Gastropod Species Richness Research Articles

Gastropods on the green roof of a high-rise building in a large European city

Understanding the distribution and diversity of terrestrial snails on green roofs (GR) can facilitate insights into the ecological functioning of these urban habitats. While green roofs have been shown to provide suitable habitat for mobile species such as birds and insects, there needs to be more research concerning the colonisation and persistence of less mobile animal groups, including terrestrial gastropods. The present study investigates the species richness of terrestrial gastropods on green roofs of high-rise buildings in Bratislava, Slovakia. The study examined four distinct types of green roofs: The green roofs were classified according to their management intensity, resulting in four categories: extensive, semi-intensive GR-A, semi-intensive GR-B, and intensive. The categories differed in terms of vegetation, substrate depth, irrigation, and sun exposure. The survey employed a variety of methods, including pitfall trapping, vegetation sweeping, soil sampling, and microhabitat investigations. The survey yielded evidence of 11 species of terrestrial gastropods (six snails and five slugs) inhabiting three GR types. The semi-intensive GR-A, which is characterised by dense vegetation and minimal management, supported all 11 species. No gastropods were observed on the extensive GR with shallow substrate and Sedum sp. vegetation. The presence of native and non-native species, including the non-native slug Ambigolimax valentianus, indicates that terrestrial gastropods can colonise GR. These findings emphasise the potential of GR to support urban biodiversity and highlight the need for further research on less mobile species in these habitats.

Keanekaragaman dan Distribusi Gastropoda Air Tawar di Sungai Ciapus, Jawa Barat, Indonesia

Despite being part of food web and bioindicator in freshwater ecosystems, gastropods are globally jeopardized. Therefore, the occurence of freshwater gastropods need to be assessed. This research aimed to examine diversity and distribution of freshwater gastropods along the Ciapus River in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. The research was conducted from February to May 2020. Sampling was carried out within limited 15 minutes time period using five 1 × 1 m plots established at each of four survey stations. Gastropods were collected from the bottom of river, rock surface and riverbanks within 15-100 cm of water depth. Environmental parameters were recorded. Data was analyzed using biodiversity index parameters and diversity t-test. The survey collected a total 587 individuals from 7 species of freshwater gastropods. The abundance, species richness and diversity of gastropods in the Ciapus river were different between upstream and downstream, location with high altitude tend to have low number of species. Glyptophysa stagnalis became the only species recorded from upstream area. Meanwhile, there were 4 species, which were collected in other three stations and 2 species that recorded from two stations. In three stations, Tarebia granifera was the most dominant species.

Large‐scale changes in macrobenthic biodiversity driven by mangrove afforestation

Abstract Large‐scale anthropogenic mangroves have been constructed in coastal regions worldwide but our understanding of their ecological effects is limited. In particular, the question of whether and how anthropogenic mangroves influence biodiversity patterns remains elusive. Here, we investigated the influence of large‐scale anthropogenic mangroves on biodiversity patterns of mangrove macrobenthos. Specifically, we measure and seek to explain differences in species richness, abundance, assemblage composition and distance‐decay effect before and after the construction of anthropogenic mangroves. We surveyed assemblages of gastropod, bivalve and crab species over a wide latitudinal extent (24–28°N) in subtropical China. For each, we calculated species richness, abundance, assemblage composition and distance‐decay relationship before and after the construction of anthropogenic mangroves. After the large‐scale anthropogenic mangroves, we found species richness of gastropods, bivalves and crabs increased by 23.81%, 100% and 20%, respectively. The distance‐decay effects of gastropods and bivalves decreased by 25% and 91.43%, while that of crabs remained virtually unchanged, which mediated by increased dispersal rate of macrobenthos. With mangrove plantation, compositional similarity of crab and bivalve assemblages increased by 28.57% and 38.46%, suggesting that large‐scale monospecific planting exacerbate biotic homogenization. Altogether, these results indicate that large‐scale anthropogenic habitats increase the diversity of mangrove macrobenthos and change taxonomic compositions by reducing distance‐decay effects and increasing dispersal rate of macrobenthos. Synthesis and applications. We emphasize that afforestation of coastal wetlands can drive major changes in benthonic communities. Monitoring and assessing the ecological effects of the anthropogenic habitats for the presence of functional faunas will be important in determining the future coastal restoration and maintaining economic aquaculture. Quantifying those effects in terms of regional biodiversity composition will contribute to the management of coastal restoration to be based upon macroevidence rather than a one‐sided local perspective.

