Guadeloupe Island Research Articles

Trace metal content from holopelagic Sargassum spp. sampled in the tropical North Atlantic Ocean: Emphasis on spatial variation of arsenic and phosphorus

We document for the first time, the spatial distribution at basin scale (North tropical Atlantic Ocean) of As, P and trace metal (TM) concentrations in the three morphotypes belonging to the two holopelagic species Sargassum natans and S. fluitans and three morphotypes: S. natans VIII, S. natans I and S. fluitans III. These samples collected in the North equatorial current (NEC) and in the subtropical Sargasso Sea (sSS) (∼25°N, 60°W) were also compared to coastal samples collected downwind Guadeloupe Island and on the strand of Martinique (mangrove and beach). Along the studied zonal oceanic transect, the highest values of As (range 120–240 μg g−1, dry weight, dw) were found in the sSS area where primary production is highly limited by phosphorus. At these stations, the P content of Sargassum spp. was minimal (range 500–1000 μg g−1, dw) as well as the content in Cd and Zn known for their nutrient-like oceanic behaviors and distributions very similar to P. This illustrates for the first time in the natural environment, the higher bioaccumulation of arsenic in Sargassum spp. in P-limiting conditions which is due to the competition in the phosphate transporter between arsenate and phosphate. As compared to samples collected at sea, the Sargassum spp. collected in the strand of Martinique had (1) lower As concentrations (typical range 30–45 μg g−1, dw) and (2) much higher Al, Fe, Mn, Cr and Co concentrations, showing a certain ability of Sargassum spp. to be depurated of its As content in the coastal zone following competitive exchange with terrigenous metals.

Induced polarization images alteration in stratovolcanoes

We investigate the complex conductivity of 32 volcanic rock samples from two stratovolcanoes, La Soufrière Volcano (Guadeloupe Island, Caribbean) and Papandayan volcano (Java Island, Indonesia). These stratovolcanoes are characterized by high degrees of kaolinite-related alteration associated with the upwelling of acidic ground waters as well as the formation of smectite-rich clay caps. Our goal is to assess the dependence of two geoelectrical properties, the electrical conductivity and normalized chargeability, on the conductivity of the pore water and the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) for volcanic rocks at near-neutral pH conditions. An alteration index based on CEC is built for both smectite- and kaolinite-rich zones. The data are discussed in the context of a previously acquired experimental dataset based on samples collected from shield volcanoes in Hawaii. We show that all the core samples display the same trends in their petrophysical geoelectrical properties whatever the type of volcanoes. Surface conductivity and normalized chargeability are strongly controlled by the CEC of the material and the bulk tortuosity of the pore space (product of the formation factor by the porosity). This implies in turn that the conductivity and the normalized chargeability are controlled by rock alteration in the same way as long as surface conductivity dominates the bulk conductivity contribution, which is salinity and pH dependent (both being interrelated in acidic pore waters). These petrophysical results are then applied to the interpretation of a 3D induced polarization survey performed at Papandayan stratovolcano in Indonesia. The tomograms are used to image the alteration of the volcanic edifice and we conclude that surface conduction is non-negligible in these volcanoes. Only above a pore water conductivity higher than 10 S m−1 at 25 °C) the bulk conductivity dominates the surface conductivity associated with alteration.

Looking for black sailors in the eighteenth-century French navy

This article explores the presence of black sailors in the French maritime world during the second part of the eighteenth century. It is apparent that both French and British navies at this time of war seem to have had opposite policies with regard to the employment of black sailors as almost none can be found on French warships whereas several examples may be found in the British Royal Navy . This article further explores whether the military navy was the rule or the exception in the French maritime world, seeking black sailors – either slaves or freemen – in the maritime activities of the French West Indies, and the islands of Guadeloupe in particular. Finally, the third part of the article examines the use of black sailors in the French merchant navy in not only the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, but also the Indian Ocean.

