Range expansion of the western gray squirrel ( Sciurus griseus ) in northeastern California

We report the first records of the western gray squirrel ( Sciurus griseus ) from Modoc County and eastern Lassen County in northeastern California. Specimens from Modoc County represent the first records of the species from the Great Basin geographic province. We conclude that these records represent a range expansion based upon previous fieldwork that did not report the species in the region.     

Terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the Kaiparowits Basin

This report includes data collected during an investigation by Brigham Young University personnel from 1971 to 1976, as well as a literature review. The fauna of the Kaiparowits Basin is represented by 7 species of amphibians (1 salamander, 5 toads, and 1 tree frog), 29 species of reptiles (1 turtle, 16 lizards, and 12 snakes), 183 species of birds (plus 2 hypothetical), and 74 species of mammals. Geographic distribution of the various species within the basin are discussed. Birds are categorized according to their population and seasonal status. Avian habitat relationships are discussed, and extensions of range are reported for 5 species of birds. Three threatened or endangered avian species occur in the basin. Four avian species seem to have declined significantly in numbers in recent years.     

New distributional records of the red squirrel ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus ) in western New Mexico and evidence for its extirpation from the Zuni Mountains

In the American Southwest, the red squirrel ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus ) occurs as disjunct populations in coniferous forests on mountaintops. There is a paucity of information concerning the species’ distribution and habitat in western New Mexico. I report new records that document and verify the occurrence of red squirrels in additional montane areas in west central New Mexico, including the Mangas Mountains, Canovas Rim, Turner Mountain, Tularosa Mountains, Elk Mountains, Bearwallow Mountain, and Pinos Altos Mountains. I also report observations of red squirrels from an atypical habitat—low-elevation riparian forests. These new records suggest that the geographic distribution of the species in west central New Mexico is broader than indicated by existing records. However, I also document the apparent extirpation of red squirrels from the Zuni Mountains in northwestern New Mexico. The red squirrel is one of several avian and mammalian species associated with mixed coniferous forests that have become extirpated in this mountain range.     

New record of the bat Plecotus phyllotis from Utah

In June 1974 a scrotal male Mexican big - eared bat ( Plecotus phyllotis ) was netted near Hurricane, Utah. This account represents the third report of the species from Utah and extends the range approximately 330 km west of previous accounts. Adjacent state records are located approximately 64 km to the southeast in Arizona and 80 km southwest in Nevada.     

Managing a complex exotic vegetation program in Yellowstone National Park

The number of documented exotic plants in Yellowstone National Park has increased from 85 known in 1986 to over 185 today. Exotic plants are substantially impacting the parks natural and cultural resources and are a high management priority. We have adopted an integrated weed management approach with regard to exotic vegetation, emphasizing prevention, education, early detection and eradication, control, and, to a lesser degree, monitoring. The program involves over 140 staff with program expenditures averaging approximately $190,000 annually. Prevention actions include requiring approved gravel on construction projects; banning hay in the backcountry and allowing transport of only certified weed-seed-free hay through Yellowstone; requiring construction equipment to be pressurecleaned prior to entering the park; and native species revegetation after road, housing, and other construction projects have disturbed ground. Over 4500 acres, primarily along roadsides and in developed areas, are surveyed annually in early detection efforts with emphasis placed on eradicating small, new infestations of highly invasive species such as sulfur cinquefoil ( Potentilla recta L.) and leafy spurge ( Euphorbia esula L.). Control efforts focus on about 30 priority species, such as spotted knapweed ( Centaurea maculosa Lam.), oxeye daisy ( Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L.), and hoary cress ( Cardaria draba [L.] Desv.) using chemical, mechanical, and cultural techniques. A total of 2027 acres were treated during 1998, whereas control efforts for 12 species occurred on 2596 acres during the previous 3-year period, 1995-1997. Strong and expanding partnerships with other federal, state, and local agencies and private companies contribute to management efforts within the park. Future program goals emphasize increases in base funding to ensure continued weed management efforts as well as expanding survey, monitoring, and reclamation efforts. Ultimately, a more rigorous assessment of program effectiveness is desired.     

A new record of Heribaudiella fluviatilis , a freshwater brown alga (Phaeophyceae), from Oregon

Members of the algal class Phaeophyceae (brown algae) are almost entirely marine species. A few genera have been described from freshwater habitats, but their distribution and ecological requirements, especially in North America, are very poorly known. The 1st specimens of a freshwater species of brown algae from Oregon, Heribaudiella fluviatilis , were discovered in 3 localities of the McKenzie River, near McKenzie Bridge and Belknap Springs (44°22′N, 122°00′-15′W). This is the 4th extant population of this species known from the United States. The alga forms distinctive, macroscopic, dark brown patches on rocks in rapidly flowing water. In the McKenzie River it co-occurs, apparently year-round, with several other macrophytic algal species, including Prasiola Mexicana , Zygnema sp. (sterile), Nostoc parmelioides , N. vemlcossum , and Phormidium cf. autumnale . In cooler months the macroalgal species Ulothrix zonata and Hydrurus foetidus are also present with Heribaudiella . Photographs and ecological information are provided. We report a 380-km range extension south for the species, and thus far the most southerly population known from North America. This new record suggests that the alga may be more widespread than previously recognized and that other localities may be discovered with further study.     

Mapping aquatic faunal exchanges across the Sunda shelf,South-East Asia,using distributional and genetic data sets from the cyprinid fish Barbodes gonionotus (Bleeker, 1850)

The islands of Sumatra, Java and Borneo and mainland South-East Asia are encompassed by a shallow marine shelf, the Sunda shelf. The striking faunal similarities between countries bordering the Sunda shelf have been attributed to faunal exchanges across the shelf during Pleistocene glacial maxima when sea levels fell by up to 120 m and the shelf was exposed and drained by large river systems which connected many of today's rivers. The widespread distribution of fish species reflecting extensive faunal exchange across the area is predicted to be observed within species through the broad geographic distribution of genetic lineages. Here I report a discontinuous species distribution across the region for the cyprinid fish, Barbodes gonionotus. Mitochondrial DNA control region sequence and nuclear locus data from populations sampled across the species range, suggest that the present species distribution largely reflects faunal exchanges early in the Pleistocene and that these two regional population groupings have subsequently diverged in isolation. However, the mtDNA data present some evidence for limited genetic dispersal during more recent Pleistocene low sea levels. These results broadly confirm previous work from a catfish species and suggest that freshwater faunal exchanges may have been limited across the region during the Pleistocene despite extended periods during which the Sunda shelf was exposed.     

First specimen records for Ruffed Grouse in Colorado

We report the first specimen records for Ruffed Grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ) collected in Colorado, provide the location, describe the habitat, and briefly discuss the rarity of this species within the state. Three Ruffed Grouse were collected, an adult male in September 1988 and a juvenile male and adult female in September 1990, on Hoy Mountain, Moffat County, Colorado, within 0.6 km of Utah. The habitat is primarily open Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) forest with scattered clumps of quaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides ) and Utah serviceberry ( Amelanchier utahensis ). Habitats to the north, east, and south are primarily dominated by sagebrush ( Artemisia spp.) steppe and pionjuniper ( Pinus spp.-- Juniperus spp.) woodland. We hypothesize that natural expansion of Ruffed Grouse further east, north, and south is prohibited by unsuitable habitat exacerbated by the limited flight range capability of the species.     

Crymostygidae,a new family of subterranean freshwater gammaridean amphipods (Crustacea) recorded from subarctic Europe

Crymostygidae, a new family of gammaridean amphipods (Crustacea), is described from Iceland. The family is based on a new species and genus, Crymostygius thingvallensis, found in spring inlets feeding Lake Thingvallavatn, south-west Iceland. This is the first report of a stygobiont freshwater amphipod from Iceland and the northern-most report of a stygobiont species in Europe. The species apparently survived Pliocene and Pleistocene glaciations in the groundwater of a porous lava and may have persisted in Iceland for several million years.     

Community response of nontarget species to herbicide application and removal of the nonindigenous invader Potentilla recta L

