Margalef Diversity Index Research Articles

Analysis of the structure of phytoplankton communities in the ecological monitoring of Lake Zaozernoe (Russia)

In this work, the taxonomic composition, biodiversity, abundance, biomass, ecological features of planktonic algae and water quality in Lake Zaozernoye of the Pskov Region were studied a year after the territory was recognized as a natural monument. A twofold increase in the species richness of plankton was revealed, a two-fold decrease in representatives of the Euglenozoa phylum and a 40% decrease in representatives of Cyanobacteria. 145 phytoplankton taxa ranked below the genus from 8 phylums have been identified: Bacillariophyta (50 species taxa), Chlorophyta (36), Ochrophyta (18), Cyanobacteria (12), Euglenozoa (12), Miozoa (8), Cryptophyta (5) and Charophyta (4). The biomass was dominated by diatoms and cryptophytic algae. Toxic cyanobacteria species Aphanocapsa delicatissima and Aphanothece sp. have been identified among the dominant species in terms of numbers. 2 rare species of algae have been identified for reservoirs in the Northwestern region – Anabaena sphaerica Bornet Flahault (Cyanobacteria) and Phacus monilatus (A. Stokes) Lemmerman (Euglenozoa). The analysis of species diversity using the Sierensen–Chekanovsky, Shannon, Simpson, and Margalef diversity indices revealed changes in the structure of the plankton community in different areas of the lake. The species composition of Zaozernoye is compared with the lakes closest to it.

Benthic Foraminifera as Proxies of Paleoenvironmental Changes in the Sant’Elia-Foxi Canyon (Gulf of Cagliari, Italy, Western Tyrrhenian Sea)

Marine coastal areas are highly dynamic and fragile environments characterised by a complex interplay of biological, physical, and chemical factors. These areas are also affected by anthropogenic activities with the discharge of organic and inorganic contaminants that alters the quality of the environment. In this work, the effects of anthropogenic activities (i.e., urban and industrial development) on benthic foraminifera have been investigated along the A2TM core collected from the Sant’Elia-Foxi Canyon (Gulf of Cagliari, Sardinia—western Tyrrhenian Sea). The Gulf of Cagliari has experienced intense urbanisation since the beginning of the twentieth century with the establishment of petrochemical complexes and harbour activities. The A2TM core, dating from 1907 to 2013, was analysed with an integrated approach that includes grain size, organic matter, and benthic foraminifera characterisation compared with geochemical characterisation. The variations in the composition of the benthic foraminiferal assemblages and the Margalef diversity index are related to the altered environmental conditions that reflect the historical development of the area and to the land-based activities surrounding the Gulf of Cagliari. The statistical analysis identifies two main intervals (i.e., the years 1907–1986 and 1986–2013) that are typified by different benthic foraminiferal assemblages and diversity values. Accordingly, the increases in organic matter content and both organic and inorganic contaminants are well mirrored by a major drop in foraminiferal diversity after 1973 and a major foraminiferal turnover after 1989. The composition of the benthic foraminiferal assemblages in the uppermost part of the core (i.e., 1989–2013) might suggest a lowering of the oxygen availability at the seafloor. These changes might be related to the increase in organic matter and the silty fraction in the same interval likely triggered by damming on land and wetland reclamation.

Türkiye’nin Sınıraşan Akarsularından Kura-Aras Nehir Havzaları Su Kalitesinin Bazı Biyotik İndekslere Göre Değerlendirilmesi

This study aimed in the Kura-Aras river basin, which is the transbourdary system of Türkiye, to determine water quality by using some physicochemical parameters and macroinvertebrates. In the spring and autumn periods, benthic macroinvertebrates were collected by standard D-Frame Net and Ekman grab from stations. A total of 30 stations were selected along the basin. In this study, following BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working(Biological Monitoring Working Party), ASPT (Average Score Per Taxon), Simpson Diversity Index, Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index, Margalef Diversity Index. It was determined that the most dominant group was Insecta and the rarest group was Oligochaeta in the Kura- Aras River basin. As a result of the evaluation of the selected stations in the basin in terms of physicochemical parameters, it was determined that they showed 2nd and 3rd class water characteristics in terms of PO4-P and NH4–N. According to BMWP and ASPT biotic indexes, it has been determined that it has 3rd and 4th class properties.

