Island Of Majorca Research Articles

Narrow endemics to Mediterranean islands: Moderate genetic diversity but narrow climatic niche of the ancient, critically endangered Naufraga (Apiaceae)

a b s t r a c t Narrow endemics constitute the cornerstone of Mediterranean plant diversity. Naufraga balearica (Api- aceae) is a critically endangered, extremely narrow endemic plant from the western Mediterranean island of Majorca. Because the species belongs to a monotypic genus, N. balearica was hypothesized to be a palaeoendemism. Here we conducted phylogenetic dating, population genetic and climatic niche analy- ses in order to understand the evolutionary history and conservation perspectives of this flagship species. Phylogenetic dating analysis of nuclear and plastid DNA sequences revealed a late Miocene to early Pliocene divergence between Naufraga and its sister genus Apium, supporting the palaeoendemic sta- tus of the former. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and plastid DNA sequences of the five Naufraga populations revealed moderate genetic diversity. This diversity is in line with that of other palaeoendemisms from western Mediterranean islands, as revealed by a comparison with 22 other narrow endemic species from this region. Despite the fact that all Naufraga populations are located at a maximum distance of 10 km in a straight line, a strikingly strong population differentiation was found for AFLP markers, which is explained by long-term isolation likely related to short-range pollination and dispersal strategies of the species. While the species is not genetically impoverished, species distribu- tion modelling and microclimatic monitoring revealed that narrow ecological requirements underlie the current extreme rarity of Naufraga and may jeopardize its long-term survival. Our results indicate that a multidisciplinary approach provides powerful tools to develop conservation strategies for evolutionarily singular lineages.

Vicariant versus dispersal processes in the settlement of <italic>Pseudamnicola</italic> (Caenogastropoda, Hydrobiidae) in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands

The genus Pseudamnicola comprises a group of tiny springsnails inhabiting several continental and insular regions of the Mediterranean basin. Given the limited dispersal capabilities of these animals, it is difficult to explain the wide distribution range of the genus and, more specifically, its presence in isolated habitats, such as on islands. Thus, to investigate the process(es) that may explain these distribution patterns, we morphologically re-described and genetically analysed the six Pseudamnicola (Pseudamnicola) species occurring in the Iberian Peninsula and the nearby Balearic Islands. Genetic relationships were explored by sequencing two mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear (28S rRNA) gene in 19 populations. Our morphological study confirmed the presence of previously described species, whereas our phylogenetic results revealed three lineages within the subgenus: one clade grouping the species from Minorca Island with an Iberian Peninsula species, a second clade grouping the three species from Majorca Island, and a third clade that consists of a single species, which occurs in both the Iberian Peninsula and Ibiza Island. Calculated speciation times show that the cladogenetic events involving the insular species seem to have occurred after the current conformation of the Balearic Islands (c. 20 Mya). Therefore, the speciation process may have been related to subsequent transmarine colonizations, probably during the Messinian Salinity Crisis, and the Pleistocene glaciations when landmass corridors connected the islands with the continent. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London

Vicariant versus dispersal processes in the settlement ofPseudamnicola(Caenogastropoda, Hydrobiidae) in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands

The genus Pseudamnicola comprises a group of tiny springsnails inhabiting several continental and insular regions of the Mediterranean basin. Given the limited dispersal capabilities of these animals, it is difficult to explain the wide distribution range of the genus and, more specifically, its presence in isolated habitats, such as on islands. Thus, to investigate the process(es) that may explain these distribution patterns, we morphologically re-described and genetically analysed the six Pseudamnicola (Pseudamnicola) species occurring in the Iberian Peninsula and the nearby Balearic Islands. Genetic relationships were explored by sequencing two mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear (28S rRNA) gene in 19 populations. Our morphological study confirmed the presence of previously described species, whereas our phylogenetic results revealed three lineages within the subgenus: one clade grouping the species from Minorca Island with an Iberian Peninsula species, a second clade grouping the three species from Majorca Island, and a third clade that consists of a single species, which occurs in both the Iberian Peninsula and Ibiza Island. Calculated speciation times show that the cladogenetic events involving the insular species seem to have occurred after the current conformation of the Balearic Islands (c. 20 Mya). Therefore, the speciation process may have been related to subsequent transmarine colonizations, probably during the Messinian Salinity Crisis, and the Pleistocene glaciations when landmass corridors connected the islands with the continent. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London

