Highest Species Richness Values Research Articles

Ichthyofaunal list of the continental slope of the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Four oceanographic cruises were carried out between April 2011 and May 2013 on the continental slope of the southern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) in a depth range of 290 to 1200 m on board the R/V JUSTO SIERRA. A total of 91 trawls covered a total swept area of 170.49 hectares. We recorded 177 fish species belonging to 80 families. Fifteen species extended their distribution into the south of the gulf and 37 increased their depth ranges. Five species could have commercial importance: Aphanopuscarbo Lowe, 1839; Hydrolagusmirabilis (Collett, 1904); Helicolenusdactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809); Lophiusgastrophysus Miranda Ribeiro, 1915, and Merlucciusalbidus (Mitchill, 1818). The most abundant species were Polymixialowei Günther, 1859; Parasudistruculenta (Goode & Bean, 1896); M.albidus, Chlorophthalmusagassizi Bonaparte, 1840; Dibranchusatlanticus Peters, 1876; Nezumiaaequalis (Günther, 1878); Yarrellablackfordi Goode & Bean, 1896; and Laemonemabarbatulum Goode & Bean, 1883. High values of fish species richness, diversity, and evenness were registered throughout the study area. A high percentage of the fish species (97%) collected during this project are distributed in the entire GoM. Most of the species showed a wide depth distribution; however, a vertical zonation of species can be observed.

Microbial composition, potential functional roles and genetic novelty in gypsum-rich and hypersaline soils of Monegros and Gallocanta (Spain)

Soil microbial communities (both Bacteria and Archaea) were studied after 16S rRNA genes massive sequencing in two hypersaline and gypsum-rich contrasted sites located in NE Spain. Soil microbial communities were also locally analysed according to environmental variables, including geological, physico-chemical, biogeochemically, and climatic data. Typical soil characteristics, climate data, and plant composition clearly split the two sites and major differences among the microbial communities for the areas were initially expected. Overall, high values of microbial species richness (up to 2300 taxa) and ecological diversity was detected in both sites. High genetic novelty levels were found mostly to environmental sequences, highlighting the high potential for microbiological studies. In contrast to the initial expectations, a substantial overlapping between Monegros and Gallocanta microbes was observed, indicating a high similarity despite of the geographical, botanical and environmental distances between sites, in agreement with both high dispersal and local selection inherent to the microbial world. The potential biogeochemical cycling showed small differences between sites, with presence of photosynthetic green and purple sulfur bacteria, cyanobacteria and aerobic and anaerobic chemolitotrophs. Potential for aerobic methane oxidation and anaerobic methanogenesis was observed in both sites, with predominance of potential nitrification mostly by ammonia-oxidizing archaea, nitrite oxidation and denitrification, and minor contribution for nitrate reduction and nitrate ammonification. The predicted functions based on the taxonomic composition showed high overlapping between the two studied regions, despite their difference in gypsum richness.

Effect of temperature and dietary lipid proportion on gut microbiota in yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi juveniles

Gut microbiota plays a determining role in the health status of the host. In general, a beneficial bacterial community, associated with a greater metabolic capacity and wellbeing, shows high values of species richness and relative abundance. Because environmental temperature is a regulating factor in fish physiological and metabolic processes, it is very important to understand the effect of environmental temperature on diversity and richness of gut microbiota in poikilothermic organisms. This study analysed the reciprocal diet-temperature correlations in the faecal microbiota diversity in Seriola lalandi. Juveniles were acclimated at 20 °C and 26 °C for 30 days; in addition, the fish were fed three diets with three levels of lipid inclusion (7%, 14% and 21%). Faecal microbiota in S. lalandi was characterized using the high-throughput sequencing approach based on the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The most abundant phyla identified in this study were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. A significant change was observed in faecal microbiota in relation to acclimation temperature. The results indicated that species richness was modified in relation to the environmental temperatures; the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) identified in fish acclimated at 26 °C belonged to the families Pseudomonadacea, Alcaligenaceae and Microbacteriaceae whereas those identified at 20 °C were Micavibrio, Comamonadaceae and Saprospiraceae. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between the OTUs identified in the dietary treatments, in which Actinobacteria (7% lipid), Gammaproteobacteria (14% lipid), Betaproteobacteria (21% lipid), and Flavobacteria (skretting diet) were the phyla preferentially identified from each treatment. The results obtained in this study demonstrated the importance of environmental temperature to maintain a balance in intestinal microbiota, as well as the effects of diet composition on proliferation of different microbial groups with respect to thermal induction.

