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Biodiversity Journal 2019, 10 (3): 175-302

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 175-176
    Amedeo Falci
    Zerynthia cassandra (Geyer, [1828]) (Lepidoptera Papilionidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.I.II
  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 177-184

    Ahmad Pervez & Moina Khan
    Distribution and Biodiversity Indices of predaceous Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) of Uttarakhand, North India
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.177.184

    ABSTRACT
    An extensive survey was conducted to explore the biodiversity of predaceous ladybirds (Coleoptera Coccinellidae) and to evaluate their biodiversity indices from five zoogeographical habitats in Uttarakhand, North India. A total of 1883 ladybird specimens with 18 species were recorded belonging to three sub-families (Chilocorinae Scymninae Coccinellinae), three tribes (Platynaspidini Scymnini Coccinellinae) and thirteen genera. Seven-spotted ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) was highly abundant (32.13% of total frequency), followed by Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius, 1781) (23.69%). Platynaspis saundersi (Crotch, 1874) was the least abundant ladybird species. Shannon Wiener’s index was the highest (2.1012) for Chamoli region exhibiting it as most species diverse habitat, which is the reason for the high pooled SW index of 2.0349 from Uttarakhand. Low Simpson's diversity index (D) was evaluated from Uttarkashi (0.1720) and Chamoli (0.1758) revealing a relative increase in coccinellid diversity from other habitats. Margalef index measuring the species richness was the highest in Chamoli (5.0634). High Pielou’s evenness Index was evaluated from Uttarkashi and Chamoli suggesting that species are the most evenly distributed in these habitats. Sorenson’s Index was highest (0.7368) between Nainital and Almora, which reveals maximum similarity in the species belonging to these two habitats. Similar habitats in altitude and climate have high similarity index, which suggests aggregation of ladybird species is highly dependent on climatic conditions and altitude.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 185-194

    Mouloud Benabdi, Lalla A. T. Cherif-Louazani, Alae Eddine Belmahi, Samir Grimes, Yassine G.E. Khames, Billel Boufekane, Salim Mouffok & Mohamed Bouderbala
    Morphometric data and allometric relationships of the gorgonian Eunicella singularis (Esper, 1791) (Anthozoa Gorgoniidae) of Paloma Island, Algeria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.185.194

    ABSTRACT
    The gorgonian Eunicella singularis (Esper, 1791) (Anthozoa Gorgoniidae) is abundant on rocky bottoms at Paloma Island (Algeria) in the south-western of the Mediterranean basin. In this study area, 150 gorgonian colonies of E. singularis were collected randomly using SCUBA diving and the following morphometric macro-features were measured (maximum height, maximum width, total branch length, rectangular surface area, height to width ratio and dry weight). Allometric growth was examined using the relationships between the dry weight and the five morphometric macro-features. The power equation of the simple allometry applied was y=axb and the parameters of the linear regression a and b were estimated after the logarithmic transformation log (y)=log( a)+ b*log(x). The allometric relationships between the dry weight and the morphometric macro-features studied show that the growth of the gorgonian E. singularis in the study area is correlated positively and significantly with the five macro-features and that both the macro-features total branch length and the maximum width are the most appropriate parameter applied to the gorgonian E. singularis growth study.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 195-200

    Andrea Corso, Ottavio Janni, Carlo Fracasso, Alessandro Biscaccianti & Lorenzo De Lisio
    New data on the distribution of the endangered dragonflies Oxygastra curtisii (Dale, 1834), Somatochlora meridionalis (Vander Linden, 1825) and S. flavomaculata Nielsen, 1935 in Central-Southern Italy (Odonata Cordulidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.195.200

    ABSTRACT
    New data on distribution in central-southern Italy of three species of dragonflies (Odonata Cordulidae) are here reported: Oxygastra curtisii (Dale, 1834), Somatochlora meridionalis Nielsen, 1935 and S. flavomaculata (Vander Linden, 1825). The first one it is included in Annex II of Habitat directive of the Europe. For S. curtisi we reports for the first time its presence in Abruzzo and Molise regions, while for meridionalis we report the national south most known sites, while for flavomaculata a range extension of more than 200 km south.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 201-206

    Aïcha Benaldjia, Lyamine Mezedjri & Ali Tahar
    Comparative biometric study of sardine Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) of the Algerian littoral (Actinopterygii Clupeiformes Clupeidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.201.206

    ABSTRACT
    A compared biometric study of the sardine Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) (Actinopterygii Clupeiformes Clupeidae) was carried on 471 specimens during the year 2015. These samples were taken from seven different sites of the Algerian coast going from the east to the west: El Kala, Annaba, Skikda, Collo, Jijel, Algiers, and Oran. The ANOVA test which was applied on each of the 36 variables morphometric and meristic shows that there is a highly significant difference between the seven sites for 35 variables out of 36. However, concerning the sex factor in the study area, we didn’t note significant differences between sexes. The comparison of the seven sites with the MANOVA test confirms the results obtained by the ANOVA.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 207-212

