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Biodiversity Journal 2025, 16 (4): 555-812

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 555-556

    Toni Puma
    Bembix rostrata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera Bembicidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.I.II

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 557-570

    Alain Simeu-Noutchom, Sévilor Kekeunou, Charly Oumarou Ngoute & Glwadys Zang Affa’a
    Mpem and Djim National Park’s katydids (Orthoptera Tettigoniidae) in Cameroon: ecology, distribution and threats
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.557.570

    ABSTRACT
    Katydids (Orthoptera Tettigoniidae) play essential roles in ecosystem health as herbivores and prey in food webs. However, habitat loss and human activities threaten their survival. This study examines the ecology, distribution, and threats to katydid populations in Mpem and Djim National Park (MDNP), Cameroon. They were collected using sweep nets from July 2023 to June 2024 across shrub savanna and forest habitats, covering four seasons. Human activities were recorded to assess threats. A total of 149 katydid specimens representing 10 species were identified. Species richness and diversity were higher in forest habitats than in shrub savanna, where species distribution was more even. Seasonal variations influenced abundance, with forest species thriving during rainy seasons due to higher moisture levels. Anthropogenic activities, including transhumance, agriculture, and bushfires, were identified as major threats. These findings highlight the need for targeted conservation strategies to protect katydid populations in MDNP. Understanding their ecological roles and the specific threats they face is essential for developing effective management practices to preserve biodiversity in this vulnerable region.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 571-578

    Asghar Khajeh, Roohollah Siahsarvie & Jamshid Darvish
    Taxonomic study of the House Mouse subspecies (Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758) at southestern Iran with emphasis on the Jaz Murian depression based on geometric morphometric methods
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.571.578

    ABSTRACT
    House Mouse (Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 - Mammalia Rodentia) is a polytypic species which 3-5 main subspecies have been reported so far in Iran. Regarding the high degree of diversity of this species in Iran, comprehensive investigation of the taxonomic situation of House Mouse subspecies from penetrating locality to Iran, namely southeast of Iran, is of prior importance. The Jaz Murian depression having special conditions of biogeography is the best candidate for further investigation of the taxonomic situation of House Mouse subspecies. Hence, according to this study, 370 house mice specimens from Iran and Afghanistan were analiyzed for geometric morphometric analysis of dorsal surface of skull. The result of geometric morphometric shows the Jaz Murian depression populations with high diversity of shape skull are located between M. musculus musculus in northeast Iran and M. musculus bactrianus in southeast Iran with more tendency towards M. musculus musculus in northeast Iran.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 579-588

    Mark Nell C. Corpuz
    Freshwater Fish Assemblages in Palico-Lian River, Batangas, Southern Luzon, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.579.588

    ABSTRACT
    The Palico-Lian River in Batangas, Southern Luzon, Philippines is a designated critical watershed and a major communal fishing ground, yet baseline information on its freshwater fish assemblages remains limited. This study conducted a rapid bioassessment to document species composition, diversity, and associated water quality parameters in the three sampling sites along the studied river continuum. Fish were collected using multiple gear types, and water samples were analyzed following standard procedures. A total of 15 species were recorded, with introduced species (9 taxa) comprising the majority of the assemblages, particularly Oreochromis niloticus and Cyprinus carpio. Native taxa were more abundant in the downstream section and included secondary freshwater fishes such as gobies (Glossogobius aureus), slipmouths (Leiognathus equula), and perchlets (Ambassis interrupta). Diversity indices varied among sites, with Site 3 exhibiting the highest Shannon diversity (H’=2.377) and evenness (J’ = 0.923), while Site 2 showed lower diversity (H’ = 1.622) and greater dominance by a few introduced species. Sample-based rarefaction confirmed significantly higher richness at Site 3. Water quality analysis revealed exceedances of ammonia, biological oxygen demand, chloride, and sulfate particularly at the midstream and downstream sites as attributed to nutrient enrichment and saline intrusion. Overall, results indicate a gradient in fish assemblages shaped by both native and introduced species. These findings provide essential baseline data for biomonitoring and conservation management of the Palico-Lian River system.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 589-591

