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- New records, detailed distribution and abundance of rove-beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) collected between 1990 and 2015 in Azores (Portugal) with an updated checklistPublication . Borges, Paulo A. V.; Lamelas-López, Lucas; Assing, Volker; Schülke, MichaelBackground: The dataset we present consists of an inventory compiling all records and knowledge about Staphylinidae (Insecta, Coleoptera) in the Azores and is part of a long-term monitoring performed between 1990 and 2015 in different habitat types of eight islands of the Azores Archipelago. Most samples come from the BALA project (Biodiversity of Arthropods from the Laurisilva of Azores) that sampled native forests in the Azores. Additional sampled habitats include exotic forests, intensive and semi-natural pasturelands, orchards, caves and lava flows. Most of the records (about 96.7%) were collected in standardised sampling campaigns, which included pitfall traps and beating transect protocols. Non-standardised records are based on hand-collecting and sifting, as well as cave, colour and malaise traps. New information: We provide a long-term inventory of Staphylinidae (Insecta, Coleoptera) collected in the course of several standardised sampling campaigns and recorded with non-standardised methods. We collected a total of 10744 specimens belonging to 69 identified species of Staphylinidae, which represents 51% of the species known from the Azores Archipelago. Four endemic species were sampled, representing 40% of the known Azorean endemic species. From this dataset, seven species are new for the Azores: Aleochara funebris Wollaston, 1864; Amischa forcipata Mulsant & Rey, 1873; Bledius unicornis (Germar, 1825); Carpelimus troglodytes (Erichson, 1840); Cypha seminulum (Erichson, 1839); Paraphloeostiba gayndahensis (MacLeay, 1871); Tachyporus caucasicus Kolenati, 1846. We also registered a total of 66 new island records for eight Azorean islands. This contribution continues a series of publications on the distribution and abundance of Azorean arthropods. We also provide an updated list of Azorean rove-beetles (Staphylinidae) that now includes 136 species, ten of them considered Azorean endemics.
- Um mundo único e ameaçado : redutos de diversidade de artrópodes raros nos AçoresPublication . Borges, Paulo A. V.Na altura da sua descoberta pelos navegadores portugueses no século XV, estas ilhas estavam cobertas por densas florestas. Infelizmente, nos nossos dias já pouco resta desse habitat. A necessidade de sustentar uma população crescente viu a vegetação na ilha ser substituída por diversas culturas agrícolas e pastagens, sendo estas últimas as grandes dominantes da atualidade. Igualmente, as plantações de exóticas como a criptoméria (Cryptomeria japonica) ou os matos de espécies invasoras como o incenso (Pittosporum undulatum) contribuíram para a perda de uma fração assinalável dos habitats nativos. Foi em terrenos mais acidentados, inacessíveis ou inférteis, onde o eventual aproveitamento humano não compensa o esforço, que subsistiram fragmentos da floresta original. Estes fragmentos de floresta são dominados por árvores e arbustos endémicos, exclusivos dos Açores, como o cedro-do-mato (Juniperus brevifolia), o louro (Laurus azorica), o azevinho (Ilex perado subsp. azorica), a uva-da-serra (Vaccinium cylindraceum) e a urze (Erica azorica), entre outras. Os tipos de floresta ainda presentes foram recentemente caracterizados por Elias et al. (2016), sendo as manchas mais importantes denominadas por "Juniperus-llex Montane Forests" e "Juniperus Montane Woodlands", localizadas acima dos 500 m de altitude. Estas florestas estão recobertas por extensos mantos de musgos em todos os seus substratos, simulando as florestas tropicais luxuriantes (Gabriel & Bates, 2005).
- Standardised sampling of lepidopterans (Lepidoptera) in Serra da Estrela (Portugal) - 2013 and 2014. v1.2Publication . Boieiro, Mário; Antunes, Sandra; Figueiredo, Hugo; Soares, Albano; Lopes, Ana; Monteiro, Eva; Pereira, Patrícia Garcia; Rego, Carla; Conde, José; Borges, Paulo A. V.; Serrano, Artur R. M.Mountain ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity conservation since they host high biodiversity. This study reports novel information on lepidopteran species diversity, distribution and abundance from Serra da Estrela Natural Park (Portugal). Seventy two lepidopteran species were sampled in this protected area, including the first findings of Apatura ilia (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) and Vanessa virginiensis (Drury, 1773). New populations of Euphydrias aurinia (Rottemburg, 1775), a protected species under the Habitats Directive, was found in this Natural Park and novel distribution and ecological data was collected for most species, including several rare species [e.g., Coenonympha glycerion iphioides Staudinger, 1870, Cyaniris semiargus (Rottemburg, 1775)]. All data were collected using standardised sampling allowing its use as baseline for environmental changes long-term monitoring of Serra da Estrela mountain biodiversity.
