One of the SSC Bat Specialist Group S Partners, the Lubee Bat Conservancy, Recently Highlighted

Species e-Bulletin News from the IUCN Species Survival Commission and the IUCN Species Programme

April 2010

The monthly e-Bulletin supplements Species, the published newsletter of the Species Programme and the SSC. It aims to keep staff, members and the wider IUCN network up-to-date with Species news and announcements. 2009 issues are available on the Species homepage.

Headline News National Red Listing Beyond the 2010 Target Following creation of the 2010 Biodiversity Target under the Convention on Biological Diversity and adoption of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, information on status and trends of biodiversity at the national level has become increasingly important to both science and policy. In a contributed paper released in Conservation Biology (DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2010.01492.x) Zamin and co-authors present the findings of a global review of National Red Lists. The study identified geographical and taxonomic gaps in National Red List coverage, to determine priority regions and taxonomic groups for further investment. To improve coverage, they propose a combination of projects that target underrepresented taxa or regions and projects that provide the means for countries to create or update National Red Lists on their own, and recommend improvements in knowledge transfer within and across regions as a priority for future investment. More information here "Nature - What's in it for Me?" The UK Committee of IUCN held an important meeting in Edinburgh on 19-20 April on ecosystem services, entitled "Nature - What's in it for Me?". At this meeting, SSC member Stephan Helfer organised an SSC workshop at which the ecosystem approach was discussed as it affects species survival. It was concluded that species survival and human wellbeing are compatible aims. Conflict only arises where human developments encroach into remaining wildlife habitats and ecosystems. While the ecosystem approach aims to identify, qualify and protect threatened ecosystems and habitats, the successes of this approach have not significantly changed the rate of species loss. This in turn, leads to declining ecosystem stability. Drastic measures are needed to address this problem. It was felt that the main issue is a limited knowledge base; this is particularly true for non-charismatic threatened species. Some conflict could be seen between the protection of threatened hosts (such as amphibians) and that of equally threatened parasitic or exploitative species (such as chytrids). International travel, trade and transport were seen as major risks in addition to habitat loss and pollution. For more information, contact Stephan Helfer at [email protected] Mangrove forests in worldwide decline More than one in six mangrove species worldwide are in danger of extinction due to coastal development and other factors, including climate change, logging and agriculture, according to the first-ever global assessment on the conservation status of mangroves for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. As a result, 11 out of 70 mangrove species (16 percent) which were assessed are at an elevated threat of extinction. The Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Central America, where as many as 40 percent of mangrove species are considered threatened, are particularly affected. Full story World governments fail to deliver on 2010 biodiversity target World leaders have failed to deliver commitments made in 2002 to reduce the global rate of biodiversity loss by 2010 – instead there have been alarming biodiversity declines. These findings are the result of a new paper published in the journal Science and represent the first comprehensive assessment of how the targets made through the Convention on Biological Diversity have not been met. The study used more than 30 indicators to derive its findings, measuring different aspects of biodiversity, including species’ populations and risk of extinction, habitat extent and community composition. The indicators included in the study were developed through the 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership, a collaboration of more than 40 international organizations and agencies, including IUCN. The results form part of the Global Biodiversity Outlook 3, the flagship publication of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to be released on May 10th in Nairobi. This is when government representatives from around the world will meet to discuss the 2010 target and how to address the biodiversity crisis at the fourteenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 14). Full story Turtles killed 'in millions' by fishing gear, writes Richard Black, environment correspondent, BBC News. Millions of marine turtles have been killed over the past two decades through entrapment in fishing gear, according to a global survey. Described as the first global synthesis of existing data, the study found especially high rates of "bycatch" in the Mediterranean and eastern Pacific. Six of the seven sea turtle types are on the Red List of Threatened Species. Writing in the journal Conservation Letters, researchers advocate much greater use of gear safe for turtles. More Specialist Group News Invasive Species - Global Invasive Species Database The Global Invasive Species Database (GISD), managed and maintained by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG), was launched in 2001 to profile invasive species that threaten native biodiversity, covering all taxonomic groups from micro-organisms to mammals. The comprehensive, peer reviewed profiles contain information on the ecology and biological traits of the species, their distribution both in native and introduced range, how they are being managed globally, their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, reference lists and names of expert contacts. Currently featuring profiles of over 675 invasive species, there are plans to increase the database to 1,000 profiles in the near future. The GISD has multi-language functionality and features limited French language content. In 2009, ISSG began collaborating with the Biodiversity Research Centre of Academia Sinica, Taiwan, to translate the 650 current profiles on the GISD into both traditional and simplified Chinese. It . Global Invasive Species Database│Invasive Species Specialist Group

