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Biodiversity Journal 2026, 17 (2): 91-254

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 091-092

    Antonino Dentici
    Lithobates catesbeianus Shaw, 1802 in Italy: diffusion dynamics and ecological impact of a trophic invader
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.I.II

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 093-103

    Koué-Bi Tih Mathieu & Yaokokoré-Béibro K. Hilaire
    Wild birds diet of the Gouro people and their conservation status, Marahoué region, Côte d’Ivoire
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.93.103

    ABSTRACT
    In West Africa, wildlife exploitation methods are frequently in conflict with natural resource management programs. This requires the establishment of conservation mechanisms that incorporate the needs and food preferences of local populations. However, until now, few works have highlighted the interests of populations in this area. Thus, an ethnozoological survey was undertaken, from 2010 to 2013, among Gouro populations in 19 villages of the Marahoué region of Côte d’Ivoire. The aim was to find out the food preferences of these people, in terms of wild birds, with a view to drawing up biodiversity conservation plans. It emerged that 223 species of birds are consumed by the Gouro people with 18 species (8%) highly prized, including the Brown-cheeked Hornbill, which is classified as vulnerable. Three of these highly appreciated species are partially resident and another, the Garganey, is a Palearctic migratory bird. These results expose the close link between local people and animals and constitute one of the first databases on the usefulness of birds in the lives of populations to be taken into account in natural resource management programs.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 105-112

    Reshma Persaud & Abdullah Adil Ansari
    Earthworm community structure in a mangrove forest of Guyana, South America
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.105.112

    ABSTRACT
    The mangrove ecosystems of the Guiana Shield are high stress environments characterized by elevated salinity and hypoxic soils. While these harsh conditions can lead to a unique environment that houses specialised biodiversity, the composition of the resident soil macrofauna is poorly documented. This study provides the first baseline assessment of earthworm communities in a coastal mangrove ecosystem of Guyana by establishing community composition and the underlying drivers of species presence and distribution. Furthermore, the first records of Eukerria saltensis and E. stagnalis within Guyana are provided, expanding the known geographical range of these littoral Oligochaetes. The results of this study indicate a specialized but stable community with a Shannon H’ of 1.28 and a Pielou’s E of 0.80. While the Berger-Parker d (0.42) showed moderate dominance of a single species, its presence did not exclude the other groups from occupying the same plots. A significant negative correlation was observed between a species of Acanthodrilidae and E. saltensis (Spearman’s ⍴ = 0.54, p = 0.039) demonstrating an L-shaped bivariate distribution pattern which provided evidence supporting competitive exclusion and niche partitioning. In contrast, Urobenus sp. and Martiodrilus sp. had a negligible presence within the soil ecosystem which further highlighted that the community was dominated by highly adapted specialists. These findings suggest that the structure of mangrove earthworm communities is driven by deterministic biotic interactions and environmental filters. The establishment of these first national records and community patterns creates a critical benchmark for the Guiana-Shield region.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 113-120

    Pooja Karki, Mamtesh Kumari, Ujma & Ahmad Pervez
    Diversity Indices and Distribution of Coccinellids from different host plants of Terai and Hilly regions of Nainital, India
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.113.120

    ABSTRACT
    A survey was conducted to estimate the diversity and distribution of coccinellid beetles among different host plants, in the Terai and Hilly regions of Nainital district, Uttarakhand. A total of 19 species were collected, namely: Menochilus sexmaculatus, Coccinella septempunctata, C. transversalis, Hippodamia variegata, Propylea dissecta, P. luteopustulata, Scymnus sp., Brumoides suturalis, Anegleis cardoni, Harmonia dimidiata, Oenopia kirbyi, Oenopia sauzeti, llleis confusa, Micraspis univittata, M. allardi, Chilocorus nigritus, Henosepilachna viginctopunctata, H. ocellata, and H. septima. Among them, 14 species were reported from the Terai and 11 species from the Hilly region, including 6 common species collected from both regions. Species richness, evenness and similarity were calculated using different diversity indices viz. Simpson’s dominance index, Shannon-Weiner index, Pielou’s Evenness, Margalef’s index, and Sorenson’s Index of similarity.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 121-127

    Carlo Smriglio & Paolo Mariottini
    A new Chilodontidae Wenz, 1938 (Mollusca Gastropoda) from the Mediterranean Sea: Putzeysia reticulata n. sp. with notes on the species of the genus
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.121.127
    https://zoobank.org/4DB026CB-D081-482F-9E51-BD46AAF8B834

