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This article addresses the climate adaptation tracking gap. Indeed, we still ignore the intensity, nature, spatial distribution, effectiveness, and recent evolution of adaptation efforts at the national, regional, and global scales. We propose a web-based replicable assessment method using key variables to document adaptation efforts: country/territory, location, goal, implementation date, type of action, holder, funding source. Applying it to the Caribbean region, we analyzed 100 coastal adaptation actions. This studies the method while also highlighting the difficulties faced to track adaptation. We found that coastal adaptation efforts are substantial and increasing in the Caribbean, revealing the use of diversified adaptation actions; prevalence of hard protection (51%); increase use of Nature-based Solutions (22%); limited use of retreat (6%); and accommodation (2%). Combined actions (17%) increased over time, due to the failure of single actions and need to find tradeoffs between human asset protection encouraging hard protection and the maintenance of attractive tourist beaches encouraging beach nourishment. Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago fall under the engineering-based “one-size-fits-all” adaptation model, whereas Jamaica and Barbados experiment diversified options and combinations of options. Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados are particularly active in taking adaptation action, while most dependent islands and sub-national island jurisdictions have no adaptation action reported. Considering the advantages and limitations of a web-based method compared to a field-based approach, we recommend the combined use of these two complementary approaches to support adaptation tracking and help structuring communities of practice to the benefits of decision-makers and practitioners and scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the ability of non-native species to establish and invade different habitats is one of the most important approaches in the analysis of biological invasion mechanisms. In this study, we used a regional dataset of non-native plant species compiled for Caribbean islands to estimate the level of invasion of major habitat types in this region. Our results show that although non-native species are successfully invading all habitat types evaluated, they are exhibiting considerably higher affinity toward human-made habitats. Across these islands, highly anthropogenically altered habitats such as ruderal sites, pastures, and cultivated lands are the habitats showing higher levels of invasion compared to natural habitats with low levels of disturbance. We found a significant association between geographical origin and habitat invaded, with species originating from Asia, South America, and Africa overrepresented as invaders in the Caribbean. Additionally, a significant association between life-form and habitat invaded was detected, with more trees and herbaceous species than expected successfully invading ruderal habitats, and more trees and vines than expected invading natural forests. In general, non-native species invading habitats across Caribbean islands seem to be adapted to a broad range of successional stages ranging from highly disturbed human-made habitats to least disturbed natural forests. Our results highlight how complex interactions among human activity, geographical origin, plant life-form, and habitat affinity can determine patterns of invasions across broad landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the presence of 'Endangered' sea cucumber Holothuria scabra for the first time from the mixed seagrasses of Havelock Island, and the 'Vulnerable' Actinopyga mauritiana from the monospecific Thalassia hemprichii meadows from Neil Island of Ritche's Archipelago of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI). Both species were found during field survey of intertidal seagrass ecosystems of Ritche's Archipelago. Morphometric measurements were carried out in the field using a vernier caliper, and identification was confirmed using the identification guide for sea cucumbers of ANI provided by the Zoological Survey of India. The total body length of the H. scabra specimen was 15.7 cm, mouth width of 3.2 cm and body circumference of 5.7 cm. The specimen was a juvenile, grey in color with a total of 17 black and yellow transverse stripes along the body. The average body length of A. mauritiana specimens examined differed between those from seagrass meadows (20.4 cm) non-seagrass areas (15.7 cm) as did mouth width and total circumference. Mono and mixed seagrass meadows of ANI are critical habitats for sea cucumbers and require monitoring and protection for conservation of declining populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Non-native species invasions are altering the composition, structure, function, and dynamics of forests globally. The Hawaiian Islands are a global biodiversity hotspot for non-native invasive plant species. New spatial inventory data for forests of Hawaiʻi can provide insights into invasive species presence and dominance across complex landscapes. Objectives: We employed a network of 238 standardized plots spanning climate and soil gradients to conduct the first comprehensive assessment of non-native plant invasions in forests of Hawaiʻi. We examined non-native plant dominance from the forest floor to canopy to understand how invasion related to environmental and management-related factors. Methods: We tested whether significant differences in non-native dominance across forest strata existed based on ownership/management, fenced status, island group, and forest type. These analyses were conducted separately for each of six plot-level non-native dominance metrics, to assess the abundance and importance of non-native plants across forest strata. Biomass estimates for dominance were translated into carbon (C) units to assess invasive species impacts on C budgets. Results: Across forest types, non-native tree species accounted for 30% of large tree stems, 65% of sapling stems, and 67% of seedling stems. Distribution of C was very similar. Low-elevation forests were particularly degraded, but even montane forests were widely impacted and may become more so following forest disturbance. Forests on public lands, in conservation reserves, or in fenced areas were less impacted by non-native trees and shrubs, indicating possible benefits of conservation management. Conclusions: In all forest types, non-native trees constituted a larger proportion of the understory than the overstory tree component, which points to the potential eventual replacement of native canopy trees by non-native trees. The patterns and processes of plant invasion in Hawaiian forests provide data for the conservation of Hawai'i's unique flora and insights into how invasion trajectories may play out in other forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plumeria L. (Apocynaceae) is a Neotropical genus mostly restricted to the Caribbean, which is cultivated in tropical gardens worldwide. Almost all ~27 species are endemic to the Caribbean Islands, except for four (Plumeria inodora Jacq. Plumeria obtusa L. Plumeria pudica Jacq. and Plumeria rubra L.) that are