gene diversity

The relationship between fish diversity and live coral cover and changes in fish diversity over time in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles has one of the healthiest coral reef systems in terms of fish species richness and live coral cover in the Caribbean. Numerous studies investigating the correlation between coral cover and fish diversity in reefs throughout the world have yielded inconsistent results. This study, using data from the REEF Fish Survey Project and a vertical transect method of estimating coral cover, found a significant negative correlation between coral cover and fish diversity on Bonaire. The health of Bonaire’s reef systems fuel the diving industry, which is a major part of the island’s economy. Worldwide fish populations are decreasing due to overfishing and other pressures. In an attempt to monitor the valuable fish populations in Bonaire, data from REEF surveys was used to determine whether fish diversity has decreased over time in Bonaire. Although diversity fluctuated at all sites, overall the fish diversity on Bonaire showed no significant change between 1995 and 2007. However, Bari Reef, which is the most surveyed site in the Caribbean, showed an increase in diversity over time. The number of surveys could explain the increase in diversity due to more intensive sampling than any other site.

This student research was retrieved from Physis: Journal of Marine Science II (Fall 2007)19: 20-26 from CIEE Bonaire.

Date
2007
Data type
Other resources
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Bonaire
Author

The Aruba Island rattlesnake Crotalus unicolor Species Survival Plan: a case history in ex situ and in situ conservation

Established in 1982, the Aruba Island rattlesnake Crotalus unicolor Species Survival Plan (SSP) is the longest continual functioning snake conservation effort of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). The captive population has been maintained as an assurance population for the most threatened snake on Aruba. Over the last 26 years, 27 potential founders were imported for assimilation into the SSP to maintain genetic diversity. By 2014, the gene diversity in the captive population was over 94%. In 1986, the SSP began working in partner- ship with Arubans to aid the conservation of the rattle- snake and its ecosystem on the Island. This in situ programme has included ecological research, training, management recommendations, capacity building, workshops, public relations and education. These efforts have been integrated into a holistic long-term project that has resulted in many significant conservation suc- cesses. The extensive efforts made by the AZA and SSP to ensure the continued survival of C. unicolor are a model for zoo-based conservation efforts involving reptiles. 

Date
2015
Data type
Scientific article
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba