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Biodiversity Journal 2011, 2 (3): 105-160

  • Biodiversity Journal, 2 (3): 105-106
    Alan Deidun
    Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea
  • Biodiversity Journal, 2 (3): 107-114

    Abi-ayad Sidi-Mohammed El-Amine, Bensahla Talet Ahmed, Ali Mehidi Smaïl, Dalouche Fatiha & Meliani Fethia Meriem
    Some aspects on the reproductive cycle of European conger eel, Conger conger (Linnaeus, 1758) (Osteichthyes, Anguilliformes, Congridae) captured from Western Algerian coasts: a histological description of spermatogenesis

    ABSTRACT
    The aim of this work was to study the annual reproductive cycle of European conger eel (Conger conger, Linnaeus, 1758) through analysis and description of spermatogenesis. A sample of 168 males was captured between September 2008 and August 2009 from the Western coast of Algeria, from Béni Saf. Fish length and weight varied between 26.20-112 cm and 0.45-3.44 kg, respectively.
    Condition factors (K), gonadosomatic index (G.S.I.) and hepatosomatic index (H.S.I.) were calculated monthly. Factor K reached the minimum in August/September (0.10%) corresponding to reproductive period and a maximum in January (0.18%). Although G.S.I. values revealed to be statistically not significant, there were two peaks for G.S.I., the first in March, denoting the beginning of spermatogenesis, and the second in August/September, indicating the reproduction period. H.S.I. reached a peak in December (1.90%), then the value decreased to a minimum in April.
    Histological analysis of testis allowed us to distinguish 5 stages summarized as follows: Stage 1: Spermatogonia A; Stage 2: Spermatogonia B; Stage 3: Spermatocytes and spermatids; Stage 4: Spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa (cytodifferentiation of spermatids into spermatozoa); Stage 5: Spermatozoa (spermiogenesis or cytodifferentiation of spermatids into spermatozoa).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 2 (3): 115-120

    Sheikh Saeed Ahmad & Qurat Ul Ann
    Exploring the vegetation dynamics and community assemblage in Ayubia National Park, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, using CCA

    ABSTRACT
    The relationship between species diversity and overall community assemblage was identified in two different zones in Ayubia National Park (Rawalpindi, NE-Pakistan) which is recognized as protected area. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to find correlation of environmental variables with species abundance/richness. Results showed that in Zone 1 species were rather scattered due to the less availability of organic matter and soil moisture as they occupy the less dense forest cover. Whereas Zone 2 showed the opposite trends. Finally the overall zones showed that maximum number of quadrats included Zone 2 species due to a great forest cover with excess amount of organic matter and soil moisture. The study highlighted the importance of dynamic nature and composition of vegetation and stressed the need of conservation of native flora for future generations.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 2 (3): 121-144

    Silvia Alfinito
    A check list of the freshwater algal flora of Sierra Leone, Tropical West Africa. I. Cyanophyceae to Conjugatophyceae (exclusive of Bacillariophyceae)

    ABSTRACT
    Up to present, this is the first check list of the non marine algal flora of Sierra Leone. In this first part 468 taxa, exclusive of diatoms, are reported. For each taxa, the updated nomenclature and the finding localities with references are given.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 2 (3): 145-148

    Gaetano Aloise, Alfred E. Baldacchino & Giovanni Amori
    Crocidura sicula Miller, 1900 (Mammalia, Soricidae): a possible new record from Comino island (Maltese Islands)

    ABSTRACT
    The presence of Crocidura sicula Miller, 1900 is reported for the first time from the Comino island. Two specimens were obtained from the analysis of Long-eared Owl Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758) pellets.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 2 (3): 149-150

    Roberto Vinciguerra
    Notes on the distribution of Castnia invaria penelope Schaufuss, 1870 (Lepidoptera, Castniidae)

    ABSTRACT
    The finding of Castnia invaria penelope Schaufuss, 1870 in Ecuador (Rio Napo) is highlighted, thus extending the body of knowledge on the distribution of the ssp. Additional information on the genus and the congeneric species is also provided.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 2 (3): 151-152

    Mauro Grano, Cristina Cattaneo & Augusto Cattaneo
    A case of cannibalism in Podarcis siculus campestris De Betta, 1857 (Reptilia, Lacertidae)

    ABSTRACT
    A case-report of cannibalistic behaviour in Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus campestris De Betta, 1857 is described here along with the first photographic record.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 2 (3): 153-159

    Francesco Izzillo & Ignazio Sparacio
    A new subspecies of Perotis lugubris Fabricius, 1777 from Southern Italy (Coleoptera Buprestidae)

    ABSTRACT
    A new subspecies of Coleoptera Buprestidae, Perotis lugubris meridionalis n. ssp. from Southern Italy, is described, illustrated and compared with related taxa.