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Biodiversity Journal 2018, 9 (1): 1-104

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 001-002
    Pietro Lo Cascio
    Trogonophis wiegmanni Kaup, 1830 (Squamata Trogonophidae)
  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 003-008

    Amir Brinis & Moulay Belkhodja
    Physiological and Biochemical behaviour of Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt. (Caryophyllales Chenopodiaceae) under salinity stress

    ABSTRACT
    The halophytic species Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt. (Caryophyllales Chenopodiaceae) was submitted to increasing levels of salinity stress (NaCl) in order to understand and quantify as well some physiological and biochemical responses. The results that have been obtained showed that plant biomass production was a function of salinity gradient. As far as chlorophyll content was concerned, decreasing content was observed for chlorophyll (a) and chlorophyll (b). The energetic potential elaborated by the species was inversely proportional to salt concentration. The accumulation of osmotic substances such as proline, soluble sugars and total proteins content increased as salinity level was increasing. These results show how important is to verify specific adaptative mechanisms to salt stress. In fact, in the present study, it is worth to emphasize how osmoregulation constitutes a reliable and interesting strategy for the species to withstand salt stress. Such an analysis may also be used in plant selection at early stage as predictive indirect tests to evaluate the possible integration of plant breeing programs.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 008-018

    Amel Bellal, Naouel Amel Brahim Tazi, Mustapha Charane & Zakia Hadjou
    Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of Lithognathus mormyrus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Perciformes Sparidae) in the Western Mediterranean Sea

    ABSTRACT
    Between December 2014 and April 2016, 235 specimens of striped seabream Lithognathus mormyrus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Perciformes Sparidae) caught along the western Algerian coast were examined for helminth parasites. This taxa includes 5 monogeneans (Lamellodiscus flagellatus, L. ignoratus, L. mormyri, L. verberis and Pagellicotyle mormyri), 13 digeneans (Lepidauchen stenostoma, Derogenes latus, Magnibursatus bartolii, Proctoeces maculatus, Holorchis pycnoporus, Lepocreadium album, L. pegorchis, Macvicaria maamouriae, M. maillardi, M. mormyri, Pycnadenoides senegalensis, Diphterostomum brusinae and Zoogonus rubellus), 3 nematodes (Hysterothylacium rhacodes, Dichelyne tripapillatus and Ascarophis sp.), 1 cestode (Scolex pleuronectis) and 2 Acanthocephala (Acanthocephaloides propinquus and A. incrassatus). All the species were recorded for the first time in the western Algerian coast in this host. Furthermore, Lepidauchen stenostoma and Hysterothylacium rhacodes are reported for the first time in the western Mediterranean. Magnibursatus bartolii, Zoogonus rubellus, Dichelyne tripapillatus, Ascarophis sp. and Scolex pleuronectis provide a new host record in Lithognathus mormyrus from the Mediterranean Sea. Epidemiological indexes (prevalence, abundance and mean intensity) were calculated for each helminth species identified in this fish. The Algerian west coast shows the highest value in the helminth species richness among all the Mediterranean coasts.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 019-024

    Chebel Fateh, Mezedjri Lyamine & Boulahdid Mostefa
    Reproductive cycle of the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758 (Pisces Perciformes Sparidae) in the Gulf of Skikda (Algerian East coast)

    ABSTRACT
    Specimens of the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758 (Pisces Perciformes Sparidae) have been the subject of a study on the reproductive biology in the Gulf of Skikda, which extends from Cape Bougaroune (06°27’10”E) to Cape of Iron (07°10’02”E), from March 2014 to February 2015, in order to describe the sex distribution, sexual cycle and size at first sexual maturity. A total of 576 specimens of which 391 males and 185 females were analyzed. The numerical proportion of males (68%) differs significantly from that of females (32%) (ε> 1.96, α = 5%). The gonadosomatic (GSI) and hepatosomatic (HSI) indices of females and males indicate a single reproduction period. This Spawning period ranges from December to January. Oocyte maturation occurs when the HSI is high. On the other hand, spawning causes a decrease in the HSI. The size at first sexual maturity (Lm50) is 18.3 cm for males and 19.6 cm for females.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 025-034

    Salvatore Giacobbe & Walter Renda
    Mollusc diversity in Capo d'Armi (Central Mediterranea Sea) subtidal cliff: a first, tardy, report

