Au cours des dernières décennies du XXème siècle, dans le monde occidental, les politiques destinées à protéger l’enfance ont subi de profonds changements. D’abord, suite à la découverte de la maltraitance infantile dans les années 60 aux États-Unis, à sa constitution comme problème social durant les décennies suivantes et à son expansion bien au-delà des frontières nord-américaines. Ensuite, avec la ratification par la plupart des pays du monde d’un traité international qui reconnaît l’enfant comme un sujet de droits (1989). Cette thèse a cherché à comprendre d’une part, comment ces transformations globales se sont ancrées en Argentine et comment leur imbrication a donné lieu à la mise en place de la politique contemporaine de protection de l’enfant en danger. D’une autre, s’appuyant sur une ethnographie des services de protection de l’enfance situés dans les quartiers populaires de la Ville de Buenos Aires, cette recherche s’est interrogée sur la prise en charge quotidienne de la maltraitance infantile. À partir de l’analyse des discours et des pratiques des intervenants, elle cherche à comprendre les modalités et les implications du traitement politique et moral de l’enfant en danger dans le monde contemporain. / During the last few decades of the 20th century, state policies aimed at protecting children underwent profound changes across the Western world. These changes can be attributed, first and foremost, to the “discovery” of child abuse in the 1960s in the United States, its construction as a social problem and repercussions across the globe in the following decades. On the other hand, the ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the (1989) by most countries in the world contributed to this process of change.This thesis explores how these global transformations were translated in Argentina into a national policy for the protection of endangered children. Based on an ethnographic study on child protection services in poor neighborhoods in the city of Buenos Aires, the day-to-day management of child abuse is examined. An analysis of the local discourses and practices of state agents provides insight into the methods and implications of the political and moral treatment of endangered children in the world today.

Restoration ecology continues to become ever more relevant as legislation demands we prevent biodiversity losses. Post-industrial restoration sites pose a number of additional challenges, including balancing ecological need with logistical and financial constraints. In the North of Scotland, one such site is the Dounreay Nuclear Power Plant, now undergoing decommissioning. The intention is to restore cliff-top habitat with native vegetation, blending in with its surroundings and necessitating minimal maintenance. The overall objective of this PhD research was to help develop a plan for the restoration of the site. A key challenge in this particular case was the residual low level radioactivity at depth in some areas, and a restoration layer is required to prevent contamination of bioreceptors at the surface, however, topsoil availability is limited. The cliff top site, and exposure to salt spray driven by strong winds, meant the identification of suitable vegetation communities for different areas could be crucial to its success. Vegetation and soil surveys across nine reference sites along the North coast of Scotland identified five non-peat vegetation communities suitable for Dounreay's restoration. Restoration ecology continues to become ever more relevant as legislation demands we prevent biodiversity losses. Post-industrial restoration sites pose a number of additional challenges, including balancing ecological need with logistical and financial constraints. In the North of Scotland, one such site is the Dounreay Nuclear Power Plant, now undergoing decommissioning. The intention is to restore cliff-top habitat with native vegetation, blending in with its surroundings and necessitating minimal maintenance. The overall objective of this PhD research was to help develop a plan for the restoration of the site. A key challenge in this particular case was the residual low level radioactivity at depth in some areas, and a restoration layer is required to prevent contamination of bioreceptors at the surface, however, topsoil availability is limited. The cliff top site, and exposure to salt spray driven by strong winds, meant the identification of suitable vegetation communities for different areas could be crucial to its success. Vegetation and soil surveys across nine reference sites along the North coast of Scotland identified five non-peat vegetation communities suitable for Dounreay's restoration. This prompted the development of a novel concept: that of utilising restoration sites as 'protorefuges' or 'protorefugia', i.e. restoration sites where threatened species at the leading edge of climate change can be translocated ahead of the climate changing. There, they would be joined by individuals of the wider population naturally dispersed as the climate shifts. Overall, these results enabled the development of a refined restoration plan for Dounreay, which takes into account the particular setting, constraints and timelines involved. With the decommissioning of an increasing number of nuclear sites across Britain and Europe taking place in the coming years, this research should be developed further. In particular our novel concept of protorefugia could even be put into practice, benefiting both restoration and conservation.