    Bennabi Farid, Belkhodja Moulay, Boukraa Djamila & Rahmani Khaled
    Effect of salinity on the germination of three varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabales Fabaceae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.207.212

    ABSTRACT
    The present study is carried out to compare tolerance levels towards salinity of three varieties of the plant Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabales Fabaceae): Cocorose, Eldjadida and Tadalaghte (a Saharan variety harvested from the area of Béchar in the south of Algeria) during germination. The tolerance levels are estimated by percentage of germinated seeds as well as of the length of roots (in cm), during a period of eight days. Preliminary results show that the germination is maximal in the distilled water and decreases with the increase of the salt concentration of the environment. It is non-existant at 300 meq of NaCl in all the varieties. The increase of the salt concentration delays the germination and reduces percentage of germinated seeds. The response of the seeds of P. vulgaris towards the saline stress varies depending on time and salt concentration. The effect of NaCl on germination varies also depending on the variety. It was found that the variety Tadalaghte shows a good tolerance towards salinity better than Eldjadida and Cocorose. The latter is the most sensitive variety.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 213-220

    Ernesto Filippi
    Effects of restoration habitats on snake species of Dghoumes National Park (Tunisia)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.213.220

    ABSTRACT
    Dghoumes National Park (DNP) is an important protected area located in South Tunisia. This region is characterized by desertification and habitat degradation, mainly caused by climate changes and overgrazing by domestic and semi-domestic livestock. Habitat regeneration, protection of native wildlife and reintroduction of some animal species are at the centre of the activity of this protected area. This article summarizes the results of the first study carried out on the snakes inhabiting this National Park. The study aimed at working out the first checklist of the species and at making a preliminary analysis of the consequences of habitat restoration on the snake species inside the National Park.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 221-236

    Franck Boyer
    About the supra-generic classification of the Marginelliform Gastropods: a morphological study
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.221.236
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/441adf9d-e993-4e45-8bde-f6430a964559

    ABSTRACT
    The supra-generic classification of the marginelliform gastropods is reevaluated on the ground of a critical review of the main general revision works dealing with the combined analysis of the conchological characters, of the external anatomy and of the radular morphology, and less systematically of the organization of the alimentary tract. The disparate nature of several groups is demonstrated, and it provides grounds for the description of three new supra-generic taxa: Marginellonidae fam. nov., Plesiocystiscinidae fam. nov. and Canalispirinae subfam. nov.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 237-248

    Alma B. Mohagan, Olga M. Nuñeza, Angel C. Alcala, Jose A. Escarlos Jr., Arturo G. Gracia Jr., Eric Claire T. Selpa, Leonil Jun B. Baguhin, Fulgent P. Coritico & Victor B. Amoroso
    Species richness and endemism of Reptilian Fauna in four Long-Term Ecological Research sites in Mindanao, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.237.248

    ABSTRACT
    Reptiles are highly sensitive to environmental change and are vulnerable to habitat disturbance. This study was conducted to determine the species richness and endemism of reptiles using the modified cruising method in 12 randomly selected plots inside a 1-hectare plot in four Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites in Mindanao, namely: Mts. Apo, Kitanglad, Hamiguitan, and Malindang. Twenty-two reptile species belonging to eight families and 16 genera were documented in the four LTER sites. The level of reptile endemism was 64% where three out of 14 endemic species are found only in Mindanao. Mt. Hamiguitan had the highest species diversity (H’=2.4972) and species richness (n=18) with 11 (72%) endemic species, while the rest of the sites had very minimal number of species (n≤2). Among the recorded species, Psammodynastes pulverulentus had the highest number of individuals which was only recorded in Mt. Hamiguitan while the Philippine endemic, Parvoscincus decipiens was the most distributed species. Two threatened species, Hydrosaurus pustulatus and Ophiophagus hannah with vulnerable conservation status were recorded. Seriation analysis showed that high- elevation areas such as Mts. Apo and Kitanglad only host endemic and restricted species while Mt. Hamiguitan, a low-elevation forest, hosts endemic, non-endemic, and threatened species. Results suggest that the Mindanao LTER sites are good habitats for endemic and vulnerable species of reptiles and protection is needed.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 249-257

    Roberto Toffoli
    The bats of the Rio Martino Cave, North West Italy (Mammalia Chiroptera)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.249.257