The Application of the Generalized Additive Model to Represent Macrobenthos near Xiaoqing Estuary, Laizhou Bay.

Macrobenthos is widely used as an indicator of ecological health in marine monitoring and assessment. The present study aimed to characterize the interrelationships between the distribution of the macrobenthos community and environmental factors near Xiaoqing Estuary, Laizhou Bay. Responses of species richness to environmental factors were studied using the generalized additive model (GAM) and the Margalef diversity index (dM) as indicators of species diversity instead of individual indicator species. Six factors were selected in the optimal model by stepwise regression: sediment factors (organic matter, phosphate, nitrate nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen) and water factors (salinity, and ammonium nitrogen). The response curves generated by the GAM showed a unimodal relationship among taxa diversity, salinity in water, and sediment organic matter. dM was positively correlated with ammonium nitrogen in water and was negatively correlated with phosphate in the sediment. The model optimized by forward stepwise optimization explained 92.6% of the Margalef diversity index with a small residual (2.67). The model showed good performance, with the measured dM strongly correlated with the predicted dM (Pearson R2 = 0.845, p < 0.05). The current study examined the combined influence of multiple eco-factors on macrobenthos, and the Margalef diversity index of macrobenthos was predicted by the GAM model in a salinity-stressed estuary.

Ecological habitat quality assessment of a highly urbanized estuary using macroinvertebrate community diversity and structure

Urban estuaries are subject to a variety of ecological crises caused by humans as a result of rising shore-based human activities. In this study, environmental variables, community composition, structure and diversity indices of benthic macroinvertebrate were studied to assess the ecological health status of an urbanized estuary, Karnaphuli river estuary. The results revealed that dissolved oxygen (DO) was very low, and organic matter was much higher in the estuary. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences among the environmental variables across the sites. 31 taxa were identified yielding a total of 49167 Ind./m2 with overall mean density (±SD) of 159 (±327) Ind./m2. Annelida (61.8%) were the most abundant taxonomic group followed by Polychaeta (34.88%) and Oligochaeta (26.92%). The high abundance of pollution indicator taxa (Tubificidae, Capitellidae) and low abundance of pollution sensitive taxa (Lumbrinidae, Sabellidae, Maldanidae, Nephtyide) indicated detrimental ecological condition. The values of Shannon-Wiener diversity index (1.95–2.63), Pielou’s evenness index (0.60–0.81) and the Margalef diversity index (1.03–2.12) suggested moderate pollution status with extremely low species richness and low abundance in polluted areas. A PERMANOVA showed significant differences in faunal assemblages (F = 2.189, p < 0.001) among sites. Species abundance and density were higher (p = 0.32) at the upper estuary (where pH and salinity were low) and reduced in the middle and lower portion of the estuary which reflected the gradient of pollution level. Cluster analysis (CA) demarcated three distinct communities in terms of species similarity. SIMPER identified the highest average dissimilarity value (66.66%) across all the stations. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) results suggested benthic macroinvertebrate community was influenced by environmental variables, for instance, salinity, dissolve oxygen, soil and water pH, total dissolved solids, and sediment texture.

Vegetation composition, soil properties, and carbon stock of montane forests along a disturbance in the Garhwal Himalaya, India

The management of forests is essential for the conservation of biodiversity and climate change. Studies on the variation in forest tree diversity and carbon sequestration by the forests along altitudinal gradients are limited for most parts of the Garhwal Himalaya. The present study was carried out in montane forests in a part of district Tehri of the Garhwal Himalaya, India at four different sites between altitudinal ranges of 850 to 2,200 masl (i.e., 850–1,500 masl under sub-tropical region and 1,800–2,200 masl under temperate region) for vegetation, soil, and carbon stock analysis using different parameters including the existing pressure on the sites for fuel, fodder, timber, grazing, and browsing. All the standard methods were used for vegetation and soil analysis. The highest value of tree diversity (H = 0.48) and concentration of dominance (CD = 0.95) was recorded at 850–1,100 masl altitude under sub-tropical forests. The aboveground biomass density (AGBD) and belowground biomass density (BGBD) ranged from 271 to 703.20 and 83.21 to 163.92 Mg ha–1, respectively. The pH value ranged from 5.63 to 6.86 (0–15 cm) and 6.17 to 7.21 (15–30 cm). Similarly, soil organic carbon (SOC) was reported to range from 1.86 to 2.57% and 1.78 to 2.44% at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths, respectively. Available nitrogen (N) under temperate forests was reported to be significantly higher than at other altitudes. Among the studied parameters, a significant positive correlation was reported between the pH of the soil and the Shannon–Wiener and Margalef diversity indices. The study revealed that the sub-tropical region was more diversified in terms of tree species whereas soil properties were reported to be better in the temperate region. Among the species in the study region, Pinus roxburghii, Boswellia serrata, Quercus leucotrichophora, and Cedrus deodara have shown good potential for carbon storage. Thus, based on the dominant and associated species present in the area, forest management activities may be followed for the survival and regeneration of species with the potential of being the next dominant species in the future.

