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The Amazonian basin harbours some of the most bat-diverse ecosystems worldwide. Yet, information on elusive, high-flying bat species such as Molossidae is scarce or virtually missing in the literature, which hampers conservation efforts both locally and globally. The recent advent of new technologies specifically designed to survey bats, such as passive ultrasound detectors and acoustic lures, has significantly increased understanding of bat ecology and distribution, and has allowed researchers to gather new and valuable information which was impossible to collect in the past. We undertook a rapid bat diversity assessment in French Guiana using acoustic lures to aid in capturing high-flying insectivorous bat species. Here we report the second and third capture record of Promops centralis (Chiroptera, Molossidae) for French Guiana, captured after 28 years since the first and only captures so far in the county. One individual was a post-lactating female and represents the first record of breeding P. centralis in French Guiana. We provide (i) morphometric and acoustic data (including the species’ distress calls) as well as detail photography to aid in species identification; and (ii) COI and CytB sequences of the two individuals (first mitochondrial sequences for French Guiana). RESUMEN La cuenca amazónica alberga algunos de los ecosistemas más diversos en fauna quiropterológica del mundo. Sin embargo, en la literatura científica no encontramos información muy detallada sobre especies de murciélago esquivas como las de la família Molossidae. Esta carencia condiciona y obstaculiza los esfuerzos de conservación tanto a escala local como global. El desarrollo reciente de nuevas tecnologías diseñadas específicamente para muestrear quirópteros, como los detectores de ultrasonidos pasivos o los reclamos acústicos mediante el uso de llamadas de alta frecuencia, ha incrementado nuestro conocimiento sobre su ecología y distribución. Además, ha permitido a los investigadores obtener nuevos datos que eran prácticamente imposibles de conseguir en el pasado. Llevamos a cabo una evaluación rápida de diversidad quiropterológica en la Guayana Francesa, utilizando reclamos acústicos con el objetivo de capturar especies insectívoras de vuelo alto. En este estudio, aportamos la segunda y tercera captura de Promops centralis (Chiroptera, Molossidae) para Guayana Francesa después de 28 años desde sus primeras y únicas capturas hasta ahora. Uno de los indivíduos capturados fue una hembra poslactante, el primer registro de reproducción de la especie. Aportamos (i) datos morfométricos, bioacústicos (incluyendo las llamadas de alarma típicas de la especie) y fotografías de detalles para facilitar su identificación; y (ii) las secuencias de COI y CytB de los dos individuos (las primeras secuencias mitocondriales para la Guayana Francesa).

Challenge in hybrid sorghum development for the Nigerian environment remains the identification of suitable seed parents, constrained most particularly by non-appropriate indigenous sources of stable male-sterility maintenance on the female parents. To achieve this goal, defined “functional” heterotic parental-pools is required to create new and diverse hybrid parents for sustainable hybrid development. To explore availability of male–sterility inducing cytoplasm, an exploratory landrace Sorghum collection across some states of Nigeria 2014 and 2015 were carried out and evaluated for target hybrid parent traits. 388 testcrosses generated from 40 randomly selected landraces collections using 2 male sterile lines (ICS38A and ICS24005A), were evaluated for sterility maintainer to identify lines that are suitable for conversion to male sterile lines and restorers. Preliminary characterization during 2014 cropping season evaluation showed that most of the sorghum landraces grown in the Sudan Savannah are white or yellow grain with compact elliptic panicle forms (caudatum type) accounting for 46% as compared to those in Guinea Savannah cultivating white or red grain with loose dropping panicle forms (guinea type). Result from the genomic analysis revealed wide genetic diversity with 5 major distinct clusters at 0.2 Euclidian distances. The genetic materials used as parents in the testcrosses showed high potential of genetic male sterility maintainers and were diverse, where 3 of the landrace parents were mapped to cluster 1, 13 to cluster 2, 1 to cluster 3 and 3 to cluster 5. Given that the collection areas are diverse with heterogeneous agro-ecologies, the landraces observed could be used as important sources of novel alleles for developing hybrid parents.

