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Biodiversity Journal 2024, 15 (3): 467-762

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 469-478

    Kamala K. Asadova, Rena T. Abdiyeva, Naiba P. Mehdiyeva & Nigar Mursal
    Assessment of the vegetation state of the coastal ecosystems of the Caspian Sea northern part (within Azerbaijan) and their transformation
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.469.478

    ABSTRACT
    This article provides the results of monitoring the flora and vegetation of the northern part of the Caspian Sea in modern conditions, analyzes the species composition and vegetation cover of the coastal strip, compiles the succession series of vegetation depending on the coastal zonation, and also considers factors such as anthropogenic activity and the impact of lichens. On the basis of the obtained materials, possible options for the further development of vegetation are predicted with possible fluctuations in the level of the Caspian Sea in the future.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 479-483

    Tamer Mahmoud & Sanjay Gairola
    Three new records to the flora of United Arab Emirates: Dactyloctenium australe Steud. (Poaceae) and two varieties of Neurada procumbens L. (Neuradaceae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.479.483

    ABSTRACT
    Based on our recent field surveys, three new records, that had not previously been recorded in flora of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were discovered. The new records are Dactyloctenium australe Steud. (Poaceae) recorded from Al Bidiyah in Fujairah, and two varieties of Neurada procumbens L. (Neuradaceae), namely, N. procumbens var. stellata and N. procumbens var. al-eisawii, from Hamdah and Al Dhaid area in Sharjah. Detailed morphological examination of these species was carried out and brief descriptions, phenology, photographs, and distribution map is provided.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 485-492

    Salvatore Pasta & Daniel Jeanmonod
    Revived after two centuries of oblivion: Jean Etienne Duby’s visit to Sicily (1829–1830)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.485.492

    ABSTRACT
    The analysis of the labels of Jean Etienne Duby’s exsiccata kept in the Candolle herbarium has brought to light some previously unpublished information on his botanical journey to Sicily and some of its satellite islands, carried out between 1829 and 1830.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 493-495

    Mauro M. Brunetti
    On the presence of Peronaea planata afroccidentalis (Cosel, 1995) (Bivalvia Tellinidae) from Iberian Lower Pliocene Atlantic deposit
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.493.495

    ABSTRACT
    The study of numerous malacological material coming from the Iberian Lower Pliocene Atlantic deposit has made it possible to confirm the fossil presence of Peronaea planata afroccidentalis (Cosel, 1995) (Bivalvia Tellinidae) previously considered only a form of Peronaea planata (Linnaeus, 1758).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 497-508

    Bruno Amati
    A new species of Pusia Swainson, 1840 from southern Turkey (Gastropoda Costellariidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.497.508
    https://www.zoobank.org/25793D10-4599-4114-B1F2-30F2E76C575F

    ABSTRACT
    Pusia (Ebenomitra) angeloamatii    , a new species of the genus Pusia Swainson, 1840 (Gastropoda Costellariidae), is described based on empty shells from the coasts of southern Turkey (Eastern Mediterranean Sea). It is compared with other species of the genus. Uromitra hypatiae Pallary, 1912 (currently Vexillum hypatiae) is transferred to Pusia based on characters of shell morphology (Pusia hypatiae comb. nov.).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 509-516

    Pietro Lo Cascio & Piero Leo
    A new Trachyscelis Latreille, 1809 from Cape Verde Islands (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.509.516
    https://www.zoobank.org/B2828CA2-90F6-4345-9131-AA263A97A26D

    ABSTRACT
    A new species of Trachyscelis Latreille, 1809 (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae) endemic to some islands of the Cape Verde archipelago is described. It differs from the widely distributed T. aphodioides Latreille, 1809 for the testaceous teguments, the incomplete set of elytral striae where only 1-3 are entirely visible, the smaller eyes with 50 ommatidia and the reduced wings.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 517-523

    Franck Boyer & José Rosado
    Finding of Marginella caterinae Bozzetti et G. Raybaudi, 1991 (Volutoidea Marginellidae) in Dhofar (Sultanate of Oman) and description of a sympatric sibling species
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.517.523
    https://www.zoobank.org/D5306506-C5E6-4206-84FB-27417AF6148F

