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INTRODUCTION © Irene Gauto Conservation status assessment is extremely useful in conservation biology as a planning tool for conservation actions, focusing the budget (always low) on specific targets that try to improve conservation outputs (Caro & O’Doherty 1999; Simberloff 1998). The most widely utilized assessment of conservation status is the method proposed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and its website is one of the most popular references for citing the conservation status of different taxa; however, only 5% of the world’s described species have been globally evaluated (IUCN 2016). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 database shows 483 palm species assessed (IUCN 2016). This number represents only 19% of the total palm species recognized (2522 species) (Dransfield et al. 2008). Of the 483 palms assessed, 68% are in a threatened category (EW, CR, EN, and VU). This high proportion of threatened species may reflect the vulnerability of the palm family caused by the massive habitat loss that tropical ecosystems are facing (Myers et al. 2000). Typically each country also has its own national red list of threatened species and these often follow the guidelines of the IUCN (Llamozas et al. 2003; Calderón et al. 2005). In Paraguay the Secretariat of Environment (SEAM) updated the national list of threatened species in 2006 (Resolución 524/06) classifying the palm Butia marmorii as critically endangered. However the palm has not been yet included in the IUCN Red List as an assessed species. Butia marmorii Noblick, 2006, is an acaulescent palm, with small grass-like leaves, and purple inflorescences at ground level (Images 1 & 2). The species is found in subtropical savanna like vegetation known as Cerrado. To date it is known only from two adjacent populations in the vicinity of Itakyry, Department of Alto Paraná, Paraguay, and a single Argentinean record (Noblick 2006) (Fig. 1), but its presence in Brazil (Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul) was postulated based on photographic records (Noblick 2006). Recent revisions however show that the Brazilian population is not the same species and the Argentinian population no longer exists (Lorenzi et al. 2010; Soares 2015). This makes the species endemic to Paraguay. Gauto et al. (2011) classified Butia marmorii as endangered due to its estimated area of occupancy highlighting other possible locations where the species may occur. Nevertheless, the threat of the loss of its natural habitat put the known population in high risk of extinction as eastern Paraguay has lost more than 50% of its natural vegetation cover in the last 50 years (Huang et al. 2009). In addition to 10022 1 © Irene Gauto 2 Images 1–2. Butia marmorii this dramatic loss, the species occurs at low densities, is very inconspicuous, and inhabits isolated patches of Cerrado surrounded by soybean plantations. These characteristics make this species extremely vulnerable to any disturbance of its small area of remnant habitat. The areas where Butia marmorii occurred when it was described are not under legal protection (Noblick 2006). Most of the biological traits of B. marmorii remain unknown, and the few scientific references that exist deal with descriptions and distribution (Pintaud et al. 2008; Stevens 2014; Soares 2015), and a historic anecdotal narration by Noblick (2014). Hoffmann et al. (2014) provided a summary of studies on the genus, highlighting the lack of information available for B. marmorii. The genus Butia itself, in fact, is poorly studied in general, as it is one of the less important palm genera from an economic point of view (Bernal et al. 2011). Soares (2015) made an important contribution to understanding the systematics of the genus, and mentioned the presence of B. marmorii only in Paraguay. No information about its rate of growth, its reproductive biology or its soil or nutrient requirements is available Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay Gauto et al. Butia marmorii, assessing the ecological status of each population recorded. MATERIALS AND METHODS Figure 1. Locality records of Butia marmorii based on Noblick (2006) highlighting Alto Paraná (in Pink) only department where this species is known in Paraguay. Triangles represent specimens from collections. Argentinean record is based on an extinct population. Circle illustrates a photographic record indicated by Noblick (2006) although currently recognized as a different species. See text for further details. for the species, although cultivated specimens from the wild have been grown by institutions such as Montgomery Botanical Center (Griffith 2010), and Jardim Botânico Plantarum (http://www.plantarum.org. br/pagina/menus/125/Acervo_Vivo-Dezembro-2011. pdf), and Itaipu Binacional (Irene Gauto, pers. obs.), to ensure the survival of this evolutionary linage. In order to better understand the threats that a species is facing, it is important to know its real distribution, the density of its populations, and its structure. Distribution models based on physical and ecological characteristics are a useful tool to highlight potential distribution areas of a species, as did Gauto et al. (2011) for B. marmorii. But more precise tools, such as small-scale satellite imagery classification of suitable habitat can show more accurate areas were a species could be found. These results can be verified in situ in order to better understand the real distribution of a species and its current threats in the wild. In this work, we identify new areas of distribution for Potential distribution assessment Gauto et al. (2011) made an extensive analysis of the distribution of Paraguayan palms stating that based on a spatial prediction, Butia marmorii is the Paraguayan palm with the most limited distribution, after the almost extinct Trithrinax brasiliensis var acanthocoma. Working on the hypothesis that the distribution of this palm must be wider than