Composición, riqueza, diversidad y abundancia de aves en cuatro áreas verdes de Santo Domingo

Se presenta un análisis sobre la riqueza, diversidad y abundancia de aves en cuatro áreas verdes de la ciudad de Santo Domingo: Plaza de la Cultura Juan Pablo Duarte, Parque Mirador Sur, Jardín Botánico Nacional Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso y Parque Mirador Norte. El trabajo de campo fue realizado desde febrero del 2013 hasta noviembre de 2017. Utilizando puntos de conteo y tranceptos en franjas se registró un total de 3 473 individuos, correspondientes a 70 especies y 37 familias. Del total de especies registradas, 7 son endémicas, 37 residentes, 20 migratorias y 6 introducidas. El Parque Mirador Norte, presentó el más alto valor en riqueza de especies (54), mientras que la Plaza de la Cultura Juan Pablo Duarte y el Parque Mirador Sur registraron los valores más bajos, con 35 y 38 especies, respectivamente. La mayor abundancia de individuos se registró en el Jardín Botánico Nacional (1 373) y la menor en el Parque Mirador Norte (562). El mayor valor de diversidad corresponde al Parque Mirador Norte (H´= 3.3 y D-1= 0.94), mientras que la Plaza de la Cultura presentó el valor más bajo (H´= 2.3 y D-1= 0.89). Las especies registradas fueron agrupadas en ocho gremios tróficos, siendo el de las omnívoras el más numeroso. De acuerdo con los criterios de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN), cuatro de las especies se encuentran amenazadas y otra casi amenazada, siendo estas áreas de importancia relevante para su conservación en la ciudad de Santo Domingo.

New insights from microfauna associations characterizing palaeoenvironments, sea level fluctuations and a tsunami event along Sfax Northern coast (Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia) during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene

Late Pleistocene to Holocene evolution of the Northern coast of Sfax (Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia) is deduced on the basis of the analyses of sediment cores and coastal outcrops. The environmental changes are established by means of microfauna and mollusk assemblages and biocenotic parameters complemented by geochemical, sedimentological and correspondence analysis (CA). An opened embayment, rich in warm Senegalese fauna, allowed the deposition of quartz-rich sands Late Pleistocene in age. During the Late Holocene, a major modification of the environmental characters is recognized. The dominance of marine ostracod and coastal foraminifera coupled with high values of species richness characterize a widely opened lagoon. This lagoon is subjected to the action of the alongshore drifts which are responsible for the build-up of sand spits and the genesis of the present sebkhas. Two transgressive events, overlying the marine Late Pleistocene quartz-rich sands, are dated at 2018–2419 and 1001–1804 a cal BP. The dominance of marine and coastal foraminifera, the recurrence of ostracods and the high values of biocenotic parameters testify these two events. Sudden changes, toward 0–502 a cal BP, in the structure of populations, geochemical element concentrations and sedimentological trend argue in favor of a tsunami event and the settlement of peculiar environment. The latter records (1) the reworking of Holocene microfauna and Tyrrhenian sands rich in mollusks eroded from the marine substrata; (2) the high concentration of poorly stratified and poorly sorted shells; (3) fining-upward and thinning landward sequences; (4) the dominance of articulated bivalves and sharpened shells; and (5) the locally extensive deposits up to 160 m inland rising in altitude of about 0.75 m. This extreme event can be correlated with the tsunami generated by the strong earthquake, 1908 AD in age, in Eastern Sicily or by one of the earthquakes recorded during the 18th Century around the Mediterranean basin such as Sfax earthquake of 1750 AD.