    ABSTRACT
    Marginella caterinae     Bozzetti et G. Raybaudi, 1991 (Volutoidea Marginellidae), descrive from Somalia, is revised on the ground of specimens collected along the central coast of the Dhofar, Oman. A sibling species collected in sympatry is described as M. gabrielae n. sp. The shell variability of both species is discussed, and their animal chromatism is illustrated. The generic placement of this species group is discussed, as well as its affinities with the species group of M. cloveri Rios et Matthews, 1972 distributed off equatorial and tropical Brazil.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 525-545

    Franck Boyer
    Revision of the wavy ornated cystiscids (Volutoidea Cystiscidae) from the Dhofar (southern Oman) and description of new taxa
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.525.545
    https://www.zoobank.org/311F3724-B950-4086-BC5A-2923D2964B70

    ABSTRACT
    The cystiscids species (Volutoidea Cistiscidae) from the Dhofar (southern Oman) with wavy ornated shells are revised on the ground of semi-intensive samplings, mainly operated off Mirbat (Central Dhofar) and more incidentally in other places off Central and Western Dhofar. This species complex, alternatively placed by authors in the genus Persicula Schumacher, 1817 or in the genus Gibberula Swainson, 1840, is considered to belong to a well-distinctive disbranching among the Cystiscidae, and its placement in a new genus Sagittalia n. gen. is proposed, with Marginella sagittata Hinds, 1844 as type species. Seven cystiscid species from the Dhofar are proposed in this new genus, two of them previously described as Persicula masirana Roth et Petit, 1972, and Gibberula peterbonuttii Cossignani et Lorenz, 2018, four of them being described as new: Sagittalia anapaulae n. sp. from Mirbat and the Saadah (Central Dhofar), S. willeminae n. sp. from Salalah (Western Dhofar), S. eloiseae n. sp. from Western and Central Dhofar, S. vickydobsonae Boyer et Childs n. sp. and S. peterbonuttii (Cossignani et Lorenz, 2018), both from Mirbat and the Saadah (Central Dhofar), and an undescribed species of Sagittalia sp. A only known by one specimen collected at 24–28 m depth off Mirbat are discussed. Two main phenetic clusters are recognized in this fauna: the cluster S. anapaulae/S. willeminae and the cluster S. eloiseae/S. vickydobsonae/S. peterbonuttii, whereas the relationship of S. masirana and of Sagittalia sp. remains unstated, despite their closely matching animal chromatism. Comparison is proposed with other wavy ornated species from the Arabian Region and from other regions of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Provinces, with the analogous fossil fauna documented from the French mid-Eocene and with Recent brother-groups of zig zag ornated cystiscids with reduced number of waves.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 547-584

    Ingrid N. Visser, Tracy E. Cooper, David Cothran, Gerald McCormack, Heiko Grimm, Pirjo H. Mäkeläinen & Mathieu Cusson
    Images confirm records of Fijian orca (Orcinus orca Linnaeus, 1758), including a group with indistinct saddle patches
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.547.584

    ABSTRACT
    We collated (n=36) records of orca (Orcinus orca Linnaeus, 1758, also known as the killer whale (Cetacea Delphinidae) in the waters of the Republic of Fiji, South Pacific Ocean. Using standardised criteria, we classified these records into Confirmed, Presumed and Unconfirmed. We then conflated replicated records to create (n=12) unique meta-records between 1994-2024. We confirm, for the first time with photographs/video, the species as present in Fijian waters with evidence (photos/video) for (n=6) records between 2006–2024 which illustrate species-specific characteristics. From within that dataset, we report on a group of five orca which had either extremely faint ‘belt’ shaped saddle patches, or no saddle patches. Based on this pigmentation anomaly we consider that they may be an aberrant group or belong to a previously undescribed tropical ecotype.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 585-595

    Agatino Reitano, Davide Di Franco & Danilo Scuderi
    Three new species of Discopsis De Folin, 1870 from the Plio-Pleistocene of Sicily (Gastropoda Tornidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.585.595
    https://www.zoobank.org/FD07B593-54D2-4195-B53E-B650BF78ACDA

