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Biodiversity Journal 2025, 16 (1): 1-

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 003-006

    Ayari Nakaka & Kazuki Kimura
    Time to freezing: plasticity or rapid evolution. A preliminary study
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.3.6

    ABSTRACT
    The orb-weaving spider Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch, 1878) (Araneae Nephilidae), commonly known as Joro spider, was recently introduced into North America and has been spreading in the invaded territory. Several studies have suggested potential negative impacts of this spider on native communities. The present study focused on risk-taking behavior in Joro spider individuals from their native range. A comparison between our behavioral experiment and a previous study investigating an exotic population in the USA suggests that spiders tend to exhibit more risk-aversive behavior in the introduced region. Although it remains unclear whether the observed difference is an adaptive or plastic change, knowledge on the adaptability of Joro spiders to novel conditions is crucial for assessing their impact on the ecosystem.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 007-010

    Mauro Grano & Christian Galmuzzi
    The Pond Sliders Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) (Reptilia Emydidae) are pets or toys?
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.7.10

    ABSTRACT
    The Pond Slider Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) (Reptilia Emydidae) is a major invasive species in freshwater habitats across the world. For decades, the main cause of individuals’ occurrences in the wild was the illegal release of pet animals. Unfortunately, the small size and ease of breeding have encouraged the trade of this species. The new trend of Thai traders has made this animal a real toy, with even greater risks for the environment.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 011-020

    Fatmakhanum Khalid Nabiyeva, Aliyar Shahmardan Ibrahimov, Nuri Vagif Movsumova, Gulnara Shirali Shiraliyeva & Ulkar Mahmud Mammadova
    Floristic analysis of Zagatala State Nature Reserve, Azerbaijan
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.11.20

    ABSTRACT
    The present paper provides information on the results of floristic, taxonomic, and bioecological research carried out in the expedition organized to on May 10-16, 2022 in the Zagatala State Nature Reserve and in the surrounding areas (Azerbaijan). During the expedition, 158 species belonging to 56 families and 105 genera of local vegetation were recorded. According to the analysis of life forms, due to the large number of species, trees dominate with 57 species (36.08%), perennials with 63 species (39.87%), and shrubs with 22 species (13.92%). During this research, 19 species included in 18 genera belonging to 15 families included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan were recorded in the territory of the reserve. Species such as Petasites albus, Anemonastrum narcissiflorum, Malva alcea, Ajuga pyramidalis, Morus alba pendula, Arnebia pulchra, etc. which are not given for this area, including the flora of Azerbaijan, were discovered and included in the list. The issue of the reserve is the preservation of water-retaining, soil-protecting and resort-climate important mountain meadows and forests in separate zones of the north-eastern part of the Greater Caucasus, and the effective use of the richness of the area’s vegetation, where research work on international biological problems is carried out.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 021-023

    Khaled Etayeb, Saleh Buirzayqah & Habeeb Alghythi
    First record of Wood duck Aix sponsa (Linnaeus, 1758) in Libya (Aves Anatidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.21.23

    ABSTRACT
    Birds move from one place to another without regard to international borders during their migrations. Particularly, the Mediterranean region is considered a link in the African-Eurasian bird migration route, especially migratory water birds. Among the North African countries, Libya is located in the middle of the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, it is considered a stopover and resting ground for many bird species. A Wood duck Aix sponsa (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves Anatidae), species commonly found throughout North America, was recorded for the first time in Benghazi city at the eastern coastal part of Libya on 04 Jan 2025 in a Sabkha (salt marsh). It is a female characterized by the gray and brown color of the body with a white ring around the eyes. It can be confirmed that this species is not among the ornamental birds imported into Libya for trade but may have escaped from a farm in countries bordering Libya.