    ABSTRACT
    First quantitative data on mollusc assemblages from the Capo d’Armi cliff, at the south entrance of the Strait of Messina, provided a baseline for monitoring changes in benthic biodiversity of a crucial Mediterranean area, whose depletion might already be advanced. A total of 133 benthic taxa have been recorded, and their distribution evaluated according to depth and seasonality. Bathymetric distribution showed scanty differences between the 4-6 meters and 12-16 meters depth levels, sharing all the 22 most abundant species. Season markedly affected species composition, since 42 taxa were exclusively recorded in spring and 35 in autumn, contrary to 56 shared taxa. The occurrence of some uncommon taxa has also been discussed. The benthic mollusc assemblages, although sampled in Ionian Sea, showed a clear western species composition, in accordance with literature placing east of the Strait the boundary line between western and eastern Mediterranean eco-regions. Opposite, occasional records of six mesopelagic species, which included the first record for this area of Atlanta helicinoidea, were linked to the local upwelling of Levantine Intermediate Waters.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 035-044

    Andrea Corso
    Updated status of European Lanner Falcon, Falco biarmicus feldeggii (Schlegel, 1843) (Aves Falconiformes): a taxon on the verge of extinction, with brief comments on the North African Lanner, F. biarmicus erlangeri (Kleinschimdt, 1901)

    ABSTRACT
    Information on the breeding population size of European Lanner Falcon, Falco biarmicus feldeggii Schlegel, 1843 (Aves Falconiformes), up to the breeding season 2017 are here given, showing how this peculiar and distinctive taxon is now threatened. A brief overview of the most relevant past and recent information available for the main breeding strongholds is reported, with a more circumstanced status for Turkey and other countries for which the data so far published were either out of date or misleading. The general figure is at no more than ca. 200 breeding pairs worldwide, with slightly more known nesting territories so far remaining. Some comments for the North African subspecies F. biarmicus erlangeri (Schlegel, 1843) are also concisely reported, showing how also this taxon is steadily declining.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 045-050

    Chebel Fateh, Mennad Moussa & Mezedjri Lyamine
    Structure of the community associated with the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758 (Pisces Perciformes Sparidae) of the Algerian east coasts (Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, El-Taraf)

    ABSTRACT
    The structure of the community associated with the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758 (Pisces Perciformes Sparidae) of the Algerian east coasts is studied on the basis of data from the oceanographic campaign “ALDEM 2012” carried out in Algeria. The most characteristic species of the S. aurata are determined on the basis of three classification criteria, relative frequency (Fr), density (Dn) and biomass (Dw). These species are 88. Species diversity and evenness are calculated in the coasts of eastern Algeria taking into account the numbers and the weights. Distribution of specific abundance is studied from the models of Motomura, Mac Arthur and Preston. Determination of specific richness, specific diversity, equitability and use of abundance distribution models revealed a young (immature) community with one or more species that tend to dominate in number and weight. A principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out on a matrix of 88 species and 3 variables (Fr, Dn, Dw) in order to separate the species strongly associated with the gilthead sea bream. Mullus barbatus is the species most associated with S. aurata with a significant presence of Trachurus trachurus and Pagellus acarne and, to a lesser degree, Pagellus erythrinus.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 051-060

    Abdenour Kheloufi, Zineb Faiza Boukhatem, Lahouaria Mounia Mansouri & Mohammed Djelilate
    Inventory and geographical distribution of Acacia Mill. (Fabaceae Mimosaceae) species in Algeria

    ABSTRACT
    The geographical distribution of the genus Acacia Mill. (Fabales Mimosaceae) in Algeria was determined after the prospect, localization and description of the various species populations overall Algerian territory. Twenty-four regions were prospected, based on relative species abundance. Among the ten-species found in Algeria, only A. karroo and A. saligna can be found in the whole country. However, there are some concentrations in certain northern regions. Acacia decurrens was only found in the Northeast, with high concentrations at the National Park of El Kala. Five of them are recorded in the southwest (A. albida, A. ehrenbergiana, A. nilotica, A. seyal and A. tortilis). Acacia farnesiana is indicated in the Northeast and the Northwest. Acacia laeta individuals were very rare. According to the climatic data during the years 2000-2016, the following species adapted to the annual pluviometry, that is lower than 100 mm: A. albida, A. ehrenbergiana, A. laeta, A. nilotica, A. seyal and A. tortilis. Three species (A. karroo, A. farnesiana and A. saligna) are in zones with an annual pluviometry between 250 and 500 mm). Acacia decurrens is located in a zone in which the annual precipitation exceeds 1000 mm. This study shows the distribution of the Acacia species in Algeria.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 061-064

    Sitthi Kulabtong, Pawin Thongdam & Patipat Toprom
    New records of priapium fish Neostethus lankesteri Regan, 1916 (Atheriniformes Phallostethidae), from the mangrove area of Andaman coastal and lower Gulf of Thailand

    ABSTRACT
    A priapium fish, Neostethus lankesteri Regan, 1916, (Atheriniformes Phallostethidae) is newly recorded from the mangrove area of Andaman coast and lower Gulf of Thailand. Description and distribution data of a priapium fish is provided here.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 065-068

    Jan Matějíček
    A new species of the genus Stereocephalus Lynch, 1884 from Paraguay (Coleoptera Staphylinidae Paederinae)

