A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Johannesburg, 2014. / Climate change (CC) is expected to have profound impacts on biodiversity, but predicting these remains a major scientific challenge. Current approaches to quantifying such impacts focus largely on measuring exposure to CC, ignoring the biological traits that may significantly increase or reduce species’ vulnerability. In addition, their input requirements restrict use to wide-spread and better-studied species, creating taxonomic and geographic biases in global CC vulnerability estimates. To address this, I developed a framework which draws on both biological traits and exposure modelling to assess three dimensions of CC, namely exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. In the first fully-representative study of entire taxonomic groups, my collaborators and I applied this framework to each of the world’s birds, amphibians and corals (16,857 species). Results identify the Amazon as an area of high concentration of CC vulnerable birds and amphibians, and the central Indo-west Pacific (Coral Triangle) for corals. Comparisons with species’ IUCN Red List threat statuses reveal species and regions both of new and greatest overall priority for conservation globally.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment of the MSc by Coursework Degree (in Resource Conservation Biology) June 2017. South Africa. / Understanding why species occur where they do and, predicting where species might migrate to under different global change scenarios is an important aspect of biodiversity conservation. Regions that harbour high levels of species diversity and endemism arising from sharp local climatic and ecological gradients are highly susceptible to changing conditions. Kumara plicatilis is a tree aloe endemic to the Boland mountain ranges in the species-rich fynbos region in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The species is currently listed as Least Concern as far as habitat degradation, population decline, invasive species and direct-use threats are concerned although impacts of anthropogenic climate change on this habitat specialist remain undocumented. This study used species distribution models to successfully classify the environmental niche of the species as well as delineate spatial patterns of probable occurrence and abundance based on this niche. In addition, models based on the IPCCs 2014 ‘best-case’ and ‘worst-case’ climate change scenarios provide projections of changes in the spatial occurrence patterns of Kumara plicatilis expected under conditions of shifting climates. Niche-based statistical analyses were further used to draw temporal comparisons between current and future projected ranges to ascertain the degree and properties of shared niche space now and in the future. Results indicate that suitable habitat conditions for the species distribution is irregularly spread around the central and southwestern fynbos region constrained by several climatic and biophysical variables including winter rainfall and temperature conditions as well as vegetation type. The species is expected to experience limited to severe declines in the area of suitable habitat available under mild and harsh climate change conditions, respectively. The patterns arising from these models are in line with the environmental niche measurements which show large degrees of overlap between current and future niche space of the species. These outcomes suggest that Kumara plicatilis displays traits of environmental niche conservatism where unsuitable climate and biophysical conditions can limit its geographic range and local extinction of populations can occur due to global change. Whilst the results of this study offer a useful and initial insight into the possible impacts of shifting climates on this species, outcomes from modeling should be interpreted with caution to reach the best management decisions and conservation action for this endemic species. / MT 2017

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 6 November 2015. / Environmental degradation and pollution continue to characterise the mining sector in South Africa despite a robust legislative framework which is aimed at enhancing sustainable mining practices. Of particular concern is the impact of mining on biodiversity. During 2013 the Departments of Environmental Affairs and Mineral Resources, together with the South African Mining and Biodiversity Forum, an alliance of stakeholders from industry, conservation organisations and government facilitated by the Chamber of Mines of South Africa, released the South African Mining and Biodiversity Guideline (SAMBG), which aim to mainstream biodiversity into the mining sector. The guideline seek to integrate biodiversity considerations into planning processes and manage biodiversity through the lifecycle of a mine, and so contribute to better outcomes. In addition to the guideline, mining companies that obtain funding from financial institutions that are signatory to the Equator Principles are required to implement IFC Performance Standard 6 (IFC PS6) which also deals with biodiversity conservation. There is a concern that the SAMBG adds further to the burgeoning pile of standards, guidelines and best practices that mining companies are required to meet, but without necessarily adding anything new. This research project deals with this concern through a review of the SAMBG to assess their potential contribution to biodiversity conservation and to determine, through a comparative analysis, whether any overlaps and gaps exist between the guideline and IFC PS6. A qualitative methodology was used to understand how the Aichi Biodiversity Targets are addressed by the SAMBG. Based on this review a conclusion as to the role of the SAMBG amongst the range of guidelines and standards was drawn. The research indicated that there is alignment between the SAMBG, the IFC PS6, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and South African national environmental legislation. They all aim to achieve a similar outcome, the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, but provided different levels of detail and are targeted at slightly different audiences.