Invasive Species – Invasive Species of the Week Following IUCN’s Red List ‘Species of the Day’ initiative, the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) are launching the 'Invasive Species of the Week' to raise awareness of the impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity and vulnerable ecosystems. Please follow this link to view this week’s ‘Invasive Species of the Week’. A button can be placed on your website, which will link to a PDF file of the weekly invasive species fact sheet. A code needs to be embedded into your site to do this. Once this code has been inserted, no further changes are necessary on your part; the button will link to a different invasive species each week automatically with a change of image on the button. The code is as follows: Any questions contact [email protected] .

South American Temperate Plants After a long struggle, the South American Temperate Plant Specialist Group’s preliminary categorization of threatened Argentine endemic plants (PlanEAr) has been adopted by the Secretary of the Environment as the official reference for the nation. Several Specialist Group members, and many other botanists, have been working for a long time on the list, which has been conceived as a first approximation for a formal categorization following the IUCN criteria. More than 1800 endemic plant species have been assigned a numerical category (1-5) on the basis of their distribution and suspected threat. The Universidad Católica de Córdoba has requested the South American Temperate Plant Specialist Group to run a full day workshop on the use of PlanEAr as a tool for conservation purposes on May 28 2010. At this workshop they will also follow IUCN Red List criteria to assess selected plant species drawn from the higher risk categories on the preliminary list. Learn more: Elephants and Rhinos Pachyderm, the journal of the African elephant, African rhino and Asian rhino Specialist Groups, has published its 46th issue, which can be accessed online at here or at www.pachydermjournal.org. Tuna & Billfishes Bruce Collette, Chair of the Tuna & Billfishes Specialist Group reports that the Red-List Workshop on Indo-West Pacific Tunas and Billfishes took place at the Academia Sinica in Taiwan Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2009. The threat status of 43 species in this group were assessed (35 scombrids, 6 billfishes, and both species of dolphinfishes) as well as 29 Indo-West Pacific endemics and 14 populations of wide- spread species. He praised the excellent planning by Kwang-Tsao Shao, extensive preparation by Naozumi Miyabe and Yuji Uozumi (commercial Indo-Pacific scombrids), Russ Nelson (billfishes) and Maria Jose Juan Jorda (scombrid life histories) as well as the active participation of all invitees including several Taiwan attendees which assured the success of the workshop. The group will assess the 14 wide-spread species and 15 endemic species in the Atlantic in a workshop in Brazil in September 2010. Marine Turtles The final version of the Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG) regional report, “Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: Distribution, threats and conservation priorities,” is now available online and will be printed shortly. It is a country-by-country report including information about turtle occurrence, threats, conservation status and perspectives, information usually not made available in scientific papers. The PDF, which is 11 MB, can be downloaded from the MTSG home page here. Cats The new Cat Specialist Group Project of the Month focuses on the mountain lion (Puma concolor). Recent records of mountain lions and concurrent declines in desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana) in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona have prompted investigation into the number of mountain lions and their diet in the refuge. Full story Bats One of the SSC Bat Specialist Group’s partners, the Lubee Bat Conservancy, recently highlighted the plight of fruit bats for Earth Day on April 22. Fruit bats play an important ecological role by pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds each night, ultimately contributing to the growth of forests and changing of landscapes. For more information on the work of the Bat Specialist Group and the Lubee Conservancy. Vipers: New Specialist Group formed Vipers are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica, including extreme environments such as the Arctic Circle and the high elevations of the Andes. The viperidae