Diversidad y composición de licofitas y polypodiopsidas del páramo de Anaime, Cajamarca, Tolima, Colombia

Se hizo el estudio sobre la diversidad y la composición de licofitas y polypodiopsidas del páramo de Anaime, ubicado a 4º15’ N y 75º33’ O, en la cordillera Central de Colombia, en un área entre los 3.200 y los 3.900 m.s.n.m., en el municipio de Cajamarca. En cinco salidas de campo se hizo el levantamiento de 16 parcelas (12 x 4,5 m). El registro de las especies y los individuos se realizó considerando las coberturas vegetales y el hábito de crecimiento. El material vegetal se procesó en el Herbario de la Universidad del Tolima (TOLI). La determinación se hizo con el apoyo de claves taxonómicas, bases de datos, la colección del TOLI y del Herbario Nacional Colombiano. En el análisis de la diversidad de especies se aplicaron los índices de riqueza de Margalef, de dominancia de Simpson y de diversidad de Shannon-Weiner. En total se registraron 50 especies distribuidas en 14 familias y 25 géneros; la familia Lycopodiaceae fue la mejor representada con 14 especies. La parcela P16 registró el mayor valor de riqueza (Mg=3,42); según el índice de Shannon-Weiner, las parcelas P16 y P1 tuvieron la mayor diversidad (H’=3,42; H’=2, 95), y según el índice de Simpson, las parcelas P9 y P14 registraron la mayor dominancia (λ=0,86). En el presente estudio se registró un incremento de 43 especies con respecto al trabajo realizado por Guerrero & Vargas (2008), así como 25 nuevos registros para el Tolima. También se divulgó en la comunidad el catálogo elaborado, el cual contribuirá a la conservación de este páramo. © 2018. Acad. Colomb. Cienc. Ex. Fis. Nat.

Decapod assemblages associated with shallow macroalgal communities in the northwestern Alboran Sea: Microhabitat use and temporal variability

Decapod assemblages associated with algal fronds and the underlying substratum in two different photophilous macroalgal beds dominated by the brown algae Halopteris scoparia were studied in the northwestern Alboran Sea, between July 2007 and April 2008. A total of 35 decapod species were found in the macroalgal beds, most of them inhabiting both strata and with Hippolyte leptocerus, Pilumnus hirtellus, Sirpus zariquieyi, Acanthonyx lunulatus, Athanas nitescens and Achaeus gracilis as the dominant species. Assemblages on algal fronds and sediment displayed significant variations mainly due to differences in the abundance values of some dominant species (e.g. H. leptocerus) and/or the presence of certain species exclusively in one strata (e.g. Pisa nodipes in algal fronds, Atelecyclus rotundatus and Sicyonia carinata on the sediment stratum). Higher abundance, species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index values were registered in the sediment stratum, with a higher contribution of adults-large individuals than of juvenile-small individuals. The temporal variability of the studied assemblages showed maximum abundance values in November, when algal development is minimal. This decoupling between temporal patterns of decapod assemblages and macroalgal dynamic could be related to the lifestyles (recruitment events, movements of species between adjacent habitats and microhabitats) and trophic guilds of dominant species, fish predation pressure and the structural complexity of the habitat. A similar trophic structure was observed for both strata, however there was a predominance of grazers in the algae stratum and of predators and scavengers in the sediment stratum. The high diversity and abundance of predator decapods, the relatively balanced distribution of most trophic groups, and the overall high values of species richness and evenness, could indicate a healthy status of at least two of the eleven “Good Environmental Status” indicators (biodiversity and food webs) during the study period, according to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Diversity of Green Seaweeds along the Coast of Karachi

The seasonal diversity and species richness of marine benthic green algae or seaweeds belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta found at Karachi coast were studied in present study. At Karachi coast the green seaweeds occupy a large area and show great variation in their types and species composition. Total 48 green species of seaweeds belong to 9 genera 7 families 6 orders and 2 classes were collected from intertidal areas of Karachi coast (Buleji, Manora, Hawks Bay, Sandspit, Korangi Creek, Cape Monze, Paradise Point, Pacha and Rehri) during January 2009 to December 2009. Total 500 individuals examined, representing 9 genera i.e., Enteromorpha, Ulva, Chaetomorpha, Bryopsis, Codium, Caulerpa, Halimeda, Udotea, Valoniopsis. From the present observation it is clear that Buleji and Manora are the more productive sites as compared to other sites. There was great variation in number of species in different genus. All these forty eight studied species were found attached and in epilithic condition. There is much monthly variation found in species richness at Karachi coast during study period. The present study showed that the high values of species richness and abundance of seaweeds were observed during winter season (December to February).