    Gabriele Franzini & Angelo Ditta
    Axinotarsus (Tarxinosus) implicatus Escalera, 1926 (Coleoptera Melyridae) new species for the European fauna, with considerations on the group’s systematics
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.589.591

    ABSTRACT
    This paper provides new data about the presence in Sicily (Italy) of Axinotarsus (Tarxinosus) implicatus Escalera, 1926 (Coleoptera Melyridae Malachiinae Malachiini). The species was not yet known for the Italian and European fauna. The position of the genus Axinotarsus Motschulsky, 1854 and its possible affinities with the genus Antholinus Mulsant et Rey, 1867 are discussed.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 593-596

    Khaled Etayeb, Saleh Buirzayqah, Abdulnasser Eisa & Essam Bouras
    Breeding of the Common Myna, Acridotheres tristis Linnaeus, 1766 (Aves Sturnidae), in Libya: evidence of nesting and range expansion
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.593.596

    ABSTRACT
    The Common Myna, Acridotheres tristis (Linnaeus, 1766) (Aves Sturnidae), one of the world’s most invasive avian species, was first recorded in Libya in June 2024. Since then, field observations have confirmed not only its establishment but also active breeding across multiple Libyan regions. We report the first documented nesting of Common Myna in Libya, with confirmed breeding sites in the eastern (Amsaid, Tobruk, Benghazi) and western (Tripoli) regions. These findings demonstrate successful colonization and raise urgent concerns regarding the species’ ecological impact on native birds and biodiversity in North Africa. Immediate monitoring and management strategies are recommended to prevent further spread.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 597-600

    Letizia J. Migliore & Gianfranco Curletti
    Two new striking species of Agrilus Curtis, 1825 from Brazil (Coleoptera Buprestidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.597.600
    https://www.zoobank.org/6FA86208-CC75-4FD1-B9EA-6A53FB4C3889

    ABSTRACT
    The genus Agrilus Curtis, 1825 (Coleoptera Buprestidae) is associated with arboreal and herbaceous vegetation, during both the preimaginal and imaginal stages, allowing sampling using direct research tools, such as nets and entomological umbrellas, or indirect sampling tools such as chromotropic traps or multi-funnel traps. In this article, we present two new species sampled in Maranhão (Gurupi Biological Reserve) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) respectively, using light and pitfall traps, which are unusual tools for sampling agrilofauna.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 601-607

    Ignazio Sparacio, Calogero Muscarella, Amedeo Falci & Salvatore Surdo
    Tiger beetles (Coleoptera Cicindelidae) of Capo Passero Island (Souther-eastern Sicily, Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.601.607

    ABSTRACT
    Capo Passero Island, at the southern tip of Sicily, hosts a distinctive assemblage of tiger beetles (Coleoptera Cicindelidae). This study provides updated records for the island, reporting five species - Calomera littoralis nemoralis, Calomera panormitana panormitana, Myriochile melancholica, Cephalota litorea goudotii and Lophyra flexuosa sardea - newly documented for this locality. Field surveys were conducted through direct observation and net collection across the main habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, and saline soils. The island, covering only 0.37 km², serves as an important refuge for halophilous, psammo-halophilous, and rock-dwelling species. The Poisson regression analysis revealed no statistically significant effects of island area, distance from the mainland, or altitude on species richness. These results indicate that local ecological conditions, rather than general geographic gradients, primarily drive the distribution of tiger beetles in the circum-Sicilian islands. The findings emphasize the conservation value of small islands and the need to preserve specific habitats to maintain Cicindelidae populations.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 609-612

    Mauro Grano
    Occurrence and habitat differences of the freshwater limpet Ancylus fluviatilis O.F. Müller, 1774 (Mollusca Planorbidae) in two rivers of South Epirus (Greece)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.609.612