    ABSTRACT
    Putzeysia reticulata n. sp. is described from the Mediterranean Sea. It belongs to a small group of morphologically similar species, which has been recently enriched in number of taxa. The new species is compared with the other members of Chilodontidae Wenz, 1938: i.e. P. wiseri (Calcara, 1842), P. clathrata (Aradas, 1847), P. cillisi Segers, Swinnen et De Prins, 2009, P. franziskae Engl et Rolán, 2009, P. juttae Engl et Rolán, 2009, P. rickyi Reitano et Scuderi, 2021, P. diversii Kiel, Sami et Taviani, 2023. The members of this group are discussed according to the most recent literature.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 129-132

    James Arach Hernández-Espinal, Russell Alexander Barrantes-Martínez, Félix A. Araujo-Duarte & José Gabriel Martínez-Fonsec
    First record of Triprion spinosus (Steindachner, 1864) (Anura Hylidae) from Nicaragua
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.129.132

    ABSTRACT
    Triprion spinosus (Peters, 1863) (Anura Hylidae) is a casque-headed treefrog distributed from southern Mexico through Central America to Panama. Although recorded in neighboring countries, its occurrence in Nicaragua has remained undocumented or uncertain in the formal literature. Here we provide a Nicaraguan record from the lowlands of the north Caribbean autonomous region.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 133-143

    Mauro M. Brunetti
    Notes on some species of Cancellariidae (Mollusca Gastropoda) from the Spanish Pliocene
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.133.143

    ABSTRACT
    This paper re-examines the taxonomy of certain Pliocene species of Cancellariidae (Mollusc Gastropoda). The following are recognised as valid species within the genus Contortia Sacco, 1894: C. italica (D’Ancona, 1872), C. malacitana (Vera Peláez et Muñiz-Solís, 1995) from the Mediterranean Pliocene, C. strictoturrita (Sacco, 1894) and C. milleti (Brebion, 1964 m.s.) from the Upper Miocene (Redonian) of France. For the genus Tribia Jousseaume, 1887, the validity of T. hispanica M. Brunetti, Della Bella, Forli et Vecchi, 2006 – recently considered a synonym of T. pliogeometrica Lozano Francisco et Vera Peláez, 2006 – is confirmed, and taxonomy of T. brachoi Vera Peláez, 2022 is discussed. It is confirmed that the species Bonellitia serrata (Bronn, 1831) belongs to the genus Bonellitia Jousseaume, 1887 and not, as claimed by some authors, to the genus Admetula Cossmann, 1889. Still with regard to the genus Bonellitia, a specimen from the Lower Pliocene of Spain, attributable to a previously undescribed species, is discussed and illustrated. A summary table of all the Pliocene–Pleistocene species from the Mediterranean Basin and, in part, from the Atlantic Pliocene that are considered valid is provided at the end of the paper.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 145-148

    Salvatore Surdo & Giuseppe Mirlocca
    Back in the archipelago: first confirmed breeding of the Egadi Islands (Sicily, Italy) by Bonelli’s eagle Aquila fasciata Vieillot, 1822 (Aves Accipitridae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.145.148

    ABSTRACT
    The Bonelli’s eagle, Aquila fasciata Vieillot, 1822 (Aves Accipitridae), has been reported as a breeding species on the island of Favignana (Sicily, Italy) on the basis of data collected from 1970 onwards and subsequently confirmed by various authors without conclusive evidence. However, due to the lack of reliable and more recent data on this breeding, the Bonelli’s eagle is no longer considered a breeding species on the island of Favignana. This paper reports the breeding of a pair of Bonelli’s eagles on the island of Favignana.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 149-152

    Gianfranco Curletti & Uitsiann Ong
    Contribution to the knowledge on Taiwanese Agrilofauna (Coleoptera Buprestidae). Part 6
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.149.152

    ABSTRACT
    Some nomenclatural and taxonomic issues concerning Taiwanese species of Agrilus Curtis, 1825 (Coleoptera Buprestidae) are discussed. Based on the examination of type material, the following taxonomic and nomenclatural acts are proposed: designation of lectotypes for Agrilus hornianus Kerremans, 1912 and A. sauteri Kerremans, 1912; designation of a new lectotype for A. nigricinctus Kerremans, 1912; synonymization of Agrilus hornianus Kerremans, 1912 with A. sauteri Kerremans, 1912, with the latter selected as the valid name under Article 24.2 of the ICZN; and restoration of A. motobuanus Fukutomi, 2006 to species rank (stat. rev.). In addition, the occurrence of A. odetteae Baudon, 1968 in Taiwan is considered doubtful and requires confirmation.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 153-161