The fluvio-lacustrine rocks of the Beaufort Group, South Africa have long been known for their tetrapod fossil record, which is the richest and most complete Middle Permian to Middle Triassic record for any terrestrial sequence in the world. The abundance of fossil material has enabled the Beaufort Group to be biostratigraphically subdivided into between 8 and 10 tetrapod assemblage zones, of which the lowest three (Eodicynodon, Tapinocephalus and Pristerognathus) are attributed to the Middle Permian. These lower assemblage zones record the earliest therapsiddominated faunas and, because they were recorded during a largely uninterrupted period of deposition, make the Beaufort Group the only place in the world where biodiversity change through the terrestrial Middle Permian can be effectively studied. In the last two decades, much interest has focused on an extinction of marine invertebrates at or close to the end of the Middle Permian (Guadalupian epoch), but the existence of a concurrent extinction in the terrestrial realm is contentious. The Beaufort Group is already well known to record the Permo-Triassic Mass Extinction but it also records an earlier extinction at the top of the Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone (AZ). This extinction is very poorly understood but recent radiometric dates for many Permian assemblage zones of the Beaufort Group have confirmed a Middle Permian age for Eodicynodon, Tapinocephalus and Pristerognathus assemblage zones and suggest that the end-Tapinocephalus AZ extinction may coincide with the marine extinctions. A recently produced GIS database that accommodates all Beaufort Group fossil material curated in South Africa formed the basis on which the stratigraphic range of individual specimens was calculated. To put the fossil localities in a stratigraphic context, lithostratigraphic information was retrieved from the literature and extensive fieldwork was conducted, which measured stratigraphic sections in key areas and traced the surface outcrop of lithostratigraphic units. In order to compensate for lateral variations in lithostratigraphy, the basin was split into sectors, each represented by a stratigraphic section. The stratigraphic ranges of fossil specimens and, subsequently, of genera and families could then be calculated and a workable biostratigraphic subdivision of the Middle Permian Beaufort Group proposed. The Abrahamskraal Formation, which forms the majority of the Middle Permian Beaufort sequence, can be divided into six lithostratigraphic members based on the occurrence of sandstone ‘packages’. These members were traced laterally across the Basin and their correspondence with fining-upwards cycles was refined and correlated with the newly defined biostratigraphic units. This refined two-pronged stratigraphic subdivision allowed the recognition of a waning period of subsidence in the proximal sector of the Karoo Basin during the Middle Permian. Stratigraphic ranges of individual genera were found to be far more heterogeneous than previously recognised. Dicynodont genera are useful biostratigraphic indicators due to their relative abundance and well-defined stratigraphic ranges, while dinocephalians and pareiasaurs are clustered in the upper part of the Abrahamskraal Formation. The stratigraphic range of Eodicynodon extends further up in the Abrahamskraal Formation than was previously recognised. The Tapinocephalus AZ is restricted to approximately the upper fifth of the Abrahamskraal Formation and is characterised by advanced tapinocephalid dinocephalians and the pareiasaur Bradysaurus. Between these two biozones is a stratigraphic interval dubbed the mid- Abrahamskraal Formation Transition Zone, where both Eodicynodon and advanced tapinocephalids coexisted. A 75 % loss of generic diversity occurred between the upper Tapinocephalus AZ and the base of the Pristerognathus AZ, which corresponds to a stratigraphic interval between the mid-Karelskraal Member of the Abrahamskraal Formation and the mid- Poortjie Member of the Teekloof Formation. Several taxa that survive the end- Tapinocephalus AZ extinction, and are relatively common in the overlying Pristerognathus AZ (scylacosaurid therocephalians, the dicynodont genus Eosimops and the parareptile Eunotosaurus), all became extinct in the upper Poortjie Member at a time when generic originations are increasing. This suggests a second wave of extinctions in a similar fashion to that recorded at the Permo-Triassic boundary.

