Skip to main content

Biodiversity Journal 2025, 16 (3): 373-554

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 373-374

    Giulia Pirovano
    Thuridilla hopei (Vérany, 1835) (Sacoglossa Heterobranchia Plakobranchidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.I.II

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 375-385

    Basudev Bacha & Chumkijini Chhatria
    Preliminary study on bird species and feeding guild composition inside the Sambalpur University Campus of Western Odisha, India
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.375.385

    ABSTRACT
    Birds are an important component of terrestrial ecosystems. These groups are called masters of air and play an essential role in ecological functions and responses to climate change and habitat destruction. Globally, the bird population is continually facing a decline in numbers due to the destruction of their habitat and atmospheric pollution. However, it has been observed that institutional habitat contributes to maintaining bird populations. In this study, we investigated the bird species assemblages inside the Sambalpur University campus, which is enclosed within the semi-urban stress. The survey was carried out within a calendar year, May to December 2024. The bird survey was conducted early morning and evening, using point counting method. During this, a total of 75 bird species were recorded belonging to 39 families and 16 orders. The university contains the three WPA schedule category bird species schedule I, II, and IV consisting of 5.33%, 21.33%, and 73.33%, respectively. Residential birds (Re) are 63, followed by 7 species of local migratory birds (Lm) and 5 species of migratory birds (M). The migratory species include Acrocephalus dumetorum, Copsychus saularis, Merops philippinus and Terpsiphone paradisi. The most common bird species include Culumba livia, Egretta garzetta, Bubulcus ibis coromandus, Corvus splendens, Argya striata, Phylloscopus trochilodes, Pycnonotus cafer, Acridotheres tristis, Amaurornis phoenicurus and Gracupica contra. It can be concluded that the presence of different anthropogenic activities could reduce the migration of birds. Among the ten feeding guilds, the insectivores were the most dominant followed by another family i.e. Omnivorous, Carnivorous, Granivore, Frugivore, Piscivore, Molluscivore, and Nectarivore, additionally; two feeding guilds are consuming both insectivores-frugivorous, and granivores-insectivores respectively. This finding suggests that human interference such as urban development could lead to the destruction of their natural habitats which affects bird species richness and feeding guilds composition inside the university campus.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 387-394

    Murungweni Munyaradzi Michael, Mujati Tendai, Chigede Ngavaite & Muvhuringi Prosper Bright
    Determination of optimum Nile tilapia Oreochromis nilotica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cichliformes Cichlidae) fish stocking density in constructed ponds: a case of Chibero college, Zimbabwe
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.387.394

    ABSTRACT
    Fish growth performance is affected by stocking rate. Various fish stocking densities are given in literature. A study was carried out to determine the effects of different stocking densities on feed conversion efficiency (FCE), growth rate, pond water replenishment rate and survival rate of Nile tilapia fish, Oreochromis nilotica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cichliformes Cichlidae). The study was carried out at Chibero College of Agriculture over a six-month period. In a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) fashion, 1000 uniform mono-sex fingerlings, with an average body weight of 5 g, were randomly assigned to the fish ponds at three different stocking rates: 8, 10 and 12 fish/m2. Same feed quality (CP 45, 40, 36 & 32%) was used in the three ponds and adjusted for age and numbers in each pond. Water was checked using an elbow test and replenished once palm of the hand was not visible. One-way ANOVA in Genstat 18th edition was used to analyse growth rate data. Microsoft excel was used to plot graphs. Means were separated using Fischer’s LSD at 5% significance level. The study revealed that differences in stocking densities have no significant effect on the survival rate, growth rate and feed conversion efficiency of Nile tilapia fish. However, water quality deteriorated at a faster rate in highly stocked pond. Researchers conclude that it is possible to use higher stocking densities provided feed quantity and water quality are closely monitored and adjusted accordingly. Therefore, we recommend fish farmers to take advantage of the merits brought about by higher stocking densities provided they properly monitor feed and water quality by use of such traditional methods as the elbow method.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 395-401

    Wawogninlin H.Y. Yeung & Hausler Atioumnang Koné
    First national record of Tarentola parvicarinata (Squamata Phyllodactylidae) from Côte d’Ivoire
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.395.401

