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Abstract Unravelling abrupt alterations in the gut microbiota of wild species associated with nutritional stress is imperative but challenging for wildlife conservation. This study assessed the nutritional status of wild red deer during winter on the basis of changes in faecal nitrogen (FN) and urea nitrogen/creatinine (UN: C) levels and identified gut microbes associated with nutritional status via nutritional control experiments and metagenomic sequencing. The FN of wild red deer in winter 2022 was significantly lower than that in winter 2021 (p

The rare and endangered wild plant, Horsfieldia hainanensis, has been listed as a second-level key protected plant in China. Currently, its habitat is severely damaged, and the population has dramatically declined, necessitating urgent intervention for protection. In this study, the aim was to explore the correlations and differences from the perspectives of photosynthetic characteristics and leaf structure, providing scientific references for in-situ conservation and ex-situ cultivation. The results revealed the following: (1) The maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax) and light saturation point (LSP) of mature trees were significantly higher than those of seedlings, while the light compensation point (LCP), CO2 compensation point (CCP), and CO2 saturation point (CSP) were significantly lower in seedlings. (2) The average daily net photosynthetic rate of mature trees was significantly higher than that of seedlings. When both mature trees and seedlings exhibited a "midday depression" phenomenon, accompanied by an increase in intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), it indicated that the "midday depression" was caused by non-stomatal limiting factors. (4) Both mature trees and seedlings showed peak values of water use efficiency (WUE) under low light conditions. Mature trees had smaller upper and lower epidermis thickness but larger leaf thickness, and their leaf structure, characterized by well-developed palisade and spongy tissues, conformed to the cellular structure adaptations for low light. Therefore, both were more adapted to low light conditions. (5) The stomatal density (SD) and individual stomatal area (SA) of seedlings were significantly higher than those of mature trees. (6) The total chlorophyll content of mature trees was significantly higher than that of seedlings, while the chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratio was significantly lower in mature trees and remained below three in both cases. In summary, the photosynthetic capacity and light adaptability of mature trees are stronger than those of seedlings, but both mature trees and seedlings exhibit shade-tolerant characteristics. For in-situ conservation, it is possible to promote the growth and development of seedlings by appropriately employing artificial "windowing" or shading methods based on the actual growth environment of the seedlings. In the case of ex-situ cultivation, seedlings should be provided with appropriate shading initially, while ensuring sufficient moisture and CO2 concentration. As the plants grow, the shading intensity can be gradually reduced. Once the plants reach maturity, they have a broader range of light adaptability and can be transplanted to environments with less shading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unravelling abrupt alterations in the gut microbiota of wild species associated with nutritional stress is imperative but challenging for wildlife conservation. This study assessed the nutritional status of wild red deer during winter on the basis of changes in faecal nitrogen (FN) and urea nitrogen/creatinine (UN: C) levels and identified gut microbes associated with nutritional status via nutritional control experiments and metagenomic sequencing. The FN of wild red deer in winter 2022 was significantly lower than that in winter 2021 (p < 0.05, winter 2021: 1.37 ± 0.16% and winter 2022: 1.26 ± 0.22%), and the UN: C ratio increased (winter 2021: 2.19 ± 1.65 and winter 2022: 3.05 ± 3.50). Similar trends were found in late winter, which indicated greater nutritional pressure in winter (2022) and late winter. Compared with winter 2021, abundances of Ructibacterium and Butyrivibrio significantly increased, and Acetatifactor and Cuneatibacter significantly decreased during winter 2022 (p < 0.05). Compared with early winter, the cell growth and death pathways increased and lipid metabolism and its subpathway of secondary bile acid synthesis (ko00121) significantly decreased during late winter (p < 0.05), which was similar to the changes in malnourished experimental red deer. Abrupt alterations in the gut microbiota should receive increased attention when monitoring the nutritional health of wild ungulates. This study provides new insights and critical implications for the conservation of wild ungulate populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rare and endangered wild plant, Horsfieldia hainanensis, has been listed as a second-level key protected plant in China. Currently, its habitat is severely damaged, and the population has dramatically declined, necessitating urgent intervention for protection. In this study, the aim was to explore the correlations and differences from the perspectives of photosynthetic characteristics and leaf structure, providing scientific references for in-situ conservation and ex-situ cultivation. The results revealed the following: (1) The maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax) and light saturation point (LSP) of mature trees were significantly higher than those of seedlings, while the light compensation point (LCP), CO2 compensation point (CCP), and CO2 saturation point (CSP) were significantly lower in seedlings. (2) The average daily net photosynthetic rate of mature trees was significantly higher than that of seedlings. When both mature trees and seedlings exhibited a “midday depression” phenomenon, accompanied by an increase in intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), it indicated that the “midday depression” was caused by non-stomatal limiting factors. (4) Both mature trees and seedlings showed peak values of water use efficiency (WUE) under low light conditions. Mature trees had smaller upper and lower epidermis thickness but larger leaf thickness, and their leaf structure, characterized by well-developed palisade and spongy tissues, conformed to the cellular structure adaptations for low light. Therefore, both were more adapted to low light conditions. (5) The stomatal density (SD) and individual stomatal area (SA) of seedlings were significantly higher than those of mature trees. (6) The total chlorophyll content of mature trees was significantly higher than that of seedlings, while the chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratio was significantly lower in mature trees and remained below three in both cases. In summary, the photosynthetic capacity and light adaptability of mature trees are stronger than those of seedlings, but both mature trees and seedlings exhibit shade-tolerant characteristics. For in-situ conservation, it is possible to promote the growth and development of seedlings by appropriately employing artificial “windowing” or shading methods based on the actual growth environment of the seedlings. In the case of ex-situ cultivation, seedlings should be provided with appropriate shading initially, while ensuring sufficient moisture and CO2 concentration. As the plants grow, the shading intensity can be gradually reduced. Once the plants reach maturity, they have a broader range of light adaptability and can be transplanted to environments with less shading.

The genomes of 32 Yangtze finless porpoises (YFPs) in the Poyang Lake Basin were sequenced, and the data were used for population genetic analysis.The population genetic structure of YFP in the Poyang Lake Basin is relatively simple, with a linkage disequilibrium decay distance of 705 bp.The correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance for YFP populations from different regions showed that the populations had a fixed range.Although Poyang Lake is connected during the rainy season, changes in water levels and human activities have hindered the exchange and migration of YFP populations between different areas. In particular, these changes may lead to differences in physiological metabolism and reproduction between populations in the main lake area and those in the sand pits, which are connected to the main lake area during the dry season.This study highlights the need for measures such as artificial translocation, dredging and habitat restoration to improve the exchange of YFP populations between different areas. We also suggest that the sand pits should be designated as protected areas, as their environment is conducive to the survival of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the content of demographic policy, the impact of the state of the population on ensuring state and legal sovereignty, reveals the role of such factors as natural population growth, its quantitative and qualitative characteristics, the country's ability to strengthen national cohesion and maintain independence in the conditions of aggravating interstate relations and the beginning of digitalization era. Russia's policy of reviving competitiveness and influencing the political world order relies not only on diplomatic, but also on other components of state sovereignty, which can be qualified as territorial, industrial, technological, legal, educational, cultural, informational, as well as other components, among which demographic sovereignty plays an important role. It is ensured by a strong social policy in the field of population conservation, its quantitative and qualitative condition, as well as responsible regulation of migration processes.

Abstract Background Wild apple (Malus sieversii) is under second-class national protection in China and one of the lineal ancestors of cultivated apples worldwide. In recent decades, the natural habitation area of wild apple trees has been seriously declining, resulting in a lack of saplings and difficulty in population regeneration. Artificial near-natural breeding is crucial for protecting and restoring wild apple populations, and adding nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) is one of the important measures to improve the growth performance of saplings. In this study, field experiments using N (CK, N1, N2, and N3: 0, 10, 20, and 40 g m− 2 yr− 1, respectively), P (CK, P1, P2, and P3: 0, 2, 4, and 8 g m− 2 yr− 1, respectively), N20Px (CK, N2P1, N2P2, and N2P3: N20P2, N20P4 and N20P8 g m− 2 yr− 1, respectively), and NxP4 (CK, N1P2, N2P2, and N3P2: N10P4, N20P4, and N40P4 g m− 2 yr− 1, respectively) treatments (totaling 12 levels, including one CK) were conducted in four consecutive years. The twig traits (including four current-year stem, 10 leaf, and three ratio traits) and comprehensive growth performance of wild apple saplings were analyzed under different nutrient treatments. Results N addition had a significantly positive effect on stem length, basal diameter, leaf area, and leaf dry mass, whereas P addition had a significantly positive effect on stem length and basal diameter only. The combination of N and P (NxP4 and N20Px) treatments evidently promoted stem growth at moderate concentrations; however, the N20Px treatment showed a markedly negative effect at low concentrations and a positive effect at moderate and high concentrations. The ratio traits (leaf intensity, leaf area ratio, and leaf to stem mass ratio) decreased with the increase in nutrient concentration under each treatment. In the plant trait network, basal diameter, stem mass, and twig mass were tightly connected to other traits after nutrient treatments, indicating that stem traits play an important role in twig growth. The membership function revealed that the greatest comprehensive growth performance of saplings was achieved after N addition alone, followed by that under the NxP4 treatment (except for N40P4). Conclusions Consequently, artificial nutrient treatments for four years significantly but differentially altered the growth status of wild apple saplings, and the use of appropriate N fertilizer promoted sapling growth. These results can provide scientific basis for the conservation and management of wild apple populations.

Aim. The aim of this study was to conduct an analysis of long‐term changes in the number of sturgeon populations and its relationship with the fishing regime and the current state of the Ural River basin, as well as develop measures for the conservation and restoration of their resources.Discussion. Six sturgeon species inhabit the waters of the Ural River basin: Huso huso Linnaeus, 1758; Acipenser gueldenstaedtii Brandt & Ratzeburg, 1833; Acipenser persicus Borodin, 1897; Acipenser stellatus Pallas, 1771; Acipenser nudiventris Lovetsky, 1828 and Acipenser ruthenus, 1758. The degradation of the geosystems of the Ural River basin and the Caspian Sea due to changes in the hydrological regime, increased exploitation of oil and gas fields, as well as poaching has led to a decrease in the number of sturgeons. Moreover, the areas used for the development of petroleum hydrocarbons and the development of related infrastructure coincide with the main areas for feeding and migration of sturgeon and other commercial fish species. The Ural River is the only one in Europe with unregulated lower and middle reaches, thanks to which, until the 90s of the last century, favourable conditions were maintained for the natural reproduction of sturgeon and other fish species. In world practice, the development of commercial sturgeon breeding and reproduction of livestock in regional natural reservoirs provide a promising direction for the preservation of the unique sturgeon gene pool. At the same time, the principal role in the formation of the number and species composition of sturgeons, is given to natural reproduction. In the Ural River Basin, there are opportunities to restore the sturgeon population through a combination of natural reproduction and artificial farming.Conclusions. Despite a slight increase in the occurrence of sturgeons in recent decades, the state of their populations requires special conservation measures. It is necessary to develop joint measures for the protection and reproduction of fish stocks at the interstate level.

Background: Wild apple (Malus sieversii) is under second-class national protection in China and one of the lineal ancestors of cultivated apples worldwide. In recent decades, the natural habitation area of wild apple trees has been seriously declining, resulting in a lack of saplings and difficulty in population regeneration. Artificial near-natural breeding is crucial for protecting and restoring wild apple populations, and adding nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) is one of the important measures to improve the growth performance of saplings. In this study, field experiments using N (CK, N1, N2, and N3: 0, 10, 20, and 40 g m− 2 yr− 1, respectively), P (CK, P1, P2, and P3: 0, 2, 4, and 8 g m− 2 yr− 1, respectively), N20Px (CK, N2P1, N2P2, and N2P3: N20P2, N20P4 and N20P8 g m− 2 yr− 1, respectively), and NxP4 (CK, N1P2, N2P2, and N3P2: N10P4, N20P4, and N40P4 g m− 2 yr− 1, respectively) treatments (totaling 12 levels, including one CK) were conducted in four consecutive years. The twig traits (including four current-year stem, 10 leaf, and three ratio traits) and comprehensive growth performance of wild apple saplings were analyzed under different nutrient treatments. Results: N addition had a significantly positive effect on stem length, basal diameter, leaf area, and leaf dry mass, whereas P addition had a significantly positive effect on stem length and basal diameter only. The combination of N and P (NxP4 and N20Px) treatments evidently promoted stem growth at moderate concentrations; however, the N20Px treatment showed a markedly negative effect at low concentrations and a positive effect at moderate and high concentrations. The ratio traits (leaf intensity, leaf area ratio, and leaf to stem mass ratio) decreased with the increase in nutrient concentration under each treatment. In the plant trait network, basal diameter, stem mass, and twig mass were tightly connected to other traits after nutrient treatments, indicating that stem traits play an important role in twig growth. The membership function revealed that the greatest comprehensive growth performance of saplings was achieved after N addition alone, followed by that under the NxP4 treatment (except for N40P4). Conclusions: Consequently, artificial nutrient treatments for four years significantly but differentially altered the growth status of wild apple saplings, and the use of appropriate N fertilizer promoted sapling growth. These results can provide scientific basis for the conservation and management of wild apple populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study tested the hypothesis that whether limited genetic diversity was the main factor that led the Ryukyu-ayu population on Okinawa-jima Island to extinction in the late 1970s. The usability of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in reflecting genetic diversity was tested using two extant populations of Ryukyu-ayu on Amami-oshima Island, then used to estimate genetic diversity for the extinct population which only formalin-preserved specimens are available. The results showed that higher FA indices were associated with lower genetic diversity in the two extant populations, and the extinct population on Okinawa-jima Island had lower FA indices than the two extant populations on Amami-oshima Island. This finding suggests that the genetic diversity of the extinct population was not low enough as to cause its extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue-crowned laughingthrush (Garrulax courtoisi), passeriformes, is a critically endangered bird endemic to China. Gut microbiota is well known to play a pivotal role in host health and survival. Thus, the understanding of the microbial communities associated with Garrulax courtoisi could be beneficial to save this species from the brink of extinction. In this study, we used 16 s rDNA amplicon sequencing to investigate the gut community composition and microbial diversity of the Garrulax courtoisi population reared in Nanchang Zoo. The results showed that there were 31 phyla that were dominated by Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria in the intestine of Garrulax courtoisi. Compared with previous studies on birds, the Cyanobacteria exhibited an excessive abundance, which may be largely related to the personal lifestyle of Garrulax courtoisi. At the genus level, a total of 552 genera were identified, among which, 21 key genera constituted the core microbiome, including some culturable bacterial genera such as Lactobacillus, Acinetobacter, and Deinococcus. In the meanwhile, we found that there were remarkable intraspecific differences both in terms of microbial community structures, representative biomarkers and predicted functions between the parental generation and their offspring of the population investigated in this study. Furthermore, we also summarized their different eating behaviors and predicted its association with gut microbiota. This study provided the needed pieces of information about these extremely rare birds, Garrulax courtoisi, whose community composition and microbial diversity are hardly known. Importantly, these findings could contribute to our knowledge of the gut health of Garrulax courtoisi and advance the comprehensive conservation of this endangered bird. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations inhabiting the periphery of species distribution ranges may experience suboptimal environmental conditions and higher vulnerability to anthropogenic pressures. Disentangling the role of natural and human-related factors and the relationships among them in these marginal areas is thus key to understand and prevent species declines and range reductions. We analysed Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) occurrence patterns in relation to anthropogenic pressures and natural environmental gradients in Morocco, an area constituting the arid limit of the species' global range. The probability of otter occurrence was higher as terrain ruggedness increased and at intermediate elevations, and lower in catchments exposed to higher anthropogenic pressures. Otters tended to be rare at higher elevations and in areas with less annual precipitation, probably as a result of trophic resource limitations and large water flow fluctuations, respectively. A combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, both at drainage area and local scales, was needed to understand the current occurrence of the species. Our study highlights a need for urgent action to conserve the Eurasian otter in northern Africa, where freshwater ecosystems and their associated biodiversity are threatened by rapid human development in areas of marginal climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light pollution is a widespread phenomenon with major consequences on nocturnal organisms from individual to community. However, its effects on diurnal organisms are still scarcely studied.We exposed diurnal parasitoid wasps (Venturia canescens) to low (0.7 lux) or high (20 lux) artificial light for two to eight consecutive nights, and quantified its consequences on their physiology and daytime behaviour compared to a control group (0 lux). We next considered potential trans‐generational effects on offspring whose mothers were exposed to light pollution.While in the dark night the wasps showed no activity, exposure to artificial light triggered nocturnal activity and altered diurnal behaviours related to foraging. Wasps exposed to light at night had a greater propensity to choose hosts rather than food compared to controls. They also spent more time feeding when exposed to 0.7 lux of light at night. However, these behavioural modifications were not related to changes in individual energy reserves.Light pollution effects persisted at trans‐generational level: offspring development time and latency before feeding increased when mothers were exposed to 0.7 lux light at night.Even at low intensity, light pollution alters foraging behaviour of a diurnal insect. Searching for hosts or food being essential for fitness, light pollution is likely to have long‐term repercussions on insect populations.Light pollution caused behavioural modifications potentially beneficial for V. canescens in the short term. However, longer term studies (e.g. on lifetime reproductive success) are needed to fully understand its consequences on insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Poland, the number of wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes L.) and the size of the fur-farming industry are growing. There is concern that the gene pool of the wild foxes is being infiltrated by that of the farm animals. We analyzed three groups--Polish farm foxes and wild-living animals from Poland and North America--to investigate the gene flow or introgression between farm and wild red foxes. We took into account the breeding history of the species and the evolutionary relationships between fox populations on different continents. We compared the haplotypes based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences of MT-CO1 (mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase I) and MT-ATP6 (mitochondrially encoded ATP synthase 6) genes. It was confirmed that investigated fur-farm animals originated from wild individuals living in North America. We found a haplotype common to wild foxes from Europe (Poland) and wild North American individuals. The common haplotype shared by both investigated wild-living groups could indicate some degree of introgression between Polish farm and wild-living populations. Haplotypes characteristic of North American foxes were transferred to the Polish wild population and have been established. However, the pairwise ΦST values make it clear that North American wild and Polish wild foxes are genetically distinct evolutionary groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scleropages formosus is listed as a critically endangered species under the IUCN red list due its rapidly dwindling population as it is widely trafficked for its great value in aquarium market. In this article, we determined and described the complete mitogenome of S. formosus, which is 16,643 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, one origin of replication on the light-strand (O) and a putative control region. All the protein-coding genes use the initiation codon ATG except COI use GTG. Most of them have TAA or TAG as the stop codon, except COI uses AGA, COII, ND4 and Cyt b use an incomplete stop codon T. In order to explore its taxonomic status, phylogenetic tree involving all the Osteoglossiformes species available was constructed, contributing to phylogenetic studies of Osteoglossiformes and further conservation strategies for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of population size and genetic diversity in fragmented landscapes is the central issue in conservation biology. Functional connectivity between remnant habitat patches affects these parameters. However, the functional connectivity for genetic diversity would be characterised by a greater spatial scale than population size even within the same habitat network. The reason for this difference is that while dispersal frequency generally decreases with increasing distance, only a few immigrants may effectively contribute to gene flow, whereas a certain number of dispersers may be required to influence population abundance., Here, we investigated the effects of habitat network structures on population abundance and genetic diversity of the ninespine stickleback, Pungitius pungitius, in remnant wetland ponds in northern Japan. We tested (i) whether both population abundance and genetic diversity are positively related not only to habitat size but also to connectivity and (ii) whether the dispersal effect extends to greater spatial scales in genetic diversity than in population size., We employed a graph theoretical index to measure the degree of pond connectivity. This index can evaluate the connectivity threshold distance above which individuals cannot disperse and clarify the difference in the spatial scale of effective dispersal between population abundance and genetic diversity., Pond connectivity significantly affected the spatial variation of both population abundance and genetic diversity. In contrast, pond size was related only to population abundance. As we predicted, the connectivity threshold distance for genetic diversity was more than two times greater than that for population abundance (12.5 km versus 5 km, respectively)., Our findings indicate that the landscape managers should consider various spatial scales as a conservation unit for the management of a habitat network in accordance with the conservation targets that they establish. We also found that small artificial agricultural ditches and streams may play important roles in sustaining the population networks of wetland organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While management according to biological reference points is well established for many commercial marine fisheries, similar systems for more leisure based fisheries for freshwater fishes are less common. This paper describes the scientific foundation for management according to conservation limits and management targets for Norwegian populations of Atlantic salmon, a highly valued and heavily exploited anadromous fish species. Based on stock recruitment relationships during the freshwater phase, the biomass of females necessary to attain the carrying capacity (yielding average maximum recruitment) has been established as conservation limits for each of the 439 Norwegian populations. Using a simulation model based on reported catch and estimates of exploitation rates, the probability and percentage attainment of the conservation limits have been assessed annually since 2008, and exploitation advice provided for 176 of the largest populations. The number of populations that attained their conservation limits increased substantially after the new management scheme was introduced, despite that the number of returning salmon remained at historical low levels. Overall the populations evaluated in 2011 were at 95% of their conservation limits compared to 91% in 2008 and 85% in 2005. The improvement could largely be attributed to reduced exploitation rates, due to new restrictions in both the marine and river fisheries. The new management scheme also improved the catch statistics and stimulated data acquisition for management. Implementation of management according to conservation limits has been a success in terms of attaining the main management goal of protecting the Atlantic salmon populations by ensuring that an increasing number of the populations likely are at their maximum reproductive capacity. Long-term increases in fisheries yield, the secondary management goal, are likely to be attained, but remain to be documented. Reference point based management of Atlantic salmon exemplifies management within the intersection of fisheries management and conservation biology, borrowing principles from both sides. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the findings of a study to determine how land use affects nocturnal birds in Mediterranean agricultural areas. Various bird species were observed including the Stone Curlew, Red-necked Nightjar, and Barn Owl. The study mentioned that 50 percent of studied landscapes consisted of herbaceous cropland and olive groves that had a neutral effect on all nocturnal bird species, while vineyards had a negative effect on Eagle Owls, Long-eared Owls, and Eurasian Scops Owls. The results further concluded that scrubland areas and water-bodies provided the most positive effect on nocturnal birds.

We investigated the relationship between conservation status and genetic variability in European and North American Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, populations, many of which have suffered severe bottlenecks. A negative north--south cline exists for the status of population conservation in this species. A literature review of genetic variability and demographic parameters of wild Atlantic salmon populations resulted in no statistical associations between population conservation status and genetic variation at enzyme or VNTR loci. We found however, a negative relationship between male parr maturation rates and geographical latitude for both American and European populations. The increase in effective population size due to participation by mature male parr and the increased proportions of these males in smaller (southern) populations could explain the lack of expected relationship between genetic variation and conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marbled sole, Pleuronectes yokohamae, is an important fishery resource in the northwestern Pacific Ocean that has been adversely affected by anthropogenic impacts. Information on the genetic structure of this flatfish population will be essential for its conservation. Here, we isolated 23 novel microsatellite markers using next-generation sequencing. All of the 23 loci were polymorphic, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 29. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.20 to 1.00 and from 0.20 to 0.94, respectively. Four of 69 cases deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after sequential Bonferroni correction, and the presence of a null allele was suggested at two loci (Pyo18 and Pyo21). No significant linkage disequilibrium was detected between any locus pair. The 23 markers developed here will facilitate the genetic analysis and development of conservation strategies for marbled sole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]