is currently known, we performed a finescale analysis of satellite images. In order to accomplish this, we made a supervised classification and visual interpretation of satellite images, in conjunction with a multi-temporal analysis using the sensors Landsat 1-MSS,5-TM,8-OLI, for the years 1973, 1984, 2002, 2012 and 2013. The analysis was limited to the “area of occupancy” proposed by Gauto et al (2011), in the Alto Paraná Department (eastern Paraguay). A key factor for the analysis was the identification of Cerrado ecoregion, with which the species is strongly associated. The natural habitats of Alto Paraná are, however, highly disturbed, and it can be difficult to distinguish between natural Cerrado and deforested areas. Consequently, images from 1973 and 1984 were used to identify the historical distribution of the Cerrado, and more recent images to assess changes. The satellite image processing for the years 1973–1984 (120m resolution) was performed employing unsupervised classification methods to identify the areas of the potential presence of the palm using the two sites of known presence as a reference point. We then made a visual interpretation to improve the quality of results, in conjunction with an ASTER ASTGTM2 radar image to eliminate areas located in potentially flooded areas since the palm only occurs in highlands (Fig. 2). Finally, we identified the remaining fragments of habitat with a high probability of housing additional populations, through analysis of Landsat Images from the 2012–2013 (30 m of resolution), along with IKONOS and QuickBird high resolution images from Google Earth. Once the map of potential distribution areas was available, field verification was performed to confirm the species presence or absence. Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 10023 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay Gauto et al. Figure 2. Top Left: sites of known presence of the palm in Paraguay. Top Right: Historical location of the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest in the year 1973. Bottom Left: Location of the two known sites in relation to the elevation of the terrain. Bottom Right: Historical location of the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest in the year 1984. In situ population assessment The verification of the presence of Butia marmorii in potential areas of occurrence was made with a series of fieldtrips. In localities where the palm was found to be present, we performed a survey to assess the population density and the ecological characteristics. In each locality, 1ha plots were demarcated, divided into 25 sub-plots of 20×20 m (Dallmeier 1996). The spatial distribution of the 25 sub-plots was not necessarily squared (but maintaining the 400 m²), and the disposition was designed for the best fit with the spatial distribution of the palms and its environment. In each sub-plot, the following data were collected: GPS point, number of specimens, phenology status, soil type, soil coverage density, and associated plant species by surveys in the sub-plots. 10024 RESULTS Distribution assessment A total of 27 polygons were suggested as potential areas of occurrence of the endangered palm Butia marmorii (Fig. 3). All of them were in the northern Alto Paraná Department. The total surface area of these areas was approximately 18.12km2 (Table 1). In situ verification confirmed that several of these localities had already been modified and cleared for crops (mostly soybean). In fact, most of the proposed localities were on farmlands, or in areas with severe environmental modification (Table 1). Thirty-five per cent of the suggested localities could not be closely visited because they were in private land and not authorization could be obtain. Butia marmorii populations were identified in sites 1, 8, 12, and 17 (Fig. 4). Of these four sites, only 1 and 8 showed ecological characteristics that could be analyzed, as they exhibited the lowest degree of environmental disruption. Site 12 corresponded to a growing area, where only a few isolated individuals were Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay Gauto et al. habitat reduction for Butia marmorii (Table 2). Table 1. Surface areas of the polygons of potential presence of Butia marmorii (PB) with the centroid location of each area. Farmlands marked with asterisk (*) were not accessed. Centroid PB Site No. Surface (km2) Lat Long 1 1,258770 -25,02860 -54,98780 Mostly farmland with severe degradation. + 2 1,807270 -25,02130 -55,04820 Farmland with degradation. - 3 1,142490 -25,00490 -55,04010 Severe degradation. - Status 4 0,729304 -24,99450 -55,04420 Mostly farmland with severe degradation. 5 0,616783 -24,98340 -55,05020 Severe degradation. - 6 0,333371 -24,97690 -55,06530 Farmland. - 7 0,612609 -24,98890 -55,07090 Farmland. - 8 0,360043 -24,9823 -55,0808 Mostly farmland. + - 0 0 9 1,046410 -24,99120 -55,08990 Farmland with severe degradation. 10 1,689170 -25,00280 -55,10070 Farmland with degradation. - 11 2,060710 -25,01720 -55,11070 Mostly farmland with severe degradation. - 12 0,492106 -25,0290 -55,0980 Mostly farmland with severe degradation. + 13 1,095350 -25,0170 -55,12830 Farmland*. - 14 0,157780 -24,9930 -55,05580 Farmland. - 15 0,005169 -24,9766 0 -55,0734 Farmland. - 16 0,010207 -24,9780 -55,07410 Farmland. - 17 0,158209 -24,9777 -55,0555 Farmland. + - 0 0 0 18 0,031368 -24,98470 -55,05720 Severe degradation. 