    ABSTRACT
    Three new species, placed in the genus Discopsis de Folin, 1870 (Gastropoda Tornidae) are here described as new from the Plio-Pleistocene of Sicily on the basis of morphological characters. The first two, D. destefanii n. sp. and D. vivianorum n. sp., derived from sandy clayey silt outcropping along the shore of the left side of the mouth of Nocella river (Castellammare Gulf, North-western Sicily). Discopsis destefanii n. sp has been tentatively assigned to Imperator europaeum De Stefani, 1888 at first attempt. After deeper researches, discrepancies between the original description and its relative drawing emerged, which rendered questionable the correct interpretation of the De Stefani’s species and the possible institution of a neotype to stabilize taxonomy of this controversial species. But the lack of type materials to ascertain characters typical of this species induced us to consider it as unaccepted. As a consequence, comparisons between D. destefanii n. sp. and I. europaeum become superfluous on account of the above reported reasons. The other one, D. philippii n. sp., has been collected from the Pleistocene marly sand/calcarenite succession outcropping along the left shore of the Ossena river (Francofonte, Syracuse, Sicily).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 597-621

    Efat M. Abou-Fakhr Hammad, Jessica Daoud & Salwa W. Tohme
    Insect taxa as biodiversity indicators at selected coastal landscape
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.597.621

    ABSTRACT
    For monitoring responses of insect arthropods to disturbance, a dataset of 1831 insects was considered. We studied faunal diversity of insects in terraces habitats located on the coast of Lebanon. Insects were sampled from 12 sites having different habitats with one sampling method of combined pitfall-pan trap. This study resulted in nine insect orders and 129 morphospecies. Hymenoptera was the most abundant order in all habitats (63.57%) followed by the orders Diptera, Homoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Dictyoptera and Thysanoptera. This coast was classified with medium biodiversity index (D) of 0.51 for insect orders and high D of 0.83 for morphospecies. The highest (D) was in field crops habitat (H1) of 0.64 and 0.91 for insect orders and morphospecies, respectively; followed by scrublands (H3), greenhouse areas (H2) and olive orchards (H4). These results indicated that human intervention was affecting the diversity in natural habitats. Five insect orders: Coleoptera, Dictyoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera were significantly selected as potential biodiversity indicators in this coastal area. Thus, for monitoring these bioindicators, a protocol based on operating our combined trap method appears practical in design and yield very diverse material with the target of sustaining these insect populations in the coastal area.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 623-629

    Chetan Kachhara
    Diversity of birds in and around Kohima Science College campus, Jotsoma, Kohima, Nagaland (India)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.623.629

    ABSTRACT
    The present study on Birds diversity in the Kohima Science College campus and surrounding areas (India) was done over a period of six months from September 2023 to May 2024. A total number of 48 bird species belonging to 27 families were recorded during the study covering an area of about 3.2 km2. The family Muscicapidae was found to be dominant with a 13% contribution followed by families like Laniidae, Leiothrichidae, Cuculidae and Pycnonotidae with a 6% contribution which is further followed by families like Columbidae, Hirundinidae, Motacillidae, Paridae and others with 4% contribution.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 630-648

    Augusto Cattaneo
    Eco-morphological notes on the sarmatian rat snake, Elaphe sauromates (Pallas, 1814) (Reptilia Serpentes Colubridae), from Greek Thrace
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.630.648

    ABSTRACT
    This paper aims to provide original information on the eco-morphology of Sarmatian rat snake, Elaphe sauromates (Pallas, 1814) (Reptilia Serpentes Colubridae), which inhabits Greek Thrace. To this end, research was conducted in May, from 2013 to 2017, along the coastline of north-eastern Greece. Regarding morphology, numerous data on size (of both juveniles and adults), pholidosis (head, trunk and tail) and color development are provided. The absence of E. sauromates on the arid Aegean Islands underscores its reliance on high humidity conditions for survival, a trait further evident in the various environments it frequents on the continent. The trophic spectrum of E. sauromates primarily consists of birds (mostly nestlings) and their eggs, as also evidenced by the structure of its cervical tract; similar dietary tendencies appear to be present in its sister species, E. quatuorlineata. As for its reproductive cycle, three females were followed from copulation to oviposition; four of the offspring (2 males, 2 females) were reared until sexual maturity, and variations in length, weight and habitus were recorded annually. Information is also provided on behavior, predators, parasites and conservation problems. Finally, the three species of the group E. sauromates (s.l.), E. sauromates, E. urartica, E. druzei are compared, with comments on cryptic species.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 649-658