Insect faunal succession studies on pork carrion in Punjab, India

An insect faunal Succession study on pork carrion was carried out in rural area of district Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Four decomposition stages viz., Fresh, Bloated, Decay and Dry stage were recognized during this experiment. They were separated by taking into account the occurrence and abundance of the specific groups of insects collected from pork as well as condition of pork carrion viz., dehydration, disintegration, flaccidity and desiccation. Fresh stage is recorded with the highest value of species richness and abundance. A total of eighteen species belonging to three orders and ten families were recorded. Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera were dominating insect fauna on the pork carrion. Four species of Calliphoridae, one of Sarcophagidae, three of Muscidae and one of Anthomyidae were recorded on pork. Five Coleopteran families i.e. Histeridae, Dermestidae, Tenebrionidae, Staphylinidae, Nitidulidae and two species belonging to family Formicidae (Hymenoptera) were also observed.

Influence of tributaries on the periphytic diatom community in a floodplain

Abstract In impacted floodplains, small tributaries have an essential role in the maintenance of ecosystem biodiversity. Aim: We aimed to characterise the periphytic diatom community (Bacillariophyta) in a protected area at the Upper Paraná River floodplain considering the importance of tributaries as a source of propagules. The purpose of this study was to understand the influence of the tributaries in the periphytic diatom community (Bacillariophyta) in a protected area at the Upper Paraná River floodplain. We expect that species present in the main river channel (mainly in the last stretch) would be a subset of the community present in the tributaries. Methods The study area is located in the last non-dammed stretch of the Paraná River in this floodplain, with the contribution of several tributaries. Sampling was performed in 2014 in two tributaries and three sites at the Paraná River main channel, and the periphytic material was obtained from petioles of the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth. Results We identified 115 diatom taxa. Higher values of species richness were registered in the tributaries, and higher densities in the tributaries and at sampling sites under the direct influence of the tributaries. We also observed a higher similarity between the tributaries, which are located in the preserved side of the floodplain. The results of beta diversity showed that closer sites had lower values, and that the species turnover was the component more important in this floodplain. Conclusion In this way, these results reinforce the importance of tributaries mainly on the algae establishment and development reflected in the density of species. It demonstrates that sites in preserved area present a higher species richness and can serve as a pool of propagules for downstream environments.

Caracterización de la comunidad de aves en el Parque Nacional Sierra Martín García, República Dominicana

Se presentan los resultados de una caracterización de la comunidad de aves del Parque Nacional Sierra Martín García, en una serie de puntos establecidos dentro de seis tipos de ambiente (bosque húmedo subtropical, bosque húmedo montano bajo, bosque de transición de zonas media, bosque seco, monte espinoso subtropical y llanura costera). Se registró un total de 1395 individuos, correspondientes a 90 especies y 37 familias. Del total de especies registradas, 14 son endémicas, 56 residentes, 18 migratorias y dos introducidas. El ambiente de llanura costera, presentó el más alto valor de riqueza de especies (68), mientras que el bosque húmedo montano bajo y el monte espinoso subtropical registraron los valores más bajos, cada uno con 24 especies. La mayor abundancia de individuos se registró en la llanura costera (448) y la menor en el bosque de transición en zona media (103). Los valores de diversidad de especies resultaron altos (H’ = 3.9 y D-1 = 0.97). El mayor valor de diversidad corresponde al ambiente costero (H’= 3.7 y D-1 = 0.96), mientras que el bosque seco y el monte espinoso subtropical presentaron los valores más bajos cada uno con (H’= 2.9 y D-1 = 0.93). De acuerdo con los criterios de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN), siete especies se encuentran amenazadas y dos casi amenazadas.

Environmental and spatial processes influencing phytoplankton biomass along a reservoirs‐river‐floodplain lakes gradient: A metacommunity approach

Abstract Evaluation of the relative influences of environmental and spatial processes in structuring aquatic metacommunities is an essential first step for understanding how these factors govern species distributions and affect spatial and temporal variability in community structure. Such variability has many causes and consequences at different scales. In the case of phytoplankton metacommunities, both species sorting and mass effect processes are likely to be important in structuring the patterns of biomass distribution on large spatial scales. We investigated the influences of environmental and spatial components on the phytoplankton community on a large spatial scale, consisting of a reservoirs‐river‐floodplain lakes gradient in a Neotropical region. Using partial redundancy analysis, we partitioned the relative role of environmental (environmental filters) and spatial (asymmetric eigenvector maps) processes structuring phytoplankton biomass. A clear difference of the limnological conditions was observed between the reservoirs and river–floodplain lakes system. High species richness and higher mean values of phytoplankton biomass were recorded in the floodplain lakes. Variation partitioning demonstrated the importance of both environmental and spatial process in phytoplankton biomass structuring. However, the relative importance of these processes may vary over time. Our results suggest that from a metacommunity perspective, the phytoplankton biomass of upstream reservoirs and a downstream river–floodplain lakes system is determined by environmental conditions (species sorting process), mainly in the floodplain lakes; and by high dispersion rates favoured by the connectivity and unidirectional flow (mass effect process), mainly between the reservoirs and the river.

