Browsing by Author "Elias, Rui B."
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- Approch to the knowledge of Coccinellidade (Coleoptera) species diversity of Madeira and Porto Santo Islands.Publication . Soares, António O.; Elias, Rui B.; Raimundo, ArmandoWe present a list of coccinellids collected in Madeira archipelago and notice the presence of two new species; of Scymnini; Scymnus (Scymnus) abietis (Paykull) and Nephus hiekei Fürsch. We analyse the distribution and abundance at the community level, using the following measures: species richness index, abundance and relative abundance, similarity index, diversity, and evenness. 13 species from 3 families were recorded. Hippodamia variegata was the most abundant one with 29.7 % of the 141 specimens collected. Two main groups of relative abundance were identified. The first group included the 6 most common H. variegata, S. interruptus, C. arcuatus, C. septempunctata, S. levaillanti and R. litura and the second one included S. abietis, L. lophante and R. chrysomeloides. Diversity index values are relatively high. The 6 most common species comprised more than 90 % of the individuals without a very different relative abundance. Many factors other than extinction and immigration could explain the variation of the number of species on islands. The highest number of species collected in Madeira island, compared to Porto Santo, could be related with its higher elevation, soil and substrate types, plant species richness, number of habitat, habitats diversity, structure and heterogeneity of the former.
- Arceuthobium Species (Viscaceae) Parasitizing an Angiosperm: The Unique Case of A. azoricum in the Azores IslandsPublication . Elias, Rui B.; Moura, Mónica; Roxo, Guilherme; Borges Silva, L; Pavão, Diogo C.; Resendes, Roberto; Pereira, Fernando; Nickrent, DanielArceuthobium azoricum Wiens & Hawksw. is a rare Azorean endemic epiphytic hemiparasite (mistletoe), which typically parasitizes branches of the gymnosperm Juniperus brevifolia (Hochst. ex Seub.) Antoine (Cupressaceae), which is also an Azorean endemic. Here, we describe a population of A. azoricum, on Pico Island, parasitizing Erica azorica Hochst. ex Seub. (Ericaceae), which is also an Azorean endemic. Our molecular analysis (using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer) showed no differences between individuals parasitizing Erica and Juniperus species. Moreover, a preliminary analysis showed no differences in morphological characteristics between accessions sampled from different hosts. Given that this is the first bona fide record of Arceuthobium sp. parasitizing an angiosperm, this population represents a unique host-shifting event, and its conservation is important because it may allow new insights into host recognition mechanisms in mistletoes. Immediate attention should be given to characterizing this Pico Island population using appropriate molecular methods and additional morphological analyses.
- Arthropods and other Biota associated with the Azorean Trees and Shrubs : Juniperus brevifoliaPublication . Nunes, Rui; Gabriel, Rosalina; Elias, Rui B.; Rigal, François; Borges, Paulo A. V.This work aims to characterize the arthropods and other biota (lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants and birds) associated with the Azorean endemic tree, Juniperus brevifolia. This is the first of a series of publications that will (i) provide a comprehensive list of all the biota associated with the main Azorean endemic trees and shrubs, (ii) describe in detail the diver-sity, abundance and spatial patterns of canopy arthropods, and (iii) whenever possible, to extend biodiversity assessments to communities of bryophytes, lichens, vascular plants and vertebrates. We use standardized sampled data from BALA project for canopy arthropods and for the remaining taxa we surveyed literature data and the Herbarium of University of Azores. Juniperus brevifolia occurs in a wide range of elevation belts in Azores and accommodates a remarkable large number of taxa: besides canopy arthropods (161 species) it is also an important substrate to other vascular species (six species), bryophytes (105 species), lichens (106 species) and also birds (four species). In addition, the species richness and particularly the abundance of endemics are dominant, and the number of conservation concern species for bryophytes is noteworthy (30 out of 70). The complexity of the tree and the high diversity of micro-habitats created the conditions for epiphytic species to easily colonize all parts of the tree, from the bottom, trunk and branches. The communities associated with the Azorean cedar are consequently of a high conservation value and should be further investigated in their ecological dynamics.