    Mark Nell C. Corpuz, Hildie Maria E. Nacorda, Christine Marie E. Casal, Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava, Patricia Ann Jaranilla-Sanchez, Sonnie A. Vedra, Hermogenes M. Paguia & Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon
    Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Water Quality Parameters in Talisay and Bagac River Systems, Bataan, Luzon Island, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.649.658

    ABSTRACT
    The fishery resources and hydrological data in the major river systems in Bataan (Philippines) are poorly studied. A preliminary study was conducted to assess the fish assemblages and water quality parameters along the three stream sections of Talisay and Bagac river systems (Luzon Island). The study collected 977 fish individuals from 50 species and 34 families; 28 fish species were observed in Talisay, whilst Bagac had 37 fish species. Forty-two fish species (84%) were categorized as native in the studied rivers. Family Gobiidae comprised the largest number of species in either river. Introduced or exotic fish species from the families Cichlidae and Cyprinidae comprised 16% of the total identified fish taxa. Among the cichlid family, the Sarotherodon melanotheron was the most abundant fish species (Talisay: n = 118; Bagac: n = 134). Shannon-Weiner’s diversity index in Bagac (H = 2.47) was higher than in Talisay (H = 1.91). The similarity rate of stream sections was low (27.28%) based on fish assemblage characteristics. In the ten water quality parameters, the levels of biological oxygen demand, fecal coliform, and total suspended solids exceeded the normal range for a Class C water body classification (agri-fisheries purposes), particularly in the midstream and downstream sections of the studied rivers. The present study supplied ecological datasets that can be adopted as bases to enhance the river conservation management measures in the region.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 659-664

    Elena Prazzi, Vincenzo Billeci, Giuseppe Maraventano, Gerry Sorrentino, Angelo Dimarca & Giulia Casamento
    Presence of Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758) (Reptilia Cheloniidae) on Lampedusa island (Pelagie Islands, Sicily Channel): update on the 2022 and 2023 nesting seasons and on conservation measures
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.659.664

    ABSTRACT
    During 2022 and 2023 a total of 22 nests of Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758) (Reptilia Cheloniidae) were laid on Lampedusa island. Ovipositions interested 5 different beaches of the island, with the discovery of two new oviposition sites (Cala Spugne and Portu Ntoni). The 16 nests monitored in 2023 represent the highest number of oviposition ever recorded in Lampedusa. For the first time on Lampedusa, nests laid in Cala Spugne and at high risk of inundation have been relocated to Conigli beach, within the Nature Reserve “Isola di Lampedusa”. This practice, together with other conservation measures implemented on the beaches outside the protected area, permitted to protect nests and newborns in sites also affected by pressures connected with mass tourism. Otherwise, the strengthening of the use regulation on Conigli beach, with the introduction of a limit on number of visitors, has further increased the level of environmental protection, thus representing a model to be proposed on the other beaches of Lampedusa outside the Nature Reserve.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 665-669

    Mauro M. Brunetti & Giano Della Bella
    On two fossils bivalve (Mollusca Bivalvia) from Lower Piacenzian of Spain with description of a new species
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.665.669
    https://www.zoobank.org/83CFEFF9-4944-4AD4-8FE9-342499C743DF

    ABSTRACT
    The study of fossil molluscs from the Lower Piacenzian of Spain has allowed us to discover a new species of bivalve belonging to the family Limidae: Acesta (s.l.) plioiberica n. sp. which is here illustrated and discussed. Another taxon, found both in the Spanish and Italian Pliocene and previously described as Saxicava arctica var. crassomagna Sacco, 1901, is here considered as a valid species with the name of Hiatella crassomagna.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 671-674

    Ivan Rapuzzi
    Faunistic notes and new taxa of the genus Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera Carabidae) of Shanxi Province, China
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.671.674
    https://www.zoobank.org/00FAB79F-B1E3-42E4-BDCF-C4DFC1F1E24D

    ABSTRACT
    Faunistic notes of the genus Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera Carabidae) from North China, Shanxi Province are provided. Two new species are also described and figured: Carabus (Cychrostomus) anchocephalus rectigranulatus n. subsp. and C. (Morphocarabus) latreillei shanxiensis n. subsp.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 675-678

    Ivan Rapuzzi
    New taxa of the genus Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 of Southern Sichuan Province, China
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.675.678
    https://www.zoobank.org/72683D22-F168-4FBB-9917-F5C77B248DEF