    ABSTRACT
    This paper reports the occurrence of the freshwater limpet Ancylus fluviatilis O.F. Müller, 1774 (Mollusca Planorbidae) in two rivers of South Epirus, Greece: the Acheloos River and the Rema Marks River. The two rivers differ significantly in their geological composition and hydrological features. As known in the bibliography, the presence of A. fluviatilis in a given aquatic biotope is influenced above all by the quality of the water, which must be clean and well oxygenated but also by the nature of the substrate, with limestone-based systems (Rema Marks River) supporting larger populations than those dominated by flysch (Acheloos River), as also confirmed in this work. The presence of A. fluviatilis, found in the Acheloos River and the Rema Marks River during this study, represents new records for these environments.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 613-622

    Pelin Yüksel Üstüner & Leyla Kalyoncu
    The genus Urophora Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera Tephritidae) in Karaman Province, Türkiye: new records and distribution data
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.613.622

    ABSTRACT
    The genus Urophora Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera Tephritidae Tephritinae) is widely distributed across the Palaearctic Region, with several species exhibiting close associations with Asteraceae plants. In this study, the Urophora fauna of Karaman Province, Türkiye, was surveyed in 2023–2024. Ten species were recorded, six of which — Urophora phalolepidis Merz et White, 1991, U. sirunaseva (Hering, 1938), U. stylata (Fabricius, 1775), U. tenuior Hendel, 1910, U. terebrans (Loew, 1850), and U. trinervii Korneyev et White, 1996 — are reported for the first time from this province. The total number of Urophora species in Karaman now reaches 13. Morphological examinations of external features, wings, and aculei were conducted, and high-resolution photographs were taken to document diagnostic characters. Photographs of wings and aculei for all species are also provided in the present study. These new records provide significant faunistic contributions and enhance understanding of the distribution patterns of Tephritidae in central Anatolia.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 623-636

    Marion John Michael M. Achondo, Jayson C. Ibañez & Maria Victoria O. Espaldon
    Community and Ecological Attributes of Birds in a privately owned agroforestry farm in Mindanao, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.623.636

    ABSTRACT
    Managed and privately owned agroforestry systems play a vital role in conserving biodiversity within tropical landscapes increasingly threatened by monoculture expansion. This study assessed bird diversity, endemicity, conservation status, and ecological traits in the Binahon Agroforestry Farm (BAFF), a 30-year-old managed system on the lower slopes of Mt. Kitanglad Natural Park, Philippines. A total of 49 bird species were recorded, including 24 endemics and two nationally and globally threatened taxa, Gorsachius goisagi (Temminck, 1835) (Japanese Night Heron) and Loriculus philippensis (Müller, 1776) (Philippine Hanging Parrot). Forest-dwelling, insessorial, and insectivorous birds predominated, reflecting the capacity of structurally complex and vegetation-rich agroforests to support species with diverse ecological needs. The occurrence of mixed-species flocks among insectivores indicates dynamic interspecific interactions within the farm. These findings highlight that well-managed agroforestry systems can complement protected areas by sustaining native biodiversity, improving habitat connectivity, and maintaining ecological functions while enabling agricultural production. As agricultural expansion continues to threaten tropical biodiversity, ecologically managed agroforestry offers a scalable, nature-based approach to harmonize biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods in human-modified environments.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 637-651

    David Kambale Malimbo, Kasereka Vitekere, Steve-Fabien Mayongo-Lenzi, Luc Mumbere Lango, Patient Mapendo & Emmanuel Kulethatha Sengemoja
    Local knowledge and natural resources management: case study of the Kahuzi Biega National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.637.651