    ABSTRACT
    We present the results of a monitoring of the hibernating bats (Mammalia Chiroptera) in the Rio Martino Cave (North West Italy) and a survey of swarming activity. In total, 13 species of cave-dwelling bats were detected. During winter monitoring, 12 species of bats were recorded. The most abundant bat was Barbastella barbastellus (Schreber, 1774) which represents 91.5% of the total hibernating bats documented in the cave, and its number has increased significantly, reaching a maximum of 410 bats in the winter of 2013–2014. A significant positive trend in population increase was also observed for Myotis emarginatus (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1806). Between 2009 and 2010, a total of 354 bats belonging to 9 species were captured, thus confirming swarming activity for Myotis emarginatus and the presence of M. bechsteinii (Kuhl, 1817). The results confirm the importance of the Rio Martino Cave for the conservation of cave-dwelling bats in the Italian western Alps.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 259-264

    Djillali Baghdadi, Mustapha Faafaa, Abdelkrim Benaradj, Djamel Anteur & Ahmed Hartani
    Contribution to the phytodiversity study of the Ouled Sidi Abdelaziz (forest of Ouled Sidi Yahia) in North-West of Algeria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.259.264

    ABSTRACT
    This work consists in evaluating the phytodiversity of the western foothills of Ouarsenis (Algeria). For this purpose, we favored subjective sampling. The study of floristic diversity has made it possible to establish a list represented by 103 species distributed in 39 families with more common Fabaceae, Liliaceae and, finally, Asteraceae. The biological spectrum of these species reveals the dominance of phanerophytes and therophytes. On the biogeographic level, the flora is dominated by Mediterranean species with a rate of 51%. This contribution revealed significant results that could be used for the valorization and preservation of these zones.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 265-268

    AbdElkarim Laatamna, Houssem Samari, Yacine Chebhi & Lotfi Betal
    Diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in captive and domestic birds from zoological parks and one rural locality of Algeria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.265.268

    ABSTRACT
    Microscopic examination of 84 fresh fecal samples of 11 different species of birds from three zoological parks and one rural locality from Algiers and the Setif province (central-eastern of Algeria) indicated an overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites 19% (16/84). Overall, genera of Cryptosporidium Tyzzer, 1907, Eimeria Schneider, 1875, Capillaria Zeder, 1800, and larvae of strongyles type were recorded with prevalence of 6%, 4.8%, 3.6%, and 4.8% respectively. Protozoa of Cryptosporidium was found only in ostrich (31.2%), whereas, Eimeria spp. was observed in pigeons (40%), hens (20%) and ring-necked pheasants (14.3%). Larvae of strongyles were recorded in mallards (11.1%), emus (14.3%) and peacocks (9.1%), whereas, eggs of Capillaria was detected only in peacocks (27.3%). No mixed infection was recorded in infected birds. Parasite fauna infecting the digestive tract of birds from Algerian zoological parks is a little diversified. Further studies should be carried out to better show the diversity of gastro-intestinal parasites of wild and domestic birds in Algeria across exhaustive studies covering many regions.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 269-274

    Ian Falzon
    Craniometrical studies on the skull of the wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia Leporidae), in the Maltese archipelago
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.269.274

    ABSTRACT
    The aim of this study is to establish the craniometric data of the rabbit species found on Malta and therefore establish parameters for the anatomical identification. Twenty-eight crania of adult Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia Leporidae) were used to establish 15 average indexes. These indexes illustrated a pronounced wedge-shaped head. The Orbital vertical diameter was also considerable, allowing for a very large oculus. Environmental factors could be responsible for this adaptation.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 275-278

    Andrea Lombardo & Giuliana Marletta
    A new Atlantic immigrant in the Mediterranean Sea: Pleurobranchus wirtzi Ortea, Moro et Caballer, 2014 (Gastropoda Pleurobranchida)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.275.278

    ABSTRACT
    This report of Pleurobranchus wirtzi Ortea, Moro et Caballer, 2014 (Gastropoda Pleurobranchida Pleurobranchidae) here presented is the first record in the Sicilian waters and the first one in the Mediterranean Sea. Pleurobranchus wirtzi is a species only distributed in Canary islands, Madeira and Azores (Atlantic Ocean). Nowadays, it is still not known if this species is really taxonomically distinct from P. garciagomezi Cervera, Cattaneo-Vietti et Edmunds, 1996. However, the specimen found in Sicily is undoubtedly a non-native species in the Mediterranean Sea and therefore its possible naturalization could have negative effects on the indigenous marine ecosystem. In this work, we talk about the possible pattern of introduction in the Mediterranean Sea of this species and its questionable systematic status.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 10 (3): 279-302
    NEW TAXA PUBLISHED IN THE BIODIVERSITY JOURNAL 7, 2016
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.3.279.302