The present study investigated the relationship between dispersal ability and phenotypic/genetic variation in three Capoeta species from northern Iran: C. buhsei, C. razii, and C. alborzensis. Although these fish species inhabit overlapping geographic ranges with similar environmental preferences, they differ markedly in dispersal capacity. To explore the basis of these disparities, we examined both morphometric and genetic variation. Phenotypic variation was assessed using two-dimensional landmark-based morphometrics, while genetic variation was evaluated through nucleotide diversity in 16S rRNA gene sequences. Despite its broad dispersal capacity, C. buhsei exhibited the lowest overall genetic variation, as indicated by a low turbulence index. However, within its populations, individuals with higher genetic variation also showed greater phenotypic differentiation, suggesting a potential for phenotype-based adaptation. These findings indicate that phenotypic variation may serve as a useful predictor of dispersal capacity across populations. Furthermore, the reduced genetic variation in C. buhsei, despite its wide dispersal ability, points to the influence of additional factors such as historical evolutionary processes, including genetic bottlenecks that may have shaped its current genetic structure.

A new species of Ichneumonidae (subfamily Banchinae), Exetastes breviantennator sp. n., is described from Tajikistan. Among the Exetastes species with a partly reddish metasoma, the new species is distinguished by its short mandibles, broad face, short filiform antenna, stout and shining tergites, and long ovipositor. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E875333C-8388-46A6-9F62-83EC3CE8B14C

The Turkestan Ground-Jay (Podoces panderi) is a desert-dwelling bird species endemic to Central Asia whose population and distribution have been significantly impacted by both natural and anthropogenic factors. In this study, we assessed population status, habitat preferences, and future distribution under various climate scenarios. We conducted surveys across 186 plots in the Kyzylkum Desert from 2021 to 2024, using the N-mixture and generalized additive models to estimate abundance and identify key environmental drivers. We used an ensemble species distribution modeling approach (Biomod2) with CMIP6 climate projections to forecast range shifts under the SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585 scenarios. Results revealed low overall density (0.23–0.77 individuals/km²) with significant regional variability. Generalized linear models indicated that loose sands, dunes, and sandy soils supported higher densities, whereas specific vegetation types (low-density tall shrubs with dominant halophytes and xerophilous herbaceous plants) had significant negative effects on abundance. Ensemble models projected severe range contractions, particularly under high-emission scenarios (SSP585), with the loss of suitable habitats in the southeastern parts of the range by 2100. Conversely, some Western areas may have acted as refugees. The range of species has contracted notably since the mid-20th century and is driven by anthropogenic pressures. Our findings underscore the vulnerability of the Turkestan Ground-Jay to climate change and habitat loss, highlighting the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to identify key habitats and ensure their long-term persistence.

The genus Sphex Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) from the Arabian Peninsula is revised. Two species are described: Sphex doerfeli sp. nov. (female) and Sphex saudiarabicus sp. nov. (male), both from Saudi Arabia. Sphex oxianus Gussakovskij, 1952 is recorded for the first time from Oman and the Arabian Peninsula. In addition, two previously reported species are excluded from the fauna of the region due to the lack of reliable records. An identification key to the regional species of Sphex is presented. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E875333C-8388-46A6-9F62-83EC3CE8B14C

Ptyngidricerus amitaii sp. nov. is described from Israel and Jordan. The genus Abronius Needham, 1909 (syn. nov.) is a new generic synonym of Ptyngidricerus van der Weele, 1909. Ptyngidricerus canescens (Needham, 1909) (comb. nov.) and Ptyngidricerus pterostigmatus Martynova, 1926 (stat. nov.) are moved to a new combination and a new status. The male paratype of Ptyngidricerus venustus Tjeder & Waterston, 1977 is examined from Iran and shown to be conspecific with Ptyngidricerus pterostigmatus Martynova, 1926. Iranoidricerus jordaniensis Ábrahám & Monnerat, 2021 is also a new record for the ascalaphid fauna of Israel, and the third instar larva is described. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E9A412E0-986B-4C9D-9DCE-D16E07E975E5

Long-term survey data are essential for evaluating the future status of sea turtle populations. At Akyatan Beach, both Green (Chelonia mydays) and Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) nest; however, the Loggerhead population is comparatively smaller. Over 12 years, the average number of nest was 18±9 (range = 9–44). Nest density averaged 0.81 nests per km (range = 0.41–2.0), and nest numbers showed a positive but non-significant increasing trend (r2=0.31, p=0.058). From 203 fully counted nests, the mean clutch size was 73±22.9 eggs. Overall hatching success was 22.0%, with 85.7% of hatchlings reaching the sea. When nests destroyed by predators such as Golden Jackals (Canis aureus) and Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) were excluded, hatching success increased to 59.2±38.3%. The mean incubation period across seasons was 48.6±2.5 days and showed a significant decreasing trend over the 12-year period (r2=0.21, p=0.003). This reduction in incubation duration is likely related to increasing sand temperatures that accelerate embryonic development. Our findings highlight the reproductive performance of Loggerheads in Akyatan Beach and the critical role of conservation efforts for this population.

A new species of the genus Laemostenus Bonelli, 1810, Laemostenus (Antisphodrus) sahlakensis sp. n., is described from a cave in the southern Zagros Mountains of Iran. With this addition, the number of known Laemostenus species in Iran rises to 27, including 14 species within the subgenus Antisphodrus. The new species is closely related to L. aequalis Muilwijk & Malek-Hosseini, 2016 and L. zakariyiensis Muilwijk, Tahami & Lohaj, 2017, but differs from them in several morphological features. Antisphodrus species inhabit high mountains, forests, and caves. Here, an updated identification key to the cave-dwelling Iranian Antisphodrus species is provided, along with photographs and distribution maps of the aequalis species group. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E43B0D97-79BA-407D-9EF9-D1FFB62C85E2

This study investigates the presence of Garra turcica Karaman, 1971, commonly known as doctor fish, in the Antalya region, which lies far beyond its natural distribution range, which is restricted to the eastern part of the Mediterranean Region of Türkiye. The findings suggest that the introduction of G. turcica to Antalya’s rivers is likely linked to human activities, particularly its use in health tourism for fish spa treatments. Morphological and ecological assessments were conducted, and the species identity was confirmed as G. turcica by genetic analysis. The findings indicate that its presence in the Antalya region could potentially pose ecological risks, including competition with native species and possible disease transmission. In addition, the species’ broad thermal tolerance and adaptability may increase the likelihood of its establishment in the region, suggesting the need for further monitoring and population-based studies to assess its long-term impacts.

To mitigate the decline of the Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica) in Oman, captive breeding centres and reintroduction programmes have been established. A key requirement for their success is a clear understanding of the species’ genetic diversity and taxonomic status. We therefore analysed the genetic diversity of three captive populations in Oman. Genetic profiles of 65 gazelles were assessed using mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb), the control region (CR), and seven nuclear microsatellite markers. Interspecific comparisons based on phylogenetic analyses and median-joining networks of cytb (610 bp) confirmed that all gazelles studied in Oman belong to G. arabica. Some of the haplotypes are shared with other populations from the Arabian Peninsula. Intraspecific analyses of the first hypervariable region of the CR (299 bp) revealed high levels of both nucleotide and haplotype diversity across all three captive populations. Pairwise FST comparisons based on CR sequences indicated genetic homogeneity among populations, whereas microsatellite markers suggested weak to moderate genetic differentiation. Our results indicate high genetic diversity and genetic connectivity in the Omani Arabian Gazelle captive populations. Thus, the three captive populations represent a valuable source for reintroductions and breeding programmes in Oman.