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Giorgio Sabella

  • Biodiversity Journal, 8 (1): 185-192 - MONOGRAPH

    Giorgio Sabella, Rostislav Bekchiev & Rumyana Kostova
    Pselaphinae (Coleoptera Staphylinidae) from Sicily and Calabria (Italy). Results from a short entomological expedition in April, 2015

    ABSTRACT
    The study presents the results from an entomological expedition in Southern Italy. Two rare species, Batrisodes adnexus (C. Hampe, 1863) and Chennium siculum Fiori, 1914, were collected in Sicily and three species, Panaphantus atomus Kiesenwetter, 1858, Bibloplectus pusillus (Denny, 1825), and Bibloplectus delhermi (Guillebeau, 1888), are recorded for the first time from Calabria.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 8 (1): 145-150 - MONOGRAPH

    Vera D’Urso, Oscar Lisi & Giorgio Sabella
    The alien leafhopper Balclutha brevis Lindberg, 1954 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) and its hostplant, the invasive Poaceae Pennisetum setaceum (Försskal) Chiov.: a real risk in the scenario of Mediterranean land biodiversity?

    ABSTRACT
    The possible effects on Mediterranean biodiversity of the alien leafhopper Balclutha brevis Lindberg, 1954 (Hemiptera Cicadellidae) and its alien hostplant, Pennisetum setaceum (Försskal) Chiov., are discussed; Pennisetum setaceum is a perennial grass of Poaceae spread worldwide and recently colonizing very quickly also Mediterranean countries, it being an invasive species that colonises several environments and is able to modify ecosystems replacing the herbaceous indigenous vegetation. Balclutha brevis, described from the Canary Islands, has been reported in Sicily and Malta Islands. In Sicily, conspicuous populations of this species, with specimens of different generations living together during the whole year, are present. A Wolbachia Hertig, 1936 strain and the Trichogrammatidae Oligosita balcluthae Viggiani et Laudonia, 2015, parasitoid of eggs, affect B. brevis. The aggressiveness of P. setaceum and the speed of colonization of B. brevis could cause a banalization of the flora and also the fauna with modification of the entomocoenosis and possible transmission of disease to wild and cultivated plants.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 8 (1): 079-086 - MONOGRAPH

    Giorgio Sabella, Fabio Massimo Viglianisi, Sergio Rotondi & Filadelfo Brogna
    Preliminary observations on the use of drones in the environmental monitoring and in the management of protected areas.  The case study of  “R.N.O. Vendicari”, Syracuse (Italy)

    ABSTRACT
    The possible utilization of UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), also called drones, as means for the environmental monitoring and the management of protected areas has been investigated. The study was carried out in “R.N.O. Vendicari”, Syracuse (Sicily, Italy) in relation to the problems of the fruition's management of the protected area. Some operational proposals on the use of drones for these aims are suggested and the preliminary results are presented.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 8 (1): 047-048 - MONOGRAPH
    Giorgio Sabella
    Introduction. Considerations on the International Congress “Biodiversity, Mediterranean, Society”
  • Biodiversity Journal, 6 (1): 323-326 - MONOGRAPH

    Alfredo Petralia, Ettore Petralia, Giorgio Sabella, Filadelfo Brogna & Corrado Bianca
    Presence's mapping of Brachytrupes megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) (Orthoptera Gryllidae) within the Natural Reserve of Vendicari (Noto, Siracusa, Italy)
    Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress “Speciation and Taxonomy”, May 16th-18th 2014, Cefalù-Castelbuono (Italy)

    ABSTRACT
    Brachytrupes megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) (Orthoptera Gryllidae) is a species included in the Annexes II and IV of EU Directive 92/43 as taxon requiring strict protection. The authors summarize the researches aimed to recognize the localization of this species within the natural reserve of Vendicari, protected area along the south eastern Sicilian coast in the territory of Noto (province of Siracusa). The presence of the specimens was ascertained by detecting its holes on the soil surface. The holes position was recorded using GPS and utilized for mapping the presence of the species as tool for its protection management in the reserve territory.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 6 (1): 263-270 - MONOGRAPH

    Agatino Maurizio Siracusa, Elisa Musumeci, Vera D’Urso & Giorgio Sabella
    New knowledge on diet and monitoring of a roost of the long-eared owl, Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Strigiformes Strigidae) on Mount Etna, Sicily
    Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress “Speciation and Taxonomy”, May 16th-18th 2014, Cefalù-Castelbuono (Italy)

    ABSTRACT
    A study during autumn and winter in Monte Serra area (Mount Etna) was performed on the pellets of a roost of long-eared owl, Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Strigiformes Strigidae). Besides, in order to better understand the feeding habits of this species on Mount Etna, the data from Monte Serra were integrated with those from Linguaglossa Pineta (breeding period). The study was performed through the analysis of 1,724 preys. The species most preyed was the Mammalia Microtidae Microtus savii (de Selys-Longchamps, 1838). The average weight of the preys was 23.48 g, while the average meal was 36.63 g. Besides, the results of the yearly monitoring of the roost studied are given.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 6 (1): 185-192 - MONOGRAPH

    Giorgio Sabella, Antonio Alicata & Fabio Massimo Viglianisi
    A study case of Assessment of Impact using the invertebrates
    Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress “Speciation and Taxonomy”, May 16th-18th 2014, Cefalù-Castelbuono (Italy)

    ABSTRACT
    A study case of Assessment of Impact (A.I.) in regards to the project of achieving diaphragm containment for homogeneous areas T and V of the Gela Refinery is explained. The invertebrates were used to evaluate the environmental quality and also to identify appropriate and effective mitigation measures and for preparing a post-operam monitoring. Some methodological proposals and an index of faunistic habitat value have been proposed.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 6 (1): 175-184 - MONOGRAPH

    Giorgio Sabella, Oscar Lisi & Fabio Massimo Viglianisi
    The use of the entomofauna in the studies of the Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A.) and Assessment of Impact (A.I.)
    Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress “Speciation and Taxonomy”, May 16th-18th 2014, Cefalù-Castelbuono (Italy)

    ABSTRACT
    The paper highlights the entofauna’s role as not only as an indicator of the environmental quality, but also as an useful component in the studies of the Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A.) and Assessment of Impact (A.I.). Some approaches and tools, with particular emphasis on Sicily, are proposed in regards to the use of the entomofauna in the assessment procedures.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 3 (4): 429-444

    Giorgio Sabella, Fabio M. Viglianisi & Ettore Petralia
    Catalogue of malgasy genera of Pselaphinae Latreille, 1802 and first data on the diversity of Pselaphid beetles population in the Amber Mountain National Park, Northern Madagascar (Coleoptera Staphylinidae)

    ABSTRACT
    The catalogue of the genera of Pselaphinae Latreille, 1802 from Madagascar is here presented. For each genus is given the bibliographic reference relative to the original description, its synonyms and the number of total known species. A review of current knowledge about Pselaphinae from the National Park of Amber Mountain (Northern Madagascar) shows that for this area are at present known 16 genera (14 endemic to Madagascar and one of Amber Mountain) and 23 species, all malgasy endemic, 19 of which are known only for the Amber Mountain area. During faunistic researchs carried out in this district, from 18 to 31 March 2011, were collected seven genera (Faronitopsis, Trissemus, Leichotrella, Ctnenistes, Acylotyrus, Eichiella and Rhynchoclaviger) reported for the first time for Amber Mountain area. The research confirms the high biodiversity of malgasy Pselaphid fauna and some of its characteristics as the coexistence in the same area of more congeners species, sometimes very similar to each other, contrary to what occurs in temperate regions. Besides the classic environment of the soil, in Madagascar there are many species that live on herbaceous vegetation or on the branches of trees, in particular those belonging to the tribe of Brachyglutini and Ctenistini.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 2 (4): 195-200

    Fabio Massimo Viglianisi & Giorgio Sabella
    Biodiversity, Environmental Education and Social Media

    ABSTRACT
    The synergies between environmental education, technological innovations and social media are considered and reviewed. The possibility to use these synergies to create sustainable behaviors on a large scale is discussed.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 757-757 - MONOGRAPH
    Vera D’Urso, Salvatore Bella, David Mifsud, Arthur Lamoliere & Giorgio Sabella
    Erratum. Problems and perspectives for the use of exotic predators and parasitoids in biological control
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.757.757
  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 211-218 - MONOGRAPH

    Sara Basile, Luca Montevago, Vincenzo Di Dio, Giorgio Sabella, Rosaria Mulè & Barbara Manachini
    Since 2015, the first solitary bee hotels in Sicily located in the small island of Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve, Sicily (Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.211.218

    ABSTRACT
    Natural pollinators, mainly represented by solitary apoidea, play an essential role in ecosystems and biodiversity. Their population has sharply declined recently, putting both flora and fauna biodiversity at risk. Many studies report that artificial nesting for reproducing solitary bees, also known as bee hotels, can support conservation and increase the number of pollinators. Unipa and LIPU Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve wanted to create the first bee hotels in 2015 near the coast. In particular, the goal of this project was to protect and increase biodiversity on the islet of Isola delle Femmine, a peculiar and challenging to-balance environment where there are more than 200 botanical taxa present on the island, some of which are endemic to Sicilian north-western coast, including pollination by insects. In the current state of knowledge, it is the first case of installing bee hotels in a coastal area so close to the sea, which entailed a significant technical challenge in the construction using recycled material. The hotels built were wholly colonized in a very short period, and even when maintenance and replacement of materials were carried out in less than a week, the recolonization was rapid. Most individuals belonged to the Megachilidae family, which is characteristic of the Mediterranean. The bee hotels have also been a source of curiosity and insight for the reserve visitors. In conclusion, the bee hotel proved useful for colonizing pollinators and increasing reserve use.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 193-198 - MONOGRAPH

    Vera D’Urso, Salvatore Bella, David Mifsud, Arthur Lamoliere & Giorgio Sabella
    Problems and perspectives for the use of exotic predators and parasitoids in biological control
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.193.198

