Skip to main content

Biodiversity Journal 2018, 9 (4): 313-452

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 313-314
    Stefano Reale
    The Asteroidea De Blainville, 1830 of the Mediterranean Sea (Echinodermata)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.I.II
  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 315-318

    Mauro M. Brunetti
    Two new records of fossil gastropods from the Italian upper Pleistocene
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.315.318

    ABSTRACT
    The examination of numerous materials related to the upper Pleistocene (“Tirreniano” sensu Authors) from Sardinia and Calabria led to the discovery of two new fossil species for the Mediterranean basin: Sinum bifasciatum (Récluz, 1851) (Gastropoda naticidae), found both in the upper Pleistocene of Sardinia and in that of Calabria, and Morula nodulosa (C.b. Adams, 1845) (Gastropoda Muricidae), found in the Sardinian upper Pleistocene. Both species are discussed and illustrated in this paper.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 319-324

    Khati Wyllia, Bensafia Nabila, Ouali Kheiredine & Derbal Farid
    Sponges (Porifera) as bioindicator species of environmental stress from de Gulf of Annaba (Algeria)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.319.324

    ABSTRACT
    The aim of the study was to determine seasonal variations of two biomarkers of oxidative stress, Glutathione (GSH) and Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), in sponge Sarcotragus spinosulus Schmidt, 1862 (Porifera Irciniidae). The samples were collected during the four seasons in 2016– 2017 at two sites in the Gulf of Annaba (northeast of Algeria): Cape de Garde, which is some distance from any source of pollution, is considered a relatively clean site, while Alzon is a site exposed to various sources of industrial, urban and harbour pollution. The results show a significant seasonal decrease in GSH rate in Alzon compared with those at Cape de Garde. Moreover, GST activity increased significantly in Alzon relative to Cape de Garde site, with a maximum activity showed in autumn. This difference between those two sites was observed for all seasons, with more effect in spring and winter. The results obtained showed that under stressful conditions due to anthropogenic factors, some physiological processes of sponges can be affected. Thus, S. spinosulus appears to be a suitable sentinel species for the assessment of ecotoxicological risk in the Gulf of Annaba. Sponges present most of the characteristics researched in bioindicators of pollution and consequently have been proposed to constitute a ‘‘Sponge Watch Program’’.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 325-332

    Carlo Smriglio, Paolo Mariottini & Frank Swinnen
    Jujubinus browningleeae n. sp. (Gastropoda Trochidae) from the Atlantic Ocean, a new member of the “smooth” Jujubinus Monterosato, 1884 complex
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.325.332

    ABSTRACT
    A new species of the gastropod family Trochidae Rafinesque, 1815, Jujubinus browningleeae n. sp., based on morphological characters of the shell, is here described. The new taxon is actually known only from the Gorringe Bank, located off Cape St. Vincent (Portugal, North-Eastern Atlantic). The new taxon is compared with members of the J. curinii species complex, which are morphologically the most similar congeners.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 333-338

    Stefano Reale
    The Asteroidea De Blainville, 1830 of the Mediterranean Sea (Echinodermata)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.333.338

    ABSTRACT
    The populations of Pseudoapterogyna Escalera, 1914 (Coleoptera Melolonthidae Rhizotrogini) from Lampedusa Island (Sicily Channel, Italy) thus far attributed to P. vorax (Marseul, 1878) are revised. A morphological comparison with the North African population of this species (type locality: Algeria Batna) allowed us to attribute the populations of Lampedusa to a new species that is herein described. Observations on the biology and ecology of P. maraventanoi n. sp. are provided.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 339-344

    Lorena Silverio-Polo, O. Eric Ramírez-Bravo, Casimiro Ordóñez-Prado & Guillermo Ortega Vázquez
    New records of Cracids along a fragmented landscape in Central Mexico (Aves Cracidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.339.344

    ABSTRACT
    The pava cojolita or crested guan (Penelope purpurascens Wagler, 1830) and the great curassow (Crax rubra Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves Cracidae) inhabit mature rainforests with low or null perturbation, making them potential indicator species. We report actual records of both species obtained through biodiversity monitoring undertaken in the Experimental Site “Las Margaritas” in the municipality of Hueytamalco at the Sierra Nororiental in the State of Puebla. The presence of both species indicates the importance of the Experimental Site “Las Margaritas” for their distribution within a highly fragmented area.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 345-350

    Valeriano Spadini
    The genus Crispatotrochus Tenison-Woods, 1878 (Anthozoa Scleractinia) from the Mediterranean Pliocene
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.345.350