Metapopulation dynamics of multiple species in a heterogeneous landscape

AbstractCharacterizing the diversity of demographic strategies among species can inform research in topics such as trait syndromes, community stability, coexistence, and ecological succession. However, this diversity can depend on the spatial scale considered: at the landscape scale, species often form metapopulations, that is sets of local, sometimes short‐lived, populations, inhabiting discrete habitat patches. Metapopulation dynamics are most frequently analyzed in individual species or pairs of interacting species because of the large amount of data required for multiple species, and because species vary in their perceptions of what constitutes a favorable or unfavorable habitat. Here we evaluate, using a case study, whether a metapopulation model can be used to generate accurate estimates of demographic parameters and to describe the diversity of dynamics, responses to environment, and prospects of long‐term persistence in a guild of species inhabiting a common fragmented landscape. We applied this approach to a guild of 22 mollusk species that inhabit freshwater habitats on two islands of Guadeloupe, to compare metapopulation dynamics among species. We analyzed a 15‐year time series of occupancy records for 278 sites using a multistate occupancy model that estimated colonization and extinction rates as a function of site‐specific and year‐specific environmental covariates, then used model results to simulate future island metapopulation dynamics. Despite the diverse array of metapopulation trajectories—a mix of species with either stable, increasing, declining, or fluctuating metapopulations—and the inherent challenges associated with such data (e.g., imperfect detection, spatial and temporal heterogeneity), our model accurately captured among‐patch variation in suitability for many mollusk taxa. The dynamics of rare species or species with habitat preferences not fully captured by the retained set of covariates were less well described. For several species, we detected a negative correlation between extinction and colonization. This variation in habitat suitability created species‐specific extinction‐resistant pockets in the landscape. Our comparative analysis also revealed that species had distinct strategies for metapopulation dynamics, such as “fast‐turnover” species with both a high proportion of occupied sites and a high rate of site extinction in the landscape.

Memorializing Masculinity?

The Black Lives Matter movement has delivered a timely reminder of the colonial narratives underpinning commemorative statuary in the public sphere. Crucial to this renewed scrutiny of public memorialization is a consideration of the intersection of political and historical narratives with systems of oppression such as gender and race. This essay explores the gendering of colonial and anticolonial commemorative statuary on display in the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. As overseas departments of France, these islands remain politically, administratively and economically tied to their former colonizer. The essay traces the evolution in Antillean memorialization from the glorification of the white male colonizer or abolitionist to the celebration of slave resistance through the figure of the maroon. It examines a range of public artworks dating from 1904 to 2002, questioning the extent to which these memorials, whether commemorating colonial history, abolitionist rhetoric or anticolonial resistance, uphold “great men of history” narratives. The essay explores the subversion of classical representations of colonial and abolitionist figures through the vandalism and destruction of a number of statues of abolitionist Victor Schoelcher. It examines the masculine iconography of resistance, often premised on the radical appropriation of classicist forms to celebrate male resistors, while women and their roles in anticolonial struggle are commonly obscured or depicted in ways which uphold dominant racial narratives and gender stereotypes. Finally, the essay explores the subversive anticolonial forms employed in several recent installations, which move beyond mimetic depictions of the male body to showcase elements usually excluded from representation, including the grotesque, disfigured or wounded body, or to eschew portrayals of the (gendered and racialized) body altogether. These works point to more inclusive ways of portraying not only resistance to colonialism, but also the suffering and the collective humanity of enslaved peoples.

Insights on the residency status and inter-island movement patterns of pantropical spotted dolphins Stenella attenuata in the Agoa Sanctuary, Eastern Caribbean

The pantropical spotted dolphin (PSD, Stenella attenuata) is the most common cetacean species observed within the Agoa Sanctuary, located in the Lesser Antilles, Eastern Caribbean. These dolphins are easily observable and are the main target of whale-watching activities along the leeward coasts of Guadeloupe and Martinique islands. Because PSD is common within the sanctuary it is considered a resident species, however, no research has been carried out to estimate its population status and movement patterns between islands. Previous unpublished work found the sighting of an individual in Martinique and Guadeloupe, suggesting potential exchange of individuals between these islands. To test this hypothesis a photo-ID survey in 2018 and 2019 was conducted, resulting in 54,298 photographs. With no matches of individuals between islands, our findings do not support regular exchange of PSD individuals between Martinique and Guadeloupe. However, given previous re-sighting data, it is possible that movement of individuals between islands exists but at lower frequencies than expected, which can only be detected through long-term surveys. Additionally, populations from both islands showed relatively high site fidelity. We found that in Guadeloupe the PSD population is homogeneously distributed along the coast. In contrast, in Martinique the PSD population was composed of two resident groups concentrated in one area. Moreover, 70 new individuals were identified in Guadeloupe and 54 in Martinique while POPAN modelling estimated the number of marked individuals in the study area during 2018 and 2019 at 89 in Guadeloupe and 90 in Martinique. This research provides the first insights on the residency and movement patterns of S. attenuata in the Agoa Sanctuary and can inform future efforts in management and conservation.

