Weight–length relationships of cyprinid fishes of the Iberian Peninsula

Weight–length (W–L) relationships for 28 cyprinid species collected on the Iberian Peninsula are presented. Values of the exponent b in the W–L relationships ranged from 2.78 to 3.47. These are the first W–L parameters reported for 11 of the species, all of them endemic to the Iberian Peninsula.     

Length–weight relationships for 13 fish species collected in the Doñana marshlands (Guadalquivir estuary,SW Spain)

Length–weight relationships were determined for 13 species captured in the marshlands of the Doñana National Park (SW Iberian Peninsula). This is the first record of length–weight relationships for two of these species.     

Paleobiogeography of an Iberian endemic species,Luciobarbus sclateri (Günther, 1868) (Actinopterygii,Cyprinidae), inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear markers

Since the Cenozoic Era, the southern Iberian Peninsula has undergone a series of complex geological and climatic changes that have shaped the hydrographic configuration of the freshwater network, influencing the present‐day distribution of primary freshwater species and favoring a high level of local endemicity. The cyprinid species Luciobarbus sclateri (Günther, 1968) is an endemic species confined to the southern Iberian Peninsula and characterized by a complex evolutionary history. Previous studies linked the structure of L. sclateri populations to the effects of climate change during glaciations and were not able to explain the genetic discordance found between nuclear and mitochondrial markers. The results of this study show that the structure of L. sclateri populations is a reflection of diversification processes linked to the geological history of the region. Thus, we found three main mitochondrial phylogroups: the first one corresponding to small basins in southern Iberian Peninsula, a second one in eastern Iberian Peninsula, corresponding to Segura population, and a third one including the rest of the basins where the species is distributed. The southern group began diverging in the Pliocene as result of tectonic dynamics characterized by the emersion of the basins around the Strait of Gibraltar. The other two groups began diverging with the formation of the current Iberian hydrographic system during Pleistocene. So, the isolation of the hydrographic basins was the main factor driving intraspecific differentiation, followed by recent secondary contacts, admixture, and re‐isolation of the populations.     

Evolutionary and biogeographical patterns within Iberian populations of the genus Squalius inferred from molecular data

Origins and biogeography of the chub, genus Squalius (formerly within the genus Leuciscus), in the Iberian Peninsula were inferred from comparison between patterns of geographic distribution and phylogenetic relationships among populations belonging to 14 European Squalius species. The phylogeny recovered was based on the complete sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Squalius species were grouped into three major clades. The basal clade included species distributed across the ancient Paratethys Sea. The second clade included species from Central and East Europe and the northern areas of the Mediterranean basin towards Minor Asia. The third clade included species from the Mediterranean Peninsulas (Iberian, Italy, and Balkans). The Iberian Squalius species do not constitutes a monophyletic group. Our data indicate that the Iberian Peninsula was colonized at least twice by two different monophyletic lineages, a meridional group and a Central Europe group. The amount of species diversity found in the Iberian Peninsula and the phylogenetic relationships among these species, together with their geographic distribution, suggest that the Central Europe lineage colonized the Iberian Peninsula at a latter time. Our data indicate that the northeastern Iberian lineage is phylogenetically close to Greek populations of Squalius cephalus, while the second lineage formed a monophyletic group including Squalius pyrenaicus, Squalius carolitertii, Squalius aradensis, and Squalius torgalensis. The speciation process that generated these species and the geographic structure of their populations, principally in S. pyrenaicus, can be attributed to paleogeographical events like the ancient endorrheism and the development of hydrographic basins.     

On the Iberian endemism <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eurylophella iberica</Emphasis> Keffermuller and Da Terra 1978 (Ephemeroptera,Ephemerellidae): current and future potential distributions,and assessment of the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network on its protection

Eurylophella iberica Keffermüller and Da Terra, 1978 is an endemic insect species of the Iberian Peninsula whose distribution has been poorly studied to date with rather old and scattered records. Here we compiled all existing distribution records and add new records from recent sampling activities. We also used this updated distributional information and environmental data (climate and geology) to estimate both current and future potential distributions in different climate change scenarios. We found that currently ca. 50% of the total Iberian region could present suitable environmental conditions for E. iberica (all the Iberian Peninsula, save the most eastern and Mediterranean areas). However, the potential distributions estimated when considering future climate change scenarios showed a marked reduction in the areas with suitable environmental conditions for the species, especially in the south. The northwest part of the Iberian Peninsula is a crucial zone for the future survival of this endemic species. We also found that most populations that occur in areas with suitable (both current and future) environmental conditions fall outside the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Our results represent the first attempt to estimate the potential distribution of this endemic species providing important insights for its conservation.     

