Introduction Of Allochthonous Species Research Articles

Weed invasive

Biological invasions are increasingly attracting the attention of ecologists, so it seems that this phenomenon is relatively new. However, the beginning of the study of biological invasions is publication of the book "The Ecology of Invasions by Animals and Plants" (1958), which is classified as classic works of invasions. Research of biological invasion is focused on the study of crucial biological and ecological characteristics which enable species invasiveness, as well as the characteristics of the recipient community. Despite the intensive study of this phenomenon, there are still differing views whether only introduced alien species or even native species can be considered as invasive species. While some researchers consider that native species cannot belong to the invasive category, others thought that a species that is native, when expend to adjacent habitats, may also be considered as invasive. Understanding biological invasions as if there no difference between native and introduced allochthonous species eliminates the dilemma that arises in the case of cryptogenic species (species that cannot be clearly classified into one of these two groups), whether it is native or introduced species, the success of the spreading depends on ecological adaptations. In addition, there is also disagreement about the stages of biological invasions. One point of view is, invasion processes take place through three phases (introduction, colonization and naturalization), while to other, the introduction is an elementary requirement for invasion, colonization is an integral part of the concept of naturalization, and naturalization which is referred in to previous point of view, is the phase that corresponds to the term "invasiveness". The time and route of introduction, as well as the mode and pathways of spreading for a large number of adventitious weed species have not been precisely established. Depending on whether weed species are introduce accidentally or intentionally, they are divided into boyletophytes (intentionally introduce) and aboyletophytes (accidentally introduce), while according to period of introduction they are divided into archeophytes (introduced in the Paleozoic to Neolithic period), paleophytes (introduced during the Old and Middle Ages until the discovery of America), neophytes (introduced after the discovery of America until to World War II), and neotophytes (introduced from the World War II until nowadays). Invasive processes are very complex, and it is not easy to predict and evaluate the behavior of introduced species in a new environment. Depending on the shape, structure and size of the reproductive organs, invasive weeds can be spread in several ways: autochthonous (selfpropagating), anemohoric (spreading through the wind), hydrohorn (spreading through water), zohornous (spreading by animals) and anthroporous (spreading by human). The success of invasive processes depends on the ecological characteristics of species, environmental resources and degree of ecosystem damage into which species has reached. According to success of survival in the new environment, allochthonous species can have status of the ephemeral (species which temporarily retained in the new environment and do not form stable populations), naturalized (species that are maintained in the new habitat but do not have an expansive character) and invasive (species that are adapted to the new habitat, spreading, forming indigenous part of flora and leave fertile offspring). The ecological-genetic potential of these species is the result of genetic diversity and their capacity for ecological adaptation; mutations, recombination, hybridization and introgression are the main processes responsible for genetic diversity. In the area of introduction, allochthonous species manifest numerous negative impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, human and domestic animal health, socioeconomic relationships and can jeopardize the survival of native species. Invasions are generally classified as negative occurrences, although in some circumstances they may also have a positive effect on the environment. For example, introduction of allochthonous species can enrich biodiversity, in case when number of introduced species far exceeds the number of extinct species. Despite the great scientific and technological progress, the problem of biological invasions cannot be completely resolved, but it is possible to limit these processes and reduce their negative consequences. The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) dedicate special attention to the risks of invasive plant species and recommends measures to prevent their introduction and spread, with special reference to organisms that cause damage in agriculture. Control of these species implies application of all available preventive and direct measures, integrated into a system of integral measures.

