Naufraga balearica,a threatened narrow endemism of the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean basin): assessing the population dynamics of two subpopulations

Naufraga balearica constitutes a monospecific genus of Majorca (Balearic Islands) and is Critically Endangered according to International Union for Conservation of Nature categories. The species has a narrow distributional area, with one subpopulation at Coves Blanques (CB) and a small set of subpopulations on the Formentor Peninsula. A previous work has shown that the subpopulation in Cap de Catalunya (CC) (located on the Formentor Peninsula) has undergone a distinct decline over the last decade. Herein, we report a comparative study of the population dynamics of N. balearica at the CB and CC sites. By monitoring permanent plots for 6 years (2004–2009), we analyzed the frequency of cells in which the species was present, and, for each annual transition (from November, year t to November, year t + 1), we determined the frequency of cells in which the species was stable, decreased or increased for each species and site using a G‐test of independence. The same parameters were also analyzed for N. balearica at the quarterly transitions of November–February, February–May, May–August and August–November. The results indicated that the decline of the threatened species was more marked in the CB subpopulation. N. balearica showed a seasonal trend at both sites, with some exceptions. The most common neighboring species were Dactylis glomerata and Erodium reichardii, and they negatively affected N. balearica; however, the neighboring species effect was not homogeneous among the annual transitions analyzed, indicating that other factors are involved. Finally, some conservation measures are proposed.     

North-east Atlantic and Mediterranean species of the genus Buffonellaria (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata): implications for biodiversity and biogeography

In this study we revise the cheilostome bryozoan genus Buffonellaria Canu & Bassler, 1927 and its Mediterranean and north-east Atlantic species, thereby addressing several existing problems. First, a lectotype for the type species, Buffonellaria divergens (Smitt, 1873) from Florida, is chosen, which proves to be distinct from the European species. Second, the two hitherto established north-east Atlantic species [ Buffonellaria nebulosa ( Jullien & Calvet, 1903 ) and Buffonellaria porcellanum Arístegui Ruiz, 1987], are redescribed, which were poorly documented until now. Third, close inspection of material, collected from Spitsbergen to tropical West Africa, using scanning electron microscopy reveals that the actual number of species, all previously referred to either B. divergens or Stephanosella biaperta (Michelin, 1848), is distinctly greater in the north-east Atlantic than has been previously acknowledged. As a result, seven new species are introduced ( Buffonellaria acorensis sp. nov. , Buffonellaria antoniettae sp. nov. , Buffonellaria arctica sp. nov. , Buffonellaria harmelini sp. nov. , Buffonellaria jensi sp. nov. , Buffonellaria muriella sp. nov. , and Buffonellaria ritae sp. nov. ), whereas two are left in open nomenclature. With the increase in number of species, the extremely broad geographical range of distribution assumed for B. divergens breaks down to numerous restricted areas. However, although most species have only been reported from a single location, B. arctica sp. nov. seems to have a fairly wide distribution in the Arctic region.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 152 , 537–566.     

The quillworts (Isoetes) of India: distribution, endemism and species radiation

The genus Isoetes L. in India is represented by 14species, of which eight species are recognized as being local endemics [confinedto one particular phyto-geographical division (PGD)] while the remaining sixoccur in more than one PGD and are described as endemic to a wider range. Thelocal endemic species are Isoetes dixitei,Isoetes panchganiensis and Isoetessahyadriensis in Western Ghats region; Isoetespantii, Isoetes bilaspurensis, Isoetesreticulata and Isoetes tuberculata inChotanagpur Malwa Vindhya Plateau and Isoetes debii innortheastern India. The wider endemic species are Isoetespanchananii, Isoetes sampathkumaranii,Isoetes rajasthanensis, Isoetesmahadevensis, Isoetes indica andIsoetes coromandelina. Our studies on the patterns ofendemism suggest that the radiation of quillworts advanced from dry lowlandareas to the rainy uplands and mountains. Isoetescoromandelina is the first Indian quillwort to colonize in lowlandsof the coastal zone (Coromandel), from where it spread to different parts of thesub-continent and gave rise to new species. Thus this species is a key Indianspecies which has played an important role in the radiation of quillwort in thecountry and appeared as the connecting link among the quillwort flora of variousPGDs. The centres of diversity for almost all the presently known Indianquillworts species are recognized.     