- The Azorean Biodiversity Portal: an internet database for regional biodiversity outreachPublication . Borges, Paulo A. V.; Gabriel, Rosalina; Arroz, Ana Margarida Moura; Costa, Ana C.; Cunha, Regina Tristão da; Silva, Luís; Pereira, Enésima; Martins, António M. de Frias; Reis, Francisco; Cardoso, PedroThere is a growing interest in academia to provide biodiversity data to both the scientific community and the public. We present an internet database of the terrestrial lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants, molluscs, arthropods, vertebrates and coastal invertebrates of the Azores archipelago (Portugal, North Atlantic): the Azorean Biodiversity Portal (ABP, http://www.azoresbioportal.angra.uac.pt/). This is a unique resource for fundamental research in systematics, biodiversity, education and conservation management. The ABP was based on a regional species database (ATLANTIS), comprised of grid-based spatial incidence information for c. 5000 species. Most of the data rely on a comprehensive literature survey (dating back to the 19th century) as well as unpublished records from recent field surveys in the Azores. The ABP disseminates the ATLANTIS database to the public, allowing universal, unrestricted access to much of its data. Complementarily, the ABP includes additional information of interest to the general public (e.g. literature on Macaronesian biodiversity) together with images from collections and/or live specimens for many species. In this contribution we explain the implementation of a regional biodiversity database, its architecture, achievements and outcomes, strengths and limitations; we further include a number of suggestions in order to implement similar initiatives.
- Polydesmus ribeiraensisPublication . Nunes, Rui; Borges, Paulo A. V.JUSTIFICATION: Polydesmus ribeiraensis is endemic to São Miguel (Azores, Portugal). It has a very small Extent of Occurrence (EOO = 16 km²) and Area of Occupancy (AOO = 16 km²). There is a continuing decline in the EOO, AOO, extent and quality of habitat as well as the number of mature individuals as a result of the invasions of non-native plants and displacement by exotic millipedes. Increasing tourism in the island might also impact its habitat, being a scenic destination. The species occurs only at one location, and so it is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). We suggest as future measures of conservation: (1) regular monitoring of the species; (2) control of invasive species namely Hedychium gardnerianum, and (3) measures to mitigate possible impacts from increasing tourism.
- Use of ATLANTIS TIERRA 2.0 in mapping the biodiversity (invertebrates and bryophytes) of caves in the Azorean archipelagoPublication . Borges, Paulo A. V.; Gabriel, Rosalina; Pereira, Fernando E. A. P.; Pereira, Enésima; Sousa, EvaIn this contribution the software ATLANTIS Tierra 2.0 is described as a promising tool to be used in the conservation management of the animal and plant biodiversity of caves in Macaronesia. In the Azores, the importance of cave entrances to bryophytes is twofold: i) since these are particularly humid, sheltered habitats, they support a diverse assemblage of bryophyte species and circa 25% of the Azorean brioflora is referred to this habitat and ii) species, either endemic or referred in the European red list due to their vulnerability (19 species) or rarity (13) find refuge there. Cave adapted arthropods are also diverse in the Azores and 21 endemic obligate cave species were recorded. Generally these species have restricted distributions and some are known from only one cave. ATLANTIS Tierra 2.0 allows the mapping of the distribution of all species in a 500 x 500 m grid in a GIS interface. This allows an easy detection of species rich caves (hotspots) and facilitates the interpretation of spatial patterns of species distribution. For instance, predictive models of species distribution could be constructed using the distribution of lava flows or other environmental variables. Using this new tool we will be better equipped to answer the following questions: a) Where are the current “hotspot caves” of biodiversity in the Azores?; b) How many new caves need to be selected as specially protected areas in order to conserve the rarest endemic taxa?; c) Is there congruence between the patterns of richness and distribution of invertebrates and bryophytes?; d) Are environmental variables good surrogates of species distributions?
- The Role of Small Lowland Patches of Exotic Forests as Refuges of Rare Endemic Azorean ArthropodsPublication . Tsafack, Noelline; Fattorini, Simone; Boieiro, Mário; Rigal, François; Ros-Prieto, Alejandra; Ferreira, Maria Teresa; Borges, Paulo A. V.Islands have been disproportionately affected by the current biodiversity crisis. In island biotas, one of the most recurrent anthropic alterations is species introduction. Invasion of exotic species may represent a major threat for island biotas, because invasive species may change species composition and simplify community dynamics. We investigated diversity patterns of native and introduced species in native and exotic forests of Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal) by using diversity profiles based on Hill numbers. Use of diversity profiles allows for a complete characterization of the community diversity because they combine information on species richness, rarity, and dominance. We found that native forest remnants are crucial for the maintenance of endemic Azorean arthropod diversity. However, we also found that some lowland patches of exotic forests can sustain populations of rare endemic species. Our findings reinforce the importance of the few and small remnants of native forests, which are a pillar to the conservation of Azorean endemic arthropods. However, areas occupied by exotic forests, whether they are large and contiguous or small and isolated, close to native forests, or embedded in a matrix of agriculture activities, can also play a role in the conservation of native species, including endemics.
