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Biodiversity Journal 2019, 10 (2): 69-174

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 069-070
    Marcello Romano
    The family Pamphagidae
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.I.II
  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 071-080

    Roberto Viviano, Arturo Viviano, Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano & Ignazio Sparacio
    A new species of the genus Schileykiella Manganelli, Sparacio et Giusti, 1989 from Sicily (Italy) (Gastropoda Pulmonata Canariellidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.71.80

    ABSTRACT
    Schileykiella mariarosariae n. sp. (Gastropoda Pulmonata Canariellidae) is described from Mount Pecoraro, Cinisi (Palermo, Sicily, Italy). The new species is characterized by lenticular shell with keeled whorls and very short hairs, genitalia with long penis, short epiphallus, long flagellum, very flared initial portion of the duct of bursa copulatrix. Additional ecological, biological and taxonomic notes are provided.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 081-092

    Mustapha Boudjenah, Zakia Mokrane & Dina Soualili
    Diversity of Phytoplanktonic populations along the Algerian coastline
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.81.92

    ABSTRACT
    Phytoplankton biodiversity is the basis of the functioning of the aquatic ecosystems. Also, understanding and evaluating the effects of the change in our environment and their impact on planktonic populations is an important element. In fact, this paper was to appreciate the diversity and composition of phytoplankton in relation to some physicochemical parameters. Water samples were collected along the Algerian coastline (Alboran Sea, the Algerian basin and the Middle area), during the period May–June 2013. The study area contained a diversified phytoplankton community (296 species), belonging to 138 genera. The algal groups were represented and classified as dinoflagellates (180 species), diatoms (103 species), cyanophyceae, coccolithophorids, euglenids, and chrysophytes (13 species). The spatial distribution of cell densities revealed a heterogeneous phytoplankton composition dominated by dinoflagellates, which represent 63% of the total abundance, followed by diatoms (35%). Quantitatively, we observed a highest cell density and diatoms abundance in most stations of the Alboran Sea decreasing towards the east (Algerian basin). The peak of dinoflagellates in June was represented by Prorocentrum and Gymnodinium genera.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 093-094

    Giacomo Gervasio, Antonino Siclari, Sergio Tralongo, Salvatore Urso & Francesca Crispino
    Presence of the European polecat, Mustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758 (Mammalia Mustelidae), in Aspromonte National Park, Italy
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.93.94

    ABSTRACT
    In the recent past, the presence of the European polecat, Mustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758 (Mammalia Mustelidae), in the Aspromonte National Park (Italy) appears to be uncertain due to the lack of objective data and specific studies. In 2017–2018, the Park Authority carried out a project to monitor seven species of mesocarnivores whose status is poorly known even at the local level. Monitoring was performed by means of camera trapping, a technique particularly suitable for the detection of very elusive species. During the second year of activity, the presence of the European polecat was recorded in two different areas of the north-eastern side of Aspromonte National Park, the southernmost part of its Italian distribution.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 095-100

    Smail Chafaa, Sabrina Belkhadria & Fateh Mimeche
    Entomofauna investigations in the apricot orchards, Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosales Rosaceae), in Ouled Si Slimane, Batna, North East of Algeria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.95.100

    ABSTRACT
    Researches carried out in the past years allowed to list an entomofauna that lives on the apricot orchards, Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosales Rosaceae), in Ouled Si Slimane (Batna Department, Algeria). The investigated period was from October 2014 until May 2015. The sampling techniques used were: hunting in sight, barber pots, colorful traps, entomological umbrella and the filleting net. We have identified a total of 125 species divided into 9 orders and 54 families in which Coleoptera and Hymenoptera were quantitatively represented. The phytophagous were the most present. Its Shannon Value exceeds 4.5 Bits and indicates a Specific Richness of the insects and diversification of ecological niches in this kind of fauna.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 101-108

    Ouarab Samia & Doumandji Salaheddine
    Relative biomass and size class of ant prey Cataglyphis bicolor (Fabricius, 1793) (Hymenoptera Formicidae) in the Reghaïa wetland reserve (Algeria)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.101.108

    ABSTRACT
    This work focuses on the study of the diet of the ant Cataglyphis bicolor (Fabricius, 1793) (Hymenoptera Formicidae) in the natural reserve of the Reghaïa wetland through the analysis of two nests. This study shows that Hymenoptera dominates in the trophic menu of this species at 92.7 % for Nest 1 and 87% for Nest 2, with a total of 60 species divided between 3 classes, 10 orders and 31 families. The most consumed species by C. bicolor is Messor barbarus (Linnaeus, 1767) (Hymenoptera Formicidae) with 87% (Nest 1) and 82.2% (Nest 2). In terms of biomass, a species of Coleoptera dominates either Ophonus sp. (B.% = 9.36 %). Messor barbarus dominates in relative abundance and has only a very small part of the biomass ingested (0.37%). The size of C. bicolor prey species is between 1 and 24 mm for Nest 1 and 1 and 30 mm for Nest 2.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 109-116