Little efforts have been made on mango genetic resource assessment in Ethiopia though it is one of the major fruit crops. This study was conducted to assess the diversity of 69 mango cultivars of different growing regions of the country based on 44 phenotypic descriptors. The results of both univariate and multivariate analysis of variance computed for quantitative data, and results from descriptive statistics for qualitative characters indicated the presence of phenotypic variation among the cultivars. Further analysis of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated the first four components explained more than 75% of the total variation in which most fruit, seed and leaf characters contributed much to the observed variation. The cultivars were grouped into 13 clusters by Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Means clustering method from the Euclidean distances estimated from phenotypic characters. The three clusters (II, X, and XIII) constructed each by one cultivar while others encompass more than one irrespective of their geographic regions. This indicated the presence of diversity among cultivars in Ethiopia which can be exploited for further improvement, use, and conservation of mango genetic resources. Key words: Cluster, Euclidean distances, genetic resources, principal component.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has the potential to provide more comprehensive biodiversity assessments, particularly for vertebrates in species-rich regions. However, this method requires the completeness of a reference database (i.e. a list of DNA sequences attached to each species), which is not currently achieved for many taxa and ecosystems. As an alternative, a range of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) can be extracted from eDNA metabarcoding. However, the extent to which the diversity of OTUs provided by a limited eDNA sampling effort can predict regional species diversity is unknown. Here, by modelling OTU accumulation curves of eDNA seawater samples across the Coral Triangle, we obtained an asymptote reaching 1531 fish OTUs, while 1611 fish species are recorded in the region. We also accurately predict (R² = 0.92) the distribution of species richness among fish families from OTU-based asymptotes. Thus, the multi-model framework of OTU accumulation curves extends the use of eDNA metabarcoding in ecology, biogeography and conservation.

Methods for surveying and monitoring fauna will depend on the types of fauna that the study is looking for. Animal diversity assessment goal is the conservation of animals and their interaction between biodiversity. Assessment also includes their habitat and taking actions to conserve the faunal species. Animal diversity includes vertebrate animals and invertebrate animals. Faunal diversity includes odonate (predators), coleoptera, hymenoptera (pollinators), herpetofauna, avifauna, fish, mammals, and butterflies. Animal diversity assessment describes their food, habitat, ecology, and their population. Animal diversity assessment technique describes impact of pollution on their environment. In this chapter, the authors have elaborated about the techniques of faunal biodiversity in the field.

Graphical abstract Neighbourhood diversity values and spatial variations are derived from mapped tree locations in field survey plots., Forest diversity assessments are typically conducted at stand scale. This traditional diversity assessment may provide substantial insight into overall stand structure but is limited with respect to describing within-stand variation, an important aspect of stand diversity. This article describes a method for assessing species and structural diversity at within-stand, neighbourhood scale. • Nearest neighbours are determined from mapped tree locations in field survey plots. • R codes (provided in appendices) are used to assist with determining species and structural diversity indices at a neighbourhood of 4 trees (a subject tree and the 3 nearest neighbours). • Neighbourhood structural diversity indices are compared against structural complexity index (SCI) in capturing within-stand variation. • Neighbourhood diversity indices, especially in managed stands, are useful for capturing spatial variation in species and structural diversity.

Date palm has a long history of cultivation and a valuable germplasm with little knowledge about its genetic makeup and variation among the most cultivated cultivars. Diversity is the variability of a species. Plants show variation in yield, vegetative traits and morphological properties of fruits and seeds in response to environmental changes. Molecular markers or DNA markers have been in use since past three decades. The DNA profiles give information about the genotype, screen the whole genome and show variation in both the coding and noncoding region and hence give information about polymorphism. Since plastid genes are transferred mostly from the mother line, the identification of maternal lines is possible by the sequencing of plastid genes. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) can detect length variation with the help of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and may be used as highly informative genetic markers. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) are the third generation of molecular markers. SNPs are more stable and have high fidelity of inheritance as compared to other marker systems. Molecular markers have been developed but they are not enough for sufficient diversity assessment. Therefore there is a need to increase the number of DNA markers in date palm. Previously, there are several studies to type various commercially important germplasm based on morphological or yield parameters. Morphological and biochemical markers are limited in number and are affected by environmental factors and growth stage of the plant which reduce their reliability in the assessment of diversity and characterization of the germplasm. This necessitates the use of genetic characterization, utilizing DNA markers, gene sequencing or SNP genotyping which can work independent of the plant growth stage and are not affected by environmental factors. A combination of morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization of the date palm cultivars can better assess the level of diversity and relationship among the cultivars.

Genetic diversity among 20 Lathyrus sativus L. accessions from Ethiopia was investigated by using Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence (CAPS) markers. Genetic diversity statistics showed presence of a moderate level of genetic variation in the analysed accessions (P = 69.77%, Hs = 0.278). Analysis of genetic differentiation showed existence of a low level of differentiation between accessions, which accounted for only 7% of the total variation and most of the variation was due to differences among individuals within accessions (93%). Both cluster and principal coordinate analyses revealed minimal grouping of accessions based on geographical origin implying that local varieties of grass pea with different genetic backgrounds were distributed among various administrative regions in Ethiopia. The CAPS markers employed in our study demonstrated the utility of such markers for genetic diversity assessment in grass pea.