native to Central America and northern South America. Cuba harbours the largest diversity of the genus, with 13 endemic species. We present the first molecular phylogeny of the genus based on the nucleotide sequences of the complete plastid genome. Partial plastid genomes of 11 Plumeria species and one closely related species (Himatanthus sp.) were sequenced using long-PCR and next-generation sequencing. The recovered clades mostly grouped by single islands or closely neighboring islands. The phylogenetic relationships indicate patterns of adaptive radiation, with ecological shifts within these island-based clades and a west-to-east colonization route in the region. Plumeria rubra and Himatanthus sp. were resolved as sister to the rest of the genus. One unexpected finding was that P. pudica , a species restricted to the southern Caribbean Basin mainland, was recovered within the clade containing the Caribbean Island endemics, rendering the endemic group polyphyletic. Our study provides a phylogenetic framework for future studies that will need to include nuclear molecular markers and a more extensive sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bacterial blight (BB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is a major disease of rice, specially in the tropical regions of the world. Developing rice varieties with host resistance against the disease is the most effective and economical solution for managing the disease. Methods: Pyramiding resistance genes (Xa4, xa5, xa13,and Xa21) in popular rice varieties using marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) has been demonstrated as a cost-effective and sustainable approach for establishing durable BB resistance. Here, we report our successful efforts in introgressing four resistance genes (Xa4, xa5, xa13, and Xa21) from IRBB60 to CARI Dhan 5, a popular salt-tolerant variety developed from a somaclonal variant of Pokkali rice, through functional MABB. Results and discussion: Both BB and coastal salinity are among the major challenges for rice production in tropical island and coastal ecosystems. Plants with four, three, and two gene pyramids were generated, which displayed high levels of resistance to the BB pathogen at the BC3F2 stage. Under controlled salinity microplot environments, the line 131-2-175-1223 identified with the presence of three gene pyramid (Xa21+xa13+xa5) displayed notable resistance across locations and years as well as exhibited a salinity tolerance comparable to the recurrent parent, CARI Dhan 5. Among two BB gene combinations (Xa21 +xa13), two lines, 17-1-69-334 and 46-3-95-659, demonstrated resi across locations and years, as well as salt tolerance and grain production comparable to CARI Dhan 5. Besides salinity tolerance, five lines, 17-1-69-179, 46-3-95-655, 131-2-190-1197, 131-2-175-1209, and 131-2-175-1239, exhibited complete resistance to BB disease. Following multilocation testing, potential lines have been identified that can serve as a prospective candidate for producing varieties for the tropical Andaman and Nicobar Islands and other coastal locations, which are prone to BB and coastal salinity stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevalence of cesspools on tropical islands suggests that high concentrations of enteric bacteria in streams and coastal waters are an indicator of groundwater contamination by human wastewater. But enterococci bacteria may also be from homeothermic animals common to these watersheds or bacteria living in sediments. Sucralose, a manufactured chemical not destroyed in passage through the human gut, cesspools, septic systems, or wastewater treatment facilities, was used to test for the presence of human wastewater in streams on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Effluent from six municipal wastewater treatment plants showed an average concentration of 39,167 ng/L of sucralose, roughly back-calculated to 9 ng/L per person, enough to present itself in cesspool effluent contaminated waters. Of 24 streams tested, 79% were positive for sucralose at least once in four sets of sampling. All streams tested positive for enterococci bacteria above established standards. Serial testing of the pair of indicators in the same location over time and applying the Multiplication Rule to the independent samples provide a probabilistic certainty level that the water is chronically polluted by human waste. When repeatedly paired with tests for enterococci, sucralose testing is a cost-effective means for assessing human health risk and for developing proper waste management programs that has been underutilized in under-developed tropical and island settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Mid Atlantic Ridge comprises three main oceanic islands in the equatorial and tropical portions of the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are isolated from each other and equidistant from both the continental margins of South America and Africa, sharing common patterns but with different types of human use and pressures. Moreover, the areas beyond national jurisdiction between those islands are visited and exploited by distant fishing fleets and include large areas of shipping activity for commodities. Here, a pioneering integrated ecosystem assessment (IEA) process is constructed for the region among Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Archipelago (Brazil), Saint Helena Island and Ascension Island (UK overseas territories). For that, we used a qualitative assessment of risks arising from anthropogenic activities, representing a novel contribution to the field. The Options for Delivering Ecosystem-Based Marine Management (ODEMM) approach was applied to trace sector–pressure–component pathways. A ‘linkage framework’ was outlined including pressures affecting each ecosystem component, and supported a process of knowledge attributions that scored the impact risks. All results were validated with regional stakeholders through workshops, including local and international management bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and scientists. The approach focused on a significant area among encompassing the open ocean, shallow and deep-sea biomes, analyzing the main sectors and pressures affecting the ecological components. Our results identified 14 sectors and 16 key pressures associated with 23 ecosystem components, totaling 780 impact chains. Fishing, shipping, wastewater, and tourism/recreation appeared as the top impacting sectors. Fishing and shipping were the most connected with ecosystem components links. Litter, species extraction, contaminants, and bycatch were the pressures that had the highest risk of impact values. Lastly, demersal and pelagic fish and pelagic and demersal elasmobranchs were the groups with the highest risk related to overall impacts, which were supported by local and regional evidence from long term monitoring programs and local studies. Our study demonstrated that these seemingly pristine islands and oceanic waters are already experiencing human impacts that should be addressed by local both conservation measures and international agreements. We also highlight the pressures that should be prioritized for better monitoring and policy, as well as those linkage components that have been less investigated.