    ABSTRACT
    Natural resources have always been one of significant economic and cultural importance to indigenous communities as these communities always dealt with resources from human appearance till now. This study investigates the role of local knowledge in sustainable natural resource management in the Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A mixed-methods approach, involving questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and participatory workshops, was applied to 550 respondents from 11 villages surrounding the Kahuzi Biega National Park. Data analysis using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests revealed that 70.2% of participants do not feel involved in park management. Key barriers include lack of information and communication (46.4%), absence of legal recognition (8.9%), and conflicts of interest (21.8%). Notably, 85% reported that traditional ecological knowledge such as seasonal hunting closures, sacred forest protection, and customary sanctions, remains excluded from current management practices. Ethnic variations were observed, with the Shi demonstrating the highest engagement in biodiversity-friendly practices (hunting closures: 66.7%), while groups such as the Lega, Havu, and Tembo did not adopt these measures. The majority (86.7%) perceived the park’s socio-economic and environmental impacts as negative. Respondents prioritized legal recognition of ancestral land rights (34.7%), participatory consultation mechanisms (30.5%), and capacity building (19.5%) as critical for effective involvement. Fisher’s exact test confirms a statistically significant association between ethnic groups and traditional practices (p-value = 0.0004998). The findings underscore the need for inclusive governance frameworks, integrating local knowledge and fostering co-management, to reconcile biodiversity conservation goals with the cultural values and livelihoods of resource-dependent communities.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 653-658

    Ivan Rapuzzi
    New Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 (subgenus Apotomopterus Hope, 1838) from Ha Giang and Dien Bien Provinces, Northern Vietnam (Coleoptera Carabidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.653.658
    https://zoobank.org/BBBB068D-AD2D-4E47-804B-5132734E66D4

    ABSTRACT
    Two new species of the genus Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 (subgenus Apotomopterus Hope, 1838) Coleoptera Carabidae) from Vietnam are described and illustrated: Carabus (Apotomopterus) sabatinellianus n. sp. from Ha Giang Province, and Carabus (Apotomopterus) dienbien n. sp. from Dien Bien Province.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 659-664

    Gianfranco Curletti
    New species of the genus Agrilus Curtis, 1825 of South Africa, Namibia and Djibouti (Coleoptera Buprestidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.659.664
    https://zoobank.org/72E66518-B1A8-4A67-A3C2-0EF0FCFAA4D7

    ABSTRACT
    Four new species linked to desert and sub-desert habitats of the Afrotropical Region (Republic of South Africa, Namibia and Djibouti) and belonging to the genus Agrilus Curtis, 1825 (Coleoptera Buprestidae) are described, morphologically characterized by small size and dense pubescence: Agrilus (Agrilus) esophthalmus n. sp., A. (Lilliput) jorpelandi n. sp., A. (Lilliput) kabateki n. sp., A. (Lilliput) pallidus n. sp.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 665-668

    Mauro M. Brunetti
    Notes on a species of Cancellariidae (Mollusca Gastropoda) from the Lower Pliocene of Spain
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.665.668

    ABSTRACT
    The study of new paleontological material from the Lower Pliocene of Spain has allowed us to discover a rarely reported and sometimes misinterpreted species of gastropod belonging to the family Cancellariidae Gray J.E., 1853 (Mollusca Gastropoda): Tribia sismondai (D’Ancona, 1872), which is illustrated and discussed here.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 669-717 - MONOGRAPH

    Danilo Scuderi
    Western Indo-Pacific Vermetidae (Mollusca Gastropoda)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.669.717
    https://zoobank.org/AC2729BF-964C-409F-931B-00BD998A71BE

    ABSTRACT
    Vermetid gastropods of nine different countries of the Western Indo-Pacific region are here taxonomically reviewed, re-described, commented and illustrated by 207 figures of the adult and young shells, SEM photographs of the protoconch and drawings of the external soft parts. A total of Twenty-six species were recorded: Dendropoma (10), Ceraesignum (2), Cupolaconcha (3), Petaloconchus (7), Thylacodes (2), and Vermetus (2). Two of these species still remain doubtfully recognized, while Thylacodes caperatus Tate et May, 1900 is here provisionally maintained in Petaloconchus. The type material of four species is here for the first time illustrated. On the basis of this latter material and those here collected Siphonium subgranosum Mörch, 1861, previously never reported except for the original doubtful type locality and ignored by recent checklists, is here re-surrected and reported for the central Indo-Pacific with certainty. A total of nine species have been described as new for science: Dendropoma coralliophilophilum n. sp., D. moofushiensis n. sp., D. somalum n. sp., Ceraesignum kudarahensis n. sp., Cupolaconcha druparum n. sp., Petaloconchus baliensis n. sp., P. microplokos n. sp., P. platisolenus n. sp., Vermetus luglii n. sp.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 719-781 - MONOGRAPH