Geophilomorpha é a mais diversa dentre as cinco ordens de Chilopoda, contando com 1250 espécies em sete famílias e 215 gêneros. Na região neotropical são conhecidos cerca de 320 espécies e 91 gêneros, distribuídos em cinco famílias: Balophilidae, Schendylidae, Oriydae, Mecistocephalidae e Geophilidae. Aphilodontinae atualmente pertence à Geophilidae e possui distribuição na região centro-sul do continente Sul americano e África do Sul. Atualmente conta com quatro gêneros: Aphilodon com 14 espécies, sendo destas, quatro neotropicais e 10 africanas, Mecophilus e Mecistauchenus, endêmicos do Brasil e Philacroterium, sul-africano, os três monotípicos. Neste projeto são abordadas as relações filogenéticas e a taxonomia dos gêneros de Aphilodontinae através de estudo morfológico com base no material-tipo e não tipo, encontrados nas principais coleções miriapodológicas nacionais e internacionais. Treze das dezessete espécies válidas de Aphilodontinae foram examinadas e sete novas espécies são descritas para o Brasil nos estados do Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais. Para o estudo filogenético, 34 terminais tiveram 54 caracteres morfológicos analisados, sendo 14 obtidos na literatura e 40 testados pela primeira vez. Representantes de 20 espécies de Aphilodontinae foram commparados com no mínimo dois representantes de todas as outras subfamílias de Geophilidae, incluindo Geophilinae, Ribautiinae, Macronicophilinae, Dignathodontinae e Linotaeniinae. Dicellophilus carniolencis, de Mecistocephalidae foi utilizado para enraizamento. A análise filogenética foi realizada no programa T.N.T. sob busca exaustiva (Comando IP) com pesagem igualitária. A otimização realizada no software Winclada foi baseada na não ambiguidade de estado entre terminais. Como resultado recuperamos uma única árvore mais parcimoniosa, com 119 passos. Os resultados de nossa análise mostram uma nova disposição dos táxons em Aphilodontinae, onde: 1- Geoperingueyia (Geophilidae) deve ser transferido para Aphilodontinae. 2- Mecistauchenus e Mecophilus são sinônimos juniores de Aphilodon. 3- As espécies africanas de Aphilodon são relacionadas a espécie-tipo de Philacroterium, e, portanto, transferidas. Com base em nossos resultados fornecemos chaves de identificação para as subfamílias de Geophilidae, para os gêneros de Aphilodontinae e suas espécies, uma nova organização taxonômica para Aphilodontinae, assim como mapas de distribuição das espécies da subfamília / Geophilomorpha is the most diverse of the five orders of Chilopoda, counting on 1250 species in seven families and 215 genera. For the Neotropical region about 320 species are known, 91 genera in five families: Balophilidae, Schendylidae, Oriydae, Mecistocephalidae e Geophilidae. Aphilodontinae is currently a member of the Geophilidae and has a distribution in the south-central region of the South American continent and South Africa. It currently has four genera: Aphilodon with 14 species, four Neotropical and 10 African, Mecophilus and Mecistauchenus, endemic to Brazil and Philacroterium, South African, the three monotypic. In this project we discuss the phylogenetic relationships and the taxonomy of Aphilodontinae genera through a morphological study based on the type and non-type material found in the main national and international miriapodological collections. Thirteen of the seventeen valid species of Aphilodontinae were examined and seven new species are described for Brazil in the states of Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. For the phylogenetic study, 34 terminals had 54 morphological characters analyzed, of which 14 were obtained in the literature and 40 were tested for the first time. Representatives of 20 species of Aphilodontinae were compared with at least two representatives of all other subfamilies of Geophilidae, including Geophilinae, Ribautiinae, Macronicophilinae, Dignathodontinae and Linotaeniinae. Dicellophilus carniolencis, from Mecistocephalidae was used for rooting. The phylogenetic analysis was performed in the TNT program under exhaustive search (IP Command) with egalitarian weighing. The optimization performed in the Winclada software was based on the unambiguous state between terminals. As a result, we recovered a single more parsimonious tree, with 119 steps. The results of our analysis show a new arrangement of the taxa in Aphilodontinae, where: 1- Geoperingueyia (Geophilidae) should be transferred into Aphilodontinae. 2- Mecistauchenus and Mecophilus are junior synonyms of Aphilodon. 3 - The African species of Aphilodon are related to species-type of Philacroterium, and, therefore, are transferred. Based on our results we provided identification keys for the subfamilies of Geophilidae, for the genera of Aphilodontinae and their species, a new taxonomic organization for Aphilodontinae, as well as distribution maps of the subfamily species

Thesis advisor: David Krauss / In an attempt to better understand the biodiversity of an urban ecosystem, we have conducted plant and bird biodiversity assessments of 10 sites in the Greater Boston area from September 2002-April 2003. These sites have been identified by the Urban Ecology Institute as important green areas through the Natural Cities Program. The purpose of this program is to create a greater body of knowledge of urban green spaces and the greater urban ecosystem of Boston. Our objective was to quantify plant and bird biodiversity by focusing on species richness. We then compared this biodiversity information to various factors such as area of impervious surface, and area of maintained lawn. Our analysis did not demonstrate statistically significant relationships between these factors. / Thesis (BS) — Boston College, 2003. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Biology. / Discipline: College Honors Program.