The Pacific Ocean is the largest in the world, and it contains many remote archipelagos, some of which are distant more than 4000 km from continents. Despite their isolation, these archipelagos harbour diverse assemblages of squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes), and these species differ greatly in their dispersal ranges. This study tested the hypothesis that there is a spatial effect on the variation among species in dispersal ability and that it is also associated with the evolutionary relationships among species and their life‐history strategies (body size and reproductive mode). The results indicated greater spatial than phylogenetic effects on the variables describing interspecific dispersal. The unisexual reproduction mode in squamates is not associated with a greater ability to colonize than sexual species that rely on similar mechanisms of dispersal. The higher reproductive rate of unisexual taxa might be initially advantageous for establishment on remote oceanic islands because of the unlikely arrival of sexual congenerics, which are frequently superior competitors in island ecosystems. Body size tends to exert a negative effect on the dispersal capacity of island squamates, but this relationship is positive in a subgroup of recently introduced commensal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many tropical islands, including Aruba, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Pacific Island countries, are entirely dependent on importing fossil fuels to meet their energy demands. Due to global warming, improving energy use efficiency and developing regionally available renewable energy resources are necessary to reduce carbon emissions. This review analyzed and identified biomass feedstocks to produce liquid biofuels targeting tropical islands, particularly focusing on Hawaii as a case study. Transportation and energy generation sectors consume 25.5% and 11.6%, respectively, of Hawaii's imported fossil fuels. Various nonedible feedstocks with information on their availability, production, and average yields of oils, fiber, sugars, and lipid content for liquid biofuels production are identified to add value to the total energy mix. The available biomass conversion technologies and production costs are summarized. In addition, a section on potentially using sewage sludge to produce biodiesel is also included. Based on a comparative analysis of kamani, croton, pongamia, jatropha, energycane, Leucaena hybrid, gliricidia, and eucalyptus feedstock resources, this study proposes that Hawaii and other similar tropical regions can potentially benefit from growing and producing economical liquid biofuels locally, especially for the transportation and electricity generation sectors

Background: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India is Tropical Island, has better air quality and since its specific geographic location that may have an impact on the clinical and pathological features. So, this study is intended to describe the clinical and pathological features of COVID-19 infection and its association with the severity of the disease among adult COVID-19 patients. Material and Method: A cross-sectional study done retrospectively among 100 adult COVID-19 RT PCR positive in Tertiary Hospital, tropical Islands by reviewing medical records. The clinical, laboratory parameters were assessed. Results: In the study 65% of the population were male, and 55% of COVID-19 cases were between the age group of 25 to 50 years of age. At presentation, 96% had respiratory symptoms, 91% had fever, 33% had gastrointestinal symptoms, 10% had musculoskeletal symptoms, and 6% have a history of contact with COVID-19 positive patients. The severe COVID-19 patients had longer duration of fever (P-value 0.041), duration of cough (P 0.016), duration of breathlessness (P 0.002), high pulse rate (P = 0.031) at presentation, had high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.001), high neutrophil count (P < 0.001), low lymphocyte count (P < 0.001), high CRP (P < 0.001), and high D-dimer (P < 0.001) at presentation. Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 patients at presentation had longer duration of fever, cough, and breathlessness, hence should seek early medical care. Lab parameters is a great tool in the assessment of patient who can go to have severe disease and thus help in formulating Guidelines.

Research conducted in the Archive and Library of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, the U.S. National Archives, and the U.S. National Herbarium allowed us to reconstruct field work performed by David Fairchild (1869-1954) in the islands of Beata, Saona, Tobago, Tortola, and Trinidad in 1932. This was part of a larger expedition to the Caribbean Islands, Suriname and Guyana by the United States Department of Agriculture between December 1931 and April 1932. During the collection endeavor to these five islands, 261 photographs were taken, 82 herbarium collections (75 species) were made, and 185 germplasm accessions (148 species) were added to the USDA germplasm repositories. In total, plant material for 185 species (224 collections) was collected. A major highlight of the trip were the herbarium collections that led to the description of the Beata endemic genus Armouria (Malvaceae). However, more recent taxonomic studies place this genus within the tropical genus Thespesia (~13 species). Thirteen distinguished naturalists or high ranking government officers were met in Trinidad (12) and Tortola (1). Collections of cotton (6 accessions) and palms (25 accessions) were relevant to the expedition objectives; however no samples of Sea-Island Cotton were obtained, despite this being a major germplasm objective. Exploring the Botanic Garden of Trinidad was another main highlight of the trip. Documents, photos, and research results are made available online at: www.archive.org. The project is framed within an undergraduate research program on botanical history that is being performed in partnership with botanists from national and foreign institutions. Part of the collected material was introduced into the Jardín Botánico de Cienfuegos, Cuba shortly after the expedition ended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India is Tropical Island, has better air quality and since its specific geographic location that may have an impact on the clinical and pathological features. So, this study is intended to describe the clinical and pathological features of COVID-19 infection and its association with the severity of the disease among adult COVID-19 patients. Material and Method: A cross-sectional study done retrospectively among 100 adult COVID-19 RT PCR positive in Tertiary Hospital, tropical Islands by reviewing medical records. The clinical, laboratory parameters were assessed. Results: In the study 65% of the population were male, and 55% of COVID-19 cases were between the age group of 25 to 50 years of age. At presentation, 96% had respiratory symptoms, 91% had fever, 33% had gastrointestinal symptoms, 10% had musculoskeletal symptoms, and 6% have a history of contact with COVID-19 positive patients. The severe COVID-19 patients had longer duration of fever (P-value 0.041), duration of cough (P 0.016), duration of breathlessness (P 0.002), high pulse rate (P = 0.031) at presentation, had high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.001), high neutrophil count (P < 0.001), low lymphocyte count (P < 0.001), high CRP (P < 0.001), and high D-dimer (P < 0.001) at presentation. Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 patients at presentation had longer duration of fever, cough, and breathlessness, hence should seek early medical care. Lab parameters is a great tool in the assessment of patient who can go to have severe disease and thus help in formulating Guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity loss, forest conversion, functional diversity, phylogenetic diversity, species richness, tropical islands, urbanization, diversidad filogenética, pérdida de la biodiversidad, riqueza de especies, , conversión forestal, islas tropicales, , diversidad funcional, urbanización, , , , , DISCUSSION We recorded avian biodiversity changes on a tropical island with high biodiversity on which enhanced biodiversity conservation policies are being established and where rapid economic growth and increasing ecological footprints are occurring (Dong et al., 2019). Keywords: biodiversity loss; forest conversion; functional diversity; phylogenetic diversity; species richness; tropical islands; urbanization; conversión forestal; diversidad filogenética; diversidad funcional; islas tropicales; pérdida de la biodiversidad; riqueza de especies; urbanización; ; ; ; ; ; ; EN biodiversity loss forest conversion functional diversity phylogenetic diversity species richness tropical islands urbanization conversión forestal diversidad filogenética diversidad funcional islas tropicales pérdida de la biodiversidad riqueza de especies urbanización 1 15 15 10/04/22 20221001 NES 221001 INTRODUCTION Intense landscape transformation can reduce biodiversity up to 75% (Díaz et al., 2019; Haddad et al., 2015), strongly constraining ecological processes in remaining patches of natural habitat (Chase et al., 2020). [Extracted from the article]

The present paper focuses on the silica-scaled chrysophytes from two tropical islands: Con Son (Con Dao Archipelago) and Phu Quoc, located in Viet Nam. Electron microscopy revealed fifty-seven taxa, of which forty-one belong to the genus Mallomonas. The others are species of the genera Synura (5), Paraphysomonas (8), Spiniferomonas (1), Chrysosphaerella (1) and Lepidochromonas (1). This is the first report of the genus Lepidochromonas from Viet Nam. In addition, two species from the genus Paraphysomonas are reported for the first time in the country. Six taxa from the genus Mallomonas and five taxa from the genus Paraphysomonas were not identifiable to the lower rank and may represent new species for science. The overall diversity of the silica-scaled chrysophytes of the islands is very high. A number of rare taxa endemic to Southeast Asia were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Climate change is one of the most significant challenges to biodiversity conservation, particularly in dry tropical islands, such as the Cabo Verde archipelago where only three endemic tree taxa occur – Dracaena draco subsp. caboverdeana, Phoenix atlantica and Sideroxylon marginatum – all classified as threatened. The main goal of this study was to predict the possible shifts in the climatically suitable habitat ranges for Cabo Verdean endemic tree species under different climate change scenarios. We applied species distribution models (SDMs) to the available occurrence data, and projected the distribution of the three taxa for 2050 and 2080, according to the expected climate change scenarios. The best models were obtained using the Random Forest algorithm; they showed that, by 2080, the suitable habitat for Dracaena draco subsp. caboverdeana and Sideroxylon marginatum will have decreased by 28% and 34%, respectively; conversely, the suitable habitat will have increased by 59% for Phoenix atlantica, the taxon best adapted to arid conditions. Additionally, Santo Antão is the island where endangered trees are more encompassed by protected areas. Overall, this study contributed with new integrated data to support the design and implementation of a strategic plan to promote the conservation and ecological value of Cabo Verde endemic trees in this climatically vulnerable country.

Many tropical islands, including Aruba, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Pacific Island countries, are entirely dependent on importing fossil fuels to meet their energy demands. Due to global warming, improving energy use efficiency and developing regionally available renewable energy resources are necessary to reduce carbon emissions. This review analyzed and identified biomass feedstocks to produce liquid biofuels targeting tropical islands, particularly focusing on Hawaii as a case study. Transportation and energy generation sectors consume 25.5% and 11.6%, respectively, of Hawaii's imported fossil fuels. Various nonedible feedstocks with information on their availability, production, and average yields of oils, fiber, sugars, and lipid content for liquid biofuels production are identified to add value to the total energy mix. The available biomass conversion technologies and production costs are summarized. In addition, a section on potentially using sewage sludge to produce biodiesel is also included. Based on a comparative analysis of kamani, croton, pongamia, jatropha, energycane, Leucaena hybrid, gliricidia, and eucalyptus feedstock resources, this study proposes that Hawaii and other similar tropical regions can potentially benefit from growing and producing economical liquid biofuels locally, especially for the transportation and electricity generation sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven species of flying foxes of the genus Pteropus have been described from the Caroline Islands and Mariana Islands of Micronesia. Among the five extant species, P. ualanus of Kosrae is the least studied. We review the history of research on P. ualanus and summarize data from recent surveys. Early historical accounts suggest that P. ualanus was abundant until a severe population bottleneck, attributed to an infectious disease, allegedly reduced the population to two individuals during 1926–1927. During 1982 and 1983, we found three colonies and a minimum of 600–700 bats in the mountains. Subsequently two new colonies became established in coastal localities by 1994 and 2002 and currently represent the largest colonies. During 2013 and 2014, Hayes visited four confirmed and two possible colonies (three in the mountains, three along the coast) ranging in size from two to 1038 individuals and counted a minimum of 1765 individuals. Long-term changes occurred in the size of colonies. Because not all individuals were counted and at least one other colony likely exists, the population probably exceeds 2000 and may exceed 3000 individuals. The population may not have reached its carrying capacity and may still be increasing. Potential existential threats include infectious disease, typhoons, overhunting, and habitat loss.

The present paper focuses on the silica-scaled chrysophytes from two tropical islands: Con Son (Con Dao Archipelago) and Phu Quoc, located in Viet Nam. Electron microscopy revealed fifty-seven taxa, of which forty-one belong to the genus Mallomonas. The others are species of the genera Synura (5), Paraphysomonas (8), Spiniferomonas (1), Chrysosphaerella (1) and Lepidochromonas (1). This is the first report of the genus Lepidochromonas from Viet Nam. In addition, two species from the genus Paraphysomonas are reported for the first time in the country. Six taxa from the genus Mallomonas and five taxa from the genus Paraphysomonas were not identifiable to the lower rank and may represent new species for science. The overall diversity of the silica-scaled chrysophytes of the islands is very high. A number of rare taxa endemic to Southeast Asia were found.