Our main objective was to improve understanding of herbicide effects on community dynamics to refine the use of technology and advance the development of ecologically based weed management strategies. We hypothesized that native grasslands would exhibit reductions in culturally sensitive forb cover, biomass, and density relative to the rate of application of selective rangeland herbicides, and that hand-removal of sulfur cinquefoil ( Potentilla recta L.) would increase indigenous species cover, biomass, density, species richness, and diversity. Treatments consisted of 3 rates each of 2,4-D + clopyralid (0.28 kg ai ? ha -1 + 0.0532 kg ai ? ha -1 , 0.56 kg ai ? ha -1 + 0.1064 kg ai ? ha -1 , 0.84 kg ai ? ha -1 + 0.1596 kg ai ? ha -1 ); 2,4-D amine (0.532 kg ai ? ha -1 , 1.064 kg ai ? ha -1 , 1.596 kg ai ? ha -1 ); metsulfuron (0.0042 kg ai ? ha -1 , 0.021 kg ai ? ha -1 , 0.032 kg ai ? ha -1 ); picloram (0.14 kg ai ? ha -1 , 0.28 kg ai ? ha -1 , 0.56 kg ai ? ha -1 ); and clopyralid (0.05025 kg ai ? ha -1 , 0.21 kg ai ? ha -1 , 0.42 kg ai ? ha -1 ). This experiment was replicated 3 times at 2 lateseral, noninfested sites in southeastern Montana. In a companion study, sulfur cinquefoil was removed adjacent to paired nonremoved controls in 5 replicates at 2 sites in 1-m 2 plots for 2 growing seasons. Canopy cover, density, and biomass were collected 24 months after initial treatment at all sites. Indigenous perennial grass cover and biomass increased with herbicide application; however, picloram, metsulfuron, and clopyralid reduced native forb density at 1 site, and picloram reduced forb cover at both sites regardless of rate. Effects of herbicides on species richness or diversity were not detected. Hand-removing sulfur cinquefoil increased total plant richness, especially that of native forbs. Restoring species richness and diversity may be difficult using selective broadleaf herbicides because key functional groups, such as forbs, appear to be at risk.     

Rediscovery of the southern California endemic American Keeled Slug Anadenulus cockerelli (Hemphill, 1890) after a 68-year hiatus

ABSTRACT

We report the first records of the southern California endemic American Keeled Slug Anadenulus cockerelli (Hemphill, 1890) in 68 years. Due to the restricted range of this species and lack of recent detection, it has received a NatureServe conservation status of Critically Imperilled or Imperilled. This species has always been difficult to detect, and will likely continue to be. This may be the result of genuine rarity, or may be the result of being cryptic and occurring in a microhabitat only ephemerally accessible to humans. We created a Species Distribution Model for A. cockerelli, which strongly predicts its occurrence where it is known, as well as some locations where it is currently unknown, such as in the northern Peninsular Ranges and in the San Bernardino Mountains in California. Threats to the continued existence of this species in southern California include human encroachment and resulting habitat loss, the climate changing to be hotter and drier, increased fire frequency, oak death due to beetle infestation, and other introduced species. Anadenulus cockerelli should continue to be surveyed and monitored into the future in order to better understand its distribution and level of conservation concern.     

Natural history of the fireflies of the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range (Brazil: Rio de Janeiro) – one of the ‘hottest’ firefly spots on Earth,with a key to genera (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

ABSTRACT

Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are charismatic insects that have been fruitful model systems in biotechnology. However, lack of information about firefly taxonomy and ecology renders species identification a hard task, especially in the Neotropical region, where fireflies are most diverse. A major gap in the literature on Neotropical fireflies is the lack of knowledge on species’ ecological niches and habitats, which are fundamental aspects for understanding their biology. Here, we provide an annotated checklist of the firefly fauna of the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range (Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil), with information on the natural history of each species. We assembled data in three ways: monthly sampling with Malaise traps and active search along an elevational transect from 130 to 2,170 m, over 2 years (2014–2016), extensive field observations, and extracted from historical species records for the Serra dos Órgãos from museum specimens in key collections in Brazil and Europe. We provide a taxonomic key to the genera recorded in the region, and a differential diagnosis for each species, highlighting key references for each taxon. We report 58 species representing 21 genera, making the Serra dos Órgãos one of the richest firefly hotspots on Earth. Most species are restricted to one or two habitat types and/or just one of the regional seasons (warm or cool), and many were only collected either by malaise traps or active search, underlining the importance of sampling different habitat types and seasons, and using different sampling methods when surveying fireflies. Out of the 51 species observed in the field, 49 were active either during the day or the night, although two species – Photuris elliptica and Pyrogaster nigrolineatus – were active in both periods, which is rare in fireflies.     

New syntheses and new species in the Australian Ascidiacea

Fifty-one species are discussed of which five are new. Of the remaining 46 species, 20 previously known from one to three records and 11 more frequently recorded have their known geographic range and/or range of morphological variation extended and the synonymy of a further 15 species is revised. Taxonomic problems, including phylogeny, are addressed in Rhopalaea crassa, Pycnoclavella detorta, Ecteinascidia spp. and Plurella (see Phallusia polytrema). New species are Sigillina pulvinus, Polyclinum corbis, Perophora longicaulis, Stolonica brevigastra and Botrylloides saccus.     