- Arthropods and other biota associated with the Azorean trees and shrubs : Laurus azorica (Seub) Franco (Magnoliophyta, Magnoliopsida, Laurales, Lauraceae)Publication . Tsafack, Noelline; Gabriel, Rosalina; Elias, Rui B.; Boieiro, Mário; Ferreira, Maria Teresa; Borges, Paulo A. V.This study explores the composition and structure of species communities associated with the native Azorean tree species Laurus azorica (Seub) Franco (Magnoliophyta, Magnoliopsida, Laurales, Lauraceae). Communities were sampled in six Islands covering the occidental (Flores), central (Faial, Pico, Terceira) and eastern (São Miguel, Santa Maria) groups of Azores Archipelago during the BALA project, using standardised sampling protocols for surveying canopy arthropod fauna. In addition, the study characterises the distribution of species regarding their colonisation status and feeding modes and, finally, compares communities of different Islands. Ninety-four arthropod species totalling 10,313 specimens were collected on L. azorica. The Arthropod community was dominated by Hemiptera species, most of them being herbivores. Endemic and native species showed a very high abundance representing about 94% of the total species abundance. However, despite introduced species being represented by few individuals (6% of the total abundance), their diversity was remarkable (28 species and no significant difference with diversity found in endemic and native species communities). Analysis of rarity patterns revealed a stable community of endemic species (alpha gambin SAD model approaching a log-normal shape), intermediate stable community of native species (alpha SAD gambin model approaching a poisson log-normal) and a less stable community of introduced species (alpha SAD gambin model approaching a log-series shape). A dissimilarity analysis revealed high similarity between communities of Terceira and Pico and high dissimilarity between Flores and Faial communities. We observed a clear individualisation of the different islands when considering endemic species, whereas we observed high overlap when considering native and introduced species groups. Canopy community distribution confirms the results obtained in a previous study which suggest the stability of native and endemic arthropods species communities over introduced species community in native forests fragments. Arthropod species were richer than bryophytes, lichens and vascular plants species. We found that L. azorica serve as the substrate for very few vascular plants species (four epiphytes species), which were present in all Islands, except Elaphoglossum semicylindricum, which does not occur in Santa Maria. L. azorica shelters a significant number of bryophytes and lichens species. Thirty-two lichens and 92 bryophyte species, including 57 liverworts and 35 mosses, are referred to this phorophyte. Five bryophyte species, all Azorean endemics, are considered Endangered by IUCN Criteria. L. azorica harbours a poor community of epiphyte vascular plant species and all of them were ferns, but the community of bryophytes and lichens are not negligible although very low compared to the community found on other previously studied Azorean trees, the Azorean cedar Juniperus brevifolia. The present study shows that most islands present particular species distribution patterns without geographical correlation and that conservation programmes should be adapted to each Island. The study, therefore, calls for a specialisation of conservation programmes for each of the Islands.