Urban green roofs promote metropolitan biodiversity: A comparative case study

Urban green spaces can provide habitat and resources for urban dwelling fauna. Suburban green spaces occur most commonly as parks and roadside vegetation, but as human populations grow and space in cities becomes increasingly limited, space-efficient green solutions like green roofs and walls in metropolitan areas are becoming increasingly common. However, the efficacy of these forms of green infrastructure in attracting and promoting biodiversity remains limited. To address this, we compared arthropod, gastropod, and avian species richness and diversity between green and conventional roofs on neighbouring and identical buildings in metropolitan Sydney, Australia. By monitoring local biodiversity using motion sensing camera traps and regular insect surveys, we found that the green roof supported four times the avian, over seven times the arthropod, and twice the gastropod diversity of the conventional roof. Only the green roof attracted locally rare species including blue banded bees (Amegilla Cingulata) and metallic shield bugs (Scutiphora pedicellata). Our results suggest that green roofs, like other urban green spaces, can have ecological significance by attracting and supporting urban fauna that may then add important functional capacities to previously depauperate spaces. This study demonstrates the potential for the widespread adoption of green roofs to create more biologically diverse cities.

Hidden species diversity of Corrosella Boeters, 1970 (Caenogastropoda: Truncatelloidea) in the Moroccan Atlas reveals the ancient biogeographic link between North Africa and Iberia

Despite the high species richness of freshwater gastropods in the western Mediterranean, the evolutionary patterns of the North African taxa are poorly understood. In a recent survey of spring habitats in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco (western Maghreb), we discovered ten snail populations anatomically resembling the genus Corrosella (family Hydrobiidae), which was supposedly endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Through morphological and molecular investigations, we assessed the taxonomic status of these populations and their evolutionary origins. Molecular phylogenies based on three gene fragments (COI, 16S rRNA and 28S rRNA) from snails of the newly collected populations and 12 additional congeners distributed across the Iberian Peninsula and southern France clustered together the Moroccan populations within Corrosella in a well-supported clade comprising six putative species: two previously identified as Hydrobia marocana and Pseudamnicola pallaryi and four unknown lineages here described as species new to science. According to a molecular clock analysis calibrated with an external rate, the Moroccan clade originated ca. 7.6 million years ago (Mya) (11–4.5 Mya) and its divergence from the southern Iberia lineages likely occurred 8.4 Mya (12.5–5.5 Mya). This suggests that the biogeography of Corrosella in the western Maghreb has been shaped by old vicariance events likely associated with the Late Miocene-Pliocene geological setting of the region and their interplay with the isolation conditions of springs. Our findings considerably expand knowledge of the diversity and geographic range of Corrosella and provide new insight into faunal relationships between North Africa and Europe.

Freshwater gastropod richness patterns along an urbanization gradient in tropical India

Abstract Data on the urbanization impact on freshwater biota and ecosystem function are limited from many developing countries despite being recognized as a driver for biodiversity loss. To study these impacts, we analysed the species richness and diversity patterns of freshwater gastropods along a gradient of urbanization in a river system around Pune city, India. We observed a significant reduction in species richness, faunal similarity and an increased proportion of non-native species with increasing urbanization. These impacts were prominent in highly urbanized sites of the rivers suggesting biotic homogenization. Our results underscore the great impacts of urbanization on freshwater biota, highlighting the need for further studies in developing regions.

Ground-dwelling invertebrate diversity in domestic gardens along a rural-urban gradient: Landscape characteristics are more important than garden characteristics.

Urbanisation is increasing worldwide and is regarded a major driver of environmental change altering local species assemblages. Private domestic gardens contribute a significant share of total green area in cities, but their biodiversity has received relatively little attention. Previous studies mainly considered plants, flying invertebrates such as bees and butterflies, and birds. By using a multi-taxa approach focused on less mobile, ground-dwelling invertebrates, we examined the influence of local garden characteristics and landscape characteristics on species richness and abundance of gastropods, spiders, millipedes, woodlice, ants, ground beetles and rove beetles. We assume that most of the species of these groups are able to complete their entire life cycle within a single garden. We conducted field surveys in thirty-five domestic gardens along a rural-urban gradient in Basel, Switzerland. Considered together, the gardens examined harboured an impressive species richness, with a mean share of species of the corresponding groups known for Switzerland of 13.9%, ranging from 4.7% in ground beetles to 23.3% in woodlice. The overall high biodiversity is a result of complementary contributions of gardens harbouring distinct species assemblages. Indeed, at the garden level, species richness of different taxonomical groups were typically not inter-correlated. The exception was ant species richness, which was correlated with those of gastropods and spiders. Generalised linear models revealed that distance to the city centre is an important driver of species richness, abundance and composition of several groups, resulting in an altered species composition in gardens in the centre of the city. Local garden characteristics were important drivers of gastropod and ant species richness, and the abundance of spiders, millipedes and rove beetles. Our study shows that domestic gardens make a valuable contribution to regional biodiversity. Thus, domestic urban gardens constitute an important part of green infrastructure, which should be considered by urban planners.

