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Biodiversity Journal 2025, 16 (2): 195-372

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 197-210

    Samuel Didier Makon, Wuibe Woubassie Ulrich Sidoine, Paul Arnaud Mballa Ndzie, Giovanni Oscar Titti Ebangue & Paul Serge Mbenoun Massé
    Alpha and beta diversity and distribution pattern of millipedes (Myriapoda Diplopoda) along an altitudinal gradient in Southern Cameroon rainforest
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.197.210

    ABSTRACT
    Mountainous regions serve as critical ecosystems that promote endemism and serve as biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide array of species, including millipedes. As one of the most important bioindicator groups, millipedes are particularly sensitive to habitat loss and tend to thrive in specific ecological niches. This study investigates the influence of altitudinal gradient on the community structure and assemblages of millipedes in southern Cameroon rainforest. Millipedes were sampled using a combination of pitfall traps, quadrat sampling, and litter sifting across three distinct elevational zones and vegetation types (0–400 m, 401–800 m, and 801–1200 m above sea level). A total of 994 individuals representing 71 species, 4 orders, 12 families, and 41 genera were recorded. The order Polydesmida was the most abundant and diverse (comprising 60.56% of the total sample and 35 species), followed by Spirostreptida (28.67% and 31 species) and Spirobolida (9.25% and 4 species). Cryptodesmidae was the most abundant family, while the least abundant was Spirostreptidae. The most abundant species was Aporodesmus gabonicus (29.38%), followed by Kartinikus colonus (7.75%) and Aporodesmus falcatus (5.73%). Along the altitudinal gradient, the millipede diversity increased slightly from lower level (H1’ = 1.32±0.15) (0-400 m asl) to transitional level (H2’ = 1.56±0.13) (401-800 m asl), and reached a maximum in upper level (H3’ = 1.98±0.18) (801 m to 1200 m asl). This distribution pattern of millipede in diversity suggests biotic homogenization as main factor leading to the weak dissimilarity of species between different altitudinal zones and the replacement of habitat specific species by opportunist or cosmopolitan species. This study provides valuable insights into the biogeography of millipede species along altitudinal gradients and offers essential information that could inform future conservation strategies aimed at preserving these sensitive ecosystems.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 211-218

    Reginald A. Omboy, Nathan Rhianiel Q. Delos Reyes, Erlj Brandon T. Beros, Kurt Dearon T. Verana, Xirxes Vhon D. Tanquion, Jhovel Roy D. Calo & Ian Jay P. Saldo
    Inventory and assessment of carnivorous Pitcher Plants (Caryophyllales Nepenthaceae) in Mt. Kalindog, Kalabugao, Impasug-Ong, Bukidnon, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.211.218

    ABSTRACT
    Kalabugao, an area nestled within the lush landscapes of Bukidnon, Philippines, boasts a diverse and rich ecosystem that provides an ideal habitat for pitcher plants to thrive. Despite that, very few studies have been conducted related to pitcher plants. The study assessed carnivorous pitcher plant species in Mt. Kalindog, Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, Philippines. A total of 3 individual species belonging to 1 family and 1 genus were identified. Among the pitcher plants found, 1 has been discovered to be endangered. Two pitcher plants were found to be vulnerable. Due to the disturbance of the area, pitcher plant diversity and species richness were relatively low. Furthermore, conducting enhanced investigations and establishing additional sampling plots in various regions of Mt. Kalindog, Kalabugao, Impasug-Ong, and Bukidnon, Philippines, will help better understand the spatial distribution of pitcher plant species given the Mountain’s significant potential as a healthy habitat for pitcher plants and promote conservation.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 219-222

    Tamer Mahmoud, Hatem A. Shabana & Sanjay Gairola
    Caudanthera edulis (Edgew.) Meve & Liede (Apocynaceae): a new record for the flora of the United Arab Emirates
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.219.222

    ABSTRACT
    Caudanthera edulis (Edgew.) Meve & Liede, a perennial succulent herb, belonging to the family Apocynaceae, has been documented as a new record for the flora of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A description of the species, distribution and habitat ecology, and its importance is provided. This new record highlights the importance of continued botanical exploration in the region to document and understand the plant diversity.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 223-227