have a high proportion of endangered species (~14%) relative to other families of snakes. Although people are fascinated by vipers they are one of the world’s most heavily persecuted groups of wildlife. In addition, vipers are facing a variety of threats including the loss and fragmentation of habitats, global climate change, and collection for the pet trade. The initial objectives of the viper specialist group are to develop a conservation assessment/action plan for vipers and to develop a series of focal initiatives aimed at particular species or regions. Welcome to new SG Chair Dr Christopher L. Jenkins who can be contacted at [email protected] Announcements New IUCN Brochure available The new IUCN corporate brochure is now available in English, French and Spanish. Download a PDF from the IUCN website: English│Français│Espagnol For hard copies, please send your requests to Claire Santer ([email protected]) with the language and quantity needed. We kindly request that Specialist Group Chairs coordinate and centralize requests from their members as much as possible. IUCN Position Papers for CBD SBSTTA now online IUCN’s policy position papers on a number of priority issues to be discussed at the upcoming CBD meeting in Nairobi, 10-21 May 2010 are now available on the website. The upcoming meeting is the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) to the CBD. These papers were developed in wide consultation with all of IUCN’s members and commissions and give IUCN’s recommendations on the post-2010 Strategic Plan of the Convention, the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, the Programme of Work on Protected Areas and gender. There is also a general paper that covers many other issues. Click here to access the 5 IUCN positions and the information paper. Listen to Jane Smart, Director of IUCN’s Biodiversity Conservation Group in an interview describing the critical decisions that must be taken later this year. Wildtalk podcast 2010 EAZA Conservation Forum, Switzerland – June 29 to July 3 The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) will hold its flagship event for the International Year of Biodiversity in Switzerland at the end of June. The EAZA Conservation Forum 2010 will be hosted by the Papiliorama Foundation and will take place in the medieval town of Murten, about twenty minutes from Bern. Key themes for the Conservation Forum will include:  The extinction crisis in Southeast Asia – keynote from Simon Stuart, IUCN-SSC  European endangered species – keynote from Eladio Fernandez Galiano, Council of Europe  The threat to all species of apes – keynote from Thomas Breuer, WCS Congo For more information on how to register, or for information about submitting a presentation proposal, please visit the EAZA website here IV Reunión Binacional de Ecología (Argentina - Chile) Buenos Aires, Argentina, 8-12 Agosto 2010 Objetivo: aprovechar el espacio ofrecido por la IV Reunión Bi-nacional de Ecología para promocionar el enfoque integrado de aplicación de la disciplina a la resolución de problemas como el de las especies invasoras. Organizan: Administración Parques Nacionales, Argentina; Secretaría de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable, Argentina; Comisión Nacional Medio Ambiente, Chile; Wildlife Conservation Society, Chile/Argentina Mayor información: Fernanda Menvielle - Administración Parques Nacionales, Argentina ([email protected]) Staff changes within IUCN Species Programme Over the past several months there have been a number of changes in the Biodiversity Assessment Unit in Washington DC as well in the Freshwater Biodiversity unit in Cambridge UK. Click here for an update (see the organigram on the right hand side). First Chester Conference on Forensics – Wildlife Crime, Chester, UK, 25 June 2010 Focusing on the detection and investigation of wildlife crime, both in Britain and overseas, the aim of this conference is to introduce participants from different backgrounds to the application of modern forensic methods, including the collection of information and evidence, for use in wildlife incidents and species protection. This Conference is intended for naturalists, field biologists, wildlife inspectors, police officers, veterinary surgeons and those who are working on animal and habitat conservation. Expressions of interestfor participating can be sent to Dr. Ian McDowall, University of Chester, email: [email protected] Job opportunity IUCN is advertising for a new Head, Global Protected Areas Programme. Closing date 10 May 2010. More info