Assessing the risk of freshwater fish introductions into the Iberian Peninsula

1. Preventing the introduction of species likely to become invaders is the best management option to deal with biological invasions. A data set consisting of native, introduced and species not currently present in Iberian Peninsula (n = 167 species) was used to identify freshwater fish species that are likely to be introduced and become successful invaders in the near future. 2. Principal component analysis (PCA) of species traits was used to determine species likely to be introduced, assuming that the traits of species introduced in the future will resemble those of previously introduced species. The likelihood of introduction was calculated as the proportion of neighbour species (in the space defined by the PCA) that have been introduced to the Iberian Peninsula and, together with metrics related to different stages of invasion, was used to construct a region‐specific risk index (Iberian risk index). 3. Introduced species had higher index values compared with native species or species currently absent from the region. The Iberian risk index was positively related to the results of an independent risk analysis for freshwater fish as well as to the geographical spread of species previously introduced to the Iberian Peninsula. 4. Iberian risk index values were used to establish a cut‐off value for estimating the probability of a successful invasion. This threshold value was used to construct a list of 20 species to be included in a ‘watch list’ to prevent freshwater fish invasions in the Iberian Peninsula.     

Phylogenetic relationships among Spanish Barbus species (Pisces,Cyprinidae) shown by RAPD markers

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to estimate the population structure and phylogenetic relationships among the eight species of the genus Barbus that inhabit the Iberian Peninsula. Ten random oligodecamers were used to amplify DNA from 232 fish sampled from 15 populations. A total of 270 markers were detected that revealed low levels of genetic variability. The conclusions of cluster analysis indicate two main branches and three well-differentiated groups: north-eastern, Mediterranean and Atlantic. This clustering mainly reflects the evolutionary history of the genus, which is closely related to the paleogeography of the Iberian Peninsula. The contribution and application of these results to the conservation of the species, to their taxonomic status and to the process of colonization of the Iberian Peninsula by the genus Barbus are discussed.     

Haplotype diversity and phylogenetic relationships among the Iberian barbels (Barbus,Cyprinidae) reveal two evolutionary lineages

The phylogenetic relationships and haplotype diversity of all Iberian barbels were examined by analyzing the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence (1141 bp) of 72 specimens from 59 Iberian localities. Phylogenetic findings demonstrated a clear distinction between two mitochondrial lineages and confirmed the existence of two previously considered subgenera: Barbus and Luciobarbus: The first subgenus, Barbus, is represented on the Iberian Peninsula by Barbus haasi and Barbus meridionalis. The second subgenus, Luciobarbus, includes the remaining endemic Iberian species: Barbus comizo, Barbus bocagei, Barbus microcephalus, Barbus sclateri, Barbus guiraonis, and Barbus graellsii. Mean haplotype divergence between these subgenera was 10.40%, providing evidence of a clear subdivision within the Iberian barbels. Our results conflict with those reported in a recent study, based on 307 cytochrome b base pairs, that failed to identify any division within the genus Barbus in the Iberian Peninsula. The inclusion of nine further species belonging to this genus (used as outgroups) allowed us to establish a closer relationship of the Iberian species of the subgenus Barbus with other European taxa than with the Iberian Luciobarbus, which was found to cluster with North African, Caucasian, and Greek species. At the population level, no biogeographic structure was shown by specimens of each species (only 5.98% of the variation was attributable to differences among populations of each species). Given the discrete amount of divergence found among the Luciobarbus species, the formation of current hydrographic basins during the Plio-Pleistocene seems to have played a major role in their isolation and evolution.     

Phylogenetic relationships of Iberian cyprinids: systematic and biogeographical implications.