Analysis of Water Quality and Habitat Suitability for Benthic Macro-Invertebrates in the Majiagou Urban River, China

The macro-invertebrate is an important part of the aquatic food web of urban rivers, and it is of great significance in understanding its ecological suitability for the stability of river ecosystems. Previous studies, such as those that have conducted suitability index and canonical correspondence analyses (CCAs), have widely used a macro-invertebrate suitability analysis; however, these studies can only confirm a few coupling relationships between the environment and macro-invertebrates. In our study, one-way ANOVA, HCA, PCA and GAM models were used to explain the differences in the spatial and temporal distribution of environmental factors, as well as to reduce data redundancy. A response curve of the critical environmental factors and macro-invertebrates was constructed, and the nonlinear relationship between these factors and benthic animals was quantified to analyze the ecological threshold of the macro-invertebrates. The study area was the Majiagou River, Harbin, China. The results show that COD had significant seasonal differences due to complex hydrological conditions, and most of the water quality factors had spatial differences. The GAM model explained 60% of the Margalef diversity index (MDI) variance. The relationship between chlorophyll-a and MDI was unimodal, and MDI and NH4+-N essentially showed a negative correlation; when the total nitrogen (TN) value reached 5.8 mg/L, MDI reached its peak. When MDI was higher than the mean value, the chlorophyll-a range was 18.1 μg/L~83 μg/L. The NH4+-N was less than 1.8 mg/L, and TN was 1.8~6.8 mg/L. This study provides a reference for the comprehensive management of urban river ecosystems.

Dampak Konversi Hutan Menjadi Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit Terhadap Keanekaragaman dan Kelimpahan Kupu-kupu Superfamili Papilionoidea

The research was conducted in June to August 2022 in Ubiyau Village, Yanamaa Village and Yuwanain Village, Arso District, Keerom, Papua. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of forest conversion to oil palm plantations on the diversity and abundance of the Superfamily Papilionoidea butterfly. The line transect count method was used for sampling butterflies with a transect length of 1500 m at each study area. Sampling was carried out along a line transect in an imaginary box measuring 10 x 10 x 10 m which was carried out on sunny days from 09.00 am to 14.00 pm. The highest species diversity of the Superfamily Papilionoidea was found in Secondary Forest (HS), namely 70 species consisting of Papilionidae (8 species), Pieridae (5 species), Lycaenidae (21 species) and Nymphalidae (36 species). There were 42 species of butterflies recorded from Non-Productive Oil palm Plantations consisting of Papilionidae (5 species), Pieridae (4 species), Lycaenidae (11 species) and Nymphalidae (22 species). While the lowest number of butterfly species was encountered in Productive Oil Palm Plantations namely 32 species consisting of Papilionidae (5 species), Pieridae (3 species), Lycaenidae (8 species) and Nymphalidae (16 species). These data indicated that conversion of secondary forest to oil palm plantations reduced butterfly species by around 40-53%. The highest Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H') and Margalef Diversity Index (Dmg) values were found in secondary forest (H'=3.4; Dmg =13.7) followed by Non-Productive Oil Palm Plantations (H'=2.5; Dmg=7.2) and Productive Oil Palm Plantations (H=2.0; Dmg=6.1). The highest species similarity was between Secondary Forest and Productive Oil Palm Plantations with Sorensen Index value IS=60%, followed by Non-Productive Oil Palm Plantations and Productive Oil Palm Plantations (IS=51%) and the lowest species similarity index was between Secondary Forests and Non-Productive Oil Palm Plantations (IS = 46%). In Secondary Forest the composition of the number of individuals per species tends to be more evenly distributed compared to oil palm plantations. Forest conversion to Oil Palm Plantations has a negative impact on butterfly species diversity of the Superfamily Papilionoidea. The lost species that were not found in oil palm plantations were forest specialist species with small range sizes and niches as well as specific diets that were only found in forest. Key words: Papilionidae; primary forest; Pieridae; Nymphalidae; Lycaenidae; Keerom.