19 0,883487 -24,960 -55,07260 Farmland with severe degradation. - 20 0,378927 -25,07820 -55,0270 Farmland. - 21 0,107612 -25,0981 -55,0518 Farmland. - 22 0,144686 -25,0980 -55,04650 Farmland*. - 23 0,334212 -25,014 -54,9694 Farmland. - 24 0,161656 -24,929 -55,1662 Farmland*. - 25 2,128080 -24,93780 -55,14760 Farmland. - 26 0,123344 -24,8458 -55,1873 Farmland*. - 27 0,248713 -24,85220 -55,18670 Farmland. - Total 18,117836 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 found, left by the owner of the establishment. Site 17 is a historical collection locality, with a marked reduction of original coverage caused by strong anthropogenic impact. Anthropogenic impacts through time are clearly visible through satellite analysis (Fig. 4) and are proof of Population assessment We observed an elevated degree of habitat alteration in Cerrado ecosystems where Butia marmorii occurs. Most of the original habitat had been converted into mechanized-agriculture or, to a lesser degree, forestry plantations of exotic species. The parameters and characteristics of the two populations with less anthropogenic impacts are presented below; but given the lack of formal protection these do not have any greater chance of long term survival than any other localities. - Site 1: Locality of first collections. Surface of vegetation = 5.8 hectares. Private property in disuse, with significant anthropogenic impact. Individuals = 1142 (density = 0.11 individuals/m2) (Appendix 1). Individuals reproductively active with flowers, fruits or both together. Mostly sandy soil, reddish, with formations of savannas, grasslands, or secondary forest. Figure 6 shows the composition and floristic diversity (at the family level) for the site. The list of associated species in this site is presented in Appendix 1. - Site 8: Natural area with moderate anthropogenic impact. Surface of vegetation = 16.6 hectares. Individuals = 552 (54 Butia marmorii, 180 B. paraguayensis, and 318 Butia sp. (sterile specimens)). Butia marmorii density was 0.0054 individuals/m2 (Appendix 1). Individuals reproductively active (with flowers/fruits) were found. Mostly clay soil, reddish, with formations of savanna associated shrubs. Figure 6 shows the floristic composition (at the family level) for the site. The composition of the flora and characteristics of this site are presented in Appendix 1. Sites 12 and 17 held a very low population of Butia marmorii with the highest recorded population of just 20 individuals (Site 12), 15 of which were in a tilled area. On sites 2, 7 and 12 were found specimens of Butia paraguayensis and some sterile specimens that could not be identified. DISCUSSION Species distribution models are powerful tools used in biological conservation, and can be used to predict not only the actual distribution of an organism, but also to infer distribution over time and assess how environmental change might affect that chorology (Theurillat & Guisan 2001; Williams et al. 2003; Thomas et al. 2004). The utility of these programs has been Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 10025 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay Gauto et al. Figure 3. Location of proposed sites for field verification. Left: Overview map of the proposed sites. Right: Detailed numeric identification of the potential distribution sites. Table 2. Sites with presence of Butia marmorii and comparison of the natural vegetation cover between 1984 and 2014. See Figure 4 for visualization. Site Figure 4. Potential distribution sites, on a satellite image showing presence status after in situ verification. demonstrated numerous times (Carpenter et al. 1993; Loiselle et al. 2003; Naoki et al. 2006), but the predictions are never completely accurate as they work with climatic 10026 Cover (ha) 1984 2014 Remanent (%) 1 125.9 5.8 4.6 8 36.0 16.6 46.2 12 49.2 9.8 19.9 17 15.8 0.4 2.8 Total 226.9 32.7 14.4 layers, and the programs do not distinguish the presence of cities or deforestation. Gauto et al. (2011) presented a distribution model for Butia marmorii that is extended northwards to Canindeyú and Amambay departments (Fig. 5c in Gauto et al. 2011). The technique employed here however identifies small and fragmented areas as potential localities of occurrence, as it also incorporates information on land use change. Through an a posteriori and in situ verification, new records for Butia marmorii, at least two new sites (Sites 8 and 12), are documented. This is important for our understanding of the distribution of B. marmorii in the country. No additional populations of this rare species have been recorded since the species was described Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 D fi s ft r fibufionandcon se r v afiono fBufiama rmo r fi fifinP a r a gu a y G au ftoe fta l . F fi gu r e5 .Comp a r fi sono ffthean fth ropo g en fi c mod fifi c afion sftofthe l and s c ape finfthes ftud ya r e a , fin1984and2014 ,show fin gfthed fif e r en ce be ftw eenftheh fi s fto r fi cCe r r adoa r e a s ,andcu r r en ftp a ft che sw fi fthp r e sen ceo fBufia ma rmo r fi fi.T opLeft :S fi ft e8 .T opR fi gh ft :S fi ft e17 .BoftomLeft : S fi ft e12 .BoftomR fi gh ft :S fi ft e1 .SeeT ab le2fo rspe c fifi c afion s . F fi gu r e6 .F lo r fi sfi ccompo s fifiono ffthes ftud fieds fi ft e s ,a ftfthef am fi l y le v e l . Jou rn a lo fT h r e a ft enedT a x a|www . fth r e a ft en ed ft a x a .o r g|26Ap r fi l2017|9 (4 ) :10021 –10034 10027 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay Gauto et al. A B C D Figure 7. Changes through time in a spot of Cerrado, in Site 1. Yellow line, limit of the polygon of Site 1. White bar: 300m. A - 13-Apr-2003; B - 1-Aug-2006; C - 14-Nov-2014 (fire intervention); D - 4-May-2015. Images taken from Google Earth v. 7.1.2.2041, accessed on 25-Feb-2016. (Noblick 2006; Gauto et al. 2011). Gauto et al. (2011) categorized this species as Endangered (“EN” following the IUCN criteria) given the reduced area of occupancy. In addition, here we confirm that the species is threatened by deforestation and rapid changes in land use, and that its distribution is fragmented and restricted to increasingly smaller patches. We quantified habitat loss, and just 14% of the original area of occurrence remains today (Table 2, Fig. 4). Such a decline is illustrated in Site 1, the type locality described by Noblick (2006), and which holds the highest number of individuals (Fig. 7). It is possible to see the patch of Cerrado (darker green area in the center of Fig. 7A) located in the southern extreme of Site 1, and its reduction through time due to anthropic intervention (Fig. 7B–D). Hence, we found that 10028 the situation of this palm is even worse than depicted by Gauto et al. (2011). In view of its extent of occurrence (EOO) of less than 100km2, its severely fragmented distribution, and the continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, now we consider Butia marmorii as Critically Endangered CR B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) (Appendix 2) following IUCN categories and criteria (IUCN 2012). In two places we were able to calculate the population density of the species, finding significant differences between the two sites. Butia marmorii density is significantly higher in Site 1, than in Site 8, even when in both sites the two Butia species share habitat. The density of B. paraguayensis in Site 1 was extremely low, whereas in Site 8 it had a higher density (180/ha) than B. marmorii (54/ha). This is a first approach to Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay the knowledge of the ecology of the species and their ecological relationships with other species. The next step is a detailed analysis of environmental conditions to infer the reasons behind the differing density. No previous studies have focused on the estimation of population density in Butia grass-like palms, but estimations of Butia palm trees (Guilherme & Oliveira 2010; V.V.F. Lima 2011, unpub. data) are predictably smaller than our results given the greater size of Butia palm trees. In these localities some individuals show intermediate characteristics between B. marmorii and B. paraguayensis, making it difficult for identification in the field; thus specimens with fertile parts were collected and identified afterwards. More detailed taxonomic studies are thus recommended to better understand the systematics of the genus. A future molecular approach should also be carried out. Given that the area where B. marmorii is present is being rapidly reduced, the chance of panmixis is also reduced, and populations are becoming more isolated. It is alarming that the palm tree Butia eriospatha has a low genetic diversity even in a panmitic population (Nazareno & dos Reis 2012), and that smaller populations are more vulnerable to genetic drift (Nazareno & dos Reis 2014). Needless to say populations of B. marmorii are extremely reduced and urgent and diverse actions are required in order to preserve this linage. REFERENCES Bernal, R., C. Torres, N. García, C. Isaza, J. Navarro, M.I. Vallejo, G. Galeano & H. Balslev (2011). Palm management in South America. The Botanical Review 77(4): 607–646; http://doi.org/10.1007/ s12229-011-9088-6 Calderón, E., G. Galeano & N. García (2005). Libro Rojo de Plantas de Colombia. 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IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1. Second edition. International Union of Conservation of Nature, Gland and Cambridge, 32pp. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2016). Summary Statistics (http:// www.iucnredlist.org/about/summary-statistics). Downloaded on 14 April 2016. Llamozas, S., R.D. de Stefano, W. Meier, R. Riina, F. Stauffer, G. Aymard, O. Huber & R. Ortiz (2003). Libro Rojo de la flora Venezolana. Provita - Fundación Polar - Fundación Instituto Botánico de Venezuela Dr. Tobías Lasser - Conservación Internacional, Caracas, 555pp. Loiselle, B.A., C.A. Howell, C.H. Graham, J.M. Goerck, T. Brooks, K.G. Smith & P.H. Williams (2003). Avoiding pitfalls of using species distribution models in conservation planning. Conservation Biology 17(6): 1591–1600; http://doi.org/10.1111/j.15231739.2003.00359.x Lorenzi, H., L.R. Noblick, F. Kahn & E. Ferreira (2010). Brazilian Flora. Instituto Plantarum de Estudos da Flora, Nova Odessa, 384pp. Naoki, K, M.I. Gómez, R.O. 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Williams (2004). Extinction risk from climate change. Nature 472: 145–148; http://doi.org/10.1038/nature02121 Williams, S.E., E.E. Bolitho & S. Fox (2003). Climate change in Australian tropical rainforests: an impending environmental catastrophe. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Biological Sciences 270: 1887–1892; http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2003.2464 Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 10029 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay Gauto et al. Appendix 1. Data obtained during fieldwork sampling PARCEL 1 - Site 1 (Fieldwork: 23–25 October 2013) SP Bm Bp Bsp Light Soil Vegetation Associated species Secondary forest Luehea candicans, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Guadua sp., Guarea sp., Triumfeta semitriloba, Casearia silvestris, Urochloa brizantha, Allophylus edulis, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Ocotea sp., Desmodium tortuosum, Helietta apiculata, Smilax campestris, Froelichia procera, Anemia tometosa, Campomanesia adamantium, Solanum americanum, Sida rhombifolia, Cenchrus echinatus. 1 1 0 0 Medium Sandy, abundant leaflitter 2 3 0 0 Medium Sandy, reddish Secondary forest Ocotea sp., Gochnatia polymorpha, Acosmium sp., Astronium urundeuva, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Coniza bonariensis, Calliandra brevicaulis, Helietta apiculata, Phyllanthus orbiculatus, Gomphrena macrocephala, Smilax campestris, Borreria verticillata, Allophylus edulis. 