The phylogenetic relationships among all Iberian endemic cyprinids were inferred using the complete nucleotide sequence of the cytochrome b gene. The inferred molecular phylogeny included representatives from Central European, Asian and North African species, and is highly congruent with previous phylogenies based on osteological characters. Iberian cyprinids were grouped into only five, very speciose lineages (with the exception of the monotypic Anaecypris): Barbus, Luciobarbus, Chondrostoma, Leuciscus and Anaecypris. The existence of such a relatively small number of Iberian cyprinid lineages can be explained by the historical isolation of the Iberian Peninsula. North African and Asian barbels are the sister group of Iberian Luciobarbus, supporting a south-eastern route of colonization of the Iberian Peninsula for this subgenus. With leuciscins, Anaecypris hispanica was considered a relict species as it could not be related to any other Iberian cyprinid. The phylogenetic relationships among the main lineages of Iberian cyprinids based on cytochrome b sequence data supported the traditional division of the Cyprinidae into two subfamilies: Cyprininae and Leuciscinae.     

Spatio-temporal genetic variation in sympatric and allopatric Mediterranean Cicada species (Hemiptera, Cicadidae)

Cicada barbara (Stål) and Cicada orni L. are two Mediterranean cicadas, very similar in morphology, that produce distinct acoustic mating signals and that have partially overlapping distribution ranges in the Iberian Peninsula, occurring in sympatry in several locations. In the present study, six microsatellite loci were analysed in C. barbara , four of which were also analysed in C. orni . Geographical and temporal genetic variation in these species was studied. No evidence of hybridization was found, enabling us to infer that the isolating barriers between these species are efficient. Partitioning of geographic variation in each species, revealed the following patterns: Iberian Peninsula and Northwestern African populations of C. barbara showed higher differentiation between than within each region, supporting C. barbara subspecific taxonomy ( C. barbara lusitanica in the Iberian Peninsula and C. barbara barbara in Northwestern Africa) and highlighting isolation coincident with the presence of physical barriers to gene-flow; differentiation between populations of C. orni from both sides of the Pyrenees was very low, and this mountain range may not constitute a significant barrier for the dispersal of this species; Greek populations of C. orni were found to be highly differentiated from Western European populations; and no pattern of isolation-by-distance was found in either species within the Iberian Peninsula.  © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2009, 96 , 249–265.     

MtDNA markers reveal the existence of allopatric evolutionary lineages in the threatened lampreys <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lampetra fluviatilis</Emphasis> (L.) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lampetra planeri</Emphasis> (Bloch) in the Iberian glacial refugium

The Iberian Peninsula has been identified as an important glacial refugium during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs for the genus Lampetra, providing intermittent refuge and postglacial opportunities for colonization and expansion. We used mitochondrial DNA markers to investigate the processes that have shaped present-day genetic constitution of the genus Lampetra within the Iberian Peninsula. We surveyed 1,173 bp of the cytochrome b gene and 829 bp of the genes ATPase subunits 6 and 8 in 233 individuals of Lampetra fluviatilis (L.) and Lampetra planeri (Bloch) from 21 localities along their distribution range in the Iberian Peninsula. We identified four highly divergent allopatric evolutionary lineages that evolved by fragmentation during the Pliocene and Pleistocene likely driven by environmental factors, namely regional geomorphic events. The high level of genetic divergence between the four lineages suggests that sufficient time has apparently passed by to originate a complex of incipient or cryptic resident species and allows the definition of four evolutionary significant units (ESUs) for L. planeri and one ESU for L. fluviatilis. These findings have important consequences for the interpretation of refugia biological diversity and have major implications on the conservation of these threatened species.     

Comparative phylogeography of endemic cyprinids in the south-west Iberian Peninsula: evidence for a new ichthyogeographic area

The comparative phylogeography and evolutionary history of three native cyprinid genera, Squalius (subfamily Leuciscinae), Chondrostoma (subfamily Leuciscinae) and Barbus (subgenus Luciobarbus ; subfamily Cyprininae), were examined focusing mainly in the South-Western region of the Iberian Peninsula, where recently described endemic species are present with considerably restricted distribution areas. In order to accomplish that the variation at the complete cytochrome b gene (1140 bp) was analysed for specimens from the South-Western region, and also for representatives of the three genera from all over the Iberian Peninsula. Data indicate different evolutionary histories, with distinct time periods of colonization between the two cyprinid subfamilies in the Iberian Peninsula. Four new Iberian ichthyogeographic areas are accordingly proposed based on congruent phylogeographic and geological evidences: the South-Western, the South-Eastern, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Evidence was provided for the older isolation of the South-Western area in the Miocene during the Endorheic Drainages phase, designating a clearly defined and distinct ichthyogeographic area. A new molecular clock calibration is proposed for the subgenus Luciobarbus .     