A análise de mapas da vegetação nativa do estado de São Paulo elaborados ao longo dos séculos XIX, XX e XXI, revela diferentes possibilidades de interpretação da fitogeografia estadual, embora revele também muitos aspectos convergentes, como por exemplo, tipos florestais na fachada Atlântica adaptados a maior umidade que aqueles tipos do interior. Em busca de elementos territoriais que favorecessem a compreensão da organização fitogeográfica estadual foi elaborada uma revisão do conhecimento geomorfológico do estado de São Paulo que permitiu individualizar os principais aspectos do relevo paulista. A comparação entre as propostas que descreveram e mapearam a vegetação nativa com os principais tipos de relevo indicou a possível ocorrência de vinte e três tipos de ambientes terrestres com afinidades fitogeográficas, além de dois aquáticos e ambientes de exceção, de ocorrência muito localizada. O reconhecimento deste conjunto de ambientes permitiu ainda a elaboração de uma análise da distribuição das Unidades de Conservação (UCs) de Proteção Integral no território estadual revelando a concentração destas na Serra do Mar Paranapiacaba, seguido pelo Planalto Atlântico, em contraste com o restante do Estado que apresenta grandes vazios e UCs isoladas. A atual área protegida neste tipo de categoria alcança atualmente 3,8% do território paulista. Os resultados finais revelaram que o conhecimento da fitogeografia nativa estadual precisa ser aprimorado para que possa expressar sua real diversidade original e que o relevo pode ser a base territorial para esta organização, agregando dados botânicos, climáticos e pedológicos. Sugere-se que a nova proposta de mapeamento adote uma plataforma digital e escalas entre 1:250.000 e 1:500.000, além de uma classificação fisionômica-ecológica para os níveis superiores, admitindo subdivisões com base na flora ou em condições ambientais específicas. A terminologia poderá ser aquela proposta pelo mapa oficial da vegetação brasileira do IBGE, adaptando-a, no entanto, a condições mais localizadas. Ações voltadas à restauração ou à conservação da biodiversidade, bem como processos de planejamento ambiental-territorial serão tanto melhores quanto melhor forem as bases conceituais e de informação no qual se apóiem. Deste modo a falta de conhecimento fitogeográfico adequado pode induzir a ações que levam a biosimplificação e favoreçam, cada vez mais, a homogeneização de paisagens. / The analysis of native vegetation maps of the state of São Paulo elaborated throughout the XIX, XX and XXI centuries shows different possibilities for the interpretation of the state phytogeography, although it also reveals many converging aspects, e.g., forest types in the Atlantic façade adapted to higher moisture than those located in the interior of the state. A review of the geomorphological knowledge of the state of São Paulo that allowed differentiating the main aspects of the state relief was prepared, in order to seek for territorial elements to promote the understanding of the state phytogeographical organization. Comparison among the proposals that described and mapped the native vegetation with the main types of relief pointed out the possible occurrence of twenty-three types of terrestrial environments with phytogeographical affinities, besides two aquatic environments and exception environments, with very restricted occurrence. Reconnaissance of this set of environments also allowed to prepare an analysis of the distribution of Conservation Units (UCs) with Integral Protection in the state territory that featured the concentration of these units in the Serra do Mar - Paranapiacaba, followed by the Atlantic Plateau, in contrast to the rest of state that has large gaps and isolated conservation units. The current protected area in such category reaches 3.8% of the state territory. The final results showed that the knowledge of the state native phytogeography must be improved to express its real original diversity, and the relief must be the territorial base for this organization, since it adds botanical, climatic and soil data. It is suggested that the new mapping proposal adopts a digital platform and scales between 1:250,000 and 1:500,000, besides a physiognomical-ecological classification for the upper levels, accepting subdivisions based on flora or specific environmental conditions. The terminology should be that proposed by the IBGEs Brazilian vegetation official map, adapted to to more localized conditions. The better the conceptual and information bases are, the better will be the actions focused on biodiversity conservation or restoration, as well as processes of environmentalterritorial planning. Thus, the lack of proper phytogeographical knowledge may induce actions that lead to bio-simplification and make more and more easier the homogenization of landscapes.