    Davide Cillo, Fabrizio Fabbriciani, Andrea Marata & Angelo Pennisi
    Faunistic updates of some Scarabeoidea species of the Corso-Sardinian region (Insecta Coleoptera)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.223.227

    ABSTRACT
    New records concerning three species of Scarabaeoidea beetles recently collected in Corsica and Sardinia are given: Anoplotrupes stercorosus (Hartmann in Scriba, 1791) new to Corsica, Amphimallon solstitiale tropicum (Gyllenhal, 1817) and Anomala dubia dubia (Scopoli, 1763) definitively confirmed for Sardinia.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 229-232

    Angelo Ditta & Salvatore Surdo
    Discovery of new populations in Mazara del Vallo (Sicily, Italy) of Galium litorale Guss. (Rubiaceae): a naturally rare species with a small distribution area
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.229.232

    ABSTRACT
    Galium litorale Guss. (Rubiaceae) is an endemic species of south-western Sicily (Italy) with a very restricted natural range of distribution, confined to a system of calcareous outcrops lo cated along the coastal stretches of the Trapani territory, but circumscribed and fragmented between Marsala and Selinunte. The overall knowledge of the real conservation status of Galium litorale in south-western Sicily is poor and is limited to the discovery of a few populations, but some research carried out between 2024 and 2025 in this area, has allowed us to census numerous new populations that are useful for a better understanding of the distribution and protection of this species.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 233-247

    Roberto Viviano
    Alien species and greenhouses: new data from the Botanical Garden of Palermo (Sicily, Italy) (Diplopoda and Mollusca)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.233.247

    ABSTRACT
    On the basis of specific research carried out recently at the Botanical Garden of Palermo (Sicily, Italy), a new list of alien species is presented. In particular, two species of millipedes Choneiulus palmatus (Nĕmec, 1895) (Julida Blaniulidae) and Poratia obliterata (Kraus, 1960) (Polydesmida Pyrgodesmidae), and four species of terrestrial molluscs Zonitoides arboreus (Say, 1817) (Gastropoda Gastrodontidae), Allopeas clavulinum (Potiez et Michaud, 1838), Opeas opella Pilsbry et Vanatta, 1906 (Gastropoda Achatinidae), and an indeterminate species of the familia Charopidae.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 249-252

    Mauro Grano
    The Impact of Colonialism on countries, environments and dogs
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.249.252

    ABSTRACT
    Colonialism is a historical practice in which foreign powers have politically, economically and culturally controlled a country or territory, especially between the 16th and 20th centuries. From an environmental point of view, colonialism has caused great changes in landscapes, introducing exotic species, modifying land use and exploiting natural resources often in ways that are harmful to ecosystems. As for dogs, colonialism has also influenced their histories and characteristics. In fact, colonialism has had a profound impact on dogs as well, influencing their breeds, their social role and often even their survival in many parts of the world.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 253-257

    Mayara F. Mendes & Carlos J.E. Lamas
    A new report on the distribution of Paraliodrosophila burlai Vilela et Bächli, 2007 (Diptera Drosophilidae) in Southeastern Brazil
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.253.257

    ABSTRACT
    This work is a new report of distribution of Paraliodrosophila burlai Vilela et Bächli, 2007 (Diptera Drosophilidae) recorded from Southeastern Brazil through a female specimen wich was collected in the “Parque Nacional do Itatiaia”, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. In addition, was provide high-resolution photographs of the external morphology and terminalia, and an update map of geographic distribution of the species.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 259-269

    Yoshihiro Senda, Toshinori Takashiba, Jôji Enok & Shingo Nakamura
    Seven years fixed-point observation of nocturnal moths by light-trap in western Honshu, Japan: dataset description, assemblage characterization, and consideration of the period required for elucidating fauna
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.259.269