    Djamel Bekrattou, Salim Mouffok, Noureddine Benaissa & Mohammed Bouderbala
    Fishing of Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Decapoda Nephropidae) in Algerian western waters
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.109.116

    ABSTRACT
    A frequently occurring species with high market value in Algeria, the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Decapoda Nephropidae) has attracted the interest of many professional fishermen. Fishery for this species has been growing rapidly in recent years. In this work, we collected data on the eco-biology, production, and monitoring of fishing effort and calculated yields. Our main objective is to provide an introduction to the fishing activity of this crustacean decapod in western Algeria, to provide a database for further studies of the lobster stock, and to contribute to the improvement and development of lobster fishery in Algeria.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 117-120

    Antonino Dentici
    Third contribution to the knowledge of Sicilian spider fauna (Arachnida Araneae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.117.120

    ABSTRACT
    The following work shows new or interesting data on the araneofauna of Sicily (Arachnida Araneae). Particularly, 2 genera and 7 species new for Sicily are reported and the presence of Linyphia triangularis (Clerck, 1757) is confirmed. Additional biological, ecological and faunistic data are provided.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 121-126

    Francesco Bolinesi, Salvatore Viglietti, Nicola Maio & Fabio Maria Guarino
    Presence of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia Mustelidae) in the Foce Sele-Tanagro Nature Reserve (Campania, Southern Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.121.126

    ABSTRACT
    In Italy, the Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora Mustelidae), occurs with two separated populations in the southern regions and recently it has also re-colonized the north-eastern fluvial networks. Here, we present the first photographic evidence of the Eurasian otter presence along a stretch of the Calore river (Campania region, Southern Italy), where this species was generically reported in previous study. Our findings enlighten that the Calore river network might play an important role for the conservation and expansion of this species in Campania.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 127-140

    Mohamed Anis Draredja, Choukri Barour, Hocine Frihi, Chahinez Boualleg & Mohamed Laabir
    Diatoms diversity and dynamics in a southern Mediterranean lagoon (Mellah, Algeria)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.127.140

    ABSTRACT
    The composition and distribution of diatoms were studied using a biweekly sampling performed in three representative stations in the Mellah Lagoon (South Western Mediterranean, Algeria), during 2016. In total, 160 diatoms species - belonging to centric species (52 species) and pennate species (108 species) - were inventoried. The relative abundance of the pennate forms (67.50%) is clearly higher compared to the centric forms (32.50%). The blooms of diatoms are represented by 3 species: Chaetoceros constrictus Gran, 1897 with up to 15000 cells.L-1 (end of May), Chaetoceros sp. with up to 178320 cells.L-1 (early October), and Nitzschia longissima (Brébisson) Ralfs, 1861 with up to 200640 cells.L-1 (early September). Proliferations of three potentially toxic species: Pseudo-nitzschia group delicatissima (Cleve) Heiden, 1928 (2500 cells.L-1), Pseudo-nitzschia group seriata (Cleve) H. Peragallo, 1899 (700 cells.L-1) and Thalassionema nitzschoides (Grunow) Mereschkowsky, 1902 (210 cells.L-1), requires regular monitoring of this ecosystem where the exploitation of the shells is practiced. The diatom populations seem to be structured showing diversity (H’) and equitability (J’) indices reaching 4.56 bits.cell and 0.98 respectively, with the exception of spring-summer and summer-autumn transition periods.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 141-146

    Fatma Bousmaha, Malika Adamou-Djerbaoui, Fatiha Labdelli, Mohamed Essalah Azzaoui, Fatima Beldjillali, Khadidja Raci, Khadidja Titaf & Walid Dahmani
    Inventory of scorpion fauna (Arachnida Scorpiones) in Tiaret region (Algeria)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.141.146

    ABSTRACT
    The present work was carried out in the region of Tiaret to study the diversity of scorpions in western Algeria. In this locality, three stations were chosen: the first one is a rocky area, the second one is represented by a scrub and the third is an anthropized zone. The scorpions sampling was done, during the year 2017, randomly and it was carried out by searching the scorpions in their hiding places, where a total of 200 individuals were sampled. The specimens morphometry, based on the measurement of 8 parameters, made it possible to diagnose two families: Buthidae represented by two species Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789) (88.5%) and Buthacus arenicola (Simon, 1885) (7%) and Scorpionidae represented by Scorpio maurus Linnaeus, 1758 (4.5%). Among the measures that make the difference between these species, we mention the width of the chela, which is of the order of 3.03 ± 0.67 for Buthus occitanus and 2.27 ± 0.49 mm for Buthacus arenicola, while Scorpio maurus has larger chela.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 147-150