Excessive usage of wildlife is the second most common cause of species decline on our planet, and thus one of the direct threats to biodiversity. Since biodiversity has a virtually existential significance for the well-being of people, it needs to be cared for in order to slow down its decline. The aim of this thesis is to analyze and evaluate legal regulations at the international, EU, and Czech level, to present the instruments and institutes used to regulate the trade in CITES specimens, and to propose solutions for potential problems. Where deemed necessary or appropriate, a comparison of international legal regulations with EU and Czech legislation is made. This thesis is divided into 6 chapters that are further internally subdivided into subchapters. The first chapter deals with the importance of trade in endangered species of fauna and flora in relation to the loss of biodiversity. The second chapter provides an overview of the legal regulation governing trade in endangered species at different levels (international, EU, and Czech). The third chapter introduces the individual bodies responsible for the implementation of the Convention CITES (or Regulation No. 338/97) at international, EU, and Czech level. The Czech national authorities are classified according to the Act no. 100/2004 by the...

Boechera is a large genus of flowering plants whose taxa are found primarily in North America. Boechera vivariensis (S.L. Welsh) W.A. Weber (the Park rockcress) is restricted to the Uintah Basin on Weber sandstone substrates in the vicinity of Dinosaur National Monument and Blue Mountain. The nomenclature of Park rockcress is significantly impacted by the discovery that the type collections of the taxon represent a rare, apomictic diploid resulting from the hybridization between B. thompsonii and an undescribed sexual diploid (to be called Boechera caeruleamontana sp. nov. Allphin and Windham). As a result, greater information is needed regarding how B. vivariensis and B. caeruleamontana. are distributed geographically in the region of Dinosaur National Monument and surrounding areas. Thus, we performed genetic analyses on leaf samples taken from over 50 individuals at known sites of B. vivariensis throughout its geographic range. Individuals from each site were also compared morphologically. We also compared associated plant communities at each site and characterized the soils. In our thorough sampling, we did not pick up B. vivariensis. All individuals sampled belonged to B. caeruleamontana, suggesting that most individuals previously assigned to B. vivariensis, are actually representative of B. caeruleamonanta. Populations of B. caeruleamontana were genetically diverse compared to other Boechera species, most likely indicative of its insect pollination strategy. However, all populations had lower heterozygosity than expected based upon Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Reproductive and genetic data indicated that populations are showing signs of inbreeding. The population at Jones Hole Fish Hatchery was most unique genetically, morphologically, and reproductively.

[Truncated abstract] The malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) is a large, ground-dwelling bird that is listed as threatened in all states of Australia in which it occurs. Its range encompasses much of southern Australia; however, much of it has been cleared for agriculture. Malleefowl are thought to have suffered substantial decline owing to multiple threats that include habitat loss, predation from exotic predators, grazing of habitat by introduced herbivores and fire - common threats in the decline of many Australian vertebrate species. The malleefowl has an unmistakeable appearance, unique biology, and widespread distribution across Australia. Consequently, it has been the focus of much scientific and community interest. In the Western Australian wheatbelt, community groups are working to conserve the species and have been actively collecting data on its distribution for over 15 years. The vast majority of these data are presence-only and have been collected in an opportunistic manner but, combined with long-term data from government agencies and museums spanning over 150 years, they present a significant opportunity to inform ecological questions relevant to the conservation of the species. The purpose of this study was to answer key ecological questions regarding the distribution, status and habitat preferences of malleefowl using unstructured occurrence records supplemented by reliable absences derived from Bird Atlas data sets and targeted surveys. Malleefowl in the Western Australian wheatbelt were used as a case study to illustrate: 1) how the decline of a species can be quantified and causes of that decline identified; and 2) how threats can be identified and responses to threats explored. I used bioclimatic modelling to define and explore variation within the climatic niche of the Malleefowl across Australia. '...' This thesis provides substantial additional knowledge about the ecology, distribution and status of malleefowl in Western Australia. It also illustrates how opportunistic and unstructured data can be augmented to investigate key aspects of a species' ecology. Despite the limitations of these data, which primarily relate to variation in observer effort across time and space, they can provide important outcomes that may not be achieved using standard survey and data collection techniques. The utility of opportunistic data is greatest in situations where the species: is recognisable and easily observed; is relatively sedentary; and occurs within a landscape containing consistent land use and habitat types. The approaches used in this study could be applied by researchers to situations where community interest exists for species with these attributes. At a national scale, the malleefowl is predicted to decline by at least 20% over the next three generations. The findings of this thesis suggest that the future for the species in the Western Australian wheatbelt may not be as dire as predicted elsewhere within its range, owing largely to the easing and cessation of threatening processes (e.g. land clearing, grazing of habitat by livestock) and the ability of the species to occupy a variety of habitat types. Despite this perceived security, some caution must be exercised until there is a more complete knowledge of the impact of fox predation and reduced rainfall due to climate change on malleefowl populations. Furthermore, the status of the species beyond the agricultural landscapes in Western Australia requires closer examination.