First insights on the diversity of the genus Ostreopsis (Dinophyceae, Gonyaulacales) in Guadeloupe Island, with emphasis on the phylogenetic position of O. heptagona

The present study aims to identify epiphytic Ostreopsis cells collected in Guadeloupe between 2017 and 2018 using a morpho-molecular approach. This method combined microscopical observations of wild specimens (light and scanning electron microscopy) with a phylogenetic analysis inferred from concatenated sequences of ribosomal operon (SSU + ITS + LSU) of Ostreopsidoideae. Four distinct morphotypes were identified in our samples and studied by SEM. Molecular data obtained from single-cell PCR for the four morphotypes were consistent with observations and confirmed the presence of three Ostreopsis species resolved in well characterized genotypes (O. cf. ovata, O. lenticularis and O. siamensis) and an unidentified clade. Detailed morphological characters including sulcal plates confirmed the identification of the last morphotype as O. heptagona D.R. Norris, J.W. Bomber & Balech, which forms a new basal clade in the genus, not previously reported. Observations highlighted overlapping sizes for O. lenticularis, O. siamensis and O. heptagona. Direct sequencing of PCR products obtained for some cells of O. lenticularis and O. heptagona collected at one site revealed unexpectedly the presence of the parasitoid dinoflagellate Amoebophrya. Some Ostreopsis cells were found partially emptied and exhibiting a compact mass. Further analyses are needed to understand the ecological role of Amoebophrya on blooms of epiphytic Ostreopsis species.

New species of deep-sea squat lobsters (Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheoidea) from Guadeloupe, French West Indies, unveiled through integrative taxonomy

AbstractDuring two deep-sea expeditions off the island of Guadeloupe, French West Indies, several specimens belonging to MunidaLeach, 1820 and MunidopsisWhiteaves, 1874 (Galatheoidea) were collected. Further study, integrating morphological and molecular data, indicated that some of the specimens belonged to three undescribed species, one to Munida and two to Munidopsis. Munida anteaen. sp. is morphologically closely related to the Atlantic species M. microphthalma A. Milne-Edwards, 1880. Both species can be easily distinguished morphologically and represent independent evolutionary lineages. The closest relative to Munidopsis balconin. sp. is M. glabraPequegnat & Williams, 1995 from the Gulf of Mexico. They can be distinguished by the armature of the carapace and pereiopods, among other differences. Munidopsis pholidotan. sp. is sister to M. squamosa (A. Milne-Edwards, 1880) and both are considered cryptic species, distinguished only by molecular characters and subtle morphological differences like the number of epipodites. Our phylogenetic results show some monophyletic groups within Munidopsis and Munida, and the existence of morphological convergences.

Statistical analysis of multi‐day solar irradiance using a threshold time series model

AbstractThe analysis of solar irradiance has important applications in predicting solar energy production from solar power plants. Although the sun provides every day more energy than we need, the variability caused by environmental conditions affects electricity production. Recently, new statistical models have been proposed to provide stochastic simulations of high‐resolution data to downscale and forecast solar irradiance measurements. Most of the existing models are linear and highly depend on normality assumptions. However, solar irradiance shows strong nonlinearity and is only measured during the day time. Thus, we propose a new multi‐day threshold autoregressive model to quantify the variability of the daily irradiance time series. We establish the sufficient conditions for our model to be stationary, and we develop an inferential procedure to estimate the model parameters. When we apply our model to study the statistical properties of observed irradiance data in Guadeloupe island group, a French overseas region located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, we are able to characterize two states of the irradiance series. These states represent the clear‐sky and non‐clear sky regimes. Using our model, we are able to simulate irradiance series that behave similarly to the real data in mean and variability, and more accurate forecasts compared to linear models.

Deux nouveaux Discocoris des Petites Antilles (îles de Guadeloupe et Martinique) (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae, Xylastodorinae)

Two new Discocoris from Lesser West Indies (Guadeloupe and Martinique Islands) (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae, Xylastodorinae). Two new Discocoris from French West Indies (Guadeloupe and Martinique islands) are described, each from a single male specimen, D. bonfilsi n. sp. from Guadeloupe island and D. rogueti n. sp. from Martinique island. Photographic illustrations of the dorsal and ventral sides of each species are given. A key to species of Discocoris is provided.

Une nouvelle espèce du genre Vannius de l’île de la Guadeloupe (Hemiptera, Miridae, Cylapinae, Vanniini)

A new species of the genus Vannius from Guadeloupe Island (Hemiptera, Miridae, Cylapinae, Vanniini). A new species of Vannius, V. dusoulieri n. sp. is described on a female specimen collected on Guadeloupe Island. Habitus, pretarsal structures and female genitalia are illustrated.