    Ignazio Sparacio, Roberto Viviano, Antonino Dentici & Salvatore Surdo
    An annotated Checklist of the fauna of Maraone islet (Aegadian Archipelago, North-Western Sicily)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.719.781
    https://zoobank.org/7421FD26-1639-42A2-B96A-BBE16703DC7B

    ABSTRACT
    Maraone islet is located 6,700 m from the north-western coast of Sicily (Italy) and 5,000 m from the island of Levanzo island and has a surface area of 31,000 m² and a maximum height of 5 m above sea level. In recent years, we have conducted naturalistic research on this islet and in the following paper provide an initial checklist of the fauna that we have recorded there. The largest group of animal species was Insecta (49.6%), representing almost half of the total number of animal species present on Maraone islet. No previous faunistic research has been conducted on Maraone islet and almost all of the species recorded are new to the island. Among the most interesting findings was the discovery, for example, of the Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Reptilia Gekkonidae) for the first time on the islet and the description of Alphasida (Glabrasida) grossa livrerii n. ssp. (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae). Several taxa are still the subject of more in-depth studies, as most of the sampling was extremely conservative in respect of the small size of the island, the small fauna populations living there, and the delicate ecological balance present. Finally, some ecological observations are provided on the fauna surveyed, their trophic niches and the ecological role of Malva arborea, the most common plant on Maraone islet and of vital importance to most species in this faunal community.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 783-789

    Enzo Moretto, Luis Alessandro Guariento & Davide Apolloni
    First Report of Saga pedo (Pallas, 1771) in the Euganean Hills Regional Park (Veneto, Italy) and some note on its biology (Ensifera Tettigoniidae Saginae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.783.789

    ABSTRACT
    The presence of Saga pedo (Pallas, 1771) (Ensifera Tettigoniidae Saginae), in the Euganean Hills area (Veneto, north-eastern Italy) is reported here for the first time. Observations were conducted between 2023 and 2025 in dry grasslands located in several municipalities of the area. The environment, characterized by xerothermophilous vegetation, hosts a diverse community of orthopteroid insects, potential prey of the species. Additional notes are provided on developmental stages, observation times, and some behavioral aspects. The occurrence of S. pedo in the Euganean Hills represents the first confirmed record for this area and expands the known distribution range of the species in Veneto region. This finding confirms the high biogeographical and conservation value of the Euganean Hills system. Consequently, it is recommended that Euganean dry grasslands be reconsidered among the habitats deserving priority protection due to the presence of S. pedo, and that entomological surveys be continued to assess the stability of the local population.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 791-807

    Jonas Kambale Nyumu, Sylvestre Gambalemoke, Billy Kakelengwa, Jonas Muhindo, Emmanuela Mbangale, Sagesse Nziavake, Daniel Mukubi, Samuel Shephard & Nathalie van Vliet
    Medium term impacts of alternative livelihoods on unsustainable use of wildmeat in Yangambi (Democratic Republic of Congo)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.791.807

    ABSTRACT
    Wildmeat is an important source of animal protein and micronutrients for many low-income households. Hunting and trading wildmeat are the main livelihood activities for around 850 people across the Yangambi landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Hunting in this region has been associated with loss of larger target species and a shift towards ‘post depletion’ animal communities characterized by smaller resilient species. Sustainable wildlife use in the region is likely to require a reduction in hunting pressure. This paper describes an ongoing livelihood diversification project focused on livestock husbandry and cultivation of cash crops. It assesses the impacts of these potential alternatives on household income and as substitutes for the unsustainable use of wildmeat around Yangambi. The results show that pig breeding may have the most potential for providing a reliable protein source, increasing income and providing an alternative to wildmeat hunting. A quarter of the hunters engaged in the project no longer rely on hunting for their primary income, while a third of wildmeat traders no longer focus on selling as their main activity. This outcome suggests that benefits for wildlife conservation can be generated when suitable alternative livelihoods are available.