Species Richness and Abundance of Bivalves and Gastropods in Mangrove Forests of Casiguran, Aurora, Philippines

The diversity and abundance of bivalves and gastropods were studied from April to July 2015. Two sampling stations, Tinib and Esteves, in Casiguran, Aurora were selected based on the presence of mangrove forest, bivalves, gastropods, muddy substrate, and gleaners for the establishment of a transect line. Each station was laid with 100 meters transect line overlaid continuously with 2 m × 2 m quadrat along each transect. A total of 50 sampling units covering 0.02 ha area per sampling station were surveyed. The transect line recorded six species of bivalves distributed among five families and 12 species of gastropods belonging to eight families. Three species of bivalves and five species of gastropods were common to both sampling stations. However, Tinib station had most diverse species of bivalves (0.55) while Esteves station had most diverse species of gastropods (0.43). Both stations revealed Dendrostrea folium (43%) (bivalve) and Cerithidea cingulata (93%) (gastropods) as most frequently occurring species. Dendostrea folium also emerged as the densest (10,640 ind∙ha−1 and 6850 ind∙ha−1) and most abundant (58.52% and 77.84%) bivalve species. For gastropods, Terebralia sulcata (249,250 ind∙ha−1) was the densest and most abundant (96.97%) in Tinib while Terebralia palustris was the densest (747,050 ind∙ha−1) and most abundant (70.44%) in Esteves. Pooled results for bivalve species maintained Dendrostrea folium as the densest (8750 ind∙ha−1) and most abundant (64.81%). However, for gastropods, Terebralia palustris emerged as the densest (373,525 ind∙ha−1) and most abundant (56.70%) species. The mangrove forests of Casiguran, Aurora thus contain a variety of bivalves and gastropods with Tinib station dominated by bivalves while Esteves station dominated by gastropods.

Four new deep-sea provannid snails (Gastropoda: Abyssochrysoidea) discovered from hydrocarbon seep and hydrothermal vents in Japan.

Recently, the species richness of provannid gastropods inhabiting chemosynthetic ecosystems in the northwestern Pacific has been reassessed, revealing a much higher diversity than previously realized. Here, we describe four further new species, two in the genus Desbruyeresia and two in the genus Provanna. Their generic placement was confirmed by both shell and radula morphology, as well as phylogenetic reconstruction using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Desbruyeresia armata n. sp. from vent fields in the Izu-Ogasawara Arc is characterized by a stout shell with numerous tubercles or short spines and marginal teeth coarsely serrated into only four denticles. Desbruyeresia costata n. sp. from Okinawa Trough vents is distinguished from other congeners by an elongate shell with strong axial ribs and obsolete spiral ribs. These represent the first Desbruyeresia species from Japanese waters. Provanna fenestrata n. sp. discovered from two vent fields in the Okinawa Trough is instantly recognizable from its uniquely regular rectangular lattice sculpture; Provanna stephanos n. sp. is a surprising new discovery from the supposedly well-explored ‘Off Hatsushima’ hydrocarbon seep site in Sagami Bay, and is highly distinctive with two characteristic rows of strongly spinous spiral ribs. The discovery of these new species in relatively well-explored chemosynthetic ecosystems in Japan indicates that the biodiversity of such systems remains poorly documented.

KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS GASTROPODA DI HUTAN MANGROVE SUNGAI KAKAP KABUPATEN KUBU RAYA

Gastropod is one of the mollusk phylum that can adapt and decompose in mangrove forests. The mangrove forest in Sungai Kakap is an area that is slowly being opened due to the local community people’s activities. They opened land to build buildings, farms, and villages. This research is aimed at studying the diversity of Gastropod and the influence of the mangrove tree density on the gastropod diversity in the mangrove forest of Sungai Kakap, Sungai Kakap Village of Kubu Raya Regency. The data were taken in May 2018. The analysis was conducted using the observation method by making six observation lines. The lines were differentiated based on the density of the vegetations: dense, medium, and sparse. The number of Gastropods found in the Kakap River mangrove forest is 4 types of gastropods with a total of 252 individuals. Respectively from dense, medium, and sparse vegetation, the gastropod dominance index is 0.68, 0.37, and 0.51; the diversity index is 0.25, 0.49, and 0.33; the species average index is 0.27, 0.97, and 0.4; and the gastropod species richness index is 4.03, 1.18, and 0.7. Lastly, the species similarity index is respectively 86%, 66%, and 86%. Keywords: Gastropod, Mangrove Forests, Vegetation density.

Intertidal gastropod assemblages shaped by key environmental variables across the northern Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Omanss

AbstractVariations in environmental factors can alter the species distribution pattern in intertidal rocky shores. The Persian Gulf (PG) and the Gulf of Oman (GO) vary substantially with respect to environmental and oceanographic conditions. The abundance and biodiversity of intertidal rocky gastropods in five locations across the northern PG and the GO were compared, and the environmental variables underlying the distribution pattern of these organisms were investigated. A total of 67 gastropod species were identified. The largest average density (294 ind./m2) and diversity (N = 43) for gastropods occurred in the Hotel Lipar station (LIP) located in Chabahar Bay in the GO. Clypeomorus bifasciata (107.43 ind./m2) followed by Cerithium caeruleum (94.67 ind./m2) were the most abundant species. Planaxis sulcatus and Siphonaria spp. occurred in all locations during both sampling occasions. Species richness and abundance of gastropods showed significant differences between LIP and remaining locations. A significant difference was found in assemblage structure across locations. In general, the species richness and density in the locations at GO were significantly larger than those locations in the PG, suggesting that the harsh environmental condition in the PG might be the forcing factor for this diminish. Distinct grouping was observed in both assemblage structure and species composition between locations in the PG and the GO. The spatial and temporal distribution patterns of gastropods assemblages were significantly correlated with variation in salinity and substrate rugosity.

A comprehensive study on correlation of gastropod diversity with some hydroenvironmental parameters of selected waterbodies of lower Damodar basin, West Bengal, India

Gastropods, an important group of mollusc, inhabitants of sediment-rich bottom zone have evidentiary role in freshwater ecosystem. Their community structure has been influenced by the water and soil quality parameters. Under the scenario of intensive agricultural practice and fast urbanization waterbodies particularly the ponds of lower Damodar basin in Howrah district, West Bengal, India are badly affected by growing pollution load. In current study, three lentic waterbodies i.e Shiberjala pond, Nayachak Wetland and Dhasa Waterbody were chosen to assess the gastropod diversity. Selected physico-chemical parameters including Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Free Carbon di oxide, Nitrate and Phosphate of all three waterbodies were determined also. Dhasa Waterbody containing 7 species, exhibited highest species richness. The density and species richness showed spatial variation among study sites. Bellamya bengalensis was the dominant species found at all study sites. Melanoides tuberculata in spite of their absence in Shiberjala pond, appeared to be the second most dominant species. Brotia sp and Bithynia sp was the least abundant species. Gastropod species richness showed significant negative correlation with DO level(r=-0.705, P<0.05).Nitrate level was significantly positively correlated(r=0.474, P<0.05) with gastropod species richness and density. Phosphate level (r=0.33) also positively correlated with gastropod richness.

Beer, brains, and brawn as tools to describe terrestrial gastropod species richness on a montane landscape

AbstractTerrestrial gastropods are part of one of the most vulnerable taxonomic groups, mollusks, but receive relatively little conservation attention. This is partially due to the paucity of peer‐reviewed statistical evaluations of common survey techniques. From 2010 to 2014, we conducted a massive survey for terrestrial gastropods in a montane region centered on northern Idaho and including portions of northeastern Washington and northwestern Montana, USA. We fused several commonly used gastropod survey techniques (cover board traps baited with beer or water, pitfall traps, visual search, and leaf litter sorting) into a single survey transect which we deployed at 991 survey sites across our 22,975‐km2 study area. We used a variety of variables, including air temperature (collected at each site for ≥12 calendar months) and relative humidity to evaluate the effects of seasonality, observer bias, and repeated site visits on collection rate of individual specimens and detection of numbers of species. We found a combination of timed searches and leaf litter to be most effective in describing the maximum number of species with the least amount of effort. Although re‐visiting sites significantly increased the number of species detected, more time spent at each site likely would have a similar effect and preclude the need for additional expense to visit remote survey locations. Observer bias was determined not to be a factor of concern for within‐group observers. But when grouped by observer type, different classifications of observers performed quite differently. Beer, regardless of brand, was clearly a superior trap bait to water. However, because traps outperformed timed searches only slightly for one gastropod sub‐group (small slugs) we do not recommend trapping, beer baited or otherwise, be used as part of major landscape‐level survey efforts. Our study is the most extensive evaluation of survey techniques available in the literature to date and provides a framework for other practitioners implementing landscape‐level surveys for terrestrial gastropods.