    ABSTRACT
    Stereocephalus agostii n. sp. (Coleoptera Staphylinidae Paederinae) from Paraguay is described and a new key to species of the genus Stereocephalus Lynch, 1884 is proposed.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 069-072

    Abdenour Kheloufi, Seyfeddine Arar, Amani Aoutti & Lahouaria Mounia Mansouri
    Coexistence of Henosepilachna elaterii (Rossi, 1794) (Coleoptera Coccinellidae) on Citrullus colocynthis Schrad.(Cucurbitaceae) around the water dam of El Outaya (Biskra, Algeria)

    ABSTRACT
    Morphological studies (Total length from apical margin of clypeus to apex of elytra, width, body area and wing length) were carried out on the fourth larval instar, pupa and adult (male and female) of Henosepilachna elaterii (Rossi, 1794) (Coleoptera Coccinellidae) sampled from a Cucurbitaceae plant (Citrullus colocynthis Schrad.), which grow around the dam “Fountains of Gazelles” in Biskra (Algeria). The fourth instar larva and pupa measured 8.55 ± 0.20 mm and 2.56 ± 0.26 mm; 7.38 ± 0.36 mm and 4.81 ± 0.36 mm; length and width respectively. Adult beetles feeding on fresh leaves were hemi-spherical in shape and red ferruginous in color with 12 black spots on the elytra. Females measured 6.97 ± 0.25 mm in length and 5.37 ± 0.34 mm in width, while males were 6.17 ± 0.31 mm in length and 4.80 ± 0.37 mm in width. Duncan’s multiple range tests allowed us to classify specimens in increasing order of area as follows: 4th instar larvae 20.29 ± 0.15 mm2, adult male 26.41 ± 2.52 mm2, pupa 28.14±0.31 mm2 and adult female 31.73 ± 1.84 mm2. Moreover, the female wing was longer with a value of 10.07 ± 0.54 mm compared to the male, which recorded 8.72 ± 0.60 mm in length. Both adults and larva were serious pests of Citrullus colocynthis which resulted in skeletonisation of leaves.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 073-088

    Paolo Stara & Federico Marini
    Amphiope caronei n. sp. (Echinoidea Astriclypeidae) from the Tortonian of Cessaniti, Vibo Valentia Province, Calabria, Italy

    ABSTRACT
    A new species of Amphiope L. Agassiz, 1840 (Echinoidea Astriclypeidae) from the late Miocene (Tortonian) of Vibo Valentia Province, Calabria, Southern Italy, is herein described. This species is distinguished from all the others so far known, by the smaller size of the petalodium, that varies from a minimum of 40.5% to a maximum of 46% (mean 44%) of the test length, thus representing the lowest value in this genus. It is hypothesized that the petalodium reduction could be due to climate and - more generally - environment, resulting from the Mediterranean pre-salinity crisis conditions that characterized these areas during the Tortonian and towards the beginning of the Messinian.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 089-094

    Pierpaolo Rapuzzi & Luciano Arcorace
    Purpuricenus (s. str.) coccineus Breit, 1917: a distinct species endemic from Calabria, Italy (Coleoptera Cerambycidae Cerambycinae Purpuricenini)

    ABSTRACT
    Purpuricenus (s. str.) coccineus Breit, 1917 (Coleoptera Cerambycidae Cerambycinae Purpuricenini) is revaluated as a distinct species from Calabria (South Italy). For a long time it was thought to be a synonym of Purpuricenus (s. str.) globulicollis Dejean, 1839.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 095-098

    Antonino Dentici
    Contribution to the knowledge of the spider fauna (Arachnida Araneae) of the Maltese Archipelago

    ABSTRACT
    In this paper, new spiders (Arachnida Araneae) from the Maltese Archipelago are reported. Particularly, 3 genera and 5 new species found during a recent trip to Malta and Gozo islands are reported here. The presence in these islands of another species is confirmed. Additional biological and taxonomic notes are provided.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (1): 099-103

    Ian Falzon
    On the coloration of the wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia Leporidae), in the Maltese Archipelago

    ABSTRACT
    Although most non-scientific literature listing wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia Leporidae), in the Maltese islands mentions the occurrence of two colour morphs in the Maltese islands, an attempt at describing in scientific detail such coloration has never been made. Wild rabbits in the Maltese islands occur in two dominant morphs; the grey agouti and the yellow morph. In this article, a detailed description of each variation was given with regards to ‘dorsum’, ‘flanks’, ‘nape’, and ‘ventrum’, as well as the specific descriptions of ‘head’, ‘tail’, and ‘ear tip’. Hair colour bands for both morphs are also given. Predation and camouflage are explored as the major driving force behind the high level of occurrence of the wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus sporting the yellow morph. This when compared to other countries.