O principal polo produtor de banana no estado de São Paulo está na Divisão Regional e Agrícola de Registro, que se estende do Vale do Ribeira até o litoral sul do estado. Nesta região, a produção de banana é a principal atividade dos produtores rurais e é responsável pela principal demanda de insumos e serviços de comercialização. No entanto, o Vale do Ribeira se caracteriza por ser uma região com baixos níveis de tecnologia e mecanização e a qualidade de vida é bastante baixa, fatores que contribuem para a baixa produtividade da banana. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estabelecer os efeitos que a proximidade da biodiversidade nativa da Mata Atlântica promove nos atributos físico-químicos e bioquímicos do fruto da bananeira, em decorrência da proximidade da biodiversidade. Duas parcelas foram escolhidas para fornecer as amostras posteriormente analisadas quanto a parâmetros fisiológicos, químicos e bioquímicos: a parcela \"Controle\" plenamente inserida em um bananal convencional e a parcela \"Biodiversidade\" com 60% de seu perímetro rodeado pela biodiversidade da Mata Atlântica. Foram feitas as seguintes avaliações nos frutos colhidos destas parcelas: análise dos perfis de etileno e CO2 endógenos por cromatografia gasosa, quantificação de amido por método enzimático, e açúcares solúveis por CLAE-DAD, análise de textura (penetrômetro) e cor (colorímetro), determinação de compostos voláteis relacionados ao aroma por cromatografia gasosa e espectrometria de massas. Além de avaliações em campo de incidência e severidade de pragas e doenças, de luminosidade, radiação fotossinteticamente ativa, análise de solo e foliar, monitoramento da Umidade Relativa e temperatura. Os resultados mostraram que as plantas na parcela próxima à Mata Atlântica foram menos atacadas pela Sigatoka Negra (cerca de 15%) quando comparada à parcela Controle (cerca de 36%). Nos frutos colhidos, foram encontradas diferenças nos padrões de etileno, respiração, textura, cor, açúcares e perfil de compostos voláteis. Os resultados relativos ao perfil destes compostos mostraram alterações na rede de vias de biossíntese de compostos voláteis diferentes dos comumente detectados em bananas. Compostos típicos de frutos imaturos, conhecidos na literatura como Voláteis de Folhas Verdes (VFVs) foram detectados nos perfis de compostos voláteis de frutos maduros das amostras da parcela Biodiversidade, indicando o desencadeamento de vias metabólicas relacionadas à defesa de plantas, tais como a Via da enzima Lipoxigenase (LOX) e a Via de Biossíntese de Terpenos. Este fato provavelmente teve origem na maior quantidade de sistemas ecológicos originários do fragmento florestal próximo à parcela, que favoreceram uma rede mais rica de relações entre as bananeiras e outros organismos, bem como entre as bananeiras e outras plantas, em comparação às plantas da parcela Controle. Constatou-se que as condições de cultivo no campo têm influência direta sobre o produto final, refletindo no processo de amadurecimento dos frutos. / In São Paulo, the main banana producing region is the Divisão Regional e Agrícola de Registro, extending from the Vale do Ribeira to the southern coast of the state. In this region, the banana producing is the farmer\'s main activity and is responsible for the main demand of inputs and commercialization services. However, the Vale do Ribeira is characterized as a region with low levels of technology and mechanization and the quality of life is quite low, factors that contribute to low banana\'s productivity. This study aimed to stablish the effects that the proximity of native Atlantic Forest biodiversity promotes on the physical, chemical and biochemical of banana, due to the proximity of biodiversity attributes. Two plots were chosen to provide samples subsequently analysed for physiological, biochemical and chemical parameters: a control plot fully inserted into a conventional banana produce and another plot, called by Biodiversity Plot, with 60% of its perimeter surrounded by the Atlantic Forest biodiversity. The following evaluations were made in the fruits harvested from such plots: analyses of endogenous ethylene and CO2 profiles by gas chromatography, quantification of starch by enzymatic method, and soluble sugars by HPLC-DAD, texture analyses (penetrometer) and color (colorimeter), determination of volatile compounds related to flavor by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Apart from field evaluations of incidence and severity of pests and diseases, brightness photosynthetically active radiation, soil and leaf analyses, monitoring of relative humidity and temperature. The results showed that the plants in the plot next to the Atlantic Forest were less attacked by Black Sigatoka (about 15%) compared to the plants from the control plot (about 36%). In harvested fruits, differences were found in ethylene profiles, texture, color, sugars and volatile compound profile. The results for the profile of these compounds showed changes in the biosynthetic pathways of volatile compounds network, commonly found in bananas. Typical compounds immature fruit, known in the literature as Green Leaf Volatiles (GLVs) were detected in volatiles from samples of mature fruits portion Biodiversity profiles, indicating triggering of defense-related pathways in plants such as the Lipoxygenase Pathway and biosynthesis of terpenes pathway. This fact probably originated from the most amount of ecological systems originated near the plot forest fragment, wich favored a richer network of relations among the banana plants and other organisms as well as between the banana trees and other plants, compared to plants of the control plot. The growing conditions in the field have direct influence on the final product, reflecting on the fruit ripening process.