Investigating Past and Present Carpometacarpus Morphology in Mimidae: A Multi-Methods Approach to Evidence from the Guadeloupe Islands

Past bird communities are still under-studied in several Caribbean regions, including the Lesser Antilles. In order to improve our understanding of this area’s avifauna, we explore morphometrical variations of the carpometacarpus (CMC) within West Indies Mimidae species. We combine geometric morphometric (GMM) and conventional osteology focusing on characters of the entire or distal portion of the CMC. Morphological variation related to their phylogenetic history is investigated using uni- and multi-variate statistics, and the expression of certain osteological characters. Fossil bone remains from the Guadeloupe Islands were included in the datasets to test the applicability of these results to the archaeological and paleontological record.Our results are consistent with the known phylogeny of Mimidae. The GMM analysis clearly differentiated taxa at both inter- and intra-generic levels, which when combined with osteological characters, allow fossil specimens to be determined to species. For the fossil record of Guadeloupe Islands, this concerns three taxa: the Scaly-breasted Thrasher Allenia fusca, the Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis, the first fossil occurrence of this bird in the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and the Brown Trembler Cinclocerthia ruficauda in Desirade and Marie-Galante, where the bird is now extirpated. These results are of particular interest for tracking the impact of environmental changes on the composition of West Indian bird communities.

The Basse-Terre Island of Guadeloupe (Eastern Caribbean, France) and Its Volcanic-Hydrothermal Geodiversity: A Case Study of Challenges, Perspectives, and New Paradigms for Resilience and Sustainability on Volcanic Islands

The volcanic-hydrothermal geo-diversity of the Basse-Terre Island of Guadeloupe archipelago (Eastern Caribbean, France) is a major asset of the Caribbean bio-geoheritage. In this paper, we use Guadeloupe as a representative of many small island developing states (SIDS), to show that the volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity is a major resource and strategic thread for resilience and sustainability. These latter are related to the specific richness of Guadeloupe’s volcanic-geothermal diversity, which is de facto inalienable even in the wake of climate change and natural risks that are responsible for this diversity, i.e., volcanic eruptions. We propose the interweaving the specificity of volcanic-geothermal diversity into planning initiatives for resilience and sustainability. Among these initiatives research and development programs focused on the knowledge of geodiversity, biodiversity and related resources and risks are central for the long-term management of the water resource, lato sensu. Such a management should include a comprehensive scientific observatory for the characterization, exploration, and sustainable exploitation of the volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity alongside planning for and mitigating geophysical risks related to sudden volcanic-induced phenomena and long-term systemic drifts due to climate change. The results of this exercise for Guadeloupe could typify innovative paths for similar SIDS around their own volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity.

Nocturnal Rainfall East of the Antilles Islands

ABSTRACT We analyze nocturnal rainfall caused by the interaction of trade winds and land breezes on the windward flank of the islands of Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Martinique of the eastern Caribbean Antilles. Climatology for the 2000–2019 period and a nocturnal rainfall case study 8–9 February 2018 are supplemented by modern 5–25 km hourly resolution satellite and reanalysis products and station measurements that describe the diurnal cycle around the islands. Mean trade winds of 7 m s−1 decelerate upstream, ∂U/∂x less than −10−5 s−1, causing an increase in warm-cloud rainfall from 2 to 4 mm d−1 between 03:30 and 06:30 local time (local time is UTC-4). The incoming airflow has a characteristic Froude number less than 1 and stagnates on the windward slopes of these volcanic islands. Nocturnal land breezes spread toward the east coast about one-third of the time. Additional work considers whether air–sea interactions play a role. Low salinity and wave-induced turbulence to the east of the Antilles add buoyancy and moisture to the atmospheric boundary layer. Yet areas of low turbidity encircling the east Antilles suggest that nocturnal airflow creates a divergent “cushion” around Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Martinique. Thermal and orographic influences merge and rain falls over the eastern flank of the islands, contributing to the water resources.

Introduction: “The Unexpected Caribbean” Part II

Introduction: “The Unexpected Caribbean” Part II

A Data-Based Approach Using a Multi-Group SIR Model with Fuzzy Subsets: Application to the COVID-19 Simulation in the Islands of Guadeloupe.