Macroinvertebrate assemblages along a gradient of physicochemical characteristics in four riverine wetlands, Upper Blue Nile basin, Northwestern Ethiopia

This study aims to examine the physicochemical variables that influence macroinvertebrate assemblages in wetlands of the Fetam River watershed. Macroinvertebrates and water quality samples were collected from 20 sampling stations across four wetlands between February and May 2022. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to elucidate the physicochemical gradients among datasets and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was applied to explore the relationship between taxon assemblages and physicochemical variables. Aquatic insects such as Dytiscidae (Coleoptera), Chironomidae (Diptera), and Coenagrionidae (Odonata) were the most abundant families, and they comprised 20-80% of the macroinvertebrate communities. As demonstrated by cluster analysis, three site groups including slightly disturbed (SD), moderately disturbed (MD), and heavily disturbed (HD) sites were identified. PCA showed a clear separation of slightly disturbed sites from moderately and highly impacted sites. Differences in physicochemical variables, taxon richness and abundance, and Margalef diversity indices were observed along the SD to HD gradient. Phosphate concentration was an important predictor that influenced richness and diversity. The extracted two CCA axes of physicochemical variables accounted for 44% of the variability in macroinvertebrate assemblages. Nutrient concentration (nitrate, phosphate, and total phosphorus), conductivity, and turbidity were the main drivers of this variation. This suggested the need for sustainable wetland management intervention at the watershed level, ultimately benefiting invertebrate biodiversity.

Diversidad de mosquitos (Diptera, Culicidae) en áreas de importancia epidemiológica en el Bosque Atlántico del Alto Paraná de Misiones, Argentina

Mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) are a very diverse taxonomic group, which mainly inhabits tropical-subtropical zones, with many species of public health significance considered vectors of different pathogens, such as the yellow fever virus (YFV) (Flavivirus, Flaviviridae). Our aim is to know the diversity of mosquito species in the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest and determine the presence of vector of YFV. The study was carried out in April and November 2021 in three Provincial Parks: Piñalito, Cruce Caballero and Moconá. We used CDC-light traps and net/manual aspirator as collection techniques. Overall, across the three sites we collected 536 female adult mosquitoes and identified 13 genera and 33 species. Considering all study sites, we obtained a high Margalef diversity index (DMG=5.8). Considering all study sites together, the species with the highest relative abundance (RA) were Haemagogus leucocelaenus (Dyar and Shannon) (RA=15.3%, N=37) and Psorophora ferox (von Humboldt) (RA=16.1%, N=39). In relation to species involved in the sylvatic YF cycle, we collected Hg. leucocelaenus (a main vectors) in the three study areas and nine other species considered potential vectors (7 species in Piñalito, 5 in Cruce Caballero and 2 in Moconá). Although all of the species we found have been previously reported in Misiones, none had been documented in the studied areas; so, we expanded the distribution of all of them. We found a high diversity of species reported for Misiones (33 of 194 species), which could be related to the variety of habitats present in this portion of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest. In addition, many of these species are of sanitary importance, which makes these areas of special interest for developing plans to monitor insects and their associated viruses.

The investigation of the zooplankton community in the newly formed Ribb Reservoir, Ethiopia: the tropical highland reservoir

Understanding the composition, diversity, and abundance of the zooplankton community is crucial for better utilization of the Ribb Reservoir, as zooplankton are the second link in the food chain in aquatic systems (they are also excellent bioindicators of aquatic health, given their central food web position) and the reservoir also serves as a source of income for the fishers. Therefore, sampling including some water quality parameters was conducted twice in the four seasons: autumn, summer, spring, and winter, from September 2020 to August 2021, in the first week of September, December, February, March, May, June, and August. Most of the physicochemical parameter values recorded in this study indicated that they were within the range of standards for zooplankton community requirements. Of the 14 species identified, Mesocyclops aequatorialissimilis, Thermodiaptomus galebi, and Brachionus angularis had the first, second, and lowest records, respectively. Species abundance showed a decrease from autumn to winter and then to spring and summer. Species richness (14), abundance (6736), Margalef's diversity index (1.48), Menhinick's diversity index (0.17), Simpson index (0.098), dominance index (0.902), Shannon index (2.47), equality index (0.934), and reciprocal Simpson index (10.2) of the species were calculated in the reservoir. Some of the proposed management measures include reservoir buffering, impact assessment of over-abstraction of water for irrigation, time series of water quality data, and the reservoir water level should be above the conduit.

Bird Diversity and Conservation Threats in the CaoE River Basin (Southeast Coastal China)

Lu, C.; Fu, L.; Wang, J.; Xiong, L.; You, A., and Xu, K., 2023. Bird diversity and conservation threats in the CaoE River basin (southeast coastal China). Journal of Coastal Research, 39(2), 266–274. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Rivers and their adjacent riparian areas provide satisfactory feeding and breeding habitats for birds. As a strong indicator for the environmental health of an ecosystem, bird diversity is introduced in this study to evaluate the environmental status of CaoE River basin located in SE coastal China. Various techniques, such as remote sensing images, photography, and high-resolution video recording, are used to monitor and record the bird communities in CaoE River basin and its three main tributaries during the on-site survey period at nine different sections with 102 transects. The bird-abundance coefficient and Margalef's diversity index are both utilized in this study to show the spatial discrepancies of bird diversity from upstream to downstream of CaoE River. The variation of bird diversity at different sections are analyzed, a higher bird diversity is shown in both the upstream and downstream regions of CaoE River, whereas it is relatively lower in the central regions. Additionally, the road types, vehicle density, and field vegetation components are also accounted for in this study. It is confirmed that the development of human society and the construction of the city of Shaoxing have significant impacts on bird communities and the nearby ecosystem.

Phytoplankton community and driving environmental factors in Lake Dongping after 3 years implementation of the east route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project