    ABSTRACT
    In this paper, four new subspecies of Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera Carabidae) from South Sichuan province (China) are described and figured: C. (Acoptopterus) rautenstrauchi alberti n. subsp., C. (Pseudocoptolabrus) taliensis shanlenggang n. subsp., C. (Pseudocoptolabrus) taliensis butuoensis n. subsp., and C. (Coptolabrus) gemmifer rectipustulatus n. subsp.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 679-682

    Mauro Grano
    The Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769 (Mammalia Rodentia) in Fourni Island (North Aegean, Greece)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.679.682

    ABSTRACT
    The presence of the brown rat Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769 (Mammalia Rodentia) in the North Aegean island of Fourni is reported here for the first time.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 683-692

    Richel E. Relox, Christine Mae M. Eugenio, Flonica F. Imperial & Aira Jayne L. Raut
    Effect of Microclimate to Bat Diversity in Mangrove Forest of Brgy. Tubajon, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines (Mammalia Chiroptera)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.683.692

    ABSTRACT
    Bat diversity is declining in the country because of habitat loss. Hence, an assessment study of the environmental factors affecting bat diversity was conducted in mangrove forest of Tubajon, Misamis Oriental. Quadrat sampling and mist-netting were used to assess mangroves and bats respectively, and mapped using the Geographic Information System (GIS). Shannon Diversity Index was used for both mangroves and bats while the Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Canonical Correspondence Coefficient were used to correlate bats with rainfall, temperature and humidity. Results showed that there are two species of mangroves, namely Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora apiculata, and three species of bats, namely Cynopterus brachyotis, Macroglossus minimus, and Ptenochirus minor, in the site. Mangroves and bats obtained the diversity index of 0.6428 and 1.018 respectively. Among the three species of bats, only C. brachyotis has relationship with humidity with a result of 0.04065. Thus, bats in the area highly depend on the quality of the habitat with low diversity of mangroves and varied climatic factors.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 693-700

    Alessandro Paterna & Mauro Grano
    Morphology of the maxillary bones in the Caspian whipsnake Dolichophis caspius (Serpentes Colubridae) supports the opisthoglyphous model within western palearctic whipsnakes
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.693.700

    ABSTRACT
    The analysis of the dentiferous bones, in particular of the maxillae of the Caspian whipsnake Dolichophis caspius, reveals the presence of features typical of opisthoglyphous colubroids. Modified teeth are present in the posterior extremities of the maxillae, morphologically different from the anterior ones, from which they are separated by an alveolar diastema. In correspondence of such diastema, the maxillary bone deviates ventrally, positioning the rear teeth inferiorly than the anterior ones. As in other opisthoglyphous species, such characteristics are also visible in the palatomaxillary arches of in vivo individuals, as the rear maxillary teeth are covered by cuffs/sheaths which are easily recognizable from the surrounding mucosa. Presence of such traits was also found in the congeneric Dolicohphis jugularis and Dolichophis schmidti, and discussed in the other western Palearctic whipsnakes and racers species, suggesting that such adaptations may be developed in common ancestors from which such clade originated.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 701-706

    Matilda Mema & Kejda Kriso
    Changes in the photosynthetic apparatus in fruit trees during stressful periods
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.701.706

    ABSTRACT
    The amount of solar radiation absorbed by the leaf is a function of the photosynthetic pigments it contains. Chlorophyll provides an indirect estimate of nutritional status because most of the nitrogen in leaves is incorporated into chlorophyll. The measurements were carried out with three types of leaves (sun, partial shade and shade) for Santa Maria (pear) variety (Tirana region, Albania) in two areas, under and above water. The reflectance values in the 400–800nm wavelength provide the opportunity to determine the parameters that evaluate the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus of fruit trees in two different areas in the same period.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 707-712 - MONOGRAPH

    Salvatore Brunetti
    Alien Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Sicily and Malta: A Review and Updated Checklist
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.707.712