    ABSTRACT
    We reported the first record of Tarentola parvicarinata Joger, 1980 (Squamata Phyllodactylidae) from Mondoukou, Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire based on photographic and genetic evidence. A breeding population was observed near human settlement in the area. Morpho logically, the specimens were consistent with the original descriptions of T. parvicarinata from Mali. Genetic analysis based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene fragment revealed low genetic divergence between the Côte d’Ivoire and Mali popula tions. Phylogenetically, the samples clustered with the sequence of T. parvicarinata from Mali and Mauritania. We also provided additional data on its natural history in Côte d’Ivoire. Future in-depth studies and broader scale sampling in the country are needed to investigate its distribution, ecology and genetic diversity.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 403-410

    Lara Mae E. Mejias, Gerwin R. Francisco, Joelle Eloise B. Paler & Richel E. Relox
    Factors affecting Avifauna in the Mangrove forest of Gitagum, Misasis oriental, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.403.410

    ABSTRACT
    Mangrove habitat, microclimate, and human activities may affect avifauna species, especially, its diversity and distribution. This study aimed to assess the avifauna as affected by human activities, microclimate and mangrove factors in Barangay Pangayawan, Gitagum, Misamis Oriental. Point-count and mist-netting methods were used to sample birds, quadrat method for mangroves and microclimate factors were measured. Results showed 20 avifauna species which belong to eight (8) Orders and 17 Families, with a total of 1,056 specimens recorded in the site. In addition, four (4) mangrove species were identified under (3) Orders and (3) Families with a total of 239 specimens. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was employed to determine the species-habitat relationship. Findings revealed that five (5) species of birds are closely associated with mangrove factors. It also showed that microclimate factors such as rainfall and relative humidity showed a negative correlation with avifauna diversity. However, human activities were observed in the site, hence, policies and ordinances should be strengthened and strictly implemented.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 411-413

    Angelo Ditta, Marcello Consolo & Salvatore Surdo
    First record of Leia arsona Hutson, 1978 (Diptera Mycetophilidae) a new alien species for Italy
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.411.413

    ABSTRACT
    Leia arsona     Hutson, 1978 is a species of Diptera Mycetophilidae, not common in Europe. This species is widespread around the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea with records from the Cape Verde Islands, Madeira, Azores, Algeria, Tunisia, England, Switzerland, Malta and Israel. In Italy it is the first report as species, in Sicily it is the first report as genus and species.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 415-422

    Filippo Scafidi
    The genus Adenostyles Cass. (Asteraceae) in Southern Italy and Sicily
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.415.422

    ABSTRACT
    This paper provides an update concerning the genus Adenostyles Cass. in southern Italy and Sicily, based on field, herbarium and literature data. In total, three taxa (A. australis, A. alpina subsp. macrocephala and A. alpina subsp. nebrodensis) occur in the study area. For each taxon detailed morphological description as well as information about taxonomy, distribution, ecology, phenology and conservation status are here reported. An identification key is provided, too. The recent presumptive extinction in the wild of A. alpina subsp. nebrodensis is here recorded.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 423-432

    Ashutosh Anand & Ajay Kumar Singh
    Spatial modelling of Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus (Shaw, 1791) (Mammalia Ursidae) habitat in Bamni Forested Watershed of Central India
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.423.432

    ABSTRACT
    Habitat suitability modelling is crucial for evidence-based wildlife conservation, especially for vulnerable species like the sloth bears Melursus ursinus (Shaw, 1791) (Mammalia Ursidae). This study assessed the habitat suitability of sloth bears in the Bamni forested watershed of Central India, a region recognized as a stronghold for the species, using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm. The sloth bear occurrence data for this research was collected between November 2023 and May 2025, with 12 uncorrelated environmental variables, including bioclimatic, topographic, land cover, and anthropogenic factors. The model achieved a robust average Area under the Curve (AUC) of 0.870, indicating a fair level of accuracy in distinguishing suitable habitats. The Human Influence Index (HII) was the most significant predictor, contributing 24.1% to the model, highlighting the substantial negative impact of anthropogenic pressures on sloth bear distribution. Land Use Land Cover (LULC) was the second most important variable at 19.5%, underscoring the species’ reliance on undisturbed forested landscapes. Topographic variables such as aspect (12.9%), elevation (9.7%), and slope (7.3%) also played significant roles, influencing microhabitats for foraging and denning. Distance to roads (6.4%) and water bodies (6.0%) moderately influenced habitat suitability. Although bioclimatic variables had lower individual contributions. The Jackknife test revealed elevation as the most informative variable when used in isolation. The results provide spatially explicit insights to guide site-specific conservation and landscape-level planning, prioritizing the reduction of human disturbance, maintenance of forest connectivity, and protection of water resources.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 433-436