为掌握东平湖浮游植物在南水北调东线工程运行后的群落结构变化特征及探究其环境驱动因子，于通水运行3周年后的2017年分4个季节对东平湖的18个样点进行采样调查，同步开展水环境调查.结果显示：共检出浮游植物191种属（包括变种），其中硅藻门、绿藻门、裸藻门、蓝藻门、金藻门、黄藻门、甲藻门和隐藻门分别为64、57、28、22、8、5、4和3种属；优势种属包括蓝藻门的漂浮泽丝藻（Limnothrix planctonica）和色球藻（Chroococcus sp.），绿藻门的小球藻（Chlorella vulgaris）以及硅藻门的小环藻（Cyclotella sp.）、舟形藻（Nauicula sp.）和针杆藻（Synedra sp.）等（优势度Y>0.02）；全年密度和生物量分别为6.74×10⁶ cells/L和5.71 mg/L，并呈现显著季节与空间差异.浮游植物密度季节变化为夏季 > 秋季 > 冬季 > 春季，生物量季节变化为夏季 > 冬季> > 秋季 > 春季；春、夏、秋、冬季物种数分别为71、78、53和125种，Shannon-Wiener多样性指数（H'）均值分别为1.90、1.84、1.76和2.52，Margalef丰富度指数（D）均值为3.07、3.98、2.79和4.75；冗余分析与Pearson相关性分析结果显示，水体综合营养状态指数、高锰酸盐指数、氨氮和水温是影响东平湖浮游植物群落结构的关键驱动因子.对比南水北调东线工程实施之前及通水初期的结果，东平湖浮游植物优势种群无明显变化，密度则较通水初期稍有升高.本研究分析了东平湖浮游植物群落的时空分布特征，发现调水工程可能通过物质带入影响水质，进而引起浮游植物量增加，湖区养殖的退出及增殖放流的实施降低了富营养化风险，但仍存在浮游植物生物量特别是蓝藻生物量升高的风险，建议在调水管理中加强水域生态监测及生境调控技术研究，保障调水水质安全.;In order to investigate the community characteristics of phytoplankton and the determining factors in Lake Dongping after implementation of the east route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project, seasonal samples of phytoplankton and aquatic environment from 18 sampling sites were collected in 2017. A total of 191 taxa of phytoplankton (genera or species) were identified with 64 taxa of Bacillariophyta, 57 taxa of Chlorophyta, 28 taxa of Euglenophyta, 22 taxa of Cyanophyta, 8 taxa of Chrysophyta, 5 taxa of Xanthophyta, 4 taxa of Pyrrophyta and 3 taxa of Cryptophyta. The dominant taxa were Limnothrix planctonica and Chroococcus sp. of Cyanophyta, Chlorella vulgaris of Chlorophyta and Cyclotella sp., Nauicula sp. and Synedra sp. of Bacillariophyta, etc (Y>0.02). The phytoplankton density and biomass were 6.74×10⁶ cells/L and 5.71 mg/L with the seasonal variation of density being summer > autumn > winter > spring and that of biomass being summer > winter > autumn > spring, respectively. About the phytoplankton diversity in four quarters, the number of species was 71, 78, 53 and 125, while the averages of the Shannon-Wiener index were 1.90, 1.84, 1.76 and 2.52 and Margalef diversity index were 3.07, 3.98, 2.79 and 4.75, respectively. Meanwhile, the results of redundancy analysis and Pearson analysis for the relationship between phytoplankton and aquatic environment showed that the factors such as comprehensive nutrition state index, permanganate index, ammonia nitrogen concentration, and water temperature played a key role in affecting the structure and dynamics of the phytoplankton community in Lake Dongping. Compared with before implementation of the east route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project and the initial stage of it, although the density of phytoplankton showed a rise, there was no obvious response in their dominant genera. This study preliminarily verified the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the phytoplankton community in Lake Dongping. Total phytoplankton density was found to have increased with the change of water quality caused by the east route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project. The withdrawal of aquaculture and implementation of fishery enhancement and releasing had reduced the risk of eutrophication, but the proliferation of phytoplankton probably increased the risk of algal-bloom in Lake Dongping. Given the changes of phytoplankton community and water quality after water diversion, it is necessary to strengthen the ecological monitoring and controlling in the management of water quality safety and stability.

Species Diversity and Community Composition of Termites (Isoptera) in Southern Haryana, India

A capturing-identification survey was undertaken to evaluate the termite’sspecies richness and diversity in different study areas (Mahendragarh, Rewari, Nuh, Gurugram, Palwal, and Faridabad) of Southern Haryana, India. A total of 187 samples were collected and identified into 23 species that belong to three families (Termitidae, Rhinotermitidae, Kalotermidae) and four subfamilies viz., Macrotermitinae, Termitinae, Amitermitinae, Coptotermitinae. Species richness varied in respective study areas, i.e., 14, 22, 32, 35. 39 and 45 species were recorded in Faridabad, Rewari, Palwal, Gurugram, Mahendragarh and Nuh respectively. Different diversity indices (Shannon diversity, Simpson diversity, Menhinick diversity, Margalef diversity, Jaccard and Sorensen similarity index) were used to explain diversity of termite fauna. Results reveal that Shannon, Simpson and Margalef Indices were found to be highest in Nuh district and lowest in Faridabad, whereas, Menhinick diversity was highest in Palwal and minimum in Faridabad. However, according to Jaccard and Sorensen similarity Indices, highest species similarity was noticed between Mahendragarh and Rewari showed (0.67, 0.8), while minimum in Faridabad with Gurugram district (0.29, 0.44). Species diversity was also calculated and found to be highest in the month of June, July, August and September in relation to favorable climatic factors as termite required for their survival.