Os bivalves límnicos, ou náiades da ordem Unionoida, representando a maior radiação dos bivalves na água doce, com seis famílias, 181 gêneros e 800 espécies, sendo encontrados em todos os continentes, e atualmente, representam o grupo de animais de água doce em maior risco de extinção. A causa mais dramática do declínio e extinção dos bivalves dulcícolas é a modificação e destruição do seu habitat, as mudanças climáticas globais e a introdução de animais aquáticos exóticos (não nativos) Este táxon é o único membro da classe Bivalvia reconhecidos por apresentar um estágio larval parasita em seu ciclo de vida, o qual envolve uma relação obrigatória com um hospedeiro vertebrado, normalmente um peixe, e uma larva altamente modificada, o gloquídio ou lasídio. Esta característica do ciclo de vida é um componente principal de qualquer plano de conservação dos bivalves límnicos. Com a finalidade de propagar as espécies que estão em perigo de extinção, pretendeu-se desenvolver técnicas viáveis para a obtenção de formas juvenis em laboratório, através do cultivo artificial (in vitro) dos gloquídios. Através da metodologia empregada foi possível obter indivíduos juvenis com mais de 30 dias das espécies D. expansus, D. rotundus gratus e D. martensi. Além desse resultado, o presente trabalho desenvolveu um novo meio de cultura para as larvas gloquidiais, baseado em um extrato liofilizado de peixe. / The freshwater mussels, or naides of the order Unionoida, representing the largest radiation of the bivalves in freshwater, with six families, 181 genera and 800 species, are found on all continents, and currently represent the group of freshwater animals in higher risk of extinction. The most dramatic decline and extinction of freshwater mussels are the modification and destruction of habitat, global climate change and the introduction of exotic aquatic animals (not native). This taxon is the only member of the class Bivalvia recognized for having a parasitic larval stage in their life cycle, which involves a compulsory relationship with a vertebrate host, usually a fish, and a highly modified larva, the gloquídium or lasídium. This feature of the life cycle is a major component of any plan for the conservation of freshwater mussel. In order to propagate the species that are endangered, we sought to develop viable techniques for obtaining juveniles in the laboratory by artificial cultivation (in vitro) of gloquídios. Through the methodology used was obtained juveniles over 30 days of the species D. expansus, D. rotundus gratus and D. martensi. Beyond this result, this study developed a new medium for the glochidias larvae, based on an extract of dried fish.

Knowledge of biodiversity within an ecosystem is essential when trying to understand the function and importance of that ecosystem. A challenge when assessing biodiversity of reef habitats is cryptobenthic fishes, which encompass many groups that have close associations with the substrate. These fishes can be behaviorally cryptic, by seeking refuge within the reef matrix, or visually cryptic, using cryptic coloration to match the surrounding habitat. These factors make visual surveys inadequate for sampling these fishes. One such group of cryptobenthic fishes are the gobies, family Gobiidae, which currently represent over 1600 species, although new species are continually being discovered. Gobies are often small (less than 5 cm), and many species will be associated with a very specific microhabitat type. Due to the understudied nature of the Red Sea, little is known about habitat preferences of gobies within the region. In order to determine the differences in goby community structure within the central Red Sea, fishes were sampled at one reef using 1 m² enclosed rotenone stations from three distinct microhabitats: hard coral, rubble, and sand. Following collection, specimens were photographed and sequenced using COI, to aid in species identification. 232 individuals were collected representing 31 species of goby. Rubble microhabitats were found to host the majority of collected gobies (69%), followed by hard coral (20.6%), then sand (9.9%). Goby assemblages in the three microhabitats were significantly different from each other, and evidence of habitat-specialists was found. These results provide essential baseline information about the ecology of understudied cryptobenthic fishes that can be used in future large-scale studies in the Red Sea region.