3 15 0 0 Medium Sandy, reddish Savanna Gochnatia polymorpha, Gomphrena macrocephala, Astronium urundeuva, Acosmiun sp., Anemia tomentosa, Mandevilla pohliana, Alternanthera hirtula var. nitens, Campomanesia adamantium, Campomanesia pubescens, Cnidoscolus sp. Medium Sandy, abundant leaflitter Savanna Gochnatia polymorpha, Acosmium sp., Allophylus edulis, Nectandra lanceolata, Anemia tomentosa, Campomanesia adamantium, Cnidoscolus sp., Urochloa brizantha, Ocotea sp.., Byrsonima psilandra, Andira humilis, Serjania sp., Heteropteris angustifolia, Dyckia aff. tuberosa, Campomanesia pubescens. Savanna Helietta apiculata, Gochnatia polymorpha, Ocotea sp., Astronium urundeuva, Dyckia aff. tuberosa, Gomphrena macrocephala, Smilax campestris, Cnidoscolus sp., Urochloa brizantha, Arrabigdaea sp., Anemia tomentosa, Desmodium sp., Calea verticillata, Campomanesia adamantium, Andira humilis, Luehea candicans, Galactia sp., Campomanesia pubescens, Hibiscus sp., Allophylus edulis, Solanum lycocarpum, Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Cayaponia sp. 4 5 1 43 1 0 0 0 Abundant Sandy, reddish Savanna Gochnatia polymorpha, Gomphrena macrocephala, Acosmiun sp., Dyckia aff. tuberosa, Cnidoscolus sp., Calea verticillata, Campomensia pubescens, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Croton garckeanus, Hibiscus sp., Froelichia procera, Solanum lycocarpum, Smilax campestris, Astronium urundeuva, Pfaffia sp., Coniza bonariensis, Alternanthera hirtula var. nitens. 6 51 1 0 Abundant Sandy, half covered with leaflitter 7 62 1 0 Abundant Sandy, abundant leaflitter Savanna Acosmium sp., Gochnatia polymorpha, Dyckia aff. tuberosa, Erythroxylum sp., Luehea candicans, Byttneria sp., Byrsonima psilandra, Scoparia dulcis, Calea verticillata, Froelichia procera, Cissampelos sp., Anemia tomentosa, Urochloa brizantha. 8 191 0 0 Abundant Sandy, redish Savanna Gochnatia polymorpha, Dickya sp., Campomanesia pubescens, Solanum lycocarpum, Campomanesia guazumaefolia, Froelichia procera, Pisonia aculeata, Smilax campestris, Bromelia balansae, Serjania erecta, Eugenia uniflora. Medium Sandy, abundant leaflitter Savanna Solanum lycocarpum, Calea verticillata, Dyckia aff. tuberosa, Gochnatia polymorpha, Ocotea sp., Helietta apiculata, Astronium urundeuva, Pennisetum sp., Porophyllum ruderale, Casearia sylvestris, Senecio grisebachii, Bromelia balansae, Urochloa brizantha, Cnidoscolus sp., Guibouchia chodatiana, Luehea candicans, Cissampelos sp., Pyrostegia venusta, Gomphrena sp., Tibouchina sp., Mimosa sp.. Savanna Astronium urundeuva, Erythroxylum sp., Campomanesia guazumaefolia, Adenocalymma marginatum, Gochnatia polymorpha, Acosmium sp., Dyckia aff. tuberosa, Cayaponia sp., Annona sp., Cnidoscolus sp, Calea verticillata, Campomanesia pubescens, Cissampelos sp, Mimosa sp, Scoparia dulcis, Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Andira humilis. 9 36 1 0 10 21 0 0 Medium Sandy, abundant leaflitter 11 77 0 0 Abundant Sandy, redish Savanna Solanum lycocarpum, Pyrostegia venusta, Urochloa brizantha, Acosmium sp., Smilax campestris, Erythroxilum sp., Bromelia balansae, Astronium urundeuva, Andira humilis, Eugenia uniflora, Calea verticillata, Dyckia aff. tuberosa, Croton sp., Coniza bonariensis, Cayapona sp., Duguetia furfuracea. 12 39 0 0 Medium Sandy, abundant leaflitter Savanna Urochloa brizantha, Acosmium sp., Gochnatia polymorpha, Campomanesia guazumaefolia, Campomanesia pubescens, Cissampelos sp., Senecio grisebachii, Eugenia uniflora, Tabernaemontana catharinesis. 13 6 0 0 Abundant Sandy, redish Degraded grassland Coniza bonariensis, Borreria verticillata, Pyrostegia venusta, Gomphrena macrocephala, Urochloa brizantha, Bulbostylis capillaris, Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Gochnatia polymorpha, Sonchus oleraceus, Gamochaeta sp. Degraded grassland Astronium urundeuva, Annona dioica, Rhynchospora corimbosa, Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Cnidoscolus sp., Coniza bonariensis, Sonchus oleraceus, Allagoptera leucocalyx, Solanum americanum, Pyrostegia venusta, Gomphrena celosioides, Scoparia dulcis, Solanum palinacanthum, Calea verticillata. Degraded grassland Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Baccharis sp., Solanum sisymbriifolium, Sonchus oleraceus, Coniza bonariensis, Annona dioica, Calea verticillata, Dyckia aff. tuberosa, Pyrostegia venusta, Richardia brasiliensis, Gamochaeta sp., Allagoptera leucocalyx, Acisanthera sp. 14 25 0 0 Abundant Sandy, redish 15 26 0 0 Abundant Sandy, redish 10030 Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay SP Bm Bp Bsp 16 16 0 17 58 18 18 19 25 Gauto et al. Light Soil Vegetation Associated species 0 Abundant Sandy, redish Degraded grassland Gomphrena macrocephala, Coniza bonariensis, Sonchus oleraceus, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Rhynchelitrum repens, Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Borreria verticillata, Pyrostegia venusta, Digitaria sp. 1 0 Abundant Sandy, redish Degraded grassland Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Coniza bonariensis, Urochloa brizantha, Pyrostegia venusta, Richardia brasiliensis, Annona sp., Borreria verticillata, Campomanesia pubescens, Sonchus oleraceus, Mimosa sp., Baccharis sp. 0 0 Abundant Sandy, redish Degraded grassland Pyrostegia venusta, Coniza bonariensis, Digitaria sp., Paspalum sp., Sonchus oleraceus, Panicum sp., Calea verticillata, Solanum lycocarpum, Campomanesia guazumaefolia, Annona dioica, Baccharis sp., Gomphrena celosioides, Mimosa sp. Medium Sandy, abundant leaflitter Degraded forest Urochloa brizantha, Gochnatia polymorpha, Luehea candicans, Ocotea sp., Cnidoscolus sp., Cereus stenogonus, Acosmium sp., Guarea sp., Baccharis sp., Erythroxylum sp., Allophylus edulis, Mimosa sp., Bromelia balansae, Dyckia aff. tuberosa, Anemia phyllitidis, Pyrostegia venusta, Cayaponia sp., Allagoptera leucocalyx, Smilax campestris, Eugenia sp., Helietta apiculata, Cissampelos sp., Gomphrena macrocephala, Senecio grisebachii, Calea verticillata. Degraded forest Urochloa brizantha, Acosmium sp., Gochnatia polymorpha, Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Casearia sylvestris, Nectandra lanceolata, Baccharis sp., Alternanthera hirtula var. nitens, Bromelia balansae, Allophylus edulis, Senecio grisebachii, Cnidoscolus sp., Guarea sp., Eugenia sp., Campomanesia guazumaefolia. 0 0 20 2 0 0 Medium Sandy, abundant leaflitter 21 8 0 0 Abundant Sandy, redish Savanna Urochloa brizantha, Baccharis sp., Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Mimosa sp., Calea verticillata, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Cnidoscolus sp., Pyrostegia venusta, Scoparia dulcis, Gomphrena macrocephala, Senecio grisebachii. 