Comparative diversity of Heteroptera (Hemiptera) in fruit orchards

Among phytophagous insects, the Heteroptera (Hemiptera), true bugs, are economically important because of damage crops by sucking plant organs and by transmitting plant pathogens. The diversity and distribution of Heteroptera species associated with fruits were investigated in hazelnut, cherry, and apple orchards in the crop season of Bolu and Düzce provinces from May 2015 to October 2016. The species were collected with a Steiner funnel from three fruit varieties from two provinces and for each area at different vegetation in the western Black Sea Region. The highest number of sucking bug species and the greatest diversity occurred on hazelnut. A total of 48 species belong to 12 families. 16 Miridae, 14 Pentatomidae, 5 Lygaeidae, 3 Ropalidae, 2 Coreidae, 2 Pyrrhocoridae, and 1 Anthocoridae, Cydnidae, Nabidae, Rhyparochromidae, Scutelleridae, and Stenocephalidae species were recorded at the two areas from three fruit varieties. Among them, 27 species were recorded from hazelnut, 22 from cherry, and 19 from apple orchards. Pentatomid family was the most dominant (61%) in both studied areas, with a higher abundance of Miridae (21%) in the number of species. The species Palomena prasina (Linnaeus, 1761) (17%) and Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758) (16%) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) stood out for their abundance relevance during both years. The most economically significant pests were P. prasina, N. viridula, and A. amygdali from the Pentatomidae family, which feed on hazelnut, apple, and cherry, respectively. The values of the Margalef diversity index showed minor differences between fruit varieties: it was highest in cheerier than both other fruit varieties. The Shannon-Weaner diversity index varied between 2.58 and 4.85. The maximum species diversity was recorded in hazelnut, whereas the minimum level was observed in apples.

Seasonal Variation of Zooplankton Communities and the Effects of Environmental Factors in the Seawater Near Taishan Nuclear Power Station

In the seawater near Taishan Nuclear Power Station, Zooplankton community composition and abundance, the biomass of major taxa, vertical distribution pattern, together with several environmental factors were investigated to evaluate the variation tendency as the seasons change. The structure characteristics of the zooplankton community were analyzed by Margalef species richness (d), Shannon-wiener species diversity index (H’), Pielou evenness index(J’), zooplankton dominant (Y), and dominant species replacement rate (R). There are 48 species within 11 classes of zooplankton identified, including 32 species of copepods. Zooplankton species richness changed obviously in the four seasons, Spring saw the highest (8010.00 ind.m-3), followed by winter (5100.00 ind.m-3), autumn (1713.75 ind.m-3), and summer (1196.25 ind.m-3). Similar trends were observed for the wet biomass, which was highest in spring (215.90 mg.m-3), followed by winter (181.70 mg.m-3), summer (78.56 mg.m-3), and autumn (24.69 mg.m-3), which gave an annual average of 125.21 mg.m-3. The results indicate that the abundance and biomass in spring were significantly higher than those in other seasons. Altogether 8 dominant species were identified along the whole year: Acrocalanmus gibber, Bestiolina amoyensis, Paracalanus parvus, Acartia danae, Mesocyclops leuckarti, Noctiluca scientillans, Penilla avirostris, and Lucifer penicilliger. The annual average Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Margalef diversity index, Pielou evenness index were 1.75, 1.83, and 0.74, respectively. The effects of environmental factors on the zooplankton community were studied by R and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). According to Pearson correlation analysis and canonical correspondence analysis, the most important environmental factors influencing the changes of zooplankton species composition, abundance and distribution were water temperature, salinity, and pH in the whole year.

Diversity of Hard Tick Populations and Their Geographical Variations in Northwestern Iran.

Background:Ticks are forced vertebrate ectoparasites, including humans, and are vectors of serious diseases such as Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Relapsing Fever, and various forms of encephalitis. Spatial assessment of the prevalence of ticks and detection of high risk areas for tick-borne disease transmission and evaluation of ecological measures are key aims of this research.Methods:Ticks were collected using standard methods from 27 villages in the region of Sarab County in north-eastern Iran during the four seasons of 2018–2019 and identified using valid keys. The calculations of indices for biodiversity were based on the Margalef index, Shannon-Weiner index and Simpson index. R2.15 Statistical software was used for statistical analysis of indices of biodiversity, and ArcMap10.4.1 software, IDW and GeneralG methods were used. Analysis were used to investigate spatial distribution and to determine important tick hotspots.Results:A total of 2500 animals surveyed, 35% of them were infected. In total, 1416 ticks were caught, 74.6 %, 23.9% and 1.4 % were adult, nymph and larvae respectively. 94% of the ticks were hard ticks including 6 genera. According to the Margalef diversity index, the highest species biodiversity was related to summer (1.4234), and the lowest was related to winter (0.7379),Conclusion:Large hotspot area was found in the central part of the study area. The area of study was very prone to tick-borne disease transmission in terms of tick diversity and tick species richness. Tick-borne disease control is an important measure.