Changes in nutrient pools, microbial biomass and microbial activity in soils after transit through the gut of three endogeic earthworm species of the genus Postandrilus Qui and Bouché, 1998

Purpose Endogeic earthworms play a significant role in biogeochemical cycles due to the large amount of soil they ingest, and because after transit through their guts, casts usually show differences in nutrient contents and microbial populations with bulk soil. Here, we studied how three endogeic earthworm species, Postandrilus majorcanus, Postandrilus sapkarevi and Postandrilus palmensis, inhabiting soils in Majorca island (Balearic Islands, W Mediterranean), modify nutrient pools and microbial communities of soil.

Tsunami Resonance in Palma Bay and Harbor, Majorca Island, as Induced by the 2003 Western Mediterranean Earthquake

AbstractThe tsunami induced by the May 21, 2003, Algerian Boumerdes-Zemmouri earthquake (moment magnitude Mw = 6.9) propagated across the western Mediterranean Basin, thereby causing material damages in some harbors and coastal areas. This was the case in the Balearic Islands and particularly the Palma harbor. Attempts to simulate the 2003 tsunami event found discrepancies between tsunami arrival times and wave amplitude when comparing tide gauge records with results from numerical models. To date, all published model results of the amplitude of the tsunami are underestimations, attributed to numerical limitations due to the lack of high-resolution bathymetry and poor definition of harbor geometry. Other views suggest the inappropriateness of the available seismic source parameterizations and the possible occurrence of submarine landsliding triggered by the earthquake that has not been included in the numerical simulations. In this article we present the results of a numerical study aimed at better unders...

Landslide Activity Maps Generation by Means of Persistent Scatterer Interferometry

In this paper a methodology is proposed to elaborate landslide activity maps through the use of PS (Persistent Scatterer) data. This is illustrated through the case study of Tramuntana Range in the island of Majorca (Spain), where ALOS (Advanced Land Observing Satellite) images have been processed through a Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) technique during the period of 2007–2010. The landslide activity map provides, for every monitored landslide, an assessment of the PS visibility according to the relief, land use, and satellite acquisition parameters. Landslide displacement measurements are projected along the steepest slope, in order to compare landslide velocities with different slope orientations. Additionally, a ground motion activity map is also generated, based on active PS clusters not included within any known landslide phenomenon, but even moving, potentially referred to unmapped landslides or triggered by other kinds of geomorphological processes. In the Tramuntana range, 42 landslides were identified as active, four as being potential to produce moderate damage, intersecting the road Ma-10, which represents the most important road of the island and, thus, the main element at risk. In order to attest the reliability of measured displacements to represent landslide dynamics, a confidence degree evaluation is proposed. In this test site, seven landslides exhibit a high confidence degree, medium for 93 of them, and low for 51. A low confidence degree was also attributed to 615 detected active clusters with a potential to cause moderate damage, as their mechanism of the triggering cause is unknown. From this total amount, 18 of them intersect the Ma-10, representing further potentially hazardous areas. The outcomes of this work reveal the usefulness of landslide activity maps for environmental planning activities, being exportable to other radar data and different geomorphological settings.