Vascular plant species richness and bioindication predict multi‐taxon species richness

Abstract Plants regulate soils and microclimate, provide substrate for heterotrophic taxa, are easy to observe and identify and have a stable taxonomy, which strongly justifies their use as indicators in monitoring and conservation. However, there is no consensus as to whether plants are strong predictors of total multi‐taxon species richness. In this study, we investigate if general terrestrial species richness can be predicted by vascular plant richness and bioindication. To answer this question, we collected an extensive dataset on species richness of vascular plants, bryophytes, macrofungi, lichens, plant‐galling arthropods, gastropods, spiders, carabid beetles, hoverflies, and genetic richness (operational taxonomic units = OTUs) from environmental DNA metabarcoding. We also constructed a Conservation Index based on threatened red list species. Besides using richness of vascular plants for prediction of other taxonomic groups, we also used plant‐derived calibration of the abiotic environment (moisture, soil fertility and light conditions) as well as the degree of anthropogenic impact. Bivariate relationships between plant species richness and other species groups showed no consistent pattern. After taking environmental calibration by bioindication into account, we found a consistent, and for most groups significant, positive effect of plant richness. Plant species richness was also important for richness of fungal OTUs, Malaise OTUs and for the Conservation Index. Our multiple regression analyses revealed (a) a consistently positive effect of plant richness on other taxa, (b) prediction of 12%–55% of variation in other taxa and 48% of variation in the total species richness when bioindication and plant richness were used as predictors. Our results justify that vascular plants are strong indicators of total biodiversity across environmental gradients and broad taxonomic realms and therefore a natural first choice for biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning.

Gastropod diversity at Pulau Punyit and the nearby shoreline – a reflection of Brunei’s vulnerable rocky intertidal communities

Pulau Punyit (PPUN), a small islet on the South China Sea coastline of Brunei Darussalam, represents a significant portion of the country’s natural rocky-shore ecosystem. We carried out a rapid survey of the intertidal gastropod species richness at PPUN, and compared this with species richness at other nearby natural and artificial rocky shores [Tungku Punyit (TPUN), Pantai Jerudong (PJER), Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) and Pantai Tungku (TUNK)]. A total of thirty two (32) species were collected from all of the shores. Species richness was greatest at the two natural shores studied (numbering 21 and 22 species at PPUN and TPUN, respectively), while the artificial shores were relatively depauperate. The natural shores however differed in species composition, abundance and body size of gastropods. These attributes varied with shore height, and appeared to relate to height-specific differences in abiotic stresses at the shores - at PPUN the high-shore is more exposed to the wind and sun, whereas at TPUN the mid-shore experiences greater sedimentation and mainland acidic seepage. Faunistic differences between the artificial and natural shores (Bray-Curtis similarity analysis) seemingly associate more closely with degree of habitat availability and abiotic stress than with shore proximity. We conclude that the country’s rocky intertidal biodiversity, as reflected by the gastropod diversity, is mainly constituted by the natural rocky shore system. Because this is spatially constrained and vulnerable to locality-specific environmental stresses, this diversity is threatened and deserving of greater protection status.

A benevolent invader?

Ecology Plant and animal species introduced into non-native localities by humans sometimes become invasive, often with damaging ecological and economic consequences. However, Ramus et al. report an unusual case where an invasive species can be beneficial. Gracilaria vermiculophylla is a seaweed from the West Pacific that has been introduced to North Atlantic coastlines, where it has become invasive. In experimental manipulations of its abundance in North Carolina, USA, the seaweed enhanced an array of ecosystem functions by assuming the role of a “foundation” species that provides habitat for others. Benefits accrued to the abundance and species richness of gastropods and crustaceans and, through the attenuation of water flow, to coastal protection. Hence, toleration rather than eradication may be a pragmatic management strategy in this case. ![Figure][1] An invasive West Pacific seaweed proves protective on the U.S. eastern seaboard. PHOTO: LARS BRAMMER NEJRUP/NOBANIS, [HTTP://WWW.NOBANIS.ORG][2] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 10.1073/pnas.1700353114 (2017). [1]: pending:yes [2]: http://WWW.NOBANIS.ORG