    ABSTRACT
    Elucidating the insect fauna of a specific area presents often a challenging task, necessitating thorough surveys that account for seasonal fluctuations and other pertinent factors. To efficiently outline the local insect fauna, it is imperative to amass information regarding the necessary survey effort in diverse regions and environments. In this study, we have conducted analyses of diversity and phenology using the collected data which is gathered from 55,834 individuals of 1,156 species over seven years of fixed-point observation since 2015. Additionally, we have contemplated the requisite survey effort to comprehend the moth fauna in agroecosystems within the hilly and mountainous regions of western Honshu. Dominant species assemblages of each year were significantly divided into two main groups through clustering analysis using the Bray-Curtis index. Based on the ACE and Chao 1 estimators, approximately 1,200 species could potentially be found in this area. An analysis of the data revealed that conducting a survey from March to December for five years would likely encompass approximately 90% of the species present. This occurrence data has been compiled into a Darwin Core dataset, and a dataset description is provided in this paper.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 271-283

    Paolo Mariottini, Fabio Vitale, Daniele Trono, Jakov Prkić, Andrea Di Giulio & Carlo Smriglio
    Description of three new species of Bela Leach, 1847 (Conoidea Mangeliidae) from the Mediterranean Sea
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.271.283
    https://www.zoobank.org/31A88072-5BFE-4367-B68B-AFF5FD0FB503

    ABSTRACT
    Based on shell characters, three new species of the conoidean gastropod genus Bela Leach, 1847 are here described from the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The new taxa, Bela hellenica n. sp., Bela rufinii n. sp. and Bela salentina n. sp. known only from their type localities, were compared with the most closely related species. The paucispiral protoconch of these new species allowed an unambiguous shell separation. With this work the number of Recent Mediterranean species ascribed to the genus Bela and displaying this type of larval developmentis increased, and the first record of Bela filioae Öztürk et Ovalis, 2024 is reported from the Salento Peninsula (Italy) waters.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 285-291

    Ivan Rapuzzi
    Carabus (Pachystus) hungaricus luisacaldonae, a new subspecies from western Bulgaria (Coleoptera Carabidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.285.291
    https://www.zoobank.org/7328BAA6-D84D-47E9-94F5-101C979674B6

    ABSTRACT
    In this article, a new subspecies of the steppe-dwelling stenobiont Carabus (Pachystus) hungaricus Fabricius, 1792 from western Bulgaria is described and illustrated: Carabus (Pachystus) hungaricus luisacaldonae n. ssp. Remarkably, this new taxon exhibits a strong morphological affinity with the eastern subspecies C. (Pachystus) scythus Motschulsky, 1847, particularly with specimens from localities of the Volga River, rather than with the geographically closed nominotypical subspecies typical of Central Europe.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 293-299

    Mauro Grano, Sergio Barbadoro, Gianluigi Bini & Roberto Crosti
    Following the river’s flow: first record of the invasive freshwater mollusc Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) (Bivalvia Dreissenidae) in the upper course of the Tiber River (Umbria, Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.293.299

    ABSTRACT
    In this contribution, the presence of Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) (Bivalvia Dreissenidae) in the upper course of the Tiber River, in the province of Terni in Umbria (Italy), is reported for the first time during a citizen science project. The only other record of the species in this river is downstream at 40 km from the sea. This alien species with high invasive potential causes serious damage to the entire ecosystem and its distribution must be continuously monitored and contained. Involving local communities through citizen science projects can increase the capacity of early detection plans and possible actions to reduce spread of the species.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 301-313

    Donald Rugira Kugonza, Frank Tukamuhebwa & Tom Kisoboyi
    Relating hygienic behaviour with the age of comb and colony strength of hived East African lowland honey bees, Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier, 1836 (Hymenoptera Apidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.301.313

    ABSTRACT
    Hygienic behaviour in honey bees is known for associating with parasite and disease resistance but the mechanisms influencing this behaviour are not well known. We studied the hygienic relationship between the age of combs and colony strength of East African lowland honey bees Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier, 1836 (Hymenoptera Apidae) in Top-bar hives (n = 24) selected from an apiary located in an African tropical rainforest. The findings indicated that over 24 hours, there was no interaction between hygienic behaviour and colony strength (P=0.9707). Hygienic behaviour was also independent of the age of the honeycomb (P=0.9859). There was a non-significant difference in the number of cells cleaned, for both Young and Old combs; and between two levels of colony strength (Strong Vs Weak) during the day, with that number getting closer after 24 hours. There was an efficient rate of hygienic response during the night than during daytime when strong colonies cleaned 32.35% of debris while the weak colonies did 20.55%; but at night, the cleaning rate rose to 65.85% in strong and 73.9% among the weak colonies. Overnight, weak and new colonies cleaned >96% of the cells attributable to the presence of a big population of worker bees at night, and minimal colony activities notably foraging activity at that time. Whereas hygienic behaviour was not directed towards colony strength and age of the combs in 24 hours, there is a need for maintaining strong colonies. Since the rate of cell cleaning was higher at night than during the day, colony operations and hive disturbances should be done at night as opposed to daytime.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 315-336