    Richel E. Relox
    Protected Areas as effective habitats of Pteropodid Bats (Mammalia Chiroptera): a case study of Mt. Hamiguitan, Mt. Apo and Mt. Kitanglad, Mindanao, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.433.436

    ABSTRACT
    Protected areas are effective reservoirs of a rich endemic bat diversity (Mammalia Chiroptera) in the Philippines but are threatened due to habitat disturbances. Hence, this study aimed to document and review the pteropodid bats in the selected protected areas in Mindanao (Philippines) such as Mt. Hamiguitan, Mt. Apo and Mt. Kitanglad. Different habitat types of fruit bats were surveyed from the lower to the higher elevation using the mist-netting method. Results showed that the two protected areas contain 10 species of fruit bats namely Alionycteris paucidentata, Ptenochirus jagori, Ptenochirus minor, Megaerops wetmorei, Haplonycteris fischeri, Harpyionycteris whiteheadi, Rousettus amplexicaudatus, Macroglossus minimus, Cynopterus brachyotis and Pteropus vampyrus. The protected areas also harbor endemic in intact forest while non-endemic species mostly in disturbed portions. Thus, protected areas are effective habitats for endemic fruit bat species and vital indicators of a healthy forest ecosystem. This review recommends sustainable forest management and conservation for the present and future generations.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 437-453

    Antonino Dentici, Salvatore Alessandro Barra, Davide Scomazzon, Maya Massari, Salvatore Zafarana, Taxiarchis Danelis & Manuel Andrea Zafarana
    A preliminary checklist on Arachnics of Geloi Wetland, Sicily, Italy (Araneae Opiliones Pseudoscorpionida)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.437.453

    ABSTRACT
    We present the first preliminary checklist of Araneae, Opiliones and Pseudoscorpionida of Geloi Wetland, never studied before for this group of Arthropoda, located in the Piana di Gela (Caltanissetta, Sicily, Italy). From January 2023 until December 2024 samples and data were collected on the field, investigating different types of habitats. In total, 147 different species belonging to 107 genera and 32 families of spiders were found in the area, plus 5 species of 5 genera and 2 families of Opilions and 7 species of 6 genera and 5 families of Pseudoscorpions. The checklist includes interesting first Sicilian records of Glyptogona sextuberculata (Keyserling, 1863) (Araneidae), Erigonoplus nigrocaeruleus (Simon, 1882), Mecopisthes silus (O. Pickard Cambridge, 1873) (Linyphiidae), Tetragnatha dearmata Thorell, 1873, Tetragnatha montana Simon, 1874 (Tetragnathidae), Theridion hannoniae Denis, 1945 (Theridiidae) and Ozyptila pauxilla (Simon, 1870) (Thomisidae). Additional biological, distribution and chorotype information are indicated for each of the new records.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 455-470

    Brou Guy-Mathieu Assovi & Blaise Kadjo
    Home range and habitat use of the black-bellied pangolin, Phataginus tetradactyla (Linnaeus, 1776) (Mammalia Manidae) in the Voluntary Nature Reserve of the Tanoe-Ehy Swamp Forest (Côte d’Ivoire)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.455.470