Gelişmekte olan ülkelerde, tane baklagiller açlık ve yetersiz beslenmeyi giderme konusunda tahıllarla yan yana yer almaktadır. Nohut (Cicer arietinum L.) besleyici değeri yüksek bir baklagil bitkisi olup insan vücudu için yeterli miktarda protein, besin elementleri ve temel amino asitleri sağlamaktadır. Bu kısa derlemenin amacı, biyofortifikasyonu güçlendirmek için nohut bitkisinde biyofortifikasyonun yararları ve besinsel çeşitlilik konusunda günümüze kadar yapılan çalışmaları değerlendirmede genel bir bakış açısı sağlamaktır, In developing countries, grain legumes are next to cereals in human food dealing with the hunger and malnutrition. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the nutritious legume crop providing ample amount of proteins, nutrients and vital amino acids to human body. The aim of this mini-review is to provide an overview of the benefits of biofortification of Chickpea crop and nutritional diversity studies on Chickpea conducted so far to strengthen the biofortification process

The experimental system: Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) is an important food crop widely grown under low input production systems and harsh growing environments. It is a relatively drought tolerant crop attaining higher biomass production per unit area. Genetic diversity present in breeding populations is a raw material for selection of parental genotypes with desirable and complementary traits. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity present among Tanzania grown sweetpotato germplasm to select promising breeding parents with enhanced yield and yield-related traits and dry matter content. Procedures: Seventy six sweetpotato accessions collected from Tanzania and 20 sweetpotato accessions received from International Potato Centre (CIP) in Lima/Peru were characterized in two seasons. The study was conducted using a 16 x 6 triple lattice design. The data collected included 16 morphological traits using CIPs standard descriptors. Data were analysed using multivariat...

Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) is one of the oldest edible fruits cultivated in Lebanon but the diversity of its germplasm has not been addressed yet. The present study presents the first assessment of local pomegranates growing in the country. A set of 78 pomegranate local accessions sampled from the main production areas across the country were evaluated by using twenty-eight quantitative and ten qualitative descriptors. A large variability was revealed among accessions based on the traits studied. Principal component analysis showed that male and hermaphrodite flowers, petal width as well as fruit weight, diameter and length, in addition to juice pH and sugar/acid ratio, were the most discriminating traits. Big sized fruits up to 358.6 g were found for Lefani SL67 , Lefani ML25 and Mokh El Baghl SL59 accessions while the juiciest fruits were recorded for Mokh El Baghl SL65 , Hamod BH41 and Hamod B54 accessions with 75–78%. The PCA bi-plot allowed to differentiate the studied accessions in three main groups based mainly on the juice pH and sugar/acid ratio: the sweet accessions called Helou , the intermediate taste accessions named Lefani and the sour accessions generally designated as Hamod . Although preliminary, the results of this study indicate a significant diversity within the Lebanese pomegranate germplasm that should be further completed by a DNA analysis to understand the genetic structure of this germplasm with respect to conservation and breeding strategies.

Fourteen morphologically varied Ricinus communis L. seeds were collected from different localities in Egypt, El-Sudan and Saudi Arabia. Seed morphology and ITS barcoding analysis were performed to assess their diversity and phylogenetic relationship. Sequence’s alignment of nrITS region from different accessions display high levels of genetic similarities. Cluster analysis could not group different accessions according to their geographical distribution. Nevertheless, the genetic barcodes are interestingly matched with the morphological features of the Ricinus seeds. In conclusion, seed morphology proved to be a valuable tool in evaluating biodiversity and phylogenetic relationship in plant species with different locations having low levels of genetic diversity such as Ricinus. The molecular assessment of morphologically varied Ricinus seeds will help breeders for better utilization of germplasm for the variety development and would support the genetic resources management and conservation of castor beans.