- Assessing the effects of climate change on arthropod abundance in Azorean pastures: PASTURCLIM project's baseline monitoring dataPublication . Wallon, Sophie; Melo, Catarina; Tsafack, Noelline; Elias, Rui B.; Borges, Paulo A.V.Background The data we present are part of the project PASTURCLIM (Impact of climate change on pasture’s productivity and nutritional composition in the Azores). The project aims to assess the consequences of climate change (e.g. temperature increase) on the grass production and its quality for forage, as well as to assess changes in the arthropod communities associated with the Azorean intensive pastures. An in situ experiment was set up using Open Top Chambers (OTCs), in order to simulate an increasing of temperature (average of +1.2ºC) on pastures. In this contribution, we present the data relative to the arthropod sampling. New information We provide an inventory of all arthropods recorded inside OTCs and in control plots in three intensively managed pastures dominated by grasses in Terceira Island (Azores): two of them dominated by ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam. (Poaceae), located respectively at 186 m and 301 m above sea level; and one field dominated by common velvetgrass, Holcus lanatus L. (Poaceae), located at an altitude of 385 m. A total of 41351 specimens were collected. Organisms collected belong to four classes, 15 orders, 60 families and 171 species/morphospecies (including 34 taxa identified only at order, family or genus level). Therefore, for only 137 taxa, we have a scientific name associated (n = 38918). A total of 75% of the species (n = 129 species) are considered introduced (including all the species with indeterminate colonisation status that are possibly also exotic species (n = 7622)), representing 71% of the total abundance (n = 29664 specimens). A total of 19% of the species (n = 33 species) are considered native non-endemic representing 28% of the total abundance (n = 11608 specimens). Only one endemic species was sampled, the wolf spider Pardosa acorensis Simon, 1883 (1% of the species), representing 0.2% of the total abundance (n = 79 specimens). Spiders (5056 specimens) and beetles (18310 specimens) were the dominant taxa representing, respectively, 20 and 78 morphospecies. Since the main aim of this study was to have a better knowledge on arthropod communities present in Azorean pastures under a simulated temperature increase, the principal novelty of this paper is the contribution with distribution and abundance data to a baseline knowledge on the future consequences of climate changes on arthropod communities in Azorean pastures.
- Assessing the efficiency of protected areas to represent biodiversity : a small island case studyPublication . Vergílio, Marta H. S.; Fonseca, Catarina; Calado, Helena; Borges, Paulo A. V.; Elias, Rui B.; Gabriel, Rosalina; Martins, António; Azevedo, Eduardo B.; Cardoso, PedroProtected areas (PAs) have been selected using either subjective or objective criteria applied to an extremely limited subset of biodiversity. Improved availability of species distribution data, better statistical tools to predict species distributions and algorithms to optimize spatial conservation planning allow many impediments to be overcome, particularly on small islands. This study analyses whether 219 species are adequately protected by PAs on Pico Island (theAzores, Portugal), and if they are as efficient as possible, maximizing species protection while minimizing costs. We performed distribution modelling of species’ potential distributions, proposed individual conservation targets (considering the context of each species in the archipelago and their current conservation status) to determine the efficiency of current PAs in meeting such targets and identify alternative or complementary areas relevant for conservation. Results showed that current PAs do not cover all taxa, leaving out important areas for conservation. We demonstrate that by using optimization algorithms it is possible to include most species groups in spatial conservation planning in the Azores with the current resources. With increasing availability of data and methods, this approach could be readily extended to other islands and regions with high endemism levels.
- Avaliação do Estado Trófico e Proveniência do Fósforo nos Pauis da Praia da Vitória, ilha Terceira, AçoresPublication . Pimentel, César Miguel Meneses; Rodrigues, Francisco; Madruga, João; Elias, Rui B.O Graben das Lajes localiza-se na vertente Nordeste do vulcão dos Cinco Picos, entre a escarpa das falhas das Fontinhas, a Sudoeste, e a de Santiago a Nordeste. Do ponto de vista hidrogeológico esta zona está associada ao troço mais oriental do aquífero de base da ilha Terceira, recarregado, em grande parte, nas zonas centrais da ilha onde a precipitação é mais elevada. Para além do aquífero basal o Graben das Lajes comporta duas massas de água subterrâneas suspensas localizadas a profundidades distintas. Na zona litoral Sudoeste do Graben das Lajes existem três zonas lagunares associadas a descargas das massas de água acima referidas – os pauis da Praia da Vitória, do Belo Jardim e da Pedreira do Cabo da Praia. Estas massas de água superficiais têm particular importância ecológica, dada a sua grande biodiversidade. Na determinação do estado trófico dos três pauis foram utilizados dados da concentração de fósforo total cedidos pela Camara municipal da Praia da Vitória no âmbito do Projeto LIFE CWR, entidade responsável pela gestão destas zonas húmidas. Utilizando o fósforo como variável dependente, foi aplicado o índice do estado trófico de Lamparelli (2004). Quando aplicado o índice trófico aos três pauis, verificou-se que, entre 2016 e 2017, todos se encontravam num estado predominantemente eutrófico.