    Djazia Toutah, Mohammed Bouzouina, Amine Ghelamallah & José Serrano
    Ground beetles of two cultivated orchards and one mixed forest near Mostaganem, Algeria (Coleoptera Carabidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.315.336

    ABSTRACT
    The aim of this study is to investigate the environmental factors affecting the seasonal changes in carabid assemblages (Coleoptera Carabidae) inhabiting a vineyard field, a pomegranate orchard, and a mixed forest near Mostaganem (NW Algeria). The study area included agricultural and forested plots in the wilaya (province) of Mostaganem along the Mediterranean coast. Two plots were cultivated, a vineyard and a pomegranate orchard, while the third site was a mixed forest. Pitfall trapping was used to collect beetles between April 2019 and March 2020. Traps filled with propylene glycol were checked every 15 days during the year. A principal component analysis was used to reduce the components of the observed variation of species and specimens during the seasons. To achieve this aim, we used the PAST app. Each site showed peculiar temporal species succession, dominance, and species diversity (number of specimens and species); species in common to the three sites were few. The pomegranate orchard showed the highest diversity (29 species, 984 specimens). The vineyard harbored 16 species and 546 specimens, and the diversity peaked during autumn and early winter when grapes were harvested. The mixed forest was relatively poor in terms of species and specimens. Five species of Graphipterus were present here. The diversity of the faunistic assemblages varied notably among seasons of the same site and the sites; it was also quite distinct from that previously described for other cultures nearby. We could not fully assess the role of environmental factors in the carabid assemblages’ dynamics and structure. Site management (culture, irrigation) likely affected the generalist carabids that dominated the cultures. Despite being relatively close and sharing similar environmental factors, sites harbored distinct species composition. We hypothesize that the hazardous dispersal of beetles also darkens the occurrence of patterns that model the composition of the assemblages.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (2): 337-368

    Bethany Maxwell, Matt Reed & Julia E Fa
    Tourism encounters with macaques: A comparative analysis of human–wildlife interactions in Gibraltar
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.2.337.368

    ABSTRACT
    Human-wildlife interactions, particularly in tourism-dominated environments, significantly impact primate behaviour, yet how these pressures vary across different ecological settings remain relatively understudied. This study aimed to investigate the influence of tourist presence on Barbary macaque, Macaca sylvanus Linnaeus, 1758 (Primates Cercopithecidae) behaviour at two distinct sites within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve (URNR) in Gibraltar: Prince Phillip’s Arch (PPA) and St Michael’s Cave (SMC). The research enhanced our understanding on how factors such as habitat structure and varying tourist pressures shape macaque activity patterns, social interactions, and stress-related behaviours. Through behavioural observations, we recorded macaque state behaviours (grooming, foraging, vigilance, etc.) and interactions (agonistic, anthropogenic, etc.) across both sites over a 6-month period. A comparison between the two sites revealed that PPA, characterised by confined spaces and high tourist traffic, had significantly higher grooming and vigilance behaviours, while macaques at SMC exhibited more foraging and movement, likely due to more open terrain and dispersed tourist presence. Self-directed behaviours, indicators of stress, were notably higher at PPA. Anthropogenic interactions, including feeding by visitors, were common at both sites but more frequent at SMC. The findings suggest that tourist density and site-specific habitat structures significantly influence macaque behaviour, with PPA macaques showing higher stress and aggression levels due to spatial limitations and visitor proximity. These results highlight the importance of implementing site-specific management strategies, including regulating tourist access, enforcing no-feeding policies, and enhancing habitat design, to mitigate stress on wildlife.