Robert S. Hoffmann (1929-2010) – A Tribute Robert Hoffmann, longtime member of the Species Survival Commission (Lagomorph Specialist Group, Insectivore Specialist Group) passed away at the age of 81 on 7 April. Bob was a mammalogist and a natural historian par excellence. His career began with his doctorate from the University of California, followed by academic appointments at the University of Montana and the University of Kansas, where he was Summerfield Distinguished Professor of Systematics and Ecology and served as departmental chair and dean of the Graduate School. He joined the Smithsonian Institution in 1986 where he held several administrative positions: Director of the Museum of Natural History, Assistant Secretary for Research, Assistant Secretary for Science, Acting Provost, and even Director of the Air and Space Museum. Most recently he came out of retirement (if such a word existed for Bob), to coordinate the completion of the new Hall of Mammals exhibit in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Bob was considered one of the most respected scholars in mammalogy, and in 2006 he received the prestigious C. Hart Merriam award from the American Society of Mammalogists. He maintained active research programs in Russia and China. One of his achievements was the translation and editing of numerous Russian mammal volumes into English. I once flew back to the US from China with Bob, and in the middle of the night on a large 747 there was a single light shining –- it was Bob fastidiously translating one of these books; he was indefatigable. Most recently he contributed to A Guide to the Mammals of China. To accompany Bob in the field was a treat, as he seemingly knew everything (well maybe not everything – but if you were lucky to have his wife Sally along, then together I think they actually did know everything!). Attributes I have seen describing Bob since his passing all characterize him as kind, gentle, wise, humane, modest and humble; he was a gentleman’s gentleman. He is survived by Sally, his wife of 58 years, four children and two grandchildren. Andrew Smith, Chair, Lagomorph Specialist Group Paula Ayerdi, lost in the Chilean Earthquake It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Paula Ayerdi member of the Otter Specialist Group as a result of the recent earthquake in Chile. Paula was only 28 years old, a Chilean marine biologist who loved nature and the ocean more than anybody. However, it was the ocean which Paula admired and respected so much, that took her from us. She passed away on Saturday, 27th February 2010 a victim of the tsunami which followed the earthquake. At that time she was on Juan Fernandez/Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile, where she was doing research on the Juan Fernandez lobster together with her fiancé. Since 2006 she had been working on the genetics of marine otters, as a result, she travelled most of the Chilean coast collecting samples for the marine otter genetics research. Obituary Dr. Devra Kleiman and the Fund to Save the Golden Lion Tamarin It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Dr. Devra Kleiman. Devra was among the founders of the science programs in the Smithsonian National Zoological Park Washington, DC and was a pioneer in the fields of zoo and conservation biology. Devra served with distinction as the head of the Zoo’s Department of Zoological Research from 1978 to 1995, and although she retired in 2001, she continued as an active member of the Zoo’s science community as an Emeritus Senior Scientist. Devra was an active member of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group and the Reintroduction Specialist Group. As a way to honor Devra, the Devra Kleiman Fund to Save the Golden Lion Tamarin has just been announced. For more information. Publications Neotropical Cervidology: Biology and Medicine of Latin American Deer Edited by José Maurício Barbanti Duarte and Susana González A project initiated by the Neotropical section of the IUCN SSC Deer Specialist Group (DSG) aimed to compile a state-of-the-art resource on Neotropical deer species. Since 1998, when the Deer Action Plan (DAP) was published, there has been no publication following up on all its recommendations and proposed management actions. In Latin America, the historical relationship between humans and deer is a long one and deer have been a source of food, raw materials and medicine from time immemorial but very little scientific research has been conducted to understand their basic biology and natural history. Today, while the survival of almost half the species is threatened to some degree, knowledge of the natural history and ecological requirements of these species is required if we are to conserve the threatened species, as well as manage the "healthier" populations sustainably. The book has 41 chapters in four sections: a) Evolution, genetics, morphology and physiology, b) Neotropical species biology, c) Field and captive techniques, and d) Medicine. Each chapter was led by a coordinator, a recognized expert in the field, who had the opportunity to invite wide participation from co-authors. Most of the contributors to this book are involved with the DSG. More information here Biocultural Diversity Conservation: A Global Sourcebook (Earthscan, 2010) A comprehensive source of information for researchers, professionals, policy makers, indigenous and other local organizations, international agencies and non- governmental organizations (NGOs), funders, media and others, this book is the very first resource of its kind. Produced by IUCN member Terralingua it is a treasure trove of the many approaches that have been taken by the world’s diverse cultures to maintain the biological systems upon which they depend. More details The eBulletin of the World Land Trust (IUCN member) The April 2010 edition of the World Land Trust’s ebulletin reports on evidence of a wild Orang-utan using a specially designed rope bridge to cross fragmented forest in Borneo. Click here to view Water for life – LIFE for water March 2010 Issues of water quantity and quality are of concern to many European citizens and transcend national boundaries. The contents of this LIFE Focus publication are drawn from the proceedings of the first LIFE Environment thematic conference, ‘Water for life – LIFE for water’, which took place in Brussels in October 2009. The aim of the event was to examine the role of LIFE Environment as an instrument to support the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, alongside other EU water-related legislation and policy. In addition to this general aim, the conference included thematic sessions (with LIFE project case studies) on four specific topics of interest: water scarcity and climate change; hydromorphological alterations; implementation of marine strategy; and eutrophication. The highlights of a poster session are also included. Download pdf Red List Workshop calendar Event Asia Region 3-7 May 2010 Global Acanthuridae, Tripterigiidae and Clinidae Marine Fishes Assessment. Cebu, Philippines 2010 dates tbc Indo-Burma Freshwater Biodiversity Assessment – review workshop. (mid-2010) Location tbc Eastern and Southern Africa June 2010 Climate Change technical assessment workshop. Uganda Oceania Meso America Date change Marine Species: Sea Cucumbers Red List assessment workshop, Panama April/May 2010 tbc City, Panama. Europe July/August 2010 (tbc) European Terrestrial Molluscs assessment workshop, Estonia (tbc) South America May17-22 2010 Marine Species: Sea Cucumbers Red List assessment workshop, Cartagena, Colombia September 2010 Atlantic Scombroides assessment, Brasilia, Brazil West and Central Africa North America 2010 Sonoran Global Cactus Red List Assessment, Arizona.