    Rugayyah Alhashmi Hasan & Khaled Salem Etayeb
    Diversity and behavior of seagulls (Aves Laridae) along the beach between Tajura and Tripoli harbors, Libya
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.153.161

    ABSTRACT
    This study was conducted on seagulls (Aves Laridae) along the area between Tajura and Tripoli harbors (Northwest Libya) during the period from February 2021 to January 2022. aimed to study the diversity and abundance of gulls in the study sites, monitoring and documenting the intra-specific and interspecific behaviors, as well as to investigate the impact of some environmental factors on the diversity and the abundance of gulls. The study also addressed the relationship between the gulls and the fishermen. A regular four visits per month per site were conducted by using a telescope, binoculars and digital camera. For birds accounting a point transect method was used. A total of 2775 specimens were counted belong to nine species. This study recorded two rare species; Palla’s gull Larus ichthytus and Great black backed gull L. marinius. Moreover, three threatened species were recorded; Audouin’s gull Larus audouinii, Slender billed gull Chircocephalus genei and Mediterranean gull Larus melanocephalus. This study recorded a significant negative effect of temperature on the diversity and abundance of gulls. There was also a significant positive relationship between wind speed and the abundance of gulls in the morning times, whilst, the abundance during the evening was negatively affected by the humidity.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 163-196

    Manuel Andrea Zafarana, Salvatore Surdo, Antonino Dentici, Salvatore Alessandro Barra & Daniele Alù
    Bird communities in a restored Mediterranean wetland: a 10-year annotated checklist from the Geloi Plain (southern Sicily, Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.163.196

    ABSTRACT
    This study presents a ten-year annotated checklist of the avifauna of the Geloi Plain (southern Sicily), with particular focus on the restored Geloi Wetland private reserve, based on standardized surveys conducted from 2016 to 2026. Bird data were collected through direct observations, breeding bird monitoring and winter waterbird counts carried out within the framework of the International Waterbird Census (IWC). A total of 194 species belonging to 20 orders and 53 families were recorded, including 117 non-passerines and 77 passerines, with confirmed breeding for 70 species. Species richness increased from 105 species recorded in 2016 to 194 in 2026, reflecting both long-term monitoring and the progressive ecological recovery of restored wetland habitats. Winter waterbird communities showed a significant increase in both species richness and abundance following habitat restoration carried out between 2020 and 2022, which restored approximately 50–60 ha of wetland habitats. The abundance of several species showed marked increases after restoration, most notably including Common Teal (Anas crecca), Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) and Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus). The regular occurrence and confirmed breeding of conservation-priority species, including European Roller (Coracias garrulus), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola), Western Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) and White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), further highlight the ecological importance of this restored wetland system within an intensively cultivated Mediterranean landscape.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 197-200

    Pierpaolo Rapuzzi & Eylon Orbach
    Phytoecia (Musaria) vladyslavi Lazarev et Skrylnyk, 2022 (Coleoptera Cerambycidae), bona species, and description of a new subspecies from the Middle East
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.197.200
    https://zoobank.org/FC0B9C8B-6287-40C9-B57B-E6A5CF227BA1

    ABSTRACT
    Phytoecia (Musaria) vladyslavi Lazarev et Skrylnyk, 2022 was originally described as a subspecies of P. (Musaria) puncticollis (Faldermann, 1837) based on a single male specimen from Jordan. The examination of additional material from Jordan, including both males and females, together with comparative material from Israel and Syria, allows a reassessment of its taxonomic status. All examined specimens from Jordan consistently exhibit completely separated upper and lower eye lobes, a stable morphological character not observed in P. puncticollis sensu stricto. On this basis, P. vladyslavi is here elevated to species rank (status novus), and the female is described for the first time. Specimens from Israel and Syria, previously attributed to P. puncticollis, are morphologically close to P. vladyslavi but differ consistently in coloration, pubescence, punctation, and proportions of the antennae and legs. These populations are described as a new subspecies, P. (Musaria) vladyslavi friedmani n. ssp. Diagnostic characters separating the new subspecies from the nominotypical form are provided. The observed pattern suggests geographically structured differentiation within P. vladyslavi in the Middle East.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 201-216