- Avaliar a eficiência das áreas protegidas para representar a biodiversidade: o caso de estudo de uma pequena ilhaPublication . Vergílio, Marta H. S.; Fonseca, Catarina; Calado, Helena; Borges, Paulo A. V.; Elias, Rui B.; Gabriel, Rosalina; Martins, António; Azevedo, Eduardo B.; Cardoso, Pedro[…]. Nos Açores podem ser encontradas inúmeras espécies endémicas que tornam este arquipélago importante, do ponto de vista da conservação dos valores naturais. A rede de APs nos Açores está organizada em Parques Naturais de Ilha, no Parque Marinho dos Açores e em APs de importância local. O Parque Natural de Ilha (PNI) engloba diferentes categorias de áreas terrestres e marinhas, que possuem diferentes objectivos de conservação. No sentido de avaliar a adequação dos actuais limites das APs do ponto de vista da conservação das espécies, tendo a Ilha do Pico como caso de estudo, foram analisadas 219 espécies nativas dos Açores (briófitos, plantas vasculares, moluscos, artrópodes e vertebrados), na sua maioria endémicas. […].
- Biodiversity inventory of the Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species of Matela (Terceira, Azores, Portugal). Version 1.1.Publication . Sousa, Mariana; Lamelas-López, Lucas; Martins, Bruna; Romão, Joana; Roxo, Joana; Elias, Rui B.; Gabriel, Rosalina; Borges, Paulo A. V.The data presented in this study comprises a collection of observations documented within the frame of the LIFE IP Azores Natura project (2019-2027) in the Azores archipelago. The primary goal of this project is to implement conservation measures on both land and sea, with the aim of enhancing the conservation status of species and habitats covered by the Birds and Habitats Directives. For the documentation of flora occurrences in the project's intervention areas, the QField application was employed. This application not only facilitated the recording of the locations where various flora species were encountered but also allowed field workers to capture additional details, including the surrounding habitat, abundance, developmental stage, phenological state, identified threats, observer identity, and the observation date. Through this publication, we contribute valuable information about the distribution of flora species in the Azores. As of now, a total of 1929 observations have been recorded, encompassing both exotic and native species.
- Climate–Growth Relationships in Laurus azorica—A Dominant Tree in the Azorean Laurel ForestPublication . Pavão, Diogo Cláudio; Jevšenak, Jernej; Silva, Lurdes da Conceição Borges; Elias, Rui B.; Silva, LuísForests on oceanic islands, such as the Azores archipelago, enable interesting dendroclimatic research, given their pronounced climatic gradients over short geographical distances, despite the less pronounced seasonality. The Lauraceae play an essential ecological role in Macaronesian natural forests. An example is Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco, a relevant species given its high frequency and physiognomic dominance in Azorean laurel forests. This study aims to quantify climate–growth relationships in L. azorica using a dendroecological approach. We sampled four stands at São Miguel and two stands at Terceira islands, for a total of 206 trees. Following standard dendrochronological methods and rigorous sample selection procedures, we obtained relatively low rbar values and high temporal autocorrelation. Using a stepwise Random Forest analysis followed by Generalized Linear Models calculation, we found prominent effects of present and previous year temperature, but a low precipitation signal on growth rings, with some model variation between stands. Our results agreed with previous observations for broad-leaved species with diffuse porous wood, contributing to increase the baseline dendroecological knowledge about Azorean forests. Due to the high levels of within- and between-stand variation, and to refine the climatic signal analysis, complementary approaches should be explored in the future.