Environmental conditions and phosphorus removal in Florida lakes and wetlands inhabited by Hydrilla verticillata (Royle): implications for invasive species management

Hydrilla verticillata is considered the most problematic aquatic plant in the United States. In south Florida, Hydrilla dominance has also been documented in treatment wetlands. This paper characterizes (1) environmental conditions which favor Hydrilla growth and (2) understand its nutrient removal capability. Despite its occurrence over a wide range of environmental conditions, Hydrilla abundance increased with increasing pH, alkalinity, total P and total N, and decreased with water depth in selected Florida lakes. No relationship was found between color, Secchi depth and Hydrilla abundance. In several Hydrilla-dominated lakes, mean total P concentration (126 μg/l) at inflow was reduced to 106 μg/l at outflow. The maximum inflow total P concentration in a lake with positive nutrient reduction was 148 μg/l. Total P removal efficiency by Hydrilla-dominated lakes and wetlands was comparable to or higher than systems dominated by emergent and other submerged plants. Mean total P settling rates for lakes and a constructed wetland dominated by Hydrilla were estimated at 19 and 34 m/year, respectively, which were higher than or comparable to similar systems dominated by other aquatic plants. Results from this study suggest that reduction of Hydrilla from constructed wetlands will not likely improve nutrient removal performance.     

Plankton biodiversity in a landscape of shallow water bodies (Mediterranean coast,Spain)

Hydrobiologia - A large spatial heterogeneity was detected in La Safor, a coastal area with different kinds of small and shallow water bodies. The area exhibits a sharp gradient in eutrophication...     

Potentially toxic and harmful microalgae from coastal waters of the Campania region (Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean Sea)

A total number of 40 potentially toxic microalgae and 5 taxa causing discolorations have been identified along the coasts of the Campania region (South Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean Sea). This number is based on results of over 20 years of research at a coastal station in the Gulf of Naples, 4 years of monitoring activity along the Campania coasts and of a series of scattered and sporadic observations. Several species of the recently erected genera Karenia and Takayama are reported for the first time in the area. Information on the period of highest abundances or most probable period of occurrence indicates the late spring and summer as the periods of maximum risk of harmful events. Despite the variety of potentially toxic species, no human health problems nor fish kills have ever been recorded in Campania. The reasons for this apparent paradox are probably to be found in the ecological factors that regulate the abundance, toxicity and spatial distribution of the potentially harmful species and reflect as well the relatively low number of aquaculture plants in the area.     

Description of a new species of Wormaldia from Sardinia and a new Drusus species from the Western Balkans (Trichoptera,Philopotamidae, Limnephilidae)

New species are described in the genera Wormaldia (Trichoptera, Philopotamidae) and Drusus (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae, Drusinae). Additionally, the larva of the new species Drusus crenophylax sp. n. is described, and a key provided to larval Drusus species of the bosnicus-group, in which the new species belongs. Observations on the threats to regional freshwater biodiversity and caddisfly endemism are discussed.The new species Wormaldia sarda sp. n. is an endemic of the Tyrrhenian island of Sardinia and differs most conspicuously from its congeners in the shape of segment X, which is trilobate in lateral view. The new species Drusus crenophylax sp. n. is a micro-endemic of the Western Balkans, and increases the endemism rate of Balkan Drusinae to 79% of 39 species. Compared to other Western Balkan Drusus, males of the new species are morphologically most similar to Drusus discophorus Radovanovic and Drusus vernonensis Malicky, but differ in the shape of superior and intermediate appendages. The females of Drusus crenophylax sp. n. are most similar to those of Drusus vernonensis, but differ distinctly in the outline of segment X. Larvae of Drusus crenophylax sp. n. exhibit toothless mandibles, indicating a scraping grazing-feeding ecology.     

Evolution and Ecophysiology of the Industrial Producer Hypocrea jecorina (Anamorph Trichoderma reesei) and a New Sympatric Agamospecies Related to It

Background

Trichoderma reesei, a mitosporic green mould, was recognized during the WW II based on a single isolate from the Solomon Islands and since then used in industry for production of cellulases. It is believed to be an anamorph (asexual stage) of the common pantropical ascomycete Hypocrea jecorina.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We combined molecular evolutionary analysis and multiple methods of phenotype profiling in order to reveal the genetic relationship of T. reesei to H. jecorina. The resulting data show that the isolates which were previously identified as H. jecorina by means of morphophysiology and ITS1 and 2 (rRNA gene cluster) barcode in fact comprise several species: i) H. jecorina/T. reesei sensu stricto which contains most of the teleomorphs (sexual stages) found on dead wood and the wild-type strain of T. reesei QM 6a; ii) T. parareesei nom. prov., which contains all strains isolated as anamorphs from soil; iii) and two other hypothetical new species for which only one or two isolates are available. In silico tests for recombination and in vitro mating experiments revealed a history of sexual reproduction for H. jecorina and confirmed clonality for T. parareesei nom. prov. Isolates of both species were consistently found worldwide in pantropical climatic zone. Ecophysiological comparison of H. jecorina and T. parareesei nom. prov. revealed striking differences in carbon source utilization, conidiation intensity, photosensitivity and mycoparasitism, thus suggesting adaptation to different ecological niches with the high opportunistic potential for T. parareesei nom. prov.