CATATAN KEKAYAAN JENIS GASTROPODA DI PESISIR PULAU LETI, KAWASAN BANDA SELATAN

Note on species richness of gastropods in coastal area of Leti Island, southern Banda was conducted as a part of Southern Banda Expedition on October 7-16, 2015. Sample collection was carried out by hand picking in Serwaru, Tutukey village, Leti Island, Southwest Maluku. A total of 125 individu from 25 species of gastropods was found. The highest number of individu is Clypeomorus moniliferus. Generally, gastropods found in this area were associated with rocky hard substrate.

Marine island biogeography. Response to comment on ‘Island biogeography: patterns of marine shallow‐water organisms’

AbstractIn this response we have incorporated data on gastropod and seaweed biodiversity referred to by Ávila et al. (2016, Journal of Biogeography, doi:10.1111/jbi.12816) to allow an updated analysis on marine shallow‐water biogeography patterns. When compared to the biogeography patterns reported in Hachich et al. (2015, Journal of Biogeography, 42, 1871–1882), we find (1) no differences in the patterns originally reported for reef fish or seaweeds, (2) minor differences in gastropod species–area and species–age patterns and (3) a significant difference for the gastropod species‐isolation pattern. In our original work, we reported that there was limited evidence that gastropod species richness was influenced by island isolation; however, our new analysis reveals a power‐model relationship between these variables. Thus, we are now able to conclude that gastropod species diversity, whose dispersal capacity is intermediate between seaweeds (lowest) and reef fish (highest), is also influenced by island isolation.

Impact assessment of intense sport climbing on limestone cliffs: Response of rock-dwelling land snails

Exposed limestone cliffs in the Swiss Jura Mountains harbour a diverse gastropod community with some rare species. Sport climbing has recently increased in popularity on these cliffs. We examined the effects of sport climbing and microtopographical features of rock faces on terrestrial gastropods by assessing species diversity and abundance on climbing routes and in unclimbed areas of seven isolated cliffs in the Northern Swiss Jura Mountains. We considered exclusively living individuals resting attached to rock faces. In total, 19 gastropod species were recorded. Six of them were specialized rock-dwelling species, whose individuals spend their entire life on rock faces, feeding on algae and lichens. Plots along climbing routes harboured fewer species of rock-dwelling snails as well as other gastropod species (usually living in the leaf litter layer at the cliffs’ base) than plots in unclimbed control areas. Similarly, both the density of individuals and frequency of occurrence in plots were reduced in both groups of snails on climbing routes. The complexity of the rock surface had little influence on the species richness and abundance of gastropods. Pyramidula pusilla, the species with the smallest shell and a preference to rest underneath overhangs, was less affected by sport climbing than snail species with larger shells and a preference to rest on exposed smooth rock surface. Our findings indicate land snail diversity and abundance are suitable indicators for impact assessment in rocky habitats. Future management plans and actions should therefore not only rely on plants; they ought to consider also gastropods and other invertebrates. Any management plan should include a comprehensive information campaign to show the potential impact of intensive sport climbing on the specialized flora and fauna with the aim of educating the climbers and increasing their compliance with such measures.

Latitudinal gradients of freshwater gastropods from the Western Palearctic

We analysed changes in species richness and endemics of freshwater gastropods along the Western Palearctic, within the following boundaries: 10°W–30°E, 32°N–71°N. The aims of this study were to test: (1) the consistency of latitudinal distribution of Western Palearctic freshwater gastropods; and (2) the relationships between freshwater gastropods and environmental factors. Analyses were based on presence/absence data of 911 freshwater gastropod species in 474 sites, located along three bioclimas (boreal, Mediterranean and temperate) and four Koppen–Geiger climatic regions (arid, cold, polar and alpine, and temperate). Five environmental variables were used to assess their influence on the distribution of freshwater gastropods. Relationships between variables were studied using parametric, non-parametric and multivariate statistics, and general regression models. Species number per degree of latitude followed a hump-shaped curve, increasing to 41°N–43°N and, from there, decreasing to reach minimum values in boreal areas. Relationships between species richness and endemics with current and past environmental variables were likewise discussed.