[No abstract supplied]

The Orchidaceae is characterized by a remarkably diverse range of life forms and some of the most highly specialized interactions with soil fungi and insect pollinators found in the flowering plants. Many species are rare or threatened with extinction either directly through loss of habitat or over-collection or, indirectly through debilitation or loss of mycorrhizal association or pollinator capacity. Australian temperate terrestrial orchids represent one of the most threatened groups in the Australian flora with many taxa clinging to existence in urban and rural bushland remnants, road verges and unprotected bushland. The aim of this study is to research and develop integrated conservation based on critical aspects of terrestrial orchid biology and ecology, towards the recovery of the rare and endangered Western Australian terrestrial orchid Caladenia huegelii. This study identified key aspects involved in an integrated conservation approach and research focused on conservation genetics, mycorrhizal interactions and in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for this species. Using polymorphic microsatellite molecular markers, high levels of genetic diversity were found within remnant populations of C. huegelii, while weak differentiation was observed among populations over the species geographic range. These results indicate historic genetic exchange between C. huegelii populations, a possible consequence of the sexually deceptive pollination strategy and the capacity for widespread seed dispersal. Symbiotic germination studies revealed compatibility barriers to C. huegelii germination with the orchid possessing a highly specific orchid-mycorrhizal association relative to common sympatric congeners. These results were reflected in a phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences, revealing C. huegelii associates with only one endophyte species within the fungal family Sebacinaceae across its geographic range. Large scale in situ seed baiting demonstrated that endophytes compatible with C. huegelii were limited in distribution relative to common and widespread orchid species, a feature for C. huegelii that may be a major contributing factor in limiting the distributional range of the species. Detailed, within site seed baiting methods identified hotspots for mycorrhizal fungus compatible with C. huegelii that were unoccupied by the orchid. These mycorrhizal hotspots where used to investigate the effect of endophyte presence on survival of transplanted mature plants and seedling outplants. The in situ survival of glasshouse propagated seedlings was further optimized by incubating seedlings in growth containers before transfer to soil and outplanting seedlings in their second growing season. The findings of this study will substantially advance the recovery of C. huegelii and provide benchmark knowledge for similar projects with other rare and threatened terrestrial orchid species.

The research field of genetics provides useful tools to investigate the biology of species that are difficult to observe and study and are especially valuable in guiding the conservation of endangered species. The Chatham Island Tāiko (Tchāik, Pterodroma magentae) is the world’s most endangered seabird with an estimated population size of just 120-150 birds, including only 8-15 breeding pairs. This thesis used genetic techniques to investigate aspects of Tāiko biology and relationships in order to aid Tāiko conservation. The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and duplicated regions of domain I of the mitochondrial control region were DNA sequenced in almost the entire known Tāiko population. The level of genetic variation revealed in Tāiko was unexpectedly high considering endangered species typically exhibit low genetic diversity. Sequencing of ancient DNA from subfossil Tāiko bones allowed an investigation of the past level of genetic variation and the species’ previous geographic distribution. A large proportion of the genetic diversity of the extinct Tāiko populations was retained in the remnant population. However, genetic variation in Tāiko chicks was low, thus genetic diversity in the population could be lost in just a few generations. There are many nonbreeding Tāiko so DNA sexing was used to examine sex ratios in the population. Almost all unpaired birds were male, which signified a potential Allee effect (i.e. that a reduced density of potential mates is decreasing population productivity). Further understanding of the Tāiko mating system and behaviour was obtained by parentage, sibship and pairwise relatedness analyses of genotypes at eight microsatellite DNA loci. It is important that Tāiko are found so they can be protected from introduced predators. The results of mitochondrial DNA sequencing and microsatellite DNA genotyping indicated that there are likely to be more Tāiko breeding in undiscovered areas. Analysis of philopatry using both mitochondrial and nuclear markers can assist conservation by the identification of areas to search for these undiscovered individuals. Tāiko may have once and could still be found on islands near South America since DNA sequencing showed the Magenta Petrel type specimen (collected in 1867 in the South Pacific Ocean) is a Tāiko.