This study reports the occurrence of the oceanic basslet (Howellidae) in Brazilian waters. Bathysphyraenops simplex Parr, 1933, a rare species with a worldwide distribution, is recorded for the first time in Brazilian waters, based on three specimens collected off Rocas Atoll and Rio Grande do Norte. Howella atlantica Post & Quéro, 1991, known from the western and eastern Atlantic Ocean (64°N to 21°S), including waters around the Trindade Island, is reported off Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Rocas Atoll, and the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. In addition, specimens previously reported in the literature as Howella brodie Ogilby, 1899 are reidentified as H. atlantica, extending the known distribution of this species to northeastern and southeastern Brazil. Measurements and counts for all specimens examined are provided.

Abstract A set of idealized convection‐permitting simulations is performed to investigate the influence of topography on the physical mechanisms responsible for the nocturnal offshore propagation of convection around tropical islands. All simulations have an idealized island in the middle of a long channel oceanic domain, with constant sea surface temperature and without rotation. To diagnose the impact of topography, we compare a flat island simulation with two simulations with mountain ranges of different shapes. The topography over the island has a strong impact on the diurnal cycle of convection as clouds tend to remain all day over the highest topography. This weakens the diurnal cycle and the land breeze front and triggers a comparatively less frequent long‐distance offshore propagation of convection. As in the flat simulation, the distance of offshore propagation is particularly sensitive to humidity and temperature at the top of the boundary layer. A shallow circulation that is asymmetric with respect to the island influences the boundary layer top humidity and can favor propagation on one side of the island or the other. These results mimic cloud and precipitation patterns observed prior to the Madden‐Julian Oscillation propagation over the Maritime Continent. The shape of the topography does not seem to influence the offshore propagation of convection significantly except for mountain‐valley breezes that reinforce the land breeze and the establishment of the asymmetric shallow circulation.

Abstract An idealized convection‐permitting simulation is performed to investigate the physical mechanisms responsible for the nighttime offshore propagation of convection around tropical islands. An idealized island is placed in the middle of a long, nonrotating channel oceanic domain with constant sea surface temperature. A strong diurnal cycle typical of a tropical island is simulated, with a thermally forced sea breeze in daytime and the associated inland propagation of precipitation. Offshore propagation of a land breeze and its associated convection is simulated every night but with varying extent. Gravity waves of first and second baroclinic modes trigger convection far from the coast if the offshore conditions are favorable. This accelerates the propagation speed of the land breeze as it reduces the onshore wind associated with the lower branch of the overturning large‐scale circulation. Higher‐order modes may trigger convection or reinforce existing convection but less systematically. The distance of propagation is particularly sensitive to humidity and temperature at the top of the boundary layer, with occasional incursions of a dry anomaly at the top of the boundary layer near the island preventing convection from developing far from the island.

Aim: Palaeoecological data provide an essential long‐term perspective of ecological change and its drivers in oceanic islands. However, analysing the effects of multi‐scalar and potentially co‐occurring disturbances is particularly challenging in dry islands. Here, we aim to identify the ecological consequences of the integrated impacts of a regional drying trend, volcanic eruptions and human mass migrations in a spatially constrained environment—a small, dry oceanic island in Macaronesia. Location: Brava Island, Republic of Cabo Verde. Taxa: Terrestrial vegetation and fungi. Methods: We use palaeoecological analyses applied to a caldera soil profile that dates back to 9700 cal yr BP (calibrated years before the present). Analyses include pollen (vegetation history), non‐pollen palynomorphs (changes in fern and fungal communities), grain‐size distribution, loss‐on‐ignition and geochemistry (sedimentology and erosion regimes), microscopic tephra shards (volcanic ash deposition) and charcoal (fire regime). Results: A regional drying trend after c. 4000 cal yr BP caused increased erosion but had limited immediate impacts on highland grassland vegetation. The expansion of fern‐rich woody scrubland was contemporaneous with significant deposition of volcanic ash and erosion between 1800 and 650 cal yr BP. About 300 cal yr BP, exogenous plants expanded, grazing and fires increased, and there was a decrease of native vegetation cover. Main conclusions: Throughout the Holocene, highland vegetation in Brava was characterized by the presence of open landscapes dominated by herbaceous species (e.g. Poaceae, Forsskaolea), with some presence of woody native taxa (e.g. Ficus, Dodonaea). A regional drying trend was a driver of erosion since the Mid Holocene but did not have an immediate influence on highland vegetation. Tephra deposition is a possible driver of vegetation change. Inter‐island mass migration after volcanic events in Fogo Island c. 1680 CE potentially triggered land use change and intensification, causing a reduction of native vegetation in Brava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastropods (slugs and snails) are prominent and species-rich faunal elements in marine and terrestrial habitats of the tropics. While several clades of snails inhabit freshwater systems, slugs are extremely rare in freshwater: only the centimeter-sized Acochlidiidae, with currently three genera, contain more than one species and live in the lower reaches of island streams in an area comprising Eastern Indonesia, Fiji, and Palau. Where known, the species of this unique group are specialized predators of other amphidromous snails' egg capsules (Neritidae) and their reproductive biology and adaptations to life in freshwater are complex. Acochlidiidae are thus of special interest for evolutionary biology and ecology. We here describe a new genus of unusually bluish-green acochlidiid to date known only from a single locality on the island of Ambon, Indonesia. Previous molecular data found this charismatic species to link slender Strubellia slugs with broad and flattened Acochlidium and Palliohedyle. We establish Wallacellia siputbiru n. gen. n. sp., the "blue slug" in Bahasa Indonesia, by using scanning electron microscopy of cuticular elements, light microscopy of serial semithin histological sections of the soft body, and 3D reconstruction of all organ systems based on these sections. Special structures of this seemingly rare endemic species include the enlarged kidney and the huge copulatory organ. Our data now clarify that, in the invasion