- Cheiracanthium floresensePublication . Borges, Paulo A. V.; Cardoso, PedroCheiracanthium floresense is a single-island endemic species restricted to Flores island in Azores, Portugal (Borges et al. 2010). It has a small Extent of Occurrence (EOO = 20-56 km²) and Area of Occupancy (AOO = 20-56 km²). The species is rare and only known from two subpopulations, at Natural Forest Reserves of Caldeiras Funda e Rasa and Morro Alto e Pico da Sé. The surrounding area is highly invaded by alien plants, and in the past, the species has probably strongly declined due to changes in habitat size and quality. Currently, invasive plants Hydrangea macrophylla, Hedychium gardnerianum and Rubus ulmifolius are changing some of the areas of the species' range and decreasing the quality of the habitat. Based on Ferreira et al. (2016) the habitat will further decline as a consequence of climate change. Based upon the small EOO of the species and continuing decline of its habitat area and quality, it is assessed as Critically Endangered. Therefore, we suggest as future measures of conservation: (1) regular monitoring of the species; and (2) control of invasive species namely Hedychium gardnerianum.
- SLAM Project : Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores: I - the spiders from native forests of Terceira and Pico Islands (2012-2019)Publication . Costa, Ricardo; Borges, Paulo A. V.BACKGROUND: Long-term monitoring of invertebrate communities is needed to understand the impact of key biodiversity erosion drivers (e.g. habitat fragmentation and degradation, invasive species, pollution, climatic changes) on the biodiversity of these high diverse organisms. The data we present are part of the long-term project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores) that started in 2012, aiming to understand the impact of biodiversity erosion drivers on Azorean native forests (Azores, Macaronesia, Portugal). In this contribution, the design of the project, its objectives and the first available data for the spider fauna of two Islands (Pico and Terceira) are described. Passive flight interception SLAM traps (Sea, Land and Air Malaise traps) were used to sample native forest plots in several Azorean islands, with one trap being set up at each plot and samples taken every three months following the seasons. The key objectives of the SLAM project are: 1) collect long-term ecological data to evaluate species distributions and abundance at multiple spatial and temporal scales, responding to the Wallacean and Prestonian shortfalls, 2) identify biodiversity erosion drivers impacting oceanic indigenous assemblages under global change for conservation management purpose, 3) use species distribution and abundance data in model-based studies of environmental change in different islands, 4) contribute to clarifying the potential occurrence of an "insect decline" in Azores and identifying the spatial and temporal invasion patterns of exotic arthropod species, 5) contribute with temporal data to re-assess the Red-list status of Azorean endemic arthropods and 6) perform studies about the relationship between diversity (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic) and ecosystem function. NEW INFORMATION: The project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores) is described in detail. Seasonal distribution and abundance data of Azorean spiders, based on a long-term study undertaken between 2012 and 2019 in two Azorean Islands (Terceira and Pico), is presented. A total of 14979 specimens were collected, of which 6430 (43%) were adults. Despite the uncertainty of juvenile identification, juveniles are also included in the data presented in this paper, since the low diversity allows a relatively precise identification of this life-stage in Azores. A total of 57 species, belonging to 50 genera and 17 families, were recorded from the area, which constitutes baseline information of spiders from the studied sites for future long-term comparisons. Linyphiidae were the richest and most abundant family, with 19 (33%) species and 5973 (40%) specimens. The ten most abundant species are composed mostly of endemic or native non-endemic species and only one exotic species (Tenuiphantes tenuis (Blackwall, 1852)). Those ten most abundant species include 84% of all sampled specimens and are clearly the dominant species in the Azorean native forests. Textrix caudata L. Koch, 1872 was firstly reported from Terceira and Pico Islands, Araneus angulatus Clerck, 1757 was firstly reported from Terceira Island, Neriene clathrata (Sundevall, 1830) and Macaroeris diligens (Blackwall, 1867) were firstly reported from Pico Island. This publication contributes not only to a better knowledge of the arachnofauna present in native forests of Terceira and Pico, but also to understand the patterns of abundance and diversity of spider species, both seasonally and between years.
- Chirothrips azoricusPublication . Nunes, Rui; Borges, Paulo A. V.JUSTIFICATION: Chirothrips azoricus is endemic to São Miguel (Azores, Portugal). It has a very small Extent of Occurrence (EOO = 8 km²) and Area of Occupancy (AOO = 8 km²). There is a continuing decline in the EOO, AOO, extent and quality of habitat as well as the number of mature individuals as a result of the invasions of non-native plants; and, based on this threat, the species occurs only at one location. Therefore, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). We suggest as future conservation measures: (1) regular monitoring of the species; and (2) control of invasive species, namely Hedychium gardnerianum and Clethra arborea.