Search

The Office of Service Learning and Science Unit at Lingnan University partnered with the Discovery and Education Department at Ocean Park (an aquatic theme park in Hong Kong) to develop a service learning project. Beyond service learning's traditional goals (enhanced student learning, useful service for a community partner), we examined the potential to develop intergenerational harmony. A service-learning project is a compulsory part of the science course CLD9008 Life Sciences: The Way Life Works, taught by Professor Jonathan Fong, Assistant Professor in the Lingnan University Science Unit. This course brings together traditional university students and elderly students from Lingnan University Elderly Academy Program directed by the Lingnan Institute of Further Education (LIFE). The elders are Hong Kong citizens aged 55 or above who voluntarily attend lectures and lessons with the students. In their service-learning project, they join intergenerational teams to transmit their new knowledge and educate Ocean Park visitors. The educational services (narration services at exhibits and assistance with interactive games) aim to fulfil Ocean Park's goal of enriching visitor experience, as well as promote awareness of marine conservation and sustainability. This study looks at on how including elders in a service-learning project facilitates open communication and reciprocal learning between age groups, and promotes intergenerational harmony. The authors wish to express their appreciation to Alan Wong and Orlando Chan from Ocean Park, Hong Kong for supporting this study.

Field surveys in Taiwan have uncovered turtles presumed to be hybrids based on their intermediate morphology. We sequenced a mitochondrial (ND4) and nuclear (R35) gene of two putative hybrid individuals, along with representatives of the potential parental species (Mauremys mutica, M. reevesii, M. sinensis), to determine their genetic identity. Based on our data, both individuals are hybrids, with independent, recent origins resulting from the mating of a female M. reevesii and a male M. sinensis. Since we question whether the highly traded M. reevesii is endemic to Taiwan, this hybridization could represent human-mediated genetic pollution. We also discuss the implications of our findings on turtle conservation in Taiwan.

The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is an umbrella species in the South China Sea, a Chinese national first-level protected wild animal, and the only sea turtle that nests in waters around China. The largest C. mydas nesting ground is distributed in the Xisha (Paracel) Islands, which plays a vital role in the survival of sea turtle populations in the region. This study reveals the genetic diversity and population structure of the breeding population of C. mydas in the Xisha (Paracel) Islands using three mitochondrial markers. A total of 15 D-loop, five Cytochrome b (Cyt b), and seven Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) haplotypes were identified in the breeding population of C. mydas in the Xisha (Paracel) Islands. D-loop haplotypes are distributed in clades III, IV, and VIII of the C. mydas mitochondrial control region. It is the first time that one haplotype from Clade IV was found in this C. mydas population, and five new D-loop haplotypes were also identified. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity were calculated for each marker: D-loop (0.415 haplotype diversity, 0.00204 nucleotide diversity), Cyt b (0.140, 0.00038) and COI (0.308, 0.00083). The average genetic distance (p) of each molecular marker was less than 0.01. Neutral detection and nucleotide mismatch analysis suggested that the breeding population of C. mydas in the Xisha (Paracel) Islands did not experience a population expansion event in recent history. It is recommended that a sea turtle protection area be established in the Xisha (Paracel) Islands area to strengthen protection and effectively protect the uniqueness and sustainability of the breeding population of C. mydas in the South China Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese bullfrog, Hoplobatrachus rugulosus (Wiegmann, 1834), naturally distributed in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and China, is commonly used in the religious practice of mercy release. The release of H. rugulosus is complicated by the fact that it likely represents a cryptic species complex (multiple species under a single name). In Hong Kong, although there are native and released individuals, the impact of release has not been investigated. In this study, we conduct genetic and morphological analyses of H. rugulosus across Hong Kong to determine the source (native or released) of frogs, the distribution of released populations and identify morphological characteristics that can be used to differentiate native and released individuals. We found that H. rugulosus individuals in Hong Kong belong to the two major genetic clades identified in previous studies (Clade A and Clade B). We consider individuals in Clade A as released frogs based on the genetic result that cluster these individuals with wild H. rugulosus from western, central and eastern Thailand, and individuals from Chinese frog farms. Individuals from the two genetic clades differ based on morphology (dorsal color, coloration of loreal region, presence of wounds and coloration on lateral sides), that can be useful for identification. However, there are four individuals in Clade A that are morphologically similar to native frogs, raising the possibility of hybridization between individuals in the two clades. We strongly recommend that the mercy release of H. rugulosus and other exotic animals should be strictly prohibited by law in Hong Kong and other parts of the world. Eradication guidelines should be developed by experts, as a references for governments, conservation groups and the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater turtles have been introduced to a diversity of environments worldwide, sometimes leading to devastating impacts on native biodiversity and ecosystems. Documentation of species and distribution of non-native turtles is needed to effectively manage potentially invasive turtles. Here, we compiled a species list and distribution map of non-native turtles found in Hong Kong by combining field survey data, anecdotal records made by naturalists, and citizen science data. We collected 96 records, involving 25 pure species and three putative hybrids distributed widely throughout Hong Kong. The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), listed as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species, was the most frequently recorded species. Most, if not all, non-native turtles were probably released intentionally, as abandoned pets or in religious release. We urge for strengthening legal regulation and developing measures to stop intentional release, particularly religious release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactifluus (Pers.) Roussel is an ectomycorrhizal genus that was recently recognized to be distinct from the genus Lactarius. To date, 226 Lactifluus species have been reported worldwide. Misidentification of Lactifluus species is common because of intraspecific morphological variation, cryptic diversity, and the limited number of taxonomic keys available. Molecular data are indispensable for species delimitation; a multilocus phylogenetic analysis showed that most Asian Lactifluus species are not conspecific with morphologically similar species present on other continents. In particular, Korea has misused European and North American Lactifluus names. In this study, we evaluated the taxonomy of Lactifluus in Korea using both morphological and multilocus molecular (ITS, nrLSU, rpb1, and rpb2) data. We examined 199 Lactifluus specimens collected between 1980 and 2016, and a total of 24 species across the four Lactifluus subgenera were identified. All Korean species are distinct and clearly separated from European and North American species. Five taxa corresponded to previously described species from Asia and the remaining 19 taxa are confirmed as new species. Herein, we provide keys to the Korean Lactifluus species within their subgenera, molecular phylogenies, a summary of diversity, and detailed description of the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]