Spatial distribution and diversity inventory of macro-benthic fauna in the Indian Sundarban

In the present study, an attempt was made to document the spatial distribution and diversity inventory of macro-benthic fauna from 21 sampling stations of the Indian Sundarbanfor a period of six months from November 2014 to April 2015. A total of 1,871 individuals belonging to 35 species were recorded which comprised 12 species of molluscs, 20 species of crustaceans, one species each of xiphosurid, sea anemone and fish. The frequency analysis of species revealed that the most dominant species were Telescopium telescopium and Tubuca rosea among molluscs and crustaceans, respectively. The density analysis of the species showed that Pirenella cingulata and T. rosea had maximum values among molluscs and crustaceans, respectively. The average values of Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson diversity index, dominance index and Margalef diversity index were found to be 2.712, 0.888, 0.111 and 4.513, respectively.

Faunistic analysis and seasonal fluctuation of ladybeetles in an agro-ecological system installed for organic vegetable production

Plans for an agro-ecological system for agricultural production must consider vegetal diversification in agricultural properties because, among other advantages, it can help the biological control of pests when it focuses on such an end. Predator ladybeetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) can be found in different environments; they play an important role in biological control. The aims of the present study were to feature ladybeetle populations through faunistic analysis and determine their fluctuations in an agro-ecological system comprising seven sub-systems subjected to different cultivation systems in Seropédica County, RJ. The experiment was conducted from December/2018 to December/2019 at Módulo de Cultivo Orgânico Intensivo de Hortaliças (MCOIH), which is located at Sistema Integrado de Produção Agroecológica (SIPA). In total, 1,231 adult ladybeetles were captured, distributed into 13 species, 3 genera and 2 tribes of Coccinellidae, which resulted in S (taxon richness) = 19, Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) = 0.65 (at 0 to 1 scale) and Margalef diversity index (α) = 2.53 (values lower than 2.0 represent low diversity sites). Equitability was low (E = 0.22), since one of the ladybeetle species has prevailed: Cycloneda sanguinea (most frequent, dominating and constant) in MCOIH, as well as in each of the sub-systems. However, the simplest sub-systems installed for vegetable production (monoculture gardens) were not favorable for ladybeetle diversity, whereas sub-systems installed for polyculture of leafy vegetables recorded the greatest taxa diversity of ladybeetles, including species that predate in aphids that attack vegetables [Coleomegilla maculata, Coleomegilla quadrifasciata, Cycloneda sanguinea, Eriopis connexa, Harmonia axyridis, Hippodamia convergens and Hyperaspis (Hyperaspis) festiva]. The sub-system comprising gliricidia was used to produce fertilization biomass and favored the predominance of C. sanguinea in comparison to the other ladybeetle species in MCOIH. Spring was the season mostly favoring the occurrence of C. sanguinea and H. convergens adults; which were dominant species in ladybeetle assemblage in MCOIH; however, C. sanguinea was constant and H. convergens was accessory.

BIODIVERSITY AND POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF FRUIT FLY (Diptera: Tephritidae) IN DOMESTIC ORCHARDS OF PARAÍBA STATE, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to characterize, through faunistic indices, the populations of fruit flies in the Brejo Paraibano microregion and analyze whether these populations are similar to one another. The study was conducted in eight municipalities located in the Agreste Paraibano mesoregion and Brejo Paraibano microregion, Paraíba state, Brazil, where two rural properties of each municipality were selected, georeferenced and identified according to the diversity criterion of fruit species. Each municipality was assumed to have a population of fruit flies with its own characteristics, determined by the faunistic indices of frequency, constancy, dominance, Shannon-Wiener and Margalef diversity indices, as well as evenness. 3.159 specimens of fruit flies were captured, of which 85.57% belonged to the genus Anastrepha and 14.43% to the genus Ceratitis. 11 species of fruit flies were captured in the traps. Anastrepha fraterculus was the most frequent, dominant and constant species, being present in all locations; followed by A. obliqua, A. sororcula and Ceratitis capitata. The studied municipalities have a similarity of 54%, which indicates a high similarity between the areas. Most species captured in the present study occur at low population frequency.