Other IUCN News IUCN Eastern & Southern Africa Regional office news Click here to read ESARO News Wild Talk April edition The April edition of Wild Talk has been published here: www.iucn.org/wildtalk  Biodiversity makes business sense: Business and industry contribute to biodiversity loss but are also part of the solution. Juan Marco Álvarez, Head of IUCN's Business and Biodiversity Programme, tells us about the importance of working with businesses and gives examples of successful partnerships between IUCN and industry.  Crocodile’s rock, how Australia is conserving the species: Crocodiles are one of thousands of species whose trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which has just had its 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Doha, Qatar. Graham Webb is Chair of the IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. Based in Australia’s Northern Territory, he has worked with crocodiles for nearly 40 years and has been a key player in bringing back croc numbers across the world. He explains to WildTalk why the Australian model for crocs is one the world should watch.  Iron curtain of the past, green belt of the future: The fall of the Iron Curtain over ten years ago unveiled untouched ecosystems and undisturbed spots of biodiversity along its course. Lee Dudley, coordinator of the Green Belt Initiative, explains international efforts coordinated by IUCN to protect this great natural and cultural asset in Europe.  Spreading the benefits of the Allanblackia seed oil: African forests are home to a small treasure: the Allanblackia tree, whose seeds can be turned into edible oil and integrated in many products of daily use. Chris Buss, of IUCN's Forest Conservation programme, explains the value of this seed and IUCN's role in promoting its commercialization. If you think Allanblackia is a funny name, keep listening for an explanation!

Download each of these at: http://www.iucn.org/wildtalk .

For more information or if you wish to submit an item please contact Claire Santer – SSC Membership & Administrative Assistant, Species Programme.