    ABSTRACT
    A undetermined species of Crispatotrochus Tenison-Woods, 1878 (Anthozoa Scleractinia) from the Early Pliocene of Monte Calcinaio, in Radicofani basin (Italy, Toscana, Siena,) is herein described. This genus is still recorded worldwide, but is unknown in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. This is the first report of this genus from the Mediterranean Pliocene.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 351-356

    Roberto Toffoli, Giovanni Boano, Anna Bonardi, Massimo Evangelista, Marco Pavia & Fabrizio Silvano
    Contribution to the bats knowledge of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Loreto, Peru (Mammalia Chiroptera)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.351.356

    ABSTRACT
    Bats species richness (Mammalia Chiroptera) in Neotropical localities is generally higher than that of any other group of mammals. Surveys of local bat assemblages may provide useful data for conservation management plans. This paper presents bat records based on a chiropterological collection obtained during a preliminary multi-taxa survey (ECOMUSA Project) conducted by the Museo di Storia Naturale di Carmagnola (Torino, Italy) and the Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Iquitos (Loreto, Peru) in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (PSNR), where information on bats are scarce, with the aim of contributing a preliminary check of the bats listed between the Marañón, Ucayali, and Amazon rivers south of Iquitos. The survey was conducted from March 14 to March 24, 2002, in two sites of the PSNR. 74 bats of 19 species (18 Phyllostomidae, 1 Emballonuridae) were collected. The most collected species was Sturnira lilium, which makes up 28% of the captured bats, followed by Carollia perspicillata. In general, the composition of the bat community detected during this short survey in PSNR corresponds to the typical composition of neotropical rainforests. Despite the short duration of the survey, the collected data contributes to the knowledge of bats in PSNR and in the area between the Marañón, Ucayali, and Amazon rivers south of Iquitos, and represents the first record of Rhynchonycteris naso in this area.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 357-368

    Samira Ait Darna, Ahlem Amina Taleb Bendiab, Salim Mouffok, Alae-Eddine Belmahi & Mohamed Bouderbala
    Observation on distribution, biology, growth, diet and feeding strategy of blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus (Rafinesque, 1810) (Chondrichthyes: Scyliorhinidae) in western Algerian coasts
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.357.368

    ABSTRACT
    The blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus (Rafinesque, 1810) (Chondrichthyes Scyliorhinidae) is an accidentally caught species and it acts as a sentinel, by reflecting the state of the region’s fish stocks. Its vulnerability to the impact of fishing, along with the low fertility and late reproduction, do not ensure a good renewal. Data, collected during 13 months from November 2015 to November 2016, were analysed to enrich our knowledge on the population, reproductive biology, growth, and feeding strategy of the blackmouth catshark from the Western coast of Algeria. A total of 551 specimens, 360 males and 191 females, were caught. Their size ranged from 25 cm to 56 cm for both sexes. The length of the first sexual maturity was stunted at 54 cm in females. The asymptotic length was deduced from the von Bertalanffy growth equation to be higher for males than females (females: L∞ = 51.79 cm; males L∞ = 52.14 cm) and the study of the height-weight relationship revealed allometric growth. 551 stomachs were examined and the vacuity index was found to be 63.75%. The preys identified belonged primarily to three major groups: Crustaceans, Osteichthyes, and Cephalopods. Our results show that the feeding strategy of G. melastomus is to be considered generalist and differs from one month to another.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 369-373

    Amaria Latefa Bouziani, Alae-Eddine Belmahi, Youcef Belmahi, Sihem Abid-Kachour & Mohamed Bouderbala
    Reproductive Biology of Diplodus vulgaris (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817) (Pisces Sparidae) in the west coast of Algeria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.369.373

    ABSTRACT
    The study of the reproduction of Diplodus vulgaris (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817) (Pisces Sparidae) of the Algerian West coast - carried out from September 2015 to August 2016 - related to 472 specimens, whose overall length ranged between 14.6 cm and 28.4 cm. The ratio of gonad weight to total weight was assessed monthly, and the evolution of the stages of sexual maturity revealed that, for D. vulgaris, the period of reproduction is between October and February with an oviposition in January. The sex ratio related to the size showed that males are dominant in the classes of small sizes (14–18 cm) and females dominate in the classes of great sizes (19–29 cm).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 375-384

    Zedekiah A. Okwany, Elijah K. Githui, Jane M. Ngaira, Charles M. Warui, Rashid A. Aman & Samson K. Mutura
    Phylogeographic relationships of Freshwter Crabs, Potamonautes Macleay, 1838 (Decapoda Potamonautidae), in Central Kenya in relation to similar species in southern Africa highlands
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.375.384