22 148 0 0 Abundant Sandy, redish Savanna Bromelia balansae, Smilax campestris, Acosmium sp., Ocotea sp., Allophylus edulis, Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Cissampelos sp., Solanum lycocarpum, Senecio grisebachii, Dyckia aff. tuberosa. 23 254 0 0 Abundant Sandy, redish Savanna Pennisetum sp., Allagoptera leucocalyx, Gomphrena celosioides, Calea verticillata, Coniza bonariensis, Duguetia furfuracea. 24 15 0 0 Abundant Sandy, redish Savanna Bromelia balansae, Smilax campestris, Acosmium sp., Ocotea sp., Allophylus edulis, Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Cissampelos sp., Solanum lycocarpum, Senecio grisebachii, Dyckia aff. tuberosa. Medium Sandy, redish Savanna Luehea candicans, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Guadua sp., Guarea sp., Triumfeta semitriloba, Casearia silvestris, Urochloa brizantha, Allophylus edulis, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Ocotea sp., Desmodium tortuosum, Helietta apiculata, Smilax campestris, Froelichia procera, Anemia tometosa, Campomanesia adamantium, Solanum americanum, Sida rhombifolia, Cenchrus echinatus. 25 1 0 0 PARCEL 2 - Site 8 (Fieldwork: 28–30 December 2013) SP Bm Bp Bsp Light Soil Vegetation Associated species Savanna Solanum sisymbriifolium, Campomanesia sp., Calea verticilata, Verbenaceae. 1 9 16 27 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam 2 1 1 10 Medium Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Schinnus weinmannifolius, Bromelia balansae, Campomanesia sp., Urochloa brizantha. 3 0 2 5 Medium Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Baccharis frenguelli, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Eugenia uniflora, Campomanesia sp., Solidago chilensis, Macrosiphonia petraea. 4 0 2 2 Medium Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Calea verticilata, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Gomphrena macrocephala, Hibiscus striatus, Macrosiphonia petraea, Solidago chilensis, Bromelia balansae, Acrocomia aculeata, Allophylus edulis, Baccharis frenguelli. 5 0 1 8 Medium Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Solanum lycocarpum, Campomanesia pubescens, Hibiscus striatus, Macrosiphonia petraea, Macrosiphonia petraea var. pinifolia, Baccharis frenguelli, Eryngium sp. 6 1 2 8 Medium Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Baccharis frenguelli, Hibiscus striatus, Campomanesia pubescens, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Calea verticilata, Verbenaceae, Gomphrena macrocephala, Baccharis trimera, Mimosa dolens, Heteropterys angustifolia, Bromelia balansae, Erytroxylum sp. 7 0 3 4 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Baccharis frenguelli, Campomanesia pubescens, Campomanesia guazumaefolia, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Lippia alba, Macrosiphonia petraea, Mimosa dolens, Bromelia balansae, Tabebuia aff. ochraceae, Julocroton solanaceus. 8 4 2 0 Low Reddish, clayish loam Shrubland Eugenia uniflora, Tabebuia cfr. ochraceae, Baccharis frenguelli, Allophylus edulis, Bromelia balansae, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Macrosiphonia longiflora. 9 0 1 8 Medium Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Campomanesia guazumaefolia, Baccharis frenguelli, Heteropterys angustifolia, Gomphrena macrocephala, Baccharis articulata, Melochia sp., Eugenia uniflora, Allophylus edulis. Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 10031 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay SP Bm Bp Bsp Light Soil Gauto et al. Vegetation Associated species Savanna Cuphea sp., Hibiscus striatus, Pfaffia glomerata, Campomanesia pubescens, Campomanesia guazumaefolia, Solanum sisymbriifolium. 10 5 13 21 Medium Reddish, clayish loam 11 3 3 16 Medium Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Campomanesia pubescens, Aloysia gratissima, Bromelia balansae, Solanum lycocarpum, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Baccharis trimera. 12 0 5 11 Low Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Solanum lycocarpum, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Campomanesia pubescens, Bromelia balansae, Allophylus edulis, Aloysia gratissima, Fabaceae. 13 0 3 2 Medium Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Aloysia gratissima, Lippia alba, Campomanesia pubescens, Campomanesia guazumaefolia. 14 16 11 19 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Bromelia balansae, Hibiscus striatus, Campomanesia pubescens, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Solanum lycocarpum, Allophylus edulis, Tabebuia aff. ochraceae, Fabaceae. 15 2 35 25 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Hibiscus striatus, Campomanesia guazumaefolia, Solanum lycocarpum, Aloysia gratissima, Aloysia gratissima, Cayaponia sp., Verbenaceae, Fabaceae. 16 0 3 9 Medium Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Campomanesia pubescens, Campomanesia guazumaefolia, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Bromelia balansae, Hibiscus striatus, Calea verticilata, Allagoptera leucocalyx, Macrosiphonia petraea, Fagara sp., Lychnophora salicifolia. 17 1 16 25 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Calea verticilata, Campomanesia pubescens, Baccharis frenguelli, Baccharis articulata, Lychnophora salicifolia, Verbenaceae. 18 0 11 5 Medium Reddish, clayish loam Savanna Calea verticilata, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Campomanesia pubescens. 19 6 5 28 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Grassland Vernonia sp., Pfaffia glomerata, Gomphrena macrocephala, Aloysia gratissima, Bromelia balansae, Mimosa dolens. 20 5 12 25 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Grassland Sapium longifolium, Vernonia sp., Calea verticilata, Aspilia sp. 21 0 2 11 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Grassland Lippia alba, Aloysia gratissima, Gomphrena macrocephala, Bromelia balansae, Vernonia sp., Solanum sisymbriifolium, Cnidosculus sp. 22 0 13 13 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Grassland Vernonia sp., Gomphrena macrocephala, Aloysia gratissima, Solanum lycocarpum, Baccharis frenguelli, Baccharis articulata. 