A genetic analysis of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus): an applicative case study to support its eradication from Pianosa Island (Tuscan Archipelago)

The introduction of allochthonous species represents a serious threat for the native gene pools and ecosystem biodiversity. The effect is particularly disastrous for insular biocoenoses, such as in the Tuscan archipelago, one of the most important biodiversity hotspot in the Mediterranean area. The EU tool LIFE + has funded an eradication project involving a set of allochthonous species on Pianosa Island ( http://www.restoconlife.eu ), including the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Since eradication projects should not leave out of consideration a genetic analysis of the target species, the aim of our study was to characterize the genetic profile of the Pianosa hedgehog population. In particular, the data obtained had to help assessing the most compatible area for the release of all captured individuals. In the present work, eleven microsatellite loci and two mitochondrial gene portions (COXI and 16S) were characterized in individuals of E. europaeus from Pianosa, Elba, Sardinia Islands and mainland Italy. Both mtDNA and microsatellite data confirmed that the present-day population of Pianosa has an extremely low genetic diversity and a profile very similar to that of Elba. Consequently, our results do suggest that the Pianosa hedgehogs originated from a pool of individuals moved by human from Elba in recent times and could be relocated there.

The first ecological study on the oldest allochthonous population of European cave salamanders (Hydromantes sp.)

The introduction of allochthonous species often represents a serious problem for ecosystems and native species. Usually, these cases involve common widespread species that show high adaptability and strong competitiveness against local species. Within amphibians, the introduction of allochthonous species mainly deals with anurans, while cases involving caudata are few and poorly studied. We report the first assessment of an introduced population of European plethodontid salamanders. This population is located in the French Pyrenees and represents the oldest allochthonous Hydromantes population. We reconstructed the history of its introduction and collected data on the ecology and feeding habits of this population. Our results show that this population is stable and reproductive, showing strong similarities to Italian mainland species of Hydromantes. This study provided the base for further studies focused on this allochthonous population of European cave salamanders.

First data on the freshwater fish fauna of Calabria (southern Italy)

There is scarce information available about the presence and distribution of freshwater fishes in southern Italy, and ichthyological information about Calabrian lotic systems is practically inexistent. This paper reports the current status of the freshwater fish fauna in some of the most important lotic systems of Calabria. Ichthyological samplings were performed at 54 stations along 16 Calabrian rivers. Sixteen fish species belonging to eight families were found, and their presence and distribution is discussed on the basis of biogeographic considerations. The freshwater fish fauna of the area has been dramatically altered by the introduction of allochthonous species, mainly originating from the Po plain catchments. This is a prime example of faunistic transformation of a Mediterranean area.

Temporal evolution of the area of Capo Peloro (Sicily, Italy) from pristine site into urbanized area

1 - The area of Capo Peloro was examined as a natural system subjected to an increasing anthropogenic pressure, resulting in alteration of its ecological characteristics. According to the hypothesis of Barrier (1995), Capo Peloro was originated by tectonic movements along the Straits of Messina during the Pliocene and the Pleistocene times. Two different models of littoral barrier construction, were suggested by Bottari & Carveni (2009) and by Chillemi (1995). Both of them have lead to the formation of brackish lagoons along the coastline similar to those existing now. 2 - Historical evidence of Greek and Roman times, supports the existence of a bay able to accommodate vessels up to the I century B.C. The evolution into brackish lagoons appears accomplished in the V century A.D., as documented in 1864 by Solino. The salt marsh along with the two adjacent lakes, formed a complex ecosystem able to support local hunting and fishing. At the same time, swordfish fishing in the Straits of Messina became a fashionable leisure for the Elders of the city and their famous guests. 3 - A series of channels linking the lakes to each other and to the neighbouring sea can be found at the beginning of XIX century A.D., during the British occupation; they were focused to protect the Bourbons from possible invasions of Sicily made by the French. A marshland between the two lakes was claimed due to the achievement of military fortresses built along the coast from Messina to Capo Peloro. During the same period, the Bourbons gave permission to clean up the area to create a fishing reserve in the Ganzirri lake. 4 - Gradually, in the second half of the XIX century, the drained marshy area was used as farmland. In the two lakes, the harvesting of clams from spontaneous became shellfish farming. The rearing process involved the tampering of the lake bottom to create the mounds in which to enter the clams for their growth. In addition to local species, the introduction of allochthonous species (oysters, mussels ...) is mentioned in some documents of the late XIX century. 5 - The intensification of shellfish farming has led to significant influences also on autotrophic biomass. Legal disputes also arose as to the rights of property resulting from the division into parcels granted to individual owners. The violent impairment of the territory has developed over the last 50 years through the intense urbanization extended to all the area of Capo Peloro.

