mediterranean river basins.
• The high overall threat level of Europe’s freshwater fishes is an indicator for the exceptional vulnerability of Europe’s freshwater habitats, and of their poor state of protection. The main threats to Europe’s freshwater fishes are pollution, habitat loss due to over-abstraction of water, and the introduction of alien species. Alien species introduction, especially where these are of European origin, is almost totally uncontrolled. The main vectors of alien species introduction are recreational fisheries and the connection of formerly separate river basins by manmade canals.
• An increased frequency and intensity of droughts is already impacting freshwater systems and the species that rely on them, especially in the Mediterranean region. The predicted impact of climate change is likely to worsen the situation in the future.
• While many freshwater fishes are protected under national legislation or under the EU Habitats Directive, the majority of threatened species still remain unprotected. Furthermore, where legal protection does exist, it often remains ineffective against threats such as alien species introduction or water abstraction.
• In order to improve the conservation status of European freshwater fishes and to reverse their decline, ambitious conservation actions are urgently needed. In particular: ensuring adequate protection and management of key freshwater habitats and of their surrounding areas, drawing up and implementing Species Action Plans for the most threatened species, establishing monitoring and ex-situ programmes, finding appropriate means to limit further alien species introductions, especially by anglers, and revising national and European legislation, adding species identified as threatened where needed.
• The identification, establishment and management of a network of Freshwater Key Biodiversity Areas in Europe is urgently needed.
• This project contributes to improving and updating the coverage of fishes on the global IUCN Red List, thanks to the assessment of endemic European freshwater fishes.

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Biologie, Gefährdung und Schutz der Groppe (Cottus gobio) in der Schweiz.

Mitt. zur Fischerei 77: 1-73. Hrsg. Bundesamt für Umwelt, Wald und Landschaft (BUWAL), Bern.

Zusammenfassung:

Die Groppe oder Koppe (Cottus gobio, L. 1758) ist in der Schweiz der einzige Vertreter der Familie der Cottidae. Dieser Kleinfisch bewohnt einen Teil der Schweizer Bäche und Seen. Obschon die Groppe in der Schweiz noch häufig vorkommt, wird sie infolge eines deutlichen Bestandesrückgangs innerhalb der letzten 50 Jahre zu den potenziell gefährdeten Fischarten gezählt. Da sie keine wirtschaftliche Bedeutung hat, ist sie nur selten in den Mittelpunkt spezifischer Forschungen gerückt.

Die Körperform der Groppe ist der bodenorientierten Lebensweise besonders gut angepasst. Der Körper ist länglich und zylinderförmig, mit einem breiten, abgeflachten Kopf, der etwa ein Drittel der Gesamtlänge einnimmt. Die beiden grossen Brustflossen erlauben eine gute Grundhaftung. Weitere Merkmalen sind das Fehlen einer Schwimmblase, eine glatte, schuppenfreie Haut und durch eine doppelte Cornea geschützte Augen.

Die Groppe ist eine europäische Art, die in kontinentalen Gewässern von Nordspanien bis in den Ural und von Südskandinavien bis Nordgriechenland vorkommt. Sie hält sich vorzugsweise in Forellengewässern auf, kommt jedoch auch in grossen Fliessgewässern und in Seen vor.

Mit zunehmendem Alter verlagern sich die ökologischen Ansprüche der Groppe bezüglich der Substratbenutzung, da dieses im Verhältnis zu ihrer Grösse steht. Die Jungfische bevorzugen grobkörnigen Schotter, während sich die grösseren Exemplare unter Steinen verbergen, welche ihren Dimensionen entsprechen. Zur Vollendung des Lebenszyklus benötigt die Groppe deshalb auf beschränktem Lebensraum ein Mosaik verschiedener Habitatstrukturen.

Die Nahrung der Groppe besteht hauptsächlich aus Invertebraten wie Trichopteren, Ephemeropteren und Dipteren. Sie selbst ist Beute für andere Fischarten (Forelle, Hecht, Aal, Barsch, Alet) sowie fischfressenden Vögel (Gänsesäger, Graureiher, Eisvogel). Der Eintritt in die Geschlechtsreife sowie die Laichzeit der Groppe variieren je nach Gewässer. Die Lebensdauer kann 3 bis 10 Jahre betragen; im Allgemeinen ist der Fisch mit 2 Jahren geschlechtsreif. Die Laichzeit findet zwischen Februar und Juni statt. In dieser Zeit legt das Weibchen seine Eier in einer vom Männchen bewachten Höhle an die Unterseite eines Steins ab. Die vom Männchen bewachte Brut wird durch Fächelbewegungen der Flossen mit ausreichend sauerstoffreichem Wasser versorgt. Die Entwicklungszeit der Eier beträgt rund 275 Tagesgrade.

Die Groppe wird von denselben Faktoren bedroht wie andere Fischarten. Habitatveränderungen (Gewässerunterhalt, Querbauten, Stauhaltungen, etc.) ziehen den Verlust der natürlichen Lebensraumvielfalt sowie der Fliessgewässer-Dynamik nach sich. Hindernisse verschiedener Art beeinträchtigen ihre Wandermöglichkeiten, trennen Populationen ab oder verhindern eine natürliche Neubesiedlung bestimmter Strecken. Ein stets aktuelles Thema bleibt die Gewässerbelastung durch Stoffe, deren Auswirkungen teilweise noch unbekannt sind.

Die wichtigsten Schutzmassnahmen für diese Fischart bestehen in der Renaturierung von stark verbauten Fliessgewässern, der Abschaffung oder Sanierung von Wanderhindernissen sowie der Bekämpfung der Gewässerverschmutzung.

Bestellung

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