of freshwater habitats in Acochlidiidae, sexual selection (the anterior three-part copulatory organ) preceded ecological selection (posterior flattened habitus with branched or multiplied internal organs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of land-atmosphere coupling (LAC) over tropical islands using a Vector-Vorticity equation cloud-resolving Model (VVM). Two sets of idealized simulations are performed with three land surface conditions (Urban, Pasture, and Grass). The first set considers direct LAC in which VVM is fully coupled with LSM. The second set of experiments eliminates direct LAC by prescribing surface fluxes in VVM, in which the high spatiotemporal variabilities are preserved from the fully coupled VVM/LSM. We can interpret the difference in convective systems' temporal and spatial evolution between the two sets of experiments as the LAC's impact. The results show that direct LAC enhances the diurnal amplitude and extreme precipitation under all land surface conditions. The impact of direct LAC is profound on the diurnal amplitude in the Urban experiment in which the sensible heat fluxes dominate. It produces 71% more precipitation with direct LAC than without. The result is due to the strong cold pool intensity by convective systems with large updraft core clouds in the Urban experiment. The mismatch between surface cooling and the convection in the experiments without direct LAC, on the other hand, prohibits further development of convection. In the Grass experiment, in which the latent heat fluxes dominate, the cold pool effects become less critical and have weaker impacts on convection development. Sensitivity experiments on free atmosphere moisture show that the dependency still holds except that the precipitation intensity is higher in a moister environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined associations between riparian canopy cover, presence or absence of cattle, rainfall, solar radiation, month of year, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, salinity, and Enterococcus concentrations in riparian surface soils with Enterococcus geometric mean in-stream water concentrations at Waipā watershed on the north side of the Hawaiian island Kaua'i. Each 1% decrease in riparian canopy cover was associated with a 4.6 most probable number (MPN)/100 ml increase of the geometric mean of Enterococcus in stream water (P < 0.05). Each unit decrease in salinity (ppt) was associated with an increase of Enterococcus by 68.2 MPN/100 ml in-stream water geometric mean concentrations (P < 0.05). Month of year was also associated with increases in stream water Enterococcus geometric mean concentrations (P < 0.05). Reducing riparian canopy cover is associated with Enterococcus increases in stream water, suggesting that decreasing riparian vegetation density could increase fecal bacteria surface runoff.

This study reports the occurrence of the oceanic basslet (Howellidae) in Brazilian waters. Bathysphyraenops simplex Parr, 1933, a rare species with a worldwide distribution, is recorded for the first time in Brazilian waters, based on three specimens collected off Rocas Atoll and Rio Grande do Norte. Howella atlantica Post & Quéro, 1991, known from the western and eastern Atlantic Ocean (64°N to 21°S), including waters around the Trindade Island, is reported off Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Rocas Atoll, and the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. In addition, specimens previously reported in the literature as Howella brodie Ogilby, 1899 are reidentified as H. atlantica, extending the known distribution of this species to northeastern and southeastern Brazil. Measurements and counts for all specimens examined are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the Atlantic Hurricane Database (HURDAT2) and the General Bathymetry Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO‐2014), the probability of tropical cyclones of various intensities (hurricane, tropical storm, or a tropical depression) making landfall through the Lesser Antilles (i.e., the Windward and Leeward Islands—from 12.5°N to 17.5°N and 59.0°W to 63.0°W) from 1991 to 2016 was evaluated. HURDAT2 data from 1979 to 2016 also were used to assess storm location, maximum sustained winds, and minimum central pressure as they passed through the Lesser Antilles. In this region, tropical depressions generally did not intensify with respect to maximum sustained wind speeds and only one intensified with respect to a drop in its central pressure. By contrast, hurricanes were more likely to show intensification with respect to maximum sustained wind speed and central pressure. Tropical storms were equally likely to intensify or dissipate. Also, the data indicate that with the passage of a hurricane, maximum sustained winds were less likely to increase despite a drop in the central pressure. For tropical storms and particularly with tropical depressions, the effect of the islands is more pronounced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An idealized convection‐permitting simulation is performed to investigate the physical mechanisms responsible for the nighttime offshore propagation of convection around tropical islands. An idealized island is placed in the middle of a long, nonrotating channel oceanic domain with constant sea surface temperature. A strong diurnal cycle typical of a tropical island is simulated, with a thermally forced sea breeze in daytime and the associated inland propagation of precipitation. Offshore propagation of a land breeze and its associated convection is simulated every night but with varying extent. Gravity waves of first and second baroclinic modes trigger convection far from the coast if the offshore conditions are favorable. This accelerates the propagation speed of the land breeze as it reduces the onshore wind associated with the lower branch of the overturning large‐scale circulation. Higher‐order modes may trigger convection or reinforce existing convection but less systematically. The distance of propagation is particularly sensitive to humidity and temperature at the top of the boundary layer, with occasional incursions of a dry anomaly at the top of the boundary layer near the island preventing convection from developing far from the island. Plain Language Summary: Climate models have problems modeling the precipitation pattern, timing, and atmospheric circulation associated with tropical island regions. This impacts the prediction of planetary scale events such as the Madden‐Julian Oscillation. Part of this problem originates from the poor representation of islands and their topography, which affects the diurnal cycle of convection over land and the surrounding oceans. This diurnal cycle generates a sea breeze during daytime, which triggers convection over the island in the afternoon, early evening. At night, the breeze reverses and becomes a land breeze that propagates over the ocean. In order to understand what controls this offshore propagation, we study the movement of convection around an idealized tropical island. We show that a land breeze is systematically present even though its distance of propagation depends on the presence of offshore