Roberto Jardim

Using taxonomically unbiased criteria to prioritize resource allocation for oceanic island species conservation

Oceanic islands have been the grand stage of documented extinctions. In view of limited resources, efficient prioritization is crucial to avoid the extinction of taxa. This work lists the top 100 management priority species for the European archipelagos of the Macaronesian region (Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands), taking into account both their protection priority and their management feasibility. Bryophytes, vascular plants, molluscs, arthropods and vertebrates were scored by species experts following two sets of criteria: (i) protection priority, including ecological value, singularity, public institutions’ management responsibilities and social value; (ii) management feasibility, including threats knowledge and control feasibility, external socio-economical support for management and biological recovery potential. Environmental managers weighted the same criteria according to their management importance. Final species scores were determined by the combination of both species valuation and criteria weighting. Vascular plants dominate the Top 100 list, followed by arthropods and vertebrates. The majority of listed taxa are endemic to one archipelago or even to a single island. The management feasibility criteria did not dictate that all taxa must be eminently endangered, as for most of the species it should be relatively easy to control threats. The main advantages of this process are the independent participation of scientists and conservation managers, the inclusion of criteria on both protection priority and management feasibility and the taxonomically unbiased nature of the process. This study provides a potentially useful biodiversity conservation tool for the Macaronesian archipelagos that could be readily implemented by the respective regional governments in future legislation.

Extinctions of introduced game species on oceanic islands: curse for hunters or conservation opportunities?

In island ecosystems, a considerable portion of the limited conservation resources are often channelled to the eradication of vertebrate invasive species. Since the 1950s, nearly 900 successful invasive vertebrate eradications have taken place (DIISE 2015) with highly beneficial consequences for insular biodiversity (Caujape-Castells et al. 2010; Jones et al. 2016). Multiple invasive vertebrates are popular game species on islands worldwide—e.g. the mouflon Ovis gmelini in the Canaries (Nogales et al. 2006) or the Kalij pheasant Lophura leucomelanos in Hawaii (Lewin and Lewin 1984). Yet, despite the detrimental effects of alien wildlife on the native biodiversity, such populations are commonly restocked for recreational hunting. Hunting and biodiversity conservation frequently fall under the responsibility of the same governmental institutions, which have to balance the interests of

Andryala perezii (Asteraceae), a New Species from the Canary Islands

Abstract. Andryala perezii M. Z. Ferreira, R. Jardim, Alv. Fern. & M. Seq. (Asteraceae), a new species from the Canary Islands, is described and illustrated. Although formerly included in A. glandulosa Lam., the new species differs remarkably from Madeiran populations by its woolly stellate pubescence, scattered glandular pubescence restricted to the peduncles and involucral bracts, peduncles flattened and enlarged at the base of the capitula, and smaller cypselae. Andryala perezii has a habit similar to that of the Canarian A. pinnatifida Aiton but may be identified by its densely stellate pubescence on the stems; grayish white or glaucous, congested leaves with dense stellate pubescence on both surfaces and undulate-crispate margins; longer peduncles; and smaller cypselae with a ring of short teeth at the apex equivalent to the height of the prolongation of the ribs. Comments on the chromosome numbers, geographic distribution, habitat, and conservation status are also presented. The name A. pinnatifida Aiton f. cuneifolia Sch. Bip. is lectotypified and is transferred in rank as A. pinnatifida subsp. cuneifolia (Sch. Bip.) M. Z. Ferreira, R. Jardim, Alv. Fern. & M. Seq.; lectotypes are designated for its synonyms, A. pinnatifida f. buchiana Sch. Bip. and A. pinnatifida var. latifolia Bornm. The name A. pinnatifida is also lectotypified. A key for Macaronesian Andryala L. taxa is provided.