Genus Erica: An identification aid version 4.00

Oliver, E. G. H.; Forshaw, Nigel; Oliver, Inge M.; Volk, Fritz; Schumann, A. W. S.; Dorr, Laurence J.; Hoekstra, Rendert D.; Musker, Seth D.; Nürk, Nicolai M.; Pirie, Michael D.; Rebelo, Anthony G.

doi:10.3897/phytokeys.241.117604

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 26 publications

(31 reference statements)

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“…We retained many records from South Africa represented by centroids of quarter degree squares ( QDS , equivalent to a grid of ca. 25 km × 27 km) which matched the precision of additional distribution data available from the Genus Erica Interactive Identification Key ( Oliver et al 2024 ). We renamed records as necessary, based on accepted names and synonymy derived from WFO ( Elliot et al 2024 ) as of May 2023 (Suppl.…”

Section: Materials and Methodssupporting

confidence: 56%

“…data, protocols, Musker et al, in prep.) and tools to aid effective identification of species ( Oliver et al 2024 ), we can improve both phylogenetic and alpha taxonomic knowledge. Gathering sequence data for putative undescribed or cryptic diversity (of species or subspecific taxa) may help identify closest relatives and focus diagnoses (Hoekstra et al, in prep.)…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This represents 65% of 851 currently recognised (non-hybrid) species ( Elliot et al 2024 ) following the taxonomic concepts of E.G.H. Oliver ( Oliver et al 2024 ). In summarising known threat status and taxonomic data for use in the EDGE analyses (see below), we compiled an extended list of 1048 species, subspecies and varieties (Suppl.…”

Section: Materials and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spatial decoupling of taxon richness, phylogenetic diversity and threat status in the megagenus Erica (Ericaceae)

Pirie,

Bellstedt,

Bouman

et al. 2024

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Estimates of the number of vascular plant species currently under threat of extinction are shockingly high, with the highest extinction rates reported for narrow-range, woody plants, especially in biodiversity hotspots with Mediterranean and tropical climates. The large genus Erica is a prime example, as a large proportion of its 851 species, all shrubs or small trees, are endemic to the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa. Almost two hundred are known to be threatened and a further hundred are ‘Data Deficient’. We need to target conservation efforts and research to fill the most problematic knowledge gaps. This can be especially challenging in large genera, such as Erica, with numerous threatened species that are closely related. One approach involves combining knowledge of phylogenetic diversity with that of IUCN threat status to identify the most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. We present an expanded and improved phylogenetic hypothesis for Erica (representing 65% of described species diversity) and combine this with available threat and distribution data to identify species and geographic areas that could be targeted for conservation effort to maximise preservation of phylogenetic diversity (PD). The resulting 39 EDGE taxa include 35 from the CFR. A further 32 high PD, data deficient taxa are mostly from outside the CFR, reflecting the low proportion of assessed taxa outside South Africa. The most taxon-rich areas are found in the south-western CFR. They are not the most phylogenetically diverse, but do include the most threatened PD. These results can be cross-referenced to existing living and seed-banked ex situ collections and used to target new and updated threat assessments and conservation action.

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Section: Materials and Methodssupporting

confidence: 56%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Materials and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spatial decoupling of taxon richness, phylogenetic diversity and threat status in the megagenus Erica (Ericaceae)

Pirie,

Bellstedt,

Bouman

et al. 2024

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Incorporating citizen science into IUCN Red List assessments

Gallagher,

Roger,

Packer

et al. 2024

Conservation Biology

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Many citizen scientists are highly motivated to help address the current extinction crisis. Their work is making valuable contributions to protecting species by raising awareness, identifying species occurrences, assessing population trends, and informing direct management actions, such as captive breeding. However, clear guidance is lacking about how to use existing citizen science data sets and how to design effective citizen science programs that directly inform extinction risk assessments and resulting conservation actions based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria. This may be because of a mismatch between what citizen science can deliver to address extinction risk and the reality of what is needed to inform threatened species listing based on IUCN criteria. To overcome this problem, we examined each IUCN Red List criterion (A–E) relative to the five major types of citizen science outputs relevant to IUCN assessments (occurrence data, presence–absence observations, structured surveys, physical samples, and narratives) to recommend which outputs are most suited to use when applying the IUCN extinction risk assessment process. We explored real‐world examples of citizen science projects on amphibians and fungi that have delivered valuable data and knowledge for IUCN assessments. We found that although occurrence data are routinely used in the assessment process, simply adding more observations of occurrence from citizen science information may not be as valuable as inclusion of more nuanced data types, such as presence–absence data or information on threats from structured surveys. We then explored the characteristics of citizen science projects that have already delivered valuable data to support assessments. These projects were led by recognized experts who champion and validate citizen science data, thereby giving greater confidence in its accuracy. We urge increased recognition of the value of citizen science data within the assessment process.

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Genetic and morphological evidence support the specific status of the endemic Erica andevalensis (Ericales, Ericaceae)

Rodríguez-Buján,

Díaz-Tapia,

Fagúndez

2024

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Assessing the taxonomic status of closely related taxa is crucial in plant systematics and can have important implications for conservation and human plant use. Erica andevalensis Cabezudo & Rivera is a metallophyte endemic species from highly metal-polluted soils of SW Iberian Peninsula, an area with a mining history going back more than 5,000 years. Erica andevalensis is closely related to Erica mackayana Bab., a northern Iberian species also present in western Ireland. The status of E. andevalensis as a species or subspecies subordinated to E. mackayana is subject to debate. Here, we assessed the genetic and phenotypic relationship between both species, including the population structure of E. andevalensis. We used high throughput sequencing to determine genome-wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), and morphometric analyses from 35 reproductive and vegetative traits. The morphological analysis showed at least eight characters that can discriminate the two species, from which ovary hairiness and the size of leaf glandular hairs were the most informative. Genetic analyses showed that each species formed a monophyletic cluster with full support, separated by an interspecific genetic distance >4-fold higher than intra-specific distance. Population genetic analyses of E. andevalensis shows that populations are highly structured, with the Portuguese one as the most isolated and less variable. These results support the recognition of E. andevalensis as a distinct species with a highly constrained ecological requirements and a narrow geographic distribution, but with a limited gene flow between populations. We discuss the implications of these outcomes in conservation policies and potential uses of E. andevalensis such as decontamination of polluted soils.

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Genus Erica: An identification aid version 4.00

Cited by 4 publications

References 26 publications

Spatial decoupling of taxon richness, phylogenetic diversity and threat status in the megagenus Erica (Ericaceae)

Spatial decoupling of taxon richness, phylogenetic diversity and threat status in the megagenus Erica (Ericaceae)

Incorporating citizen science into IUCN Red List assessments

Genetic and morphological evidence support the specific status of the endemic Erica andevalensis (Ericales, Ericaceae)

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