    ABSTRACT
    The black-bellied pangolin, Phataginus tetradactyla (Linnaeus, 1776) (Mammalia Manidae) is among the less studied pangolins species occurring in West Africa. That situation renders any conservation action related to this species relatively impossible. This study aims to estimate home range size and habitat use of P. tetradactyla in the Voluntary Nature Reserve of the Tanoe-Ehy Swamp Forest. We used the recce method to detect and capture pangolin specimens. We radio-tagged pangolins using VHF transmitter. We characterized pangolins habitats in order to identify available and used habitats by pangolins in their home ranges. We recorded 148 location points to successfully estimate home range for five specimens, including males, females, juveniles and adults. Recorded points ranged from 19 to 47. Means estimated KDE (Kernel Density Estimation) 95 % was 123.7±487.1 ha (Min=30.74 ha; Max = 260.41 ha) and KDE 50 % was 30.01±21.01 ha (Max=62.63 ha; Min=7.86 ha). For MCP (Minimum Convex Polygon) 95 % and 50 %, means estimated values were respectively 29.76±20.42 ha (Max=53.41 ha; Min=9.78 ha) and 10.66±9.79 ha (Max=23.82 ha; Min=1.92 ha). Pangolins home range covered three habitat types: Gallery Forest, Seasonal Flooded Forest and Marsh Forest. The most available and used habitats were GF and SFF. Also, the most selected habitats were GF and SFF. Regarding to their home range sizes and threats identified in their habitats, necessary actions need to be considered to solve pangolin conservation problem in the reserve.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 471-481

    Danilo Scuderi, Alberto Villari, Pasquale Micali & Agatino Reitano
    On some Mediterranean species of genus Clathromangelia Monterosato, 1884 (Mollusca Raphitomidae) with description of C. peregrina n. sp.
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.471.481
    https://www.zoobank.org/F4A9F1AE-50F0-412F-8929-F43B3A626962

    ABSTRACT
    A small group of Clathromangelia Monterosato, 1884 species is composed by C. loiselieri Oberling, 1970 and C. strigilata Pallary, 1904. They share an elongated, turreted outline of the shell, almost entirely light coloured in colour, and a more delicate sculpture. They have been studied in modern times and their taxonomical position seems to be stabilized. A third species, similar in general outline and colour of the shell to the preceding species, is here dis tinguished on the basis of adult shell and protoconch morphology and described as new.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 483-487

    Ivan Rapuzzi
    Description of two new species of Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 (subgenus Apotomopterus Hope, 1838) from Yunnan Province, Southwestern China (Coleoptera Carabidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.483.487
    https://www.zoobank.org/4FAB477B-1BE9-4C47-A975-02B40EE117C1

    ABSTRACT
    In this paper two new species of Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 of subgenus Apotomopterus Hope, 1938 (Coleoptera Carabidae) from Yunnan Province (Southwestern China) are described and figured: C. (A.) walterlucianae n. sp. and C. (A.) xima n. sp. Comparative notes on the mor phological and taxonomic affinities of these species with the most closely related taxa are also provided.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 489-519

    Franck Boyer
    Review of the genus Sagittalia Boyer, 2024 in the Indo-Pacific Province, with the description of ten new species
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.489.519
    https://www.zoobank.org/885535A0-09AB-4A8E-9775-CF47841F1FCE

    ABSTRACT
    The fauna from Indo-Pacific waters attributed to the cystiscid genus Sagittalia Boyer, 2024 is reviewed. Eight species are revised in this genus: Marginella pulchella Kiener, 1834 recognized from Norfolk Island; M. deburghi A. Adams, 1864 described from West Australia; M. pacifica Pease, 1868 described from the Tuamotu Island; M. shepstonensis E.A. Smith, 1906 described from South Africa; M. fulgurata Hedley, 1911 described from West Australia; M. albomaculata May, 1911 described from Tasmania; M. newmanae Cotton, 1949 described from Esperance (southwest Australia); Gibberula squamosa Boyer, 2003 described from New Caledonia. Ten Indo-Pacific species are described as new in the genus Sagittalia: S. ovata n. sp. Boyer et Rosado from South Africa and Mozambique; S. granum n. sp. Boyer et Rosado from Mauritius; S. hervillardi n. sp. from Djibouti; S. cingalica n. sp. Boyer et Gori from Sri Lanka; S. similis n. sp. Boyer et Rosado from Sri Lanka; S. nancyae n. sp. from west and south Australia; S. marshalli n. sp. Boyer et Renda from southwest Australia; S. kieneriana n. sp. from the southern half-part of Australia; S. thorae n. sp. from the Queensland; S. coralensis n. sp. Boyer et Raines from the Coral Sea Islands Territory. Several species attributed to Sagittalia are tackled and compared in the frame of this review, but not formally revised, either because they were fully revised in previous works, or because nothing useful can be added for now to the previous reports, or because of insufficient documentation at hand. Live specimens and their soft parts are pictured and described for three of the new species. Possible species groups are proposed. Oman is sheltering the higher Sagittalia diversity documented until now, what is attributed to important remains of the Tethyan fauna in this area. Similar diversity might occur in the Gulf of Aden and off the coasts of East Africa, which remain about unexplored areas as far as marine micro-gastropods are concerned. The somewhat important Sagittalia diversity documented from Australia might prove to be much higher if fitting collecting effort were applied.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 521-531