Loss of indigenous biodiversity continues in New Zealand. Despite admirable goals in the NZBS 2000 to the contrary, efforts at improved biodiversity conservation have been insufficient to halt loss of significant amounts of indigenous forest and wildlife habitat. Increasing numbers of native species are moving towards critically endangered and extinction. Whatever we are doing in New Zealand, it is not effective enough. The aim of this study is to firstly identify factors contributing to the failure, “to halt the decline of indigenous biodiversity” in New Zealand and to then consider opportunities to overcome these barriers. In considering opportunities, this study then reviews the emerging discipline of landscape ecology as an answer to, at least, some of those factors and the recurring calls from New Zealand ecologists for a more integrated and holistic approach to biodiversity conservation. Recent advances in the planning framework and particularly provisions for biodiversity conservation in England are explored as a model of practical application of landscape ecological principles to land-use planning. From this review, the study proposes a new ‘LEEP’ model for strategic biodiversity conservation that produces a regional-scale spatial conservation map and accompanying policy and implementation guide. Together they provide an integrated and holistic approach to restoring or creating functional landscapes that also recognises and provides for human activities and development. Application of the LEEP model is demonstrated through a case study of the Wellington region. Benefits and potential uses of the map and policy outputs are canvassed. Interviews with leading New Zealand and international ecologists provide an assessment of the current status of landscape ecology and interviewees also act as an expert ‘test panel’ against which the Wellington maps and guides produced from the ‘LEEP’ model are assessed. Finally, suggestions are provided for development of the new model and future research needs towards fuller and more effective implementation of this approach to biodiversity conservation in the New Zealand context.

The continued existence of New Zealand’s critically endangered and endemic black stilt or kakï (Himantopus novaezelandiae) relies on an intensive captive management programme. While this is successful at rearing large numbers of birds for release to the wild, poor survivability of these birds is limiting significant increases in the wild population. Predation and starvation are suspected to be the most common causes of death in released birds, but underlying contributing factors to these mortalities have not been fully evaluated. This research investigates the possible contribution of gastrointestinal (GI) helminth burdens and suboptimal digestive organ development to the high mortality rates of released kakï. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the methods used to assess the importance of these factors and to make informed recommendations for future management. The efficacy of the anthelmintic regime used for kakï was assessed by dosing half of the 80 captive birds with praziquantel (PZQ) prior to release in 2007. Faecal samples were collected before and after anthelmintic treatment, and before and after release to the wild. Post mortem worm counts were conducted on 11 birds that died following release and historical worm count records dating back to 1997 were accessed. The main findings were: PZQ had high efficacy against trematodes; treatment did not prevent re-infection; birds were exposed to helminths at release site; and there was no advantage of treatment for survival. Overall, the results suggest that anthelmintic treatment is an unnecessary cost. Consequently, recommendations were made to cease anthelmintic treatment or reduce its intensity, continue health screening, and incorporate annual efficacy testing to monitor the emergence of anthelmintic resistance. The reliability of faecal screening for GI helminths was evaluated. Faecal egg counts (FECs) were found to be poor indicators of worm burden. The two modified sedimentation methods used to detect trematodes provided relatively low egg recovery rates. Trematode egg shedding varied between days but not by hour of the day or temperature. The collection and analysis of pooled faecal samples proved to be more cost and time-effective than samples from individual birds and the larger masses collected resulted in greater sensitivity. In conclusion, faecal analysis of pooled samples is a useful qualitative indicator of helminth presence or absence but is quantitatively unreliable. In order to assess the importance of digestive organ development to captive-reared and released kak?, the digestive organs of healthy and emaciated captive, released and wild Himantopus sp. were compared. Captive and released kak? had generally smaller digestive organs than wild birds, released birds did not increase digestive organ size to match the high fibre wild diet, and emaciated birds did not have atrophied organs. However, the greatest mortality rates occur soon after release, while the birds were still being supplementary fed. These results suggest that reduced digestive efficiency is probably not contributing significantly to mortality rates and the direct impacts of the translocation are probably greater risk factors. The continued provision of supplementary food to released birds and an increased focus on habitat enhancement and predator control at release sites were recommended. The reliability of comparing fresh and formalin fixed Himantopus sp. gut specimens was evaluated. Significant differences in fresh and formalin fixed organ dry masses and variation in preserved organ lengths indicate that this variation should be considered in future studies. In conclusion, current management practices appear to be successful in ensuring that GI helminths and reduced digestive efficiency do not significantly lower the survivorship of captive-reared and released kakï. There is a need for further research into developing a more direct physiological assessment of the impacts of GI helminths and gut morphology as well as considering the role that starvation may have on poor survivability.