Diversidad de Carabidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) en distintos ambientes de un agroecosistema del sudeste bonaerense, Argentina

The coleopteran of the family Carabidae conform a large part of the soil biodiversity from agroecosystems, hence they are good model organism to study the composition and structure of communities. The aims of this contribution were to: a) analyze the diversity of Carabidae (species richness, activity, composition and structure of assemblages) in environments with different anthropic use; b) know the association of Carabidae species with herbaceous vegetation; c) analyze the proportion of species according to their specialisation to habitat requirements, capacity of dispersion in relation to wing dimorphism and sinanthropism, and d) identify typical species of different environments and e) record the presence of larvae. The study was conducted in an agroecosystem from Laguna Nahuel Ruca (37°37’04’’ S - 57°25’16’’ W). We selected different sampling environments: three forest environments, three open environments and a mixed environment; all of them were sampled monthly with pitfall traps during one year. We made a ranking to measure the degree of human modification of each environment. Higher values of species richness were recorded in forest environments. Carabidae assemblages differed according to habitat structure. We identify typical species of open environments as well as forest environments. The proportion of macropterous and synanthropic species tended to be higher in open environments, while there was no difference in the proportion of eurytopic species. Ten species of Carabidae were associated with families Convolvulaceae, Apiaceae and Fabaceae in spring. Seven species of larvae were recorded mainly in forest environments during summer. We concluded that land use and the structure of environment influence the local biodiversity of Carabidae. https://doi.org/10.25260/EA.17.27.2.0.232

Butterfly Species Richness and Diversity on Tourism Trails of Northeast Portugal

Butterfly species can be sensitive to ecosystem disturbance and, therefore, suitable to be used as indicators of habitat quality. We determined species richness and diversity of butterfly species along five tourist trails in the northeast region of Portugal. These trails were in different landscape structures, varying from urban areas to areas extensively managed for agriculture (i.e., vineyards, meadows) to natural areas (i.e., grasslands, rivers, forests). A total of 522 butterflies representing 45 species belonging to 34 genera and 5 families of Lepidoptera were recorded. Of the taxonomic families represented in the survey, the Nymphalidae were most numerous (362 specimens, 22 species) followed by Pieridae (86 specimens, 11 species) and Lycaenidae (58 specimens, 8 species). Four species have a conservation status, an indicator of the risk of extinction they face at present or in the near future [Euphydryas aurinia (Rottemburg, 1775), Phengaris alcon (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), Hipparchia semele (L., 1758) and Melanargia lachesis (Hübner, 1790)], and these represent 6.9% of the total species identified. Among the five trails, diversity parameters varied with high values of species richness and diversity, low dominance of species, and moderate evenness of distribution. Additionally, butterfly species comparison among the trails revealed that Alvão and Vale do Corgo trails have most of the species in common, especially from Pieridae and Nymphalidae, while the Marão trail has more species associated exclusively to this trail. These results were also supported by hierarchical clustering performed with an average linkage aggregation method using Jaccard distance and by comparison between proportions of butterflies among trails within each family.