23 0 3 4 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Grassland Macrosiphonia petraea, Vernonia sp., Aloysia gratissima, Solanum lycocarpum, Gomphrena macrocephala, Calea verticilata. 24 0 12 5 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Grassland Gomphrena macrocephala, Macrosiphonia petraea, Julocroton solanaceus, Cuphea sp, Alibertia sesilis, Melochia sp., Verbenaceae. 25 1 3 27 Abundant Reddish, clayish loam Grassland Lychnophora salicifolia, Vernonia sp., Fabaceae. SP - Sub-parcel (20m2); Bm - Individuals of Butia marmori per sub-parcel; Bp - Butia paraguayensis; Bsp - Butia sp. 10032 Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay Gauto et al. Appendix 2. IUCN Red List Assessment: Butia marmorii Noblick, 2006 Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Arecales Family: Arecaceae Genus: Butia Species: B. marmorii Authority: Noblick 2006 Common name: Taxonomic notes: The palm Butia marmorii was described by Noblick (2006) based on two close populations in eastern Paraguay. Currently, Gauto et al. (2011) discovered additional populations in close related areas. Assessment Information Red List Category and Criteria (Version 6.2): Critically Endangered B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v). Justification: Butia marmorii is assessed as Critically Endangered as its distribution is severely fragmented but restricted to a range of less than 100km2 in the eastern part of Paraguay, which is impacted by anthropogenic factors such as agriculture resulting in a continuing decline in the extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, number of mature individuals, and locations. The original patch from where the holotype was extracted was reduced to half its size in a span of 10 years. Geographic Range / Distribution information Range description: The species is restricted to a small area in the eastern part of Paraguay, in patches of Cerrado in association with Alto Parana Atlantic Forest (Fig. 1). Countries of occurrence: Paraguay (Alto Paraná Department). Extent of Occurrence (EOO): Its EOO is estimated in less than 100km2 in a severely fragmented area, which is still currently under a severe anthropogenic impact. Area of Occupancy (AOO): AOO was not estimated. Number of locations: This species is known from four severely fragmented locations, where the main threat is the modification of the original environment. Range map: The known distribution of this species is shown in Fig. 1. Population information Population: The species was estimated to have a density of 0.0054–0.11 individuals/m2 depending on the environmental conditions of the site. Then, if we consider a mean of ~0.06 individuals/m2, the estimation would be approximately 600 individuals (including matures and offspring). Population trend: The population is in constant decline, given the reduction of its area of distribution. In fact, in Fig. 7 is shown how a single patch (type locality and patch with higher density) was reduced to the half of its size in 10 years. Habitat and Ecological information Habitat and ecology: The species is found in subtropical savanna like vegetation known as Cerrado, in association with Alto Parana Atlantic Forest. The original environment (now modified to crop farming) was a tessellation of forests and savannas established on reddish sandy soils. The climate in that area is warm temperate with a marked seasonality of dry and cold season (June–August) with mean temperatures between 10 and 24 ºC and precipitations of 80–120 mm per month, and a humid and warm season (October–February) with mean temperatures between 18 and 32 ºC and precipitations of 140–200 mm per month. The exact flowering period is not known, although specimens with flowers and fruits were seen from November to March. A high rate of the seeds are predated by beetles. Information on Threat Threats: Habitat modification is the main threat of the species. In the area where the species occurs there are several crop farms, and every year farmers clear new areas of natural cover for plantation of cereals (primarily soy bean). Additional threats: No additional threats are known so far. Use and Trade information Use: Local people do not collect the species since no uses are known. Livelihoods and sustenance: Local communities are not dependent on this species for their livelihoods or sustenance. Trend in off take from the wild: The survivorship of transplanted specimens is low (about 20%). Trend in off take from cultivation: Not yet observed. Commercial value: The species has no known local, domestic, national or international commercial value. Information on Conservation Actions Conservation actions: Ex situ conservation actions were taken by the Missouri Botanical Center. That institution kept a collection of Butia marmorii for 10 years. Currently, none of the specimens survive in that collection. More recently, the nonprofit Paraguayan organization Asociación Etnobotánica Paraguaya together with the Botanical Garden of the capital city of the country, and the institution Itaipú Binacional, performed a project to maintain specimens in different botanical gardens with low rate of success. Some specimens are kept by the Instituto Plantarum in Brazil. All the specimens came from the same site (type locality) shown in Fig. 7. Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 10033 Distribution and conservation of Butia marmorii in Paraguay Gauto et al. Research in place: The first research carried out in place was at the moment of the original description. Later Gauto et al. (2011) studied the population for the second time, and in this work we present the first data about ecological aspects of the species. Research needed: Detailed taxonomic and genetic studies are recommended to better understand the systematics of the genus. Monitoring in place: There is no monitoring of the species, population or habitat in place. Monitoring needed: Population and site monitoring are urgently required. Education in place: While we carried this work, we accomplished some educational activities with local communities. Nevertheless, no other education action was made in the past. Education needed: It is important to perform educational activities in the place where this species is present, so people can learn about the scientific value of the species. Author Details: I. Gauto holds a master degree in botany, specialized in palm conservation; she worked in conservation projects for the NGO Guyra Paraguay and was Executive Director of the Asociación Etnobotánica Paraguaya (AEPY), being currently linked as an active member of the AEPY. F. Palacios by the time of the study he was working as a consultant at the geo-processing department of the Guyra Paraguay, with focus on change detection, climate change, natural resources management, modeling of forestry scenarios; and currently he’s finishing a master in Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics at the Hochschule für Technik-Stuttgart, Germany. P. Marchi was the coordinator of the project “Paraguayan Ethnobotany” of AEPY; and currently doing a master degree in environmental science and ecology at the Universita de Pisam Italy. N. Silva is technician in agroecology who worked as curator of the botanical garden kept by AEPY. G. Céspedes is the current Executive Director of the AEPY, professor at the National University of Concepción, Paraguay, associate researcher of the Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica (CEDIC), and is an active researcher (PRONII, level I) of the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT). Author Contribution: IG and GC designed the study; IG obtained financial support; fieldwork carried out by all the authors; FP analyzed satellite images; IG, PM, and GC analyzed fieldwork data; IG wrote the manuscript; FP and GC revised the manuscript. Threatened Taxa 10034 Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2017 | 9(4): 10021–10034 OPEN ACCESS The Journal of Threatened Taxa is dedicated to building evidence for conservation globally by publishing peer-reviewed articles online every month at a reasonably rapid rate at www.threatenedtaxa.org. All articles published in JoTT are registered under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License unless otherwise mentioned. JoTT allows unrestricted use of articles in any medium, reproduction, and distribution by providing adequate credit to the authors and the source of publication. ISSN 0974-7907 (Online); ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) April 2017 | Vol. 9 | No. 4 | Pages: 10021–10140 Date of Publication: 26 April 2017 (Online & Print) DOI: 10.11609/jott.2017.9.4.10021-10140 www.threatenedtaxa.org Articles Distribution and population status assessment of the endemic grass-like palm Butia marmorii (Arecales: Arecaceae) in Paraguay -- Irene Gauto, Fernando Palacios, Pamela Marchi, Nelson Silva & Gloria Céspedes, Pp. 10021–10034 Conservation of the Southern River Terrapin Batagur affinis (Reptilia: Testudines: Geoemydidae) in Malaysia: a case study involving local community participation -- Pelf Nyok Chen, Pp. 10035–10046 Butterflies associated with major forest types in Arunachal Pradesh (eastern Himalaya), India: implications for ecotourism and conservation planning -- Arun P. Singh, Pp. 10047–10075 Communication Traditional home garden agroforestry systems: habitat for conservation of Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus (Passeriformes: Ploceidae) in Assam, India -- Yashmita-Ulman, Awadhesh Kumar & Madhubala Sharma, Pp. 10076–10083 Peer Commentary Livestock and wild herbivores in the western Himalaya: competition or co-existence? -- Zarreen Syed & Mohd Shahnawaz Khan, Pp. 10084–10088 Short Communications Conservation status assessment and new population record of the threatened Golden Himalayan Spike Phlomoides superba (Royle ex Benth.) Kamelin & Makhm. from Jammu & Kashmir, India -- Amber Srivastava, Yash Pal Sharma, O.P. Sharma Vidyarthi & Sunil Kumar Srivastava, Pp. 10089–10095 Host specificity of some wood-decaying fungi in moist deciduous forests of Kerala, India -- A. Muhammed Iqbal, Kattany Vidyasagaran & Narayan Ganesh, Pp. 10096–10101 New records of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespinae: Vespa and Provespa) from Bhutan -- Phurpa Dorji, Thinley Gyeltshen, Wim Klein & Tshering Nidup, Pp. 10102–10108 Butterfly diversity (Lepidoptera: Rhophalocera) associated with nectar feeding on Ziziphus mauritiana Lamarck (Rosales: Rhamnaceae) flowers in Chuadanga, Bangladesh -- Tahsinur Rahman Shihan, Pp. 10109–10114 First record of a Wrinkle-lipped Free-tailed Bat Chaerephon plicatus Buchannan, 1800 (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Molossidae) colony in Sri Lanka, with notes on echolocation calls and taxonomy -- Tharaka Kusuminda & Wipula B. Yapa, Pp. 10115–10120 Density and obligatory feeding habits of an isolated Golden Jackal Canis aureus L. (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) population in Pirotan Island, Gulf of Kachchh, India -- Kamaraj Ramkumaran, Rethnaraj Chandran, Chowdula Satyanarayana, Kailash Chandra & Tikadar Shyamal, Pp. 10121–10124 Notes The seasonal occurrence of the Whale Shark Rhincodon typus (Smith, 1828) (Orectolobiformes: Rhincodontidae) along the Odisha coast, India -- Shesdev Patro, Biraja Kumar Sahu, Chandanlal Parida, Madhusmita Dash & K.C. Sahu, Pp. 10125–10129 A new record of Gunther’s Waspfish Snyderina guentheri (Boulenger, 1889) (Scorpaeniformes: Tetrarogidae) from Visakhapatnam, India -- Muddula Krishna Naranji & Sujatha Kandula, Pp. 10130– 10132 First record of Neojurtina typica from India (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) -- S. Salini, Pp. 10133–10137 Xenomerus orientalis Walker (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae): a new distribution record for India -- Kalmesh Managanvi, A.K. Karnatak & M.A. Khan, Pp. 10138–10140 Threatened Taxa