Conclusions

Our data prove that T. reesei belongs to a holomorph H. jecorina and displays a history of worldwide gene flow. We also show that its nearest genetic neighbour - T. parareesei nom. prov., is a cryptic phylogenetic agamospecies which inhabits the same biogeographic zone. These two species thus provide a so far rare example of sympatric speciation within saprotrophic fungi, with divergent ecophysiological adaptations and reproductive strategies.     

Field evaluation of Medfly (Dipt., Tephritidae) female attractants in a Mediterranean agrosystem (Balearic Islands, Spain)

Field evaluation of female-targeted trapping systems for the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) was carried out in a Citrus orchard in Majorca (Spain). Traps and lures included: IPMT and Tephri traps, both baited with a three-component food-based synthetic attractant 3FA (composed of putrescine, ammonium acetate and Trimethylamine) as well as IPMT-baited with Nu-Lure, and Delta traps baited with Trimedlure. The 3FA food-based synthetic attractant was set up either wet (containing water) or dry (without water) in IPMT and Tephri traps. Two experiments were conducted, the first during autumn/winter conditions and high Medfly population levels, and the second during spring conditions and low population levels. The results obtained show that the 3FA was very effective at capturing females at high and low population levels. In the first experiment the best performance was shown by the Tephri trap baited with 3FA in combination with water, and in the second the best was also the Tephri trap but with dry treatment. The high number of non-targeted insects captured by the first treatment together with servicing difficulties would indicate that the 3FA/dry-baited Tephri trap is the best choice in the area of the study. On the other hand the 3FA captured a percentage of mated females equivalent to those obtained with Nu-Lure. The Trimedlure proved to be an adequate tool to detect the earliest Medfly males in increasing spring population. The implications and advantages of using the 3FA female attractants in sterile insect technique programmes and mass trapping approaches, are discussed.     

Tracks and trackways of Myotragus balearicus Bate (Artiodactyla, Caprinae) in Pleistocene aeolianites from Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean)

Tracks and trackways of the ruminant goat, Myotragus balearicus Bate, 1909 are abundant in the Late Pleistocene aeolianites of the south coast of Mallorca, Spain. The carbonate aeolianites form impressive dunes and related sand ramps that were initiated as echo dunes in front of a 20–40 m high paleocliff of Miocene reefal limestone. Where the dunes built up to the cliff top, they covered it as an aeolian ramp. The dunes and sand ramps were active during the dry summer months but were passive during the wet winter period. The small, goat-like animals were abundant on the island, and for unknown reasons crossed the aeolian accumulations in large numbers. This study deals with the tracks formed in the dune deposits. All preserved trackways indicate impression into moist sand. Special features of the tracks include the structure produced by the withdrawal of the foot, here called the ‘axis’, and a disturbance zone of plastic deformation around this. On dune crests, the disturbance zone surrounds the axis more or less symmetrically. However, in addition, a ‘pressure pad’ of dislocated, slightly rotated sediment bound by curved microfaults is commonly produced posterior to the axis by propulsive pressure of the foot. On steep stoss and lee slopes, the pressure pad becomes oriented in a down-slope position as a result of gravitational slip of the walking animal. Combination of disturbance of the sediment in this way by manus followed by overprinting of similar disturbance by pes produces highly complicated track structure. This structure may be characteristic of artiodactylous mammals in soft sand, particularly aeolian deposits. The structure is designated as Bifidipes aeolis isp. nov.     