The Iberian Peninsula: ancient history of a hot spot of mite harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi: Sironidae) diversity

The Iberian Peninsula represents a hot spot of cyphophthalmid (mite harvestman) disparity, with four of the eight genera currently recognized in the family Sironidae represented in the region – a generic diversity and morphological disparity not found in any other region of the World so far. From these, two genera (Iberosiro and Odontosiro) are monotypic, and are restricted to the western side of the peninsula. Parasiro is restricted to the north‐east region, from the Catalonian Coastal Ranges and both sides of the Eastern Pyrenees, in areas where the annual rainfall surpasses 1000 mm, and mostly restricted to areas with Paleozoic and Variscan rocks, with other species of the genus extending to Corsica, Sardinia, and the Italian Peninsula. A second species of the genus Paramiopsalis, Paramiopsalis eduardoi sp. nov. from Fragas do Eume, is described here along with a re‐diagnosis of the genus. Paramiopsalis species, together with Odontosiro, inhabit the north‐west corner of the Iberian Peninsula, an area with some of the highest recorded annual rainfall, and with Paleozoic rocks from the Iberian Massif or Variscan granitoid rocks. A phylogenetic analysis of the members of the family Sironidae using four molecular markers, despite not including all of the Iberian genera, clearly shows the non‐monophyly of the Iberian Cyphophthalmi, indicating that the Iberian Peninsula is home to multiple ancient lineages of mite harvestmen. The two Paramiopsalis species form a sister clade to the Balkan genus Cyphophthalmus, whereas Parasiro constitutes the first lineage of the sironids represented.     

Infraspecific variation and phylogeography of the high-polyploid Iberian endemic Anthoxanthum amarum Brot. (Poaceae; Pooideae) assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA markers (RAPDs) and morphology

High morphological and ecological diversity has been observed in the north-west Iberian Peninsula endemic Anthoxanthum amarum Brot., for which two different morphotypes (northern and southern) have been described on the basis of qualitative traits and geographical origin. In the present study, a combined molecular and morphological method was applied to ten populations of this species with the following aims: (1) to assess whether the variation observed was taxonomically meaningful; (2) to assess the influence of the environment on the variation in the morphological characters; and (3) to track the potential phylogeographical information deduced from our random amplified polymorphic DNA marker (RAPD) data in order to draw inferences about the past history of this species in the north-west Iberian Peninsula. To achieve these aims, 26 macromorphological characters were recorded in 279 specimens, and 77 RAPD phenotypes were identified in the 79 plants studied. The association analyses performed using the morphological and molecular data showed that no clear separation existed between the morphs, and a strong correlation between qualitative characters and the environment was detected. Moreover, both the multivariate analyses and the assignment test based on RAPD data revealed that the genetic variation was hierarchically structured, and three genetically distinct groups could be identified. Two of these clusters might correspond to different expansion routes proposed in the literature for different plant species in the north-west Iberian Peninsula.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 155 , 179–192.     

Colonization of freshwater habitats by an introduced crayfish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Procambarus clarkii</Emphasis>, in Southwest Iberian Peninsula

The introduction of some crustacean species has produced alterations of freshwater environments and declines of native species worldwide. The red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii Girard, was introduced in the Southwest Iberian Peninsula in the 1970’s, producing severe impacts on rice agriculture and on native biota such as macrophytes, gastropods, native crayfish and amphibians. We studied the distribution of P. clarkii in two areas of SW Iberian Peninsula: the Sado River basin (SW Portugal), an area colonized by this species around 1990, and the Parque Natural del Entorno de Doñana (SW Spain), colonized soon after its introduction in the Iberian Peninsula, in the 1970’s. Our main goal was to determine which factors limit crayfish distribution, which could help to identify the most effective management practices to contain its spread. Procambarus clarkii was found in most types of water bodies, including small and shallow ones. Distance to a crayfish source was the single predictor variable explaining crayfish occurrence in most types of habitats and in both areas. The only exception was for the Sado permanent stream points, where crayfish presence was negatively affected by an interaction between elevation and flow velocity. Other habitat characteristics have apparently little or no importance for its successful colonization. Moreover, this study indicated that overland dispersal is apparently a frequent phenomenon in this species. Our findings can be used to determine which habitats are most likely to be colonized by the crayfish and to develop practical measures which may limit its spread and minimize its impacts.     