    ABSTRACT
    The accidental introduction of alien organisms potentially harmful to agriculture can cause extensive damage to vegetable crops and fruit plants and is favoured by the global mobility of people, trade of goods and the ongoing climate change. The use of alien predators and parasitoids is well known in the agricultural field, where they are often used for biological control to protect fruit and horticultural plants. The management of invasive species is and will be one of the key issues for preserving biodiversity and the profitability of crops, the latter can now count on an effective, consolidated and lasting strategy: Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The legislation on this subject is complex and articulated and is continuously being updated. It allows for the development of specific skills in biological control and the availability to use quarantine chambers where it is possible to breed and study the behaviour of antagonists (predators and parasitoids), even exotic ones. If successful, their subsequent release to targeted biological control interventions of infestations of the IAS ‘Invasive Alien Species’ can be carried out. This contribution highlights the risk that such practices may involve and takes into account the following points: 1. The behaviour of an alien species can be very different in different contexts, being able to be a real IAS or not showing any character of invasiveness; 2. The behavior of an alien species can vary over time in the same context, diversifying and also expanding its trophic niche; 3. A good number of indigenous predators and parasitoids can over time adapt to new alien prey/hosts and could potentially be used for biological control. In future, biological control will be increasingly used given that EU funds reward and support this type of approach and the intentional introduction of alien natural predators and parasitoids into agroecosystems, although subject to strict protocols, cannot exclude spontaneous colonization by these last of natural environments with currently not assessable consequences on their biocoenosis. In conclusion, the rigorous risk analysis alone does not currently seem sufficient to exclude potential damage to local biodiversity, and programs for the release of exotic predators and parasitoids should be associated with mandatory monitoring of at least five years to verify the behaviour of these aliens in nature and their possible impact on ecosystems.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 187-192 - MONOGRAPH

    Giorgio Sabella & Fabio Massimo Viglianisi
    Design and preparation of a thematic showcase on alien species at the Museum of Zoology of the University of Catania (Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.187.192

    ABSTRACT
    As part of the Interreg FAST (Fight Alien Species Transborder) project, in which the Zoology Museum of the University of Catania (Italy) is involved, in the Museum main room a thematic exhibition relating to alien species, also equipped with interactive supports, has been planned. This action is part of the communication strategy of the aforementioned project, providing for the promotion of Citizen Science initiatives that bring all citizens closer to this problem, increasing their awareness and participation. Some of the most representative and iconic animals linked to this issue will be exhibited within this space. Visitors will be able to observe both vertebrates such as the Nutria (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) or the American pond turtle (Trachemys scripta Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792), and invertebrates such as the Red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, 1790) or the Louisiana red crayfish (Procambarus clarkii Girard, 1852). Also, a large poster illustrating all the species of alien birds in Europe will complete the exhibition, which will also be accompanied by information panels in Italian and English regarding not only the animals on display but also the aims and objectives of the FAST project. Adjacent to the exhibition space an 80-inch touch screen monitor will be installed with a software, also for children, for the recognition of native and alien species, accompanied by information collected in a database on alien invasive species present in Sicily and in Malta.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 179-185 - MONOGRAPH

    Giorgio Sabella & Fabio Massimo Viglianisi
    The new layout of the Museum of Zoology of the University of Catania (Italy) one year after its opening
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.179.185

    ABSTRACT
    On 9 July 2021 the Museum of Zoology of the University of Catania (Italy), the oldest Sicilian zoological museum whose foundation dates back to 1853 by Prof. Andrea Aradas, reopened to the public with a new layout, which involved the elimination of all the showcases in which the specimens were displayed. The new project instead envisaged that all the vertebrate specimens present in the main room, around 170, are arranged on open platforms and grouped according to systematic or biogeographical criteria. An emotional museum was thus created in which the elimination of the showcases and the possibility to walk among the exhibits without barriers or limitations increase the emotional and emphatic involvement of the visitor, helping the transmission of information on biodiversity and the relationship between man and nature.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0977-0992

    Alfredo Petralia, Pietro Fiandaca, Ettore Petralia, Giorgio Sabella, Gaetano Torrisi, Corrado Bianca, Francesco Lamanna & Caterina Dima
    On the presence and localization of Brachytrupes megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) (Orthoptera Gryllidae) in the “Oriented Natural Reserve Simeto Oasis” (Sicily, Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.977.992

    ABSTRACT
    The authors present the results of an investigation aimed to ascertaining the presence of the Gryllidae Brachytrupes megacephalus Lefebvre, 1827, Orthopter of UE interest, in the “Oriented Natural Reserve of Simeto Oasis”, located near Catania along the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy). The species is noticeably widespread in the reserve despite of the alterations and disturbance of anthropogenic origin that have affected the entire coastal dune belt of the Catania Gulf. Management measures aimed to the protection the species are also suggested, as well as protocols for its monitoring in the medium-long term in order to keep under control the consolidation and further diffusion of the species in the territory of the reserve.