    Andrea Lombardo & Giuliana Marletta
    Presence of the alien species Godiva quadricolor (Barnard, 1927) (Gastropoda Nudibranchia Facelinidae) along the coast of eastern Sicily
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.147.150

    ABSTRACT
    This work explores the second report of the alien nudibranch Godiva quadricolor (Barnard, 1927) (Gastropoda Nudibranchia Facelinidae) in eastern Sicily (Italy). Previously, this species has been found only in the area of Faro Lake (Messina), where now there is a significant population. The specimen here reported was sighted while diving in Santa Maria La Scala (Acireale, Catania) near a fresh water source. In fact, as it has been claimed by other authors, there is a strong correlation between this species and the brackish water areas. This work argues that this specimen has been brought to this area either by the Strait of Messina currents or by fishing boats, which dock at a small port in the study area. Since this is a species which easily adapts to different environmental conditions and feeds on other nudibranchs, G. quadricolor propagation could be a great threat to indigenous biodiversity.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 151-158

    Sihem Abid-Kachour, Omar Rouane Hacene, Salim Mouffok & Mohammed Bouderbala
    Digenean parasites in two congeneric sparid fish and of commercial importance, Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827), from the western Mediterranean coast of Algeria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.151.158

    ABSTRACT
    The investigation into the digenean fauna of two congeneric sparid fishes (Perciformes Sparidae), Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827), was carried out in the Algerian coasts (Western Mediterranean). These fishes of commercial importance represent an important biological resource for the human population along the Mediterranean coasts. However, the data on their digenean parasites in Algeria are incomplete and the aim of this study is to provide new data on the diversity and species composition of digeneans from these hosts. A total of 240 fishs (120 of each species) were collected from Oran (North-western Algeria) during 12 months between September 2016 and August 2017. Eleven species of digeneans were found in the two fish hosts: (i) Lepocreadium pegorchis (Lepocreadiidae); Lepocreadium album (Lepocreadiidae); Holorchis pychnoporus (Lepocreadiidae); Holorchis spp (Lepocreadiidae); Hemiurus comminus (Hemiuridae); Hemiurus luehei (Hemiuridae); Lepidauchen stenostoma (Acanthocolpidae) and Pachycreadium carnosum (Opecoelidae); Macvicaria crassigula (Opecoelidae) in Pagellus erythrinus; (ii) Lepocreadium pegorchis (Lepocreadiidae); Macvicaria crassigula (Opecoelidae); Zoogonus spp (Zoogonidae) and Hemiurus communis (Hemiuridae) in Pagellus acarne. In the evaluation of the dynamics of the epidemiological index of the community of digenean parasites, two species of fish show seasonal variations. Furthermore, higher prevalence of infestation were registered during the summer season for the Opecaelidae family in the two hosts.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 159-172

    Yamina Tahri, Saliha Dermeche, Fayçal Chahrour & Mohammed Bouderbala
    The reproduction cycle of the sea cucumber Holothuria (Holothuria) tubulosa Gmelin, 1791 (Echinodermata Holo-thuroidea Holothuriidae) in Oran coast, Algeria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.159.172

    ABSTRACT
    The aim of this paper is to present an analytical study of gonad index (GI) and repletion index (RI) of Holothuria (Holothuria) tubulosa Gmelin, 1791 (Echinodermata Holothuroidea Holothuriidae). The study is based on biomonitoring data collected from February 2014 to January 2015 in the Oran coast. The gonad index of Holothuria tubulosa is analyzed to show the reproductive cycle and its relationship to environmental parameter conditions. Samples of 15 to 20 individuals were collected monthly at three stations on the Oran coast (La Madrague, Cap Carbon, and Ain Franin). The sex ratio of all sampling was found as (female:male) 0.8:1.2 with no significant difference between sites (X2= 2.18 ; df=4 ; p>0.05) and is also not significant regarding the seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) (X2= 3.03 ; df=6 ; p>0.05). Sea cucumber reproduction occurred in September at Cap Carbon and Ain Franin with values of Gonad index (GI) that are 0.33± 0.52 % and 0.22± 0.52 % respectively. At the La Madrague site, the spawning occurred in October with a value of GI of 1.49±2.03 %. It was observed that seawater temperature has a positive correlation with Gonad index (GI) and no correlation with Repletion index (RI).