Simple SummaryCOVID-19 is a rapidly spreading and mutating pandemic. In the case of some people the disease can be fatal It has been observed that weight and age are parameters of comorbidity If it is difficult to take into account the uncertainties related to the combination of the two parameters to build up a model of simulation. Therefore, we propose in this article a SIR/SIH model with fuzzy parameters which allows us to simulate the pandemic in the absence of barrier actions and vaccines.In this paper, we propose a multi-group SIR to simulate the spread of COVID-19 in an island context. The multi-group aspect enables us to modelize transmissions of the virus between non-vaccinated individuals within an age group as well as between different age groups. In addition, fuzzy subsets and aggregation operators are used to account for the increased risks associated with age and obesity within these different groups. From a conceptual point of view, the model emphasizes the notion of Hospitalization which is the major stake of this pandemic by replacing the compartment R (Removed) by compartment H (Hospitalization). The experimental results were carried out using medical and demographic data from the archipelago, Guadeloupe (French West Indies) in the Caribbean. These results show that without the respect of barrier gestures, a first wave would concern the elderly then a second the adults and the young people, which conforms to the real data.

Past distribution of the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) in the Lesser Antilles: New evidence from Saint Martin and Guadeloupe (F.W.I.)

Recent excavations from late Pleistocene to Historical period sites on the islands of Guadeloupe and Saint Martin yielded bones of the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia). The osteological description of the remains combined with the location of fossil-bearing sites and historical accounts show this owl to have been present across the Guadeloupe islands in historical periods. This species has been identified in multiple archaeological sites, including those reported here, attesting to the near continuous distribution of this owl throughout the pre-Columbian period in the north of Lesser Antilles. Taken together, these results challenge the previous hypothesis of a relict distribution of the Burrowing Owl as a consequence of climatically induced modifications of the Caribbean environment since the last glaciation.

Past distribution of the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) in the Lesser Antilles: New evidence from Saint Martin and Guadeloupe (F.W.I.)

Recent excavations from late Pleistocene to Historical period sites on the islands of Guadeloupe and Saint Martin yielded bones of the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia). The osteological description of the remains combined with the location of fossil-bearing sites and historical accounts show this owl to have been present across the Guadeloupe islands in historical periods. This species has been identified in multiple archaeological sites, including those reported here, attesting to the near continuous distribution of this owl throughout the pre-Columbian period in the north of Lesser Antilles. Taken together, these results challenge the previous hypothesis of a relict distribution of the Burrowing Owl as a consequence of climatically induced modifications of the Caribbean environment since the last glaciation.

Caribbochiton guadeloupensis n. gen et n. sp. (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) from the Caribbean Sea

ABSTRACT A new genus and new species of the family Callistoplacidae from the bathyal zone near Guadeloupe Island in the Caribbean Sea are described. Caribbochiton guadeloupensis n. gen. et n. sp. is unlike other genera in the family Callistoplacidae: it has no ribs on end valves or on lateral areas of intermediate valves. According to other morphological features (thick shell, relatively narrow valves, noticeably raised lateral areas, similar slit formula, insertion plate teeth thickened at edges of slits, dorsal scales), this genus is closest to the family Callistoplacidae. Given that a number of species of the family do not have at a young age the ribs which appear later, we hypothesise that the new genus could have evolved as a result of paedomorphosis. An emended diagnosis of the family Callistoplacidae is hereby proposed. ZooBank registration: LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BB94DD8F-C466-4B1B-8868-EEAB75E6930B Carribochiton LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:EBD4411B-C39D-446C-AD24-EB5F3A27AB32 Carribochiton guadeloupensis LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:19B8AF77-2AB8-4BD1-940A-CA4EAFFCF215

Large-scale reptile extinctions following European colonization of the Guadeloupe Islands.

Large-scale extinction is one of the defining challenges of our time, as human processes fundamentally and irreversibly reshape global ecosystems. While the extinction of large animals with popular appeal garners widespread public and research interest, the importance of smaller, less "charismatic" species to ecosystem health is increasingly recognized. Benefitting from systematically collected fossil and archaeological archives, we examined snake and lizard extinctions in the Guadeloupe Islands of the Caribbean. Study of 43,000 bone remains across six islands revealed a massive extinction of 50 to 70% of Guadeloupe's snakes and lizards following European colonization. In contrast, earlier Indigenous populations coexisted with snakes and lizards for thousands of years without affecting their diversity. Study of archaeological remains provides insights into the causes of snake and lizard extinctions and shows that failure to consider fossil-derived data probably contributes to substantial underestimation of human impacts to global biodiversity.