    ABSTRACT
    Fresh water crabs, Potamonautes Macleay, 1838 (Decapoda Potamonautidae) occurring in highland drainages in Africa are endemic to the specific region due to their geographically restricted habitats. Phylogenetic studies indicate that Potamonautes species in East, Central and Southern Africa regions have close genetic affinities and may be represented by the same genetic stock. In this study, fresh water crabs were sampled from the Aberdare ranges rivers in the Central highlands of Kenya to further characterize their phylogeny. Ribosomal DNA sequences derived from the samples and similar dataset of Eastern and Southern Africa regions were employed in phylogenetic analysis to determine populations’ affinities. The constructed phylogenetic trees show that the molecular affinities are geographically structured where populations in Eastern and Western Rift Valley have closer genetic relationships, while Southern Africa populations are more distantly related. Further, time tree phylogenetics indicated that Eastern Africa Potamonautes are evolutionary older stocks relative to populations in Southern Africa. Tajima-D population drift neutrality test was negative, suggesting that the geographically isolated Potamonautes crabs populations are experiencing purifying selection.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 385-394

    Necattin Türkmen
    The plant diversity and conservation status of the Taurus and Amanos mountains in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.385.394

    ABSTRACT
    In this study, the Taurus and Amanos mountains of Turkey’s eastern Mediterranean region offer an overview of the floristic features. A total of 1,259 vascular plant taxa belonging to 106 families and 469 genera were recorded from the research area as a result of various researches and field studies conducted between 1999–2017. The phytogeographic elements were represented in the study as follows: Mediterranean 328 (26.1%), Irano-Turanian 157 (12.5%), Euro-Siberian 87 (6.8%), cosmopolitan and unknown 687 (54.6%). The total number of endemic species was 195 and the endemism rate was 15.1%. According to the IUCN Red List Categories, 195 threatened plant species were found in the study area. As in all mountainous environments, climate, soil and vegetation characteristics change at short distances and are less exposed to anthropogenic activities. As a result, mountains are centers of high endemism and global biodiversity.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 395-398

    R. Trevor Wilson
    Baobabs, Adansonia spp. (Bombacaceae Malvaceae), around Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), northern Madagascar
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.395.398

    ABSTRACT
    Baobabs list eight species of the genus Adansonia L. (Bombacaceae Malvaceae). One species is endemic to mainland Africa, one to Australia and six to Madagascar. Three Malagasy species are classed by IUCN as Lower Risk/Near Threatened and three are Endangered with limited numbers under the criteria of Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy. The Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) region in northern Madagascar is home to A. madagascariensis Baill., A. suarezensis H. Perrier and A. perrieri Capuron. These are threatened by multiple causes. Naturally low regeneration rates, deforestation, use of fuelwood and charcoal, commercial logging, livestock grazing, collection and consumption of fruit, seed collection for use in cosmetics manufacture, and illegal fires are among these threats. Ecological (unable to regenerate in situ) if not physical extinction is possible because of the low regeneration potential. In addition to direct and immediate threats, the species are vulnerable to long term climate change. Small and fragmented populations, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, invasive species, diseases, lack of conservation law enforcement and inadequate knowledge and research make the prognosis for the survival of this part of Madagascar’s heritage and biodiversity not very positive.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 399-404

    Roberto Battiston, Fausto Leandri, William di Pietro & Simone Andria
    The Giant  Asian Mantis Hierodula tenuidentata Saussure, 1869 spreads in Italy: a new invasive alien species for the European fauna? (Insecta Mantodea)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.399.404

    ABSTRACT
    The presence of the Giant Asian Mantis, Hierodula tenuidentata Saussure, 1869 (Insecta Mantodea), is here reported for the first time in Italy. A well settled and probably wide spread population of this species is here described in detail, evaluating the increase in the number of individuals in the recent years and its adaptability to the European continental climate and to anthropized environments. The synonymy of this species with H. transcaucasica Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 is here discussed and some considerations on the potential impacts on the local ecosystems and its future spreading in Europe as an invasive species are here given.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 405-410

    Ivan Rapuzzi
    New Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera Carabidae) from Caucasus and China. Description of the male of Carabus (Apotomopterus) ebian Cavazzuti et Rapuzzi, 2010
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.405.410