Incidence of pediatric invasive pneumococcal disease in the Island of Majorca (2008-2010), an area with non-universal vaccination, and estimations of serotype & children population coverage by available conjugate vaccines

BackgroundThe World Health Organization reported in 2007 that inclusion of PCV7 in national immunization programs should be seen as a priority, also encouraging countries to conduct appropriate surveillances for monitoring the impact of vaccination. These analyses should be conducted in specific geographical areas and should be aimed to evolution of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), by age groups, clinical presentation, and vaccine serotypes (and non-vaccine serotypes to detect possible replacement). This study aimed to monitor the evolution of IPD incidence in children <15 years requiring hospitalization in the Island of Majorca.MethodsA prospective clinical surveillance of all culture and/or PCR-confirmed IPD in children <15 years was performed in all hospitals in the Island of Majorca (approximately 900,000 inhabitants) from January 2008 to December 2010. Incidence rate (IR) was calculated as cases/100000 inhabitants using children population data.Results66 IPDs were identified: 39 (59.1%) parapneumonic pneumococcal empyema (PPE), 16 (24.2%) bacteremic pneumonia (BP), 7 (10.6%) primary bacteremia, 3 (4.5%) meningitis, and 1 (1.5%) osteomyelitis. IRs in the three-year study period were: 64.22 for children 12- < 24 months, 37.21 for those 24-59 months, 22.62 for those <12 months, and 3.98 for children >59 months. By study year, IRs were 21.25 in 2008, 19.89 in 2009 and 9.80 in 2010. The reduction found in 2010 was significant and due to significant reductions in IRs of IPDs caused by serotypes included in PCV10 and PCV13. Overall, estimated serotype coverage by conjugate vaccines was 12.1% for PCV7, 37.9% for PCV10 and 65.2% for PCV13. Of the 66 hospitalized children with IPD, 20 had received at least one dose of PCV7 (13 cases with identified serotype). None of these 13 cases was caused by PCV7 serotypes, all were caused by PCV13 serotypes and only 53.8% by PCV10 serotypes.ConclusionsThe results of the present study evidence the importance of expanding the number of serotypes covered by PCV, and the added value of PCV13 with respect to PCV10 and PCV7, even in an area of low prevalence of 19A as the Island of Majorca.

Demographic variation and conservation of the narrow endemic plant Ranunculus weyleri

Ranunculus weyleri is a narrow endemic protected plant from Majorca Island. It is known from only five populations located in two mountain areas 48 km apart. Using demographic data collected from 2007 to 2010, we assessed the demographic status of two populations – font des Coloms (FC) and talaia Moreia (TM) – using Integral Projection Models (IPMs). We showed that none of the two populations were declining under a deterministic model. Population FC was stable (λ = 1.026, CI95% = 0.965–1.093), while population TM showed sign of demographic expansion (λ = 1.113, CI95% = 1.032–1.219). Plant survival, flowering probability and the mean number of seedlings per floral peduncle were lower in TM, whereas growth and the number of floral peduncles per reproductive plant were lower in FC. Elasticity analyses showed that management strategies increasing plant survival and growth would be the most efficient to increase λ for both populations. Herbivory pressure by goats has been shown to be high in TM, resulting in high predation rate on floral peduncles. Controlling goat pressure may thus represent a promising management option, provided that we can demonstrate a negative impact of herbivory by goats on survival and growth which are the most critical parts of the life cycle in this species. Meanwhile, initiating a long-term monitoring is of crucial importance to get more insights into the relationships between environmental variation, plant performance and population dynamics.

Titanium determination by multisyringe flow injection analysis system and a liquid waveguide capillary cell in solid and liquid environmental samples

A multisyringe flow injection analysis system using a liquid waveguide capillary cell (MSFIA-LWCC) has been used for the spectrophotometric determination of titanium (Ti) in marine environmental samples. Samples were previous digested using potassium peroxodisulfate (K2S2O8). The method showed to be linear over a range up to 1μM with a detection limit of 9.2nM. The analysis consumes little reagent (250μL) and sample (600μL). It had an adequate accuracy with high repeatability (RSD of 1.8%) for all marine samples. The proposed method was used to evaluate the concentration of Ti in natural samples collected in the coastal area of the Majorca Island (Western Mediterranean Sea). We report average concentrations of Ti in coastal surface microlayer of 510.7±267.2nM, in surface sediments of 2.72±1.84μmol/g, and in rhizomes and leaves of Posidonia oceanica of 310±295nmol/g and 157±132nmol/g, respectively.

Epilithic diatoms of springs and spring-fed streams in Majorca Island (Spain) with the description of a new diatom species Cymbopleura margalefii sp. nov.