convection triggered by gravity waves earlier and on the humidity and temperature between 1 and 2 km of altitude close to coast. Properly modeling these individual elements may improve the precipitation pattern and atmospheric circulation around tropical islands and be beneficial for improving the representation of atmospheric phenomenons impacted by these regions. Key Points: Systematic offshore propagation of convection is observed at night, with varying distance of propagationOffshore convection triggered by gravity waves modulates the propagation speed of the land breezeLarge‐scale environment controls propagation with a dry and warm anomaly at the top of the boundary layer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garcinia gummi-gutta, popularly known as Malabar tamarind or kodampuli is a tropical fruit tree species of high potential. Acidic fruits are used either in raw or pickled form. Fruit is highly prized for its anti-obesity property owing to high hydroxycitric acid content in its rind. Though generally cultivated for its fruits, the plant has multifaceted uses in paint manufacturing industry, as medicine, source of edible fat etc. The present study concerned comparative morphological and physicochemical analysis of two morphotypes of Malabar tamarind, which revealed significant differences among them. Fruits and leaves of these morphotypes had distinctive morphological features. A morphotype with higher rind recovery and fruit weight was identified for further crop improvement programmes. Further, dimethylsulphoxide was identified as better solvent for extraction of photosynthetic pigments, and hence could be recommended for future physiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1970s, authorities of Seychelles have been focusing on the intensive development of tourism on the archipelago. Many sizable investments have recently been made in the development of the tourism sector. However, the global economic crisis may have contributed to slowing down the development of this sector. The aim of this article is to answer the questions: to what extent is economy of Seychelles dependent on the tourism sector, and is there a relationship between changes in GDP and changes in tourism? The article also aims to assess how the tourism economy of Seychelles reacted to the crisis in tourism prompted by the global economic crisis. The final goal was to investigate how the tourism economy of Seychelles was managed during the global economic crisis. The research methods used in the article were statistical data analysis, the Kendall’s tau and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients, analysis of the literature, and an expert interview

Seven plant genera are regarded as endemic to Jamaica [Dendrocousinsia (seven species, Euphorbiaceae), Jacmaia (one species, Asteraceae), Odontocline (six species, Asteraceae), Portlandia (six species, Rubiaceae), Salpixantha (two species, Acanthaceae), Tetrasiphon (one species, Celastraceae) and Zemisia (one species, Asteraceae)]. A review pertinent to the taxonomy, distribution range, phylogenetics, conservation challenges and research updates of these genera is presented. We also provide an overview pertinent to biodiversity conservation policy and phytogeography of Jamaica. Half of the species placed in these genera have not been red-listed (sensu IUCN), and six of them are not in situ conserved in protected areas. Tetrasiphon and D. lesteri var. glabrata have the highest conservation priority within these endemic genera. Taxonomic boundaries between species of Odontocline are poorly understood, and there is a lack of phylogenetic data for this genus. None of these endemic genera have been the subject of population biology or population genetic studies. Phytochemical research has been performed on Portlandia and the three genera of the Compositae. Among these endemic taxa only Z. discolor has been reported to have ethnobotanical usage; however, the tea infusions made from leaves of this taxon may potentially cause cirrhosis. Extracts derived from leaves of Portlandia have antitumour activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood fruit is a promising anti-oxidant rich underutilized fruit species with potential as a natural colourant for food, beverage and handicraft industries. The species has been used for fresh consumption, treating ailments and as a dyeing agent by local people including regional tribes in tropical Asian countries. However, at present, fruits are harvested from the wild and there is considerable scope for promoting their cultivation in homestead gardens. Owing to limited population of the species, seed germination studies were conducted. Treatment of seeds with thiourea (0.1%) or GA3 (1000 mg/l) for 24 h was most congenial for obtaining healthy seedlings in large numbers. To extract chlorophylls and total carotenoids, dimethylsulphoxide was found to be a superior solvent over acetone (80%). Differences in fruit sizes were noticed in fruits grown in two states of India. These findings form the basis for conservation as well as domestication of this multipurpose fruit species in the tropical Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Anthropogenic activity on tropical islands has been linked with nitrogen (N) contamination of groundwater and subsequent coral reef health decline. However, identifying the temporal patterns of groundwater N contamination has proven difficult because of an absence of long‐term records. Here we use δ15N in coral skeleton organic material (CS‐δ15N) to reconstruct historical patterns of groundwater N discharge to a coral reef system at Rarotonga in the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. Analysis of coral skeletal material dating back to 1880 CE clearly shows that the δ15N of N available in the reef environment around Rarotonga increased between 1980 and 2000. We propose that rapid agricultural development in the Cook Islands between 1960 and 1985 increased aquifer N concentrations leading to the elevated δ15N of groundwater NO3−. The discharge of this groundwater N appears to have continued for at least 15 years after the cessation of the agricultural boom. This has important implications for the management of groundwater contamination on low‐lying tropical islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 30 threatened species (14 categorized as Critically Endangered and 16 as Endangered, sensu IUCN), Coccothrinax (c. 54 species) is the flagship palm genus for conservation in the Caribbean Island Biodiversity Hotspot. Coccothrinax has its centre of taxonomic diversity in these islands, with c. 51 endemic species. We present a conservation framework for the 14 Critically Endangered species, found in Cuba, Haiti or the Dominican Republic. Only two species (C. jimenezii, C. montana) occur in more than one country (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). Immediate threats include oil drilling and nickel mining, intrusion of saline water into soil, urban and agricultural development, low population recruitment, uncontrolled fires, interspecific hybridization, and unsustainable ethnobotanical practices. Coccothrinax bermudezii, C. borhidiana, C. crinita ssp. crinita, C. leonis