    ABSTRACT
    In the last few years, due to globalization, which increases and speeds up the movement of people and goods around the world, the number of alien animal and plant species that have accidentally arrived in Europe has increased considerably; as a result, the problem of alien species, and especially invasive ones, has taken on greater significance. Since the Mediterranean has always been one of the main trade routes, it is of primary importance to turn our attention to those areas that constitute the main entry routes for new species into Italy and Europe, such as Sicily and the Maltese archipelago. This publication aims to collect all available data about alien invasive ants recorded in Sicily and Malta. Among all animal taxa, one of the groups with great adaptability and that easily follows human routes is the Formicidae, which also includes species with high invasive potential. Currently in Sicily there are 10 alien ant species, two of which, Linepithema humile (Mayr, 1878) and Solenopsis invicta Buren, 1972 (recently recorded), are invasive. Whereas for the Maltese archipelago 12 ant species are alien, two are considered invasives, namely L. humile and Pheidole indica Mayr, 1879. An additional species, Cardiocondyla mauritanica Forel, 1890, is considered cryptogenic in both countries. For a proper management of alien species, it is essential to carefully monitor the alien species already present on the territory and considered invasive but also to pay attention to those species that have already caused serious damage in other countries and are easy to introduce. Finally, it is important to monitor potential entry routes followed by invasive aliens, especially those involving interchanges between Sicily and the Maltese archipelago.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 713-730 - MONOGRAPH

    Salvatore Surdo & Roberto Vento
    Sicilian ornithological report 2021 (Sicily, Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.713.730

    ABSTRACT
    Useful documents such as Ornithological Reports are no longer published, although these types of publications help us to evaluate population trends: the IUCN status of each species is influenced by this kind documentations, and they are useful also to improve knowledge on migratory movements and, generally, on animal ecology. A report often collects also information from citizens: involving citizens in science projects has a strong positive response on their lives and their sensitivity to environmental issues. Given this importance, it seemed reasonable to us to work on a report which includes all the most important observations of birds of 2021. The importance rank was evaluated on the basis of the number of individuals or their unusual phenology. Every year, a high number of observations of wild animals are reported in several social media. These observations/records are lost if no one collects, validates and publishes them. All the data we present have been collected either from several digital channels of information, such as Ornitho, Ubird, eBird, INaturalist, Facebook groups, Trektellen.org or directly from birdwatchers. They include noteworthy observations about 185 species observed in Sicily during the year 2021 and, in addition, 109 species listed in a separate table because of fragmented or useless information.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 731-740 - MONOGRAPH

    Danilo Scuderi & Alberto Villari
    Taxonomical notes on some poorly known mollusca species from the Strait of Messina (Italy): second contribution
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.731.740

    ABSTRACT
    Changes in currents and temperature of the sea water, the intensification of maritime traffic and the increment of knowledge on the taxonomy of some groups of molluscs justify the present second contribution to the knowledge of poorly known species of Mollusca of the interesting biotope constituted by the Strait of Messina (North-Eastern Sicily). As our previous work, the aim of this new contribution is to give a better taxonomic definition and a new iconography, through photographs and drawings of the shell - as well as the external soft parts of the living animals when possible - of problematic species of Mollusca which have stimulated our curiosity due to their rarity, scanty findings or poor knowledge or definition of their taxonomy. Among others, Rissoellidae are present with dense populations during the summer season: new investigations on their animal chromatism gave light to species assemblage in the studied environment and a better delineation of the single species, whose shell resulted scarce of morphological characters, being minute, almost smooth and colourless.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 741-756 - MONOGRAPH

    Giuseppe Rannisi, Alfredo Petralia, Salvatore Alecci, Giambattista Condorelli, Filippo Gravagno, Adolfo Longhitano, Filippa Marchese, Giusi Milazzo, Stefano Pannucci, Edoardo Tortorici & Rosario Ennio Turrisi
    Proposal for the “Monte Po-Vallone Acquicella Sub Urban Territorial Park” (Catania, Italy): an experience of participatory environmental democracy
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.741.756

    ABSTRACT
    The authors present the proposal for the establishment of the Monte Po-Vallone Acquicella Sub Urban Territorial Park covering a total area of about 220 ha from the Monte Po hill (north-west of Catania, Italy) to the mouth of the Acquicella river along its course. The objective of establishing the Park is the protection of the landscape, naturalistic and cultural values being part of its territory. At the same time, the park would consolidate the function of reconnecting the urban complex of the historic part of the city with the peripheral neighborhoods that arose over time to the west of the Acquicella river, contributing to resolve its marginality. Furthermore, the Park would represent a significant green lung available for sustainable fruition for the benefit of the Catania community and not only, given its contiguity and proximity to other important urban centres. The different aspects of the proposal are then illustrated.

  • 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