The preparation of a proper zoning plan or landscape-ecological plan requires taking into account recognition of the natural values of an area covered by the plan and evaluating its abiotic and biotic diversities. The aim of the paper is to present the new approach to the procedure of geodiversity and biodiversity assessment. This procedure is used to characterise abiotic and biotic heterogeneity of the postglacial landscape modified by a man, tested on Dębnica River catchment (Western Pomerania, Poland). This catchment is a representative example illustrating the landscape of Central European Plain. The analytical algorithm of the geodiversity assessment is based on appropriate selection of the evaluation criteria: lithological, relative heights, landform fragmentation, hydrographical elements and mesoclimatic conditions. Biodiversity was assessed on the basis of real vegetation, potential natural vegetation and the degree of anthropisation of the natural vegetation with respect to syngenesis of plant associations. Seven factor maps were obtained: five for the diversity of abiotic elements, and two for the diversity of biotic elements, which became the basis for the creation of total geodiversity and biodiversity maps. Maps produced in accordance with given methodology may find a wide range of applications.

Objective: To study the echinoderms diversity in Mudasalodai and Pazhayar landing centers during November 2012 to December 2014. Methods: All the collected echinoderm samples were stored at 4 °C until further use. Results: As many as 19 species of echinoderms were recorded in both stations and it belongs to 10 families, three classes such as Asteroidea, Echinoidea and Ophiuroidea. The percentage composition varied from 0.15% to 73%. The species diversity ranged from 1.031 to 2.6; species richness was from 1.02 to 4.06 and species evenness ranged from 0.93 to 0.99. K-dominance curve drawn paralleled the trend of diversity indices. Cluster and multidimensional scaling showed the similarity in echinoderms composition within the stations. Conclusions: The present investigation is evident that the echinoderm occurrence was predominant during the summer season and proved statistically by using SPSS Primer 6.0.

Safeguarding biodiversity is an important goal for animal production in developed countries. This study investigated genetic diversity among native Middle-Egypt rabbit (NMER) populations in North Upper-Egypt province by using microsatellite polymorphism. Nineteen microsatellite loci were used in the study and an area of 231 km was surveyed, as native rabbits covered 14 points belonging to four Northern Upper Egypt governorates (South Giza, Fayoum, Beni Suef and Minya). Standard statistical parameters of genetic variability within and between populations confirmed that the highest genetic diversity was found towards the south. Among NMER populations, the mean number of alleles per locus was lowest in South Giza (5.32), while it was highest in Minya (6.00). This study found that NMER featured a high number of private alleles ranging between 7 and 11 (mean value was 10.5). Results also showed a high genetic diversity in NMER populations and that heterozygosity ranged between 0.384 and 0.445, strongly indicating extensive genetic variation in the NMER populations. The mean values of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.405 and 0.612, respectively. Factorial correspondence analysis and neighbour joining trees (NJ) showed 2 main NMER rabbit groups: the Northern group (South Giza and Fayoum) and the Southern group (Beni Suef and Minya). All populations showed a high percentage of assignment in this study (0.913 to 0.946). The structure analysis showed that each population existed in separate clusters. This research provides an overview of genetic diversity of NMER populations in the Northern Upper Egypt province for the first time. In conclusion, results of this study could be used to designate priorities for conservation of NMER populations.

Understanding the organisation of genetic diversity in a crop species is a key element for both the conservation and utilisation of its genetic resources. In the case of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Ethiopia is one of the secondary centers of diversity of this species. Hence, this study sought to improve our understanding of genetic diversity of common bean by integrating morphological and agronomic evaluations with prior molecular diversity data from a collection of landrace accessions from different common bean growing regions of Ethiopia. The samples studied included 115 landraces, four standard varieties, and two control genotypes. Twenty agronomic traits and morphological descriptors were used to evaluate the accessions under field conditions. A Principal Component Analysis clearly separated the accessions into the Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools, with the first two axes explaining most of the variation. Step-wise discriminant and canonical correlation analyses, with all variables or only the morphological variables, enabled the identification of characters distinguishing accessions from the Andean/Mesoamerican gene pools, and their respective ecogeographic races. Data distinguishing racial and morphological traits were used to clarify the identities of five cluster groups, identified at STRUCTURE preset K = 5, in a preceding study. The three Andean cluster groups were shown to belong to two of the races in the gene pool, ‘Nueva Granada’ and ‘Peru’; while the two Mesoamerican groups were from the race ‘Mesoamerica’. By integrating the morphological and agronomic evaluation of an Ethiopian germplasm collection of common bean, initially performed just based on molecular characterisation, we were able to improve our understanding of the organisation of this diversity. Our results suggest extensive hybridisation between the Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools after introduction of common bean germplasm in Ethiopia.Key Words: Canonical discriminant analysis, genetic resources, intra-specific diversity, multivariate analyses, plant breeding, principal component analysis