American Pikas ( Ochotona princeps ) in northwestern Nevada: a newly discovered population at a low-elevation site

The central tenet of island biogeography theory—that species assemblages on islands are functions of island area, isolation from mainlands, and vicariance—has been altered by the demonstrable effects that rapid climate change is imposing on insular faunas, at least in isolated mountaintops. Although populations of American pikas ( Ochotona princeps ) continue to suffer extirpations, and although the lower bounds of the pika's elevational distribution are shifting upslope across the Great Basin, we report here on the new discovery of a low-elevation population of pikas in a mountain range from which they had not been reported previously. This discovery, particularly in the context of relatively rapid ecological change, highlights the importance of seeking out original sources of information and performing spatially extensive fieldwork. Results presented here further illustrate that although thermal influences appear to be the single strongest determinant of pika distribution currently, such influences interact with a number of other factors to determine persistence.     

Caligids (Copepoda: Caligidae) found on the bream (Acanthopagrus spp.) of Australia

Eleven species of parasitic caligid copepods were recorded from approximately 1000 specimens of four congeneric species of Australian bream. New species were described and previously recorded species redescribed where necessary. Those caligids recovered in large numbers were liberal in choice of host species and displayed a wide geographical range within Australia.     

Breeding preferences in the treefrogs Dryophytes japonicus (Hylidae) in Mongolia

ABSTRACT

When a species occurs over a broad range of climates and landscapes, the breeding ecology of that species is expected to vary locally. Additionally, a basic knowledge of breeding ecology is required before other types of studies may be conducted, such as physiology or conservation. In North East Asia, Dryophytes japonicus is distributed from Japan to Mongolia, where its breeding ecology is unknown. The objectives of this study were to understand the breeding requirements of D. japonicus in this part of its range. We collected data for Dryophytes japonicus at 56 sites located within 23 independent localities in Northern Mongolia during the breeding season 2017. The data collected included habitat type and co-occurring amphibian, fishes and bird species. Our results show that the species prefers circa 70 m long oxbow lakes for breeding, while habitat characteristics, water quality and co-occurring species were not significantly associated with the occurrence of the species. We therefore conclude that D. japonicus is behaviourally plastic in Mongolia, as it is in other portions of its range, and that the species can use several types of environments and co-occur with different species at its breeding sites. Corvus dauuricus was the only bird species significant predicting the occurrence of D. japonicus, likely because of overlapping ecological preferences.     

Status of Spea stagnalis Cope (1875), Spea intermontanus Cope (1889), and a systematic review of Spea hammondii Baird (1839) (Amphibia: Anura)

In this report emphasis is placed on the dorsal skull characters of the genus Spea and the three species, bombifrons , hammondii , and intermontana . Spea hammondii is a polytypic species with at least three subspecies, hammondii , multiplicatus , and stagnalis , each of which is described and the distribution indicated. Drawings and photographs of skulls are provided for each species, with hammondii and intermontana receiving special consideration.     

Eimeria sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Wyoming ground squirrels Spermophilus elegans , and white-tailed prairie dogs, Cynomys leucurus , in Wyoming

Six species of the coccidian genus Eimeria ( E. larimerensis [prevalence = 17%], E. bilamellata [12%] E. beecheyi [34%], E. morainensis [43%], E. callospermophili [21%], and E. spermophili [5%]) were recovered from Wyoming ground squirrels ( Spermophilus elegans elegans ) collected during 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986. Infected ground squirrels were found to harbor from one to five species simultaneously. The 1007 hosts examined were collected from two different habitats: (1) a xeric desert shrub-steppe and (2) an irrigated alfalfa-brome field. All species of Eimeria occurred at each study site during all years, although the prevalence of each species varied between years. This is the first report of these congeries of species infecting this host. In a second study of sympatric populations of Wyoming ground squirrels and white-tailed prairie dogs ( Cynomys leucurus ), found three species of Eimeria present in both host populations ( E. beecheyi [white-tailed prairie dog prevalence = 83%, Wyoming ground squirrel = 52%], E. morainensis [22%, 52%], and E. bilamellata [17%, 10%]). This is the first report of these three species infecting white-tailed prairie dogs. Eimeria larimerensis was found in Wyoming ground squirrels but not in prairie dogs.