Floristic composition and vegetation: Environmental relationships of Wadi Fatimah, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACTThe present study aimed to determine floristic composition, the structure of the vegetation, and species distribution at 16 sample plots in Wadi Fatimah, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, highlighting the ecological factors that affect species distribution. The study revealed 100 plant species belonging to 34 families. Fabaceae and Poaceae were the dominant families, and chamaephytes and therophytes were predominant life forms, which demonstrate a typical desert life-form spectrum. Altitude showed a highly significant association with species frequency distribution. The highest species richness value of 23 species per plot was recorded in the coastal plain (Vegetation groups II & III). The lowest species richness value of 9 species per plot was recorded in the littoral salt marsh (Vegetation group I). Chorological analysis exhibited the Saharao-Arabian–Sudano-Zambezian chorotypes, 47% of the studied species were bi-regional. Using TWINSPAN, DCA, and CCA multivariate analysis, four major vegetation groups were classified into three main ecosystems (I) Halopeplis perfoliata, Suaeda fruticosa, Acacia tortilis, and Suaeda fruticosa, representing the littoral salt marsh; (II) Rhazya stricta and Haloxylon salicornicum, characterized by the coastal plain; and (III) Senna italica, Glinus lotoides, and Tribulus macropterus were the leading groups in the inland mountainous country. The CCA ordination showed that the separation of Vegetation group III along the axis was affected by Mg, K, and P concentration, and VG IV was significantly associated with silt, clay, and fine sand content. Furthermore, the Vegetation group I was significantly correlated with Na and Ca concentration, and VG II group was significantly correlated with heavy metal concentrations of elements as Fe, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cu.

Floristic and Vegetation Study on the Main Weed Communities Associated with Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop

The present study aims at studying the floristic features and community types of the main weed species associated with wheat crop in Menofia Province, Egypt. Sixty stands (each 10 × 10 m) were randomly selected in five wheat farms for monthly determining the cover of weed species along the growing season of wheat. Twenty nine species belonging to 28 genera and 17 families were recorded associated with wheat crop. The most dominant families were Poaceae, Brassicaceae and Fabaceae. Annual weeds were represented by 26 species, while perennials were 3 species. Therophytes were the dominant life form (26 species), while geophytes-helophytes, chamaephytes and hemicryptophytes were represented by on species (Cyperus rotundus, Solanum nigrum and Convolvulus arvensis, respectively). The application of TWINSPAN on the cover estimates of 29 associated species recorded in the 60 sampled stands in wheat, led to the recognition of 8 vegetation groups: A: Convolvulus arvensis, B: Malva parviflora, C: Polypogon monspliensis, D: Capsella pursa-pastoris, E: Euphorbia peplus, F: Chenopodium murale, G: Sonchus oleraceous, and H: Beta vulgaris. M. parviflora group had the highest values of species richness and relative concentration of dominance, while C. murale group had the lowest values of species richness, relative evenness and relative concentration of dominance. Moreover, the highest value of relative evenness was recorded in M. parviflora and C. pursa-pastoris group. The present study is the keystone for further investigation on the weed function and weed management practices.

Diversity and Vegetation Analysis of Plant species Associated with Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica L. Mill.) in Nile Delta, Egypt

The present work aimed to study the floristic diversityand vegetation analysis of weeds associated with Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. in three Nile Delta governorates. Ninety nine stands (10m X 10m) were surveyed in autumn and spring (2015-2016). Seventy one species belonging to 61 genera and 27 families were recorded associated with PricklyPear. Poaceae, Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae and Brassicaceae, were the most dominant families. Annuals recorded the highest number of species (45 species) while perennials were represented by 26 species. Therophytes were the dominant life form represented by 43 species while monoregional represented the dominant floristic category (22 species). The application of TWINSPAN on the cover estimates of 71 associated species recorded in the 99 sampled stands of PricklyPear, led to the recognition of 8 vegetation groups: The names of these groups are: A: Boerhavia Coccinea, B: Cynodon dactylon, C: Cyperus rotundus, D: Psidium guajava, E: Amaranthus lividus, F: Malva parviflora, G: Phragmites australi and H: Imperata cylindrical. M. parviflora grouphad the highest value of species richness (21.6 species/stand) and relative evenness (0.63), while the highest species turnover (8.2) was recorded in Boerhavia coccenea VG A and the highest relative concentration of dominance (2.43) was recorded in Amaranthus lividus VG E. Some of the recorded species are invasive and negatively impact PricklyPear cover, these species need control. Some other species provides many ecological and human services, these species need management and conservation.

Faunistic patterns of leaf beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) within elevational and temporal gradients in Sierra de San Carlos, Mexico.

