Regions Of Southwestern Europe Research Articles

Long-read de novo assembly of the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) genome

The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is a popular game bird species that is in decline in several regions of southwestern Europe. The introduction of farm-reared individuals of a distinct genetic make-up in hunting reserves can result in genetic swamping of wild populations. Here we present a de novo genome assembly for the red-legged partridge based on long-read sequencing technology. The assembled genome size is 1.14 Gb, with scaffold N50 of 37.6 Mb and contig N50 of 29.5 Mb. Our genome is highly contiguous and contains 97.06% of complete avian core genes. Overall, the quality of this genome assembly is equivalent to those available for other close relatives such as the Japanese quail or the chicken. This genome assembly will contribute to the understanding of genetic dynamics of wild populations of red-legged partridges with releases of farm-reared reinforcements and to appropriate management decisions of such populations.

An odyssey out of Africa: an integrative review of past and present invasions by the Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis)

AbstractAn illustration of the human footprint on biodiversity are the faunal movements that have accompanied commercial and cultural exchanges between civilizations throughout history. In this article, we provide an integrative review of biogeographical and archaeological knowledge to understand these processes for the Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis), an African species that has reached several regions of south-western Europe and associated islands. By re-analysing molecular (multilocus mitochondrial and genome-wide markers) and bioclimatic (ecological niche modelling) data, we give a comprehensive picture of the genetic diversity, structure and environmental suitability of H. meridionalis across its natural and exotic ranges, which in turn offer specific clues to the putative routes of colonization and associated events. Long-term monitoring efforts suggest northwards shifts of local range margins, potentially due to global warming, and we further demonstrate that this species is the most frequent amphibian to travel via the food supply chain in Western Europe. High dispersal ability, ecological tolerance and proximity to human settlements have made H. meridionalis a recurrent witness to the complexity and diversity of the civilizations that ruled the Western Mediterranean.

Lophyra flexuosa (Fabricius, 1787) (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) in desert countries: morphological variability in geographic aspect as potential beginning of speciation?

Lophyra flexuosa is one of only several eurytopic tiger beetles species known from Palearctic realm. Its geographical distribution shows several populations that are spread from the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, across some regions of south-western Europe and northern Africa to Israel and Syria. The species is characterized by long phenological activity, wide altitudinal distribution, and occurs in the highest number of habitats among all Cicindelidae known from Maghreb region. In the present study the geographical variation in morphology and sexual dimorphism in north African populations of L. flexuosa was studied. In total 52 samples with over 700 specimens were collected including 20 samples in Morocco and 32 in Tunisia. To test the variation in morphometric traits measurements of eight body parameters were taken from all males (383) and females (352) including right mandible length, length of head, width of head, length of pronotum, maximum pronotum width, length of elytra, maximum elytra width, and total body length. We discovered significant sexual dimorphism expressed by larger body size of females and longer mandibles in males, what can be explained by different roles of particular sexes in courtship. Moreover, we recorded significant differences in body sizes between western and eastern Maghreb populations which can suggest genetic isolation between these populations. As the species is related to habitats placed close to water reservoirs, which in the desert countries are under significant human pressure (including climate change), we expect an reduction of habitats occupied by this taxon. Therefore, the geographic morphological variability that we observe today in the tiger beetle Lophyra flexuosa may lead to speciation and creation of separate species in the future.

Experimental Infection of Sand Flies by Massilia Virus and Viral Transmission by Co-Feeding on Sugar Meal.

Background: Massilia virus (MASV) is a phlebovirus isolated from Phlebotomus perniciosus in various regions of southwestern Europe. It is closely related to human pathogens such as Toscana virus and sandfly fever Naples virus. The natural cycle of phleboviruses is poorly understood. Indeed, experimental studies demonstrate that transovarial and sexual transmission are not efficient enough for the maintenance of the virus in nature and to date there is no convincing evidence that a species of vertebrates is the reservoir of the virus. Here, we studied various transmission routes of MASV taking advantage of experimental colonies representing different species of sand flies. Methodology/Principal findings: In P. perniciosus, four sources of infection were compared: (i) Virus-seeded larval food to the first instar larvae (L1), or (ii) to the fourth instar larvae (L4), (iii) virus-seeded blood meal to adult females, and (iv) virus-seeded sugar meal to adults of both sexes. From 875 adults emerged from infected L1 and L4, only three were positive. In females infected by bloodmeal the infection rate was high before defecation, then it decreased drastically; MASV RNA was detected in only 5 out of 27 post-defecation. Surprisingly, the most efficient route of infection was observed after intake of virus-seeded sugar meal: 72% of females (79/110) and 52% of males (51/99) were found to be MASV RNA-positive. In addition, MASV-infected sandflies regurgitated virus particules into the sugar drop and MASV RNA was detectable in this drop for at least 24 h after regurgitation. MASV RNA was detected in about one third of the P. perniciosus exposed to this sugar drop contaminated by regurgitation. Sugar meal infection was also tested with