Airborne pollen records and status of the anemophilous flora in arid areas of the Iberian Peninsula

This paper reports on the relationship between the airborne pollen spectrum and the status of anemophilous flora in the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. Variations in pollen counts with respect to data for a previous sampling period were also examined. The key finding was that the spectrum contained pollen from the most characteristic local species, such as xerophytes adapted to arid conditions, ruderal and nitrophilous species, sclerophyllous Mediterranean pine and holm-oak forest and vegetation in dry watercourses. The main variations with respect to earlier data were attributable to changes in land use, with increasing production of certain crops and a growing trend towards ecological agriculture, the introduction of allochthonous species and the recovery of local flora in dry watercourses.

From the Tropics to the Adriatic: Coolia monotis Meunier, Ostreopsis lenticularis Fukuyo and Prorocentrum mexicanum Tafall, toxic algae in sea water and marine organisms along the coast of the province of Bari

Biogeographia vol. XXV - 2004 (Printed December, 30 'q 2004) Marine Biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity From the Tropics to the Adriatic: C00lid monotis Meunier, Ostreopsis lenticularis F ukuyo and Prorocentrum mexicimum Tafall, toxic algae in sea water and marine organisms along the coast of the province of Bari ERMENEGILDA RlZZI*, NICOLA CASAVOLA*, ANTONELLA PERlLLO**, ANTONIO TRONCONE**, MARINA CABRINl*** *Serz2izio Itrico Ambientizle, Proz/inciiz iii Bari, Viiz Ammiiola 189/6, 70126 Bari (Italy); e—mizil: n. cizsmzola @pro12incia. biz. it ** Dipizrztimento iii Srmitzi e Bmersere ilegli Animzzli, Sezione di Amztomiiz Piztologica iii Bari (Italy); ***Lizbomtorz'o iii Biologic: Marina iii Trieste (Italy) Key words: Coolia monotir, Ortreoprir lenriculizrir, Prorocmtmm mexitrznum, Toxic algae, South—\¥/estern Adriatic Sea. SUMMARY Towards the end ofsummcr 2001 and again in September 2002. a sudden death ofsen organisms occurred along the coast from Mnlfctm to Polignano (southern Adriatic). At the same time many bathcrs. after swimming in the sea or quite simply sunbathing on the beach of the same coastal tract. showed respiratory problems, high body tclnpuraturc and skin disorders. In order to discover the muse ofthcsc phcnotnena. samples olqscawatcr and dead sea organisms were taken. An analysis of phytoplankton revealed the presence ofthrec toxic dinoflagellzttes: I’mrurmIrum mrximmrm Tnfall. never found before in the Mediterranean, Ortreoprir lmticu/arir Fukuyo, never found before in Italian waters and Cooliiz monorir Meunier, found for the first time in the southern Adriatic. Anatomic and histopathologicalexaminations performed on cuttleflsh and white bream revealed disturbances of the cardiac, respiratory, muscular and digestive apparatus. The toxic algae found in water samples appeared to have been the cause not only of the symptoms found in bathers, but also of the deadly inflammatory process noted in the sea organisms examined. INTRODUCTION The increase in anthropic activity due to fish farming, sea transport and tourism, has put coastal seawaters at risk of increasing pollution, eutrophycation and introduction of allochthonous species. There has been an increase in episodes of microalgae blooming, with a particular increase in the presence of harmful species, a process known as HABs (Harmful Algal Blooms). From the end of August to the beginning of September 2001, and September 2002 a sudden death of sea organisms was noted along the coastal tract that

Secondary range and ecophysiological characteristics of Amorpha fruticosa L. in Serbia

The introduction of allochthonous species enriches the trees and shrubs of the country and leads to the phenomenon of the secondary range of cultivated species, which differs very much from species to species. The amorpha (Amorpha fruticosa L) range characteristics are presented, the species which has a very expressed tendency of subspontaneous spreading in Serbia. The inventory was performed by the stationary and marshroute investigations of the species coenosis.