The Island of Majorca (Spain) is characterized by a Mediterranean climate and a karstic geology that favors the formation of numerous springs and spring-fed streams on the island's Northwester zone. Water and epilithic diatom samples were collected from two springs and four spring-fed streams, located at altitudes ranging from 0 to 756 m a.s.l., in different seasons between 2005 and 2008. Water chemistry in these systems is characterized by high concentrations of dissolved calcium and pH values ranging from 6.6 to 8.4. A total of 111 diatom taxa belonging to 40 genera were found and the most abundant taxa were illustrated with LM and SEM. The diatom communities of the studied sites were dominated by species such as Achnanthidium minutissimum, A. pyrenaicum, Amphora pediculus, Cymbella vulgata, Diploneis separanda, Encyonopsis minuta, Gomphonema lateripunctatum and Navicula cryptotenella, reflecting the calcareous geological nature of Majorca Island. In the framework of the study 22 diatom taxa, which are new for Balearic Islands were recorded, such as Achnanthidium straubianum, Amphora indistincta, Cymbella lange-bertalotii, Encyonopsis subminuta, Karayevia kolbei, Navicula aff. margalithii, N. reichardtiana and N. subalpina. In addition, a new freshwater diatom species belonging to the genus Cymbopleura, C. margalefii was found in the Torrente of Dei&agrave;. Cymbopleura margalefii is described as a new species based on LM and SEM observations, and compared with similar taxa. A checklist of the 309 diatom taxa recorded so far from the Balearic Islands is also presented.

Sunscreen Products as Emerging Pollutants to Coastal Waters

A growing awareness of the risks associated with skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation over the past decades has led to increased use of sunscreen cosmetic products leading the introduction of new chemical compounds in the marine environment. Although coastal tourism and recreation are the largest and most rapidly growing activities in the world, the evaluation of sunscreen as source of chemicals to the coastal marine system has not been addressed. Concentrations of chemical UV filters included in the formulation of sunscreens, such as benzophehone 3 (BZ-3), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), TiO2 and ZnO, are detected in nearshore waters with variable concentrations along the day and mainly concentrated in the surface microlayer (i.e. 53.6–577.5 ng L-1 BZ-3; 51.4–113.4 ng L-1 4-MBC; 6.9–37.6 µg L-1 Ti; 1.0–3.3 µg L-1 Zn). The presence of these compounds in seawater suggests relevant effects on phytoplankton. Indeed, we provide evidences of the negative effect of sunblocks on the growth of the commonly found marine diatom Chaetoceros gracilis (mean EC50 = 125±71 mg L-1). Dissolution of sunscreens in seawater also releases inorganic nutrients (N, P and Si forms) that can fuel algal growth. In particular, PO4 3− is released by these products in notable amounts (up to 17 µmol PO4 3− g−1). We conservatively estimate an increase of up to 100% background PO4 3− concentrations (0.12 µmol L-1 over a background level of 0.06 µmol L-1) in nearshore waters during low water renewal conditions in a populated beach in Majorca island. Our results show that sunscreen products are a significant source of organic and inorganic chemicals that reach the sea with potential ecological consequences on the coastal marine ecosystem.

Isolation and characterisation of novel microsatellite loci in the transparent goby Aphia minuta (Perciformes, Gobiidae)

Fifteen microsatellite loci were isolated and characterised for the transparent goby (Aphia minuta). These loci were tested on a total of 45 individuals from two geographically distant locations (Ancona and Majorca Island). The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 34, with expected (He) and observed (Ho) heterozygosities per locus ranging from 0.048 to 0.978 and from 0.048 to 0.958, respectively.