    Amy G. Ponce, Janine L. Cabilar, Lorjie B. Bation, Rogie Mart B. Ambasan & Jonathan S. Cabrera
    Trail-based distribution, abundance, and exploratory habitat suitability of Paphiopedilum ciliolare (Rchb. f.) Stein, and P. adductum Asher (Orchidaceae) in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.201.216

    ABSTRACT
    Paphiopedilum ciliolare (Rchb. f.) Stein and P. adductum Asher (Orchidaceae) are Philippine lady’s slipper orchids of high conservation concern. Paphiopedilum adductum is globally assessed as Critically Endangered, whereas P. ciliolare is globally assessed as Endangered; both species are nationally listed as Critically Endangered under DAO 2026 20 and are covered by CITES (2026) Appendix I. Despite their protected status, trail-accessible populations remain vulnerable to trampling, visitor disturbance, habitat degradation, and unauthorized collection. Furthermore, the information on their abundance and habitat in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary remains limited. This study assessed the distribution, visible abundance, and habitat suitability of P. ciliolare and P. adductum along trails in this Wildlife Sanctuary. Non-destructive field surveys were conducted across four forest-associated sampling sites representing dipterocarp, montane, pygmy-tomossy, and mossy forest conditions from 28 March to 1 April 2024 and from 19 to 21 March 2026. Visible specimens or clumps were identified, counted, georeferenced, and photographically documented, while filtered occurrence records were used to generate preliminary MaxEnt habitat-suitability outputs. A total of 577 visible specimens or clumps was recorded, comprising 475 specimens of P. ciliolare and 102 specimens of P. adductum. Montane forest supported the highest abundance of both species, with 266 specimens of P. ciliolare and 83 specimens of P. adductum. Paphiopedilum ciliolare occurred across all sampled sites, whereas P. adductum showed a more restricted trail-based distribution. Kruskal-Wallis tests showed no statistically significant elevation-based difference for P. ciliolare, while the result for P. adductum was not statistically significant, although the pattern suggests a possible elevational tendency requiring additional sampling. Exploratory MaxEnt outputs suggested that predicted suitability for both species was associated with elevation and lower precipitation seasonality, with suitable areas appearing patchily distributed within the sanctuary. Because the models were based on limited, trail-derived occurrence records, they should be interpreted as exploratory tools rather than definitive distribution maps. These findings provide baseline information for long-term monitoring and habitat protection for these threatened Paphiopedilum orchids in Mt. Hamiguitan.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 217-221

    Loving Musubaho, Léon Iyongo, Jasmin Mutahinga, Jean-Claude Mukinzi & Jan Bogaert
    Observations on amplexus in Congo Spiny Reed Frog Afrixalus osorioi Ferreira, 1906 (Anura Hyperoliidae) in the Yoko Forest Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.217.221

    ABSTRACT
    Preliminary data on amplexus process in Afixalus osorioi Ferreira, 1906 (Anura Hyperoliidae) from observations conducted in June, July 2015, December 2020, July, September and October 2021 in the Yoko Forest Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are provided. Amplexus in this species occurs between 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm on vegetation overhanging permanent water bodies in disturbed habitats. These initial observations conducted in the Kisangani region regarding breeding substrates suitable for A. osorioi indicate that mating in this species occurs on vegetation located above permanent water bodies.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 223-252

    Loving Musubaho, Léon Iyongo, Gabriel Badjedjea, Jasmin Mutahinga, Jackson Mbeke, Nicaise Amundala, Jean-Claude Mukinzi & Jan Bogaert
    Annotated checklist and distribution of amphibians (Amphibia Anura) in the Yoko Forest Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.223.252

    ABSTRACT
    The Yoko Forest Reserve, located in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, remains poorly documented with regard to its amphibian fauna. This study aimed to document the amphibian species occurring in the reserve and to provide information on their habitat occurrence and geographic distribution. Field surveys were conducted over a twelve-month period and included twenty-four nocturnal sampling sessions using visual encounter surveys, systematic habitat excavation, and acoustic detection of calling males. A total of 5,707 specimens were recorded, representing 33 species, 17 genera, and 10 families, all belonging to the order Anura. Species were identified using diagnostic external morphological characteristics. For each species, information on habitat occurrence and geographic distribution is provided. This annotated checklist contributes to the knowledge of amphibian diversity in the Congo Basin and provides valuable baseline data for future ecological studies, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation initiatives in the Yoko Forest Reserve.