Coralline-algal assemblages of a Burdigalian platform slope: implications for carbonate platform reconstruction (northern Sardinia,western Mediterranean Sea)

The rhodolithic slope deposits of a Burdigalian carbonate platform in Sardinia near Sedini were analyzed to reconstruct facies and palaeobathymetry. There is a distinct red-algal growth zonation along the platform slope. The clinoform rollover area consists of coralline-algal bindstones, which downslope change into a zone where rhodoliths are locally fused by progressive encrustation. Mid-slope rhodoliths are moderately branched, and downslope rhodoliths have fruticose protuberances, resulting in branching rhodolith growth patterns. There is a sharp change from the rhodolitic rudstones to the basinal, bivalve-dominated rudstones at the clinoform bottomsets. Red-algal genera identified include Sporolithon, Lithophyllum, Spongites, Hydrolithon, Mesophyllum, Lithoporella, Neogoniolithon, and other mastophoroids and melobesioids. Genera and subfamilies show a zonation along the clinoforms, allowing palaeobathymetric estimates. The clinoform rollovers formed at a water depth of around 40 m and the bottomsets around 60 m. Results from geometrical reconstruction show that coral reefs in the inner platform formed at water depths of around 20 m. Therefore, the Sedini carbonate platform is an example of a reef-bearing platform in which the edge or the platform-interior reefs do not build up to sea level.     

Age,growth and feeding habits of the bluemouth rockfish,Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus (Delaroche 1809) in the central Mediterranean (southern Tyrrhenian Sea)

This paper provides data on age, growth and diet of the bluemouth rockfish, Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus (Scorpaenidae), central Mediterranean Sea. Estimated by otolith readings, ages ranged from 0 to 21 years. Parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth curves were L_inf = 26.1 cm, k = 0.14 year^?1, t₀ = ?1.92 years and the growth performance index was Φ = 1.98. The weight‐length relationship, W = 0.016 TL^2.99; R² = 0.99, described an isometric growth of the species. This species is a carnivore focusing mainly on the crustaceans Goneplax rhomboides and Lophogaster typicus. Statistical analysis showed an ontogenetic shift between small (4.0–6.3 cm) and larger fishes. Significant differences were also found in relation to the sampling depth.     

Distribution and biological features of the common pandora,Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean)

A synthetic analysis of the distribution, abundance and some biological traits of the common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) was performed. Data were gathered in 15 experimental bottom trawl surveys carried out off the southern Tyrrhenian Sea from 1994 to 2008. A total of 2,166 P. erythrinus were found in the investigated area, with a preference for the upper continental shelf (10–100 m). The highest persistence was recorded in the trawl-banned areas. The sex ratio Sr = F/(F + M) ranged between 0.60 and 0.96 (overall 0.78). The size at which 50 % of the individuals were mature was 157 and 170 mm total length for females and males, respectively. The length–weight relationship for all individuals was described by the following parameters: a = 0.016 and b = 2.905. Growth was evaluated (sexes combined) by applying length-based methods; up to eight significant modal components were evidenced. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for the whole population were estimated at L _∞ = 454 mm, K = 0.08 and t ₀ = ?2.57. The present results are in agreement with the information available for the other Mediterranean stocks suggesting common biological features.     

The phytogeography of European and Mediterranean heath species (Ericoideae, Ericaceae): a quantitative analysis

The geographic ranges of heath species in Europe and the Mediterranean and their relationships with environmental (climatic and ecogeographic) variables and biological features are analysed by means of multivariate methods. In particular, twinspan classifications into floristic elements and floristic regions, DCA floristic ordinations, CCA environment-constrained ordinations and CCA biology-constrained ordinations are carried out. Results of the analyses show a correspondence with conventional regionalization analyses based on broader criteria, and less correspondence with numerical analyses of other taxonomic groups at a similar scale. This lack of fit depends on the particular history and ecology of the taxonomic groups under study. A number of climatic (temperature and water stress) and geographic (coast length) variables are associated with different types of heaths according to their geographical ranges (continental, Mediterranean, Atlantic). Biological features of heaths account for a small part of the variation in range, but the association of temperate heaths with a preference for acid soils, of Mediterranean heaths with pubescence, and of Atlantic heaths with plant height is of interest. Heath species richness throughout Europe and the Mediterranean is analysed by multiple regression analyses and, apart from a strong influence of area size, a significant effect of water conditions, temperature and proximity to sea is detected. The area with the highest heath species richness is Western Mediterranean. Additional classification, ordination and multiple regression analyses of heaths in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal, the areas with the highest heath diversity) revealed similar patterns to those found in Europe and the Mediterranean. The effect of heterogeneity of the studied units at this latter scale is removed in the Iberian analysis because of the relative homogeneity of the units considered at this scale.     

The weedy species of Merretnia (Convolvulaceae) occurring in the Solomon Islands and a description of a new species

The genus Merremia is found in the tropical regions of both hemispheres. The climbing species with fast growth rates can become troublesome weeds of cultivation and forestry. Serveral Merremia species have become serious weeds of forestry plantations in the Solomon Islands. The important species are discussed and a new species, Merremia bracteata , found in Merremia infestations is described.