    Pietro Lo Cascio, Leonidas-Romanos Davranoglou & Nikolaos Manolas
    Two new Amphimallon Latreille, 1825 from the tiny islets of Milos archipelago, Cyclades, Greece (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Melolonthinae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.521.531
    https://www.zoobank.org/1EDD16BA-DC5B-4DC8-8468-D45D2C30E502

    ABSTRACT
    During recent faunal investigations promoted by the NGO “Initiative PIM”, two populations of Amphimallon Latreille, 1825 (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Melolonthinae) were found on the islets of Glaronisia and Paximadi near Milos island in the Cyclades (Greece). Both populations were found to belong to two new species which are described in the present paper: A. claudiae n. sp. from Glaronisia and A. pim n. sp. from Paximadi. The new taxa seem to be closely related to A. arnaudi Montreuil et Uliana, 2022, known from the nearby Sifnos. On these microinsular ecosystems, beetles are largely preyed upon by gulls and robber flies.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 533-540

    Mauro M. Brunetti & Giano Della Bella
    Notes on some gastropods (Mollusca Gastropoda) from the Lower Pliocene of Catalonia, with description of a new species
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.533.540
    https://www.zoobank.org/B1F43230-EE9E-4A6B-B18A-9D499489A35E

    ABSTRACT
    During the study of the malacofauna (Mollusca Gastropoda) of the Lower Pliocene of the Mediterranean Basin, and in particular that of Catalonia (Spain), the presence of a new species belonging to a genus never previously reported for the Mediterranean Basin was ascertained: Leucozonia barcoi n. sp. (Fasciolariidae). Several rare and interestingl species found in the same locality are also reported: Nerita connectens Fontannes 1880 (Neritidae), Coralliophila cristinae M. Brunetti, 2001 (Muricidae Coralliophilinae), Orania retrospectans (Fontannes, 1882), and Orania fusulus f. davidiana (Fontannes, 1882) (Muricidae Ergalataxinae).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (3): 541-551

    Arka Kumar Akuli, Shuvadeep Sen, Reaz Mondal & Somnath Mandal
    Diversity of Spiders (Arachnida Araneae) with a new record for India in and around Bidhannagar College campus, Salt Lake: part of a reclaimed urban habitat
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.3.541.551

    ABSTRACT
    Spider diversity was recorded from the Bidhannagar College campus and surrounding areas, a relatively new habitat located in a densely populated Salt Lake city near Kolkata that was developed on reclaimed land from East Kolkata Wetlands (India). A total of 35 species of spiders belonging to 26 genera and 13 families were observed. The most significant finding was the documentation of Pronophaea natalica (Simon, 1897), a species previously known only from South Africa, which is now reported for the first time from India. The family Salticidae emerged as the most diverse, comprising 10 species across 7 genera. This was followed by Araneidae, represented by 6 species from 4 genera. The spider assemblage represents a range of ecological guilds and behavioural strategies, indicating a healthy arthropod diversity in this urban green space. The guild structure analysis of the recorded spider assemblage revealed seven functional feeding guilds. Among these, stalkers were the most dominant with 10 species, followed by orb web weavers with 9 species, and ambushers and ground hunters with 5 species each. Less represented guilds included foliage runners with 1 species, scattered line weavers with 2 species, and space web builders with 2 species. Trees and bush foliages were the most preferred habitat for orb web weavers and stalkers. This finding underscores the need for biodiversity monitoring and conservation in rapidly urbanizing landscapes.