    ABSTRACT
    In this paper, five new subspecies of Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera Carabidae) are described and figured. Three are from the south-eastern part of Sichuan province (China): Carabus (Apotomopterus) longeantennatus transjinshaensis n. ssp.; Carabus (Apotomopterus) benardi briseis n. ssp.; Carabus (Acoptopterus) vigilax rautenstrauchi n. ssp. The other two are from the Russian Caucasus (Ingushetia and Daghestan): Carabus (Tribax) kasakorum daghestanicola n. ssp.; Carabus (Tribax) kasakorum scintillans n. ssp. Furthermore, Carabus (Apotomopterus) ebian Cavazzuti et Rapuzzi, 2010 is considered a valid species after examination of a male specimen. The male aedeagus is described and figured for the first time.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 411-424

    Massimo Cresti & Maurizio Forli
    On some Pliocene Lucinidae J. Fleming, 1828 (Bivalvia) from Orciano Pisano (Pisa, Italy) with the proposal to establish a new species: Alucinoma (?) persquamulosa (Sacco, 1901)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.411.424

    ABSTRACT
    In the present paper, three species of bivalves (Mollusca Bivalvia) belonging to the Lucinidae J. Fleming, 1828 family, coming from the Pliocene lands of Orciano Pisano (Pisa, Italy) are described and discussed. They are: Myrtea spinifera (Montagu, 1803), Gonimyrtea (?) meneghinii (De Stefani et Pantanelli, 1878) and Alucinoma (?) persquamulosa (Sacco, 1901). The latter species has been described as a variety of Lucina meneghinii and, following the new findings in the surroundings of Orciano Pisano, we propose it as a valid species. Some discrepancies with the descriptions of the type species of the various genera used in the determinations, suggest the possibility of a systematic update of the italian Pliocene lucinides.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 425-428

    Sitthi Kulabtong, Sawika Kunlapapuk & Chatchai Preecha
    Fecundity and length-weight relationship of cyprinid fish, Rasbora rubrodorsalis Donoso-Büchner & Schmidt, 1997 (Pisces Cyprinidae) in tributary of Sieo River, Roi Et Province, Northeast Thailand: a preliminary report
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.425.428

    ABSTRACT
    The present paper reports on fecundity and length-weight relationship of cyprinid fish, Rasbora rubrodorsalis Donoso-Büchner et Schmidt, 1997 (Pisces Cyprinidae) in the tributary of Sieo River, Mun Basin, Roi Et Province, Northeast Thailand. This study indicates that length-weight relationship is related by the equation, W = 0.0025SL1.52, (R2 = 0.85). Fecundity ranged from 155–784 eggs. Fecundity-length relationship was related by the equation, Fe = 2.2014SL1.56; (R2 = 0.85) and Fecundity–weight by Fe = 901.0637W0.91; (R2 = 0.78).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 429-440

    Riccardo Giannuzzi-Savelli, Francesco Pusateri & Stefano Bartolini
    A revision of the Mediterranean Raphitomidae (Gastropoda Conoidea), 7: on the sibling species Raphitoma densa (Monterosato, 1884) and Raphitoma griseomaculata n. sp. (Gastropoda, Conoidea)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.429.440

    ABSTRACT
    A new raphitomid toxoglossa, Raphitoma griseomaculata n. sp. (Gastropoda Conoidea), is described from the Ionian Sea. It is the sister species to R. densa (Monterosato, 1884) from which it differs in the different protoconch (paucispiral vs. multispiral), adding to a long list of pairs of the cenogastropod species that differ in their larval development.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 441-446

    Armando Nappi, Maurizio Fusari, David Fiacchini, Riccardo Castiglia, Giovanni Amori & Flavia Annesi
    About the presence of the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia Rodentia Muridae) in a rocky habitat in the central Apennines (Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.441.446

    ABSTRACT
    In this paper, some data about the presence of Apodemus sylvaticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia Rodentia Muridae) in rocky environments of the National Park of the Sibillini Mountains are provided. Considering the available data on the distribution of A. sylvaticus in Italy, this appears to be an unusual finding, which can be explained considering the strong reduction that the preferred environment by this species, the wooded areas, has suffered in the past by man and possible competitions with other forest rodents.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 447-450

    Laura Loru, Piera M. Marras, Mauro Nannini & Roberto A. Pantaleoni
    The occult spread of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål,1855) (Hemiptera Pentatomidae), in Sardinia (Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.447.450

    ABSTRACT
    The invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera Pentatomidae), was recorded in autumn 2018 in Sassari (northern Sardinia, Italy), after a previous finding in Cagliari (over 200 km away in southern Sardinia) in autumn 2016. It is not clear whether the species has already spread throughout the Sardinia or whether the sighting in the North of Sardinia is due to a second introduction. However, it is usual for this species to have a long period with low population level after its first introduction into a new area. The presence of this very polyphagous alien species is a serious hazard for Sardinian agriculture.