The study of biodiversity of Chrysomelidae in Mexico and its variation within ecological gradients has increased recently, although important areas in the country remain to be explored. We conducted a faunistic inventory and analyzed the elevational and temporal variation of leaf beetle communities in the Sierra de San Carlos, in the state of Tamaulipas, in northeastern Mexico. This is an area with high to extreme priority for conservation, and due to its insular geographical position and to the vegetational communities present, it must be considered as a sky island. We selected seven sample sites distributed in different elevations within three localities, and comprising different vegetational communities. At each site, we randomly delimited 12 sample plots of 400 m2 where sampling was conducted by entomological sweep netting and collecting directly by hand. Sampling was conducted monthly at each plot, for a total of 1,008 samples between February 2013 and January 2014. By the end of the study, we had obtained a total of 3,081 specimens belonging to six subfamilies, 65 genera, and 113 species, with Trichaltica scabricula (Crotch, 1873) being recorded for first time in Mexico. Species richness was less than the values observed at other studies conducted in the same region, which is attributed to differences in the number of plant species and to the insular location of Sierra de San Carlos; however, the higher diversity values suggest a higher quality of natural resources and vegetational communities. No consistent pattern of leaf beetle communities was correlated with elevation, although higher values of species richness and diversity were obtained at the highest elevation site. The seasonal gradient showed that the rainy season is most favorable for leaf beetle communities. We found that species composition was different between sites and months, and also that there exists a significant association between the abundance obtained at each site and particular months. These results highlight the importance of different microhabitats for species distribution, and suggest that each species of Chrysomelidae has a differential response to environmental factors that vary within the elevational gradient and according to seasons. Also, we confirm and emphasize the important status of Sierra de San Carlos as a key natural area for biological conservation.

Taxonomic and functional diversity in Mediterranean pastures: insights on the biodiversity–productivity trade‐off

Summary Agricultural intensification is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss world‐wide. The inclusion of semi‐natural features in agricultural landscapes is suggested as a means of enhancing farm biodiversity, but this practice may have potential negative effects on yield production. Moreover, little evidence exists for effects of semi‐natural features on other components of biodiversity, such as functional diversity. Yet this could provide a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity–productivity trade‐offs. Here, we report the effects of semi‐natural woody vegetation on taxonomic and functional diversity, and biomass production of herbaceous species at the field and farm scales by sampling 50 fields, ranging from 0 to 90% woody vegetation cover, on nine similarly managed farms in central‐western Spain. We found significant differences in herbaceous species richness among farms. Both taxonomic and functional β‐diversity exhibited significant negative relationships with herbage production, highlighting the trade‐off between biodiversity and productivity in these agroecosystems. Woody vegetation cover had a significant negative relationship with biomass production and a unimodal relationship with species richness at the field scale. At high values of woody vegetation cover, species richness and functional diversity indices were decoupled, suggesting that at this extreme of the woody vegetation gradient, only herbaceous species with contrasting trait values were present. Our results showed both convergent and divergent patterns of trait values, suggesting that different assembly processes are acting concurrently along the gradient of woody vegetation. Synthesis and applications. Our result indicates that management of woody vegetation may indeed increase both taxonomic and functional diversity, but this may come at the expense of key ecosystem services or other management goals, namely herbage production. Optimization of the trade‐off between herbage diversity and productivity can be reached with a woody vegetation cover of c. 30% at the field scale.

Vegetation structure and soil characteristics of five common geophytes in desert of Egypt

Geophytes are kind of plants having the capability to survive under arid environmental conditions; parts of their bodies are dormant fleshy underground as bulbs, corms, tubers or rhizomes. The present study was designed to throw light on the ecological features of five representative geophytes, namely, Cyperus capitatus, Cyperus conglomeratus, Elymus farctus, Lasiurus scindicus and Panicum turgidum. The soil characteristics and the associated species of these geophytes are described in their natural habitats of coastal desert (Deltaic Mediterranean coast) and inland desert (Cairo-Suez desert road). A total of 119 species (65 perennials, 3 biennials and 51 annuals) belonging to 97 genera and 28 families constituted their floristic composition. Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae and Chenopodiaceae are the largest families. Therophytes and chamaephytes are the most abundant life forms. The chorological analysis of the study area revealed that 63.02% and 47.33% belong to Saharo-Arabian and Mediterranean taxa, respectively. The highest species richness value (1.42 species stand–1) is recorded in the coastal desert. The application of TWINSPAN analysis yielded six distinct vegetation groups (A, B, C1, C2, D1 and D2); each is linked to one or more of the studied geophyte plants. The main soil factors affecting the study geophytes are electrical conductivity, organic carbon, sulphates, chlorides and bicarbonates as well as its silt composite.