Quality of life of menopausal women in the island of Majorca: a population based study

Objectives: To explore demographic and epidemiological characteristics surrounding menopause among women of Majorca, estimate their health related quality of life (QOL), and ascertain wheather they differ from those of the mainland population of menopausal women.Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with a sample of 428 women. The Cervantes questionnaire for measuring QOL during menopause was used.Results: Among women in Majorca, the mean QOL is better than the national mean of the Spain reference population. It declines with age and levels off at menopause. In menopausal women, QOL improves slightly in tandem with educational level. 29% of menopausal women were on some form of therapy, most commonly a mix of estrogens and gestagens (36%). Only a weak association was detected between being menopausal and QOL.Conclusion: The Cervantes questionnaire allows periodic study sample cut-offs to determine whether changes in sociodemographic and disease-related variables are also accompanied by changes in self-perceived QOL. It is much better in menopausal women in Majorca than in those in the Spanish mainland.

Boat anchoring impacts coastal populations of the pen shell, the largest bivalve in the Mediterranean

The decline of important coastal habitats, like seagrass meadows, is likely to influence populations of associated species, like the noble pen shell, Pinna nobilis. Here we used a Bayesian formulation of individual covariate models to derive a reliable estimate of populations of P. nobilis in shallow, and thus usually most impacted, areas around the island of Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. At six evaluated sites we find quite distinct densities ranging from 1.4 to 10.0 individuals/100m2. These differences in density could not be explained by habitat factors like shoot density and meadow cover, nor did dislodgement by storms (evaluated by maximum wind speeds at the sites) seem to play an important role. However, noble pen shell density was related to anchoring as at sites where anchoring was not permitted the average density was 7.9 individuals/100m2 while in sites where ships anchored the density was on average 1.7 individuals/100m2. As for the conservation of Posidonia oceanica meadows, for the associated population of P. nobilis it would be of utmost importance to reduce anchoring pressure as a conservation measure for these endangered and protected bivalves.

Small-scale fishery in the Balearic Islands (W Mediterranean): A socio-economic approach

Small-scale fisheries in Europe face an uncertain situation from different pressures that undermine its social and economic viability in the near future. We investigate the issue of sustainability and options for future development of small-scale fisheries by means of a case study in Majorca (Balearic Islands; W Mediterranean). We analysed the socio-economic status of this small-scale fishery by means of economic indicators derived from data obtained through questionnaires. Our results show that the economic profitability of this activity is low and that, under the current economic situation small-scale, fishing has limited attractiveness, a situation similar to other Mediterranean small-scale fisheries. However, as a producer of high-quality fresh fish fetching comparatively high prices, small-scale fishing should have a viable future if the factors identified as responsible for the low economic viability could be redressed (such as excessive fishing pressure on the resource because it is shared with other commercial or recreational fishers; inadequate pricing system). Reducing the conflicts with other users of the coastal zone, by appropriate spatial zonation (combined with the already existing network of MPAs), is a measure that receives a favourable opinion from professional fishers, while diversifying the activity by combining professional fishing with tourism-fishing is less attractive to professional fishers in the Majorca Island. This model of development is both acceptable to the stakeholders involved in the fishery and in line with current European policies (Marine Strategy Framework directive) which favour forms of spatial planning as fisheries management measures.

The ‘paradigm of extremes’: extremely low genetic diversity in an extremely narrow endemic species, Coristospermum huteri (Umbelliferae)

Low levels of genetic diversity in endemic species are generally attributable to the small size of their populations. This lack of genetic variability will, predictably, be more evident in those species that occur in only one or a very few localities with a total population consisting of a few dozen individuals, or sometimes fewer (i.e. ‘extremely narrow endemics’, ENEs). We used allozyme electrophoresis to survey the genetic variability of Coristospermum huteri, an endemic species from the island of Majorca (Balearic Islands, W. Mediterranean Basin) with a single natural population of about 100 individuals. As expected, allozyme variability was virtually nil for this species (P = 8.3 %, A = 1.08, H e = 0.022), which seems to be a general rule for ENEs (mean H e = 0.057). A founder effect associated with a dispersal event from the continent is probably behind the lack of genetic diversity in this highly threatened species. Preservation of the mountain summit where the plant is found (Puig Major) is essential for the survival of C. huteri, and would also guarantee the conservation of other ENEs and rare and threatened species.