and C. spissa are not conserved in protected areas. Coccothrinax bermudezii, C. jimenezii, C. leonis and C. nipensis are not part of ex situ collections. Based on results from a conservation project targeting C. jimenezii, we recommend international cooperation between the three range states to implement integrative conservation management plans, plant exploration initiatives, taxonomic revisions, outreach, and fundraising. The ultimate aim of this review is to provide baseline information that will develop conservation synergy among relevant parties working on Coccothrinax conservation in Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Such collaborations could also benefit through partnerships with botanists working in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantified the organic carbon (C org) stocks in Thalassia hemprichii meadows that are (i) adjacent to mangroves (MG), and (ii) without mangroves (WMG), in tropical Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) of India. In the top 10 cm of the sediment, C org content was 1.8-fold higher at the MG sites than the WMG sites. The total C org stocks (sediment + biomass) in the 144 ha of seagrass meadows at MG sites (988.74 ± 138.77 Mg C) was 1.9-fold higher than in 148 ha of WMG sites. Protection and management of T. hemprichii meadows of ANI can lead to emission avoidance of around 5447.33 (MG; 3595.12 + WMG: 1852.21) tons of CO 2. The social cost of the carbon stocks in these T. hemprichii meadows is around US$ 0.30 and 0.16 million at the MG and WMG sites, respectively, showcasing the importance of ANI's seagrass ecosystems as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation. • Thalassia hemprichii meadows adjacent to mangroves had higher carbon stocks. • External nutrient input is higher in T. hemprichii meadows adjacent to mangroves. • T. hemprichii biomass increased 2-fold when present adjacent to mangroves. • T. hemprichii meadows adjacent to mangroves have 1.9-fold higher carbon stocks. • Andaman seagrass ecosystems have potential to mitigate climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cayman Islands are one of the SISODs, located in the Caribbean Sea, with a high number of foreign visitor arrivals and a GDP based to a large extent on tourism. They are also considered to be SITE islands and may even be characteristic of the subtype, PROFIT-SITE islands. The aim of the article is to provide an answer to the question of whether the increase in the number of tourist and one-day visitor arrivals1 had a positive impact on the creation of GDP in the Cayman Islands during the period 1983-2011. The hypothesis was that such a correlation should exist and it should be a strong positive correlation, but only between the increase in number of tourist arrivals and increase in GDP. The second question was: which year is the most economically affected by the increase in tourist and visitor arrivals (the same or the following year)? The hypothesis was that the biggest impact is recorded in the year in which the increase in tourist and visitor arrivals occurs (not in the following year). The third question was: has the global economic crisis affected the tourism sector in the Cayman Islands? The hypothesis was that the Cayman Islands were not as badly affected by the global economic crisis as other SISOD countries. The methods used by the author were literature analysis, data analysis and the Spearman correlation ratio.

The notion of sustainable development is one of the most popular concepts of our time. However, it remains controversial and quite problematic, especially for small islands and their communities. These challenges arise in relation to the limited scope of resources which can be used for development, and the difficulty of defining the needs of future generations.

For effective and efficient pest management it is essential to understand the ecology of the target species and recipient ecosystems. The use of rodent eradication as a restoration tool is well established in temperate regions, but less common in the tropics, presenting an opportunity to undertake scientific learning in tandem with rodent eradications. On a dry tropical archipelago, we used a Before-After-Control-Impact framework to document (1) fluctuations in the abundance and demography of invasive Rattus rattus and Mus musculus on three different islands, (2) the trophic niche of all three invasive rodent populations, and (3) changes in the invertebrate community before and after rodent eradication, also comparing with two rodent free islands. While rat density was high and relatively stable throughout the year, the two mouse populations greatly differed in body size and seasonal dynamics, despite their proximity. The rodents in all three populations were generalist and opportunistic feeders, although stable isotope analyses results indicated major differences among them, driven by food availability and rodent species. Seasonal fluctuations in invertebrate communities depended on rodent invasion status, but recovery in the invertebrate communities one year after rodent removal was limited for all islands. Predictions for other tropical ecosystem biomes require long-term research on more tropical islands. Improving our understanding of island and species-specific contexts of rodent eradications can advance island restoration projects and assist the selection of indicator species for ecosystem recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferns are the only major lineage of vascular plants that have nutritionally independent sporophyte (diploid) and gametophyte (haploid) life stages. However, the implications of this unique life cycle for fern community ecology have rarely been considered. To compare patterns of community structure between fern sporophytes and gametophytes, we conducted a survey of the ferns of the islands of Moorea and Tahiti (French Polynesia). We first constructed a DNA barcode library (plastid rbcL and trnH- psbA) for the two island floras including 145 fern species. We then used these DNA barcodes to identify more than 1300 field-collected gametophytes from 25 plots spanning an elevational gradient from 200 to 2000 m. We found that species richness of fern sporophytes conforms to the well-known unimodal (i.e., mid-elevation peak) pattern, reaching a maximum at ~1000-1200 m. Moreover, we found that fern sporophyte communities become increasingly phylogenetically clustered at high elevations. In contrast, species richness of fern gametophytes was consistent across sites, and gametophytes showed no correlation of phylogenetic community structure with elevation. Turnover of sporophyte and gametophyte communities was closely linked with elevation at shallow phylogenetic levels, but not at deeper nodes in the tree. Finally, we found several species for which gametophytes had broader ranges than sporophytes, including a vittarioid fern with abundant gametophytes but extremely rare sporophytes. Our study highlights the importance of including diverse life history stages in surveys of community structure, and has implications for the possible impacts of climate change on the distribution of fern diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]