Demography,dispersal and movement pattern of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Euphydryas aurinia</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) at the Iberian Peninsula: an alarming example in an increasingly fragmented landscape?

Mediterranean countries like Portugal and Spain, so far characterised by extensive traditional land use over major parts of their territories, have been less affected by species losses. However, they are facing severe changes. As a model organism we chose the butterfly Euphydryas aurinia, highly threatened in Central Europe but still common at the Iberian Peninsula, for a mark-release-recapture survey in the western Algarve. We examined key factors for stabile metapopulation systems to assess the ability of long-term survival in the increasingly fragmented landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula. The density of the examined population was high (ca. 2,200 individuals/ha). However, the MRR-based proportion of individuals moving longer distance classes showed a better fit to the negative exponential function than to the inverse power function implying restricted dispersal behaviour. The orientation pattern of short distance movements (<10 m) proved to be independent from habitat structures. In contrast, longer movements (>10 m) were strongly orientated along the main habitat axes revealing the importance of internal habitat structures for the orientation of dispersing individuals. Based on these data, we discuss the severe consequences for the fauna of the Iberian Peninsula in an increasingly fragmented and monotonous landscape.     

Studies on the Genus Annitella Klapálek (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae: Chaetopterygini) in the Iberian Peninsula

Three new Annitella species (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae, Chaetopterygini) from the Iberian Peninsula, Annitella amelia sp.n. (Portugal), A. cabeza sp.n. (Spain) and A. lalomba sp.n. (Spain) are described. Psilopteryx (Acropsilopteryx) esparraguera Schmid, 1952 and Psilopteryx sanabriensis Gonzales and Otero, 1985 are transferred to the genus Annitella. Brief decriptions and illustrations of these species and of the related species A. pyrenaea (Navás, 1930) are given. A sketch map of the distribution of the Annitella species in the Iberian Peninsula is included.     

The Consumption of Acorns (from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus</Emphasis> spp.) in the Central West of the Iberian Peninsula in the 20th Century

There is evidence of the consumption of acorns from Quercus species in the Iberian Peninsula from prehistory through the 20th century up until the 1960s. Acorns were used primarily for human consumption, mainly during food shortages. The high abundance and even distribution of Quercus tree species made it possible for acorn consumption to be widespread across the Iberian Peninsula. The favored species was the holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota), because a large part of its harvest consists of sweet acorns, while in other species the acorns are almost always bitter. People developed a substantial knowledge base underpinning a great variety of uses of acorns, from eating them directly from the tree to preparation with very simple treatments, such as drying, roasting, or boiling. By manipulating levels of bitterness in a number of species, cooks were able to prepare dishes that ranged from salty to sweet.Based on interviews with knowledgeable people and a review of ethnobotanical papers, this article describes the forms of consumption, the processed products, and the other uses of acorns of the species of the genus Quercus in the central west of the Iberian Peninsula. We also suggest why acorns lost their prominence in the late 1960s. At present, the main use of the acorn is as food for Iberian black pigs to obtain quality sausages. In addition, new products such as acorn liquor, caramels, and other items have recently appeared, marketed as distinctive products on a small scale.     

From climate change predictions to actions – conserving vulnerable animal groups in hotspots at a regional scale

Current climate change is a major threat to biodiversity. Species unable to adapt or move will face local or global extinction and this is more likely to happen to species with narrow climatic and habitat requirements and limited dispersal abilities, such as amphibians and reptiles. Biodiversity losses are likely to be greatest in global biodiversity hotspots where climate change is fast, such as the Iberian Peninsula. Here we assess the impact of climate change on 37 endemic and nearly endemic herptiles of the Iberian Peninsula by predicting species distributions for three different times into the future (2020, 2050 and 2080) using an ensemble of bioclimatic models and different combinations of species dispersal ability, emission levels and global circulation models. Our results show that species with Atlantic affinities that occur mainly in the North‐western Iberian Peninsula have severely reduced future distributions. Up to 13 species may lose their entire potential distribution by 2080. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that the most critical period for the majority of these species will be the next decade. While there is considerable variability between the scenarios, we believe that our results provide a robust relative evaluation of climate change impacts among different species. Future evaluation of the vulnerability of individual species to climate change should account for their adaptive capacity to climate change, including factors such as physiological climate tolerance, geographical range size, local abundance, life cycle, behavioural and phenological adaptability, evolutionary potential and dispersal ability.