Roberto Montenegro y los artistas americanos en Mallorca (1914-1919)

El presente estudio tiene por objetivo ampliar el conocimiento de uno de los momentos artísticos más peculiares del arte latinoamericano de comienzos del siglo XX. Tomando como referencia central la trayectoria de Roberto Montenegro, sobre cuya obra se aportan nuevos indicios, se aspira a mostrar el entorno de influencias y relaciones en el cual se movió durante sus años europeos, en especial el periodo en que residió en la isla de Mallorca. Se hace hincapié, asimismo, en la obra de otros artistas americanos que, al igual que el tapatío, se formaron junto al catalán Hermen Anglada Camarasa en París y que poco antes del estallido de la guerra del 14 se trasladaron a las Baleares. El paisaje mallorquín, y especialmente los tipos costumbristas, se constituyen para ellos en fuentes de inspiración, destacando entre las últimas la imagen de la mujer que será objeto de representación no solamente en la pintura sino también en las ilustraciones realizadas, sobre todo por Montenegro y el argentino Gregorio López Naguil, para libros y revistas. Otro eje de análisis es el espíritu americanista que cultivaron estos artistas, aun lejos de sus respectivas naciones, y que, a su regreso, se afianzaría como una de sus líneas ideológicas y artísticas.

The beginnings of tourism in Majorca. 1837-1914

The island of Majorca is one of the world’s major tourism destinations today, and the headquarters of some of the leading tourism companies. The origins of the industry on the island date back more than a century. More than sixty years of experimentation was needed before a modern tourism business came into being, but when it did so, in 1903, it soon established itself as a major force thanks to the prior existence of an advanced, market-oriented economic environment which proved ideal for its expansion. The Majorcan entrepreneurs adapted quickly to the new kinds of tourism that emerged in the early years of the twentieth century.

Geochemical evidence for sediment provenance in mudstones and fossil‐poor wackestones (Upper Jurassic, Majorca Island)

Terra Nova, 24, 437–445, 2012AbstractThe notion that diagenetic imprint on ancient carbonates significantly compromises palaeoenvironmental interpretations is revealed as an oversimplification. The enigmatic case at the core of this research is an extended, homogeneous, macrofossil‐poor deposit showing distinctive dark brown colour and very fine grain size (Aumedrá Fm., Majorca Island). This markedly contrasts with standard ammonitico rosso (AR) facies known from Jurassic epioceanic swells. Geochemical analysis of matrix micrite, carbonate cements and belemnite rostra are used to interpret the Aumedrá carbonates. Stable (Carbon and Oxygen) isotopes and elemental abundance are compared with data from under‐ and overlying deposits, and coeval sections. Conspicuously higher than expected C and O isotope signature, together with strontium enrichment and a typically low iron and manganese concentrations favour a distant, shallower, probably aragonitic sedimentary supply. Modern and ancient examples of carbonate deposition are integrated with possible hydrodynamic conditions justifying transport over the studied area. A potential NE source is envisagedTerra Nova, 00, 1–9, 2012

Lesiones y muerte por balconing en Baleares

IntroductionBalconing is a relatively recent phenomenon in Balearic Islands (Spain), featuring typically young people in tourist resorts, who jump from balcony to balcony or from the balcony to the swimming pool, under the influence of alcohol or drugs of abuse. This article aims to describe the cases of death or injury attributed to balconing. Material and methodsDescriptive and retrospective study of fatalities and injuries as a result of falls which were presented as balconing events by the media during the year 2010 in the island of Majorca. Information sources: autopsies from the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Balearic Islands and police reports from the Guardia Civil. ResultsEleven cases were identified: 5 were deaths and 6 were survivors. Most of the cases were men (8 cases), aged 30 years or less (8 cases), and foreigners (10 cases). The manner of death or injury was accident for 8 cases, of which only 1 had balconing characteristics, suicide for 2 cases, and undetermined for 1 case. ConclusionsIn spite of the media impact of balconing, the falls in tourist resorts do not always fit its definition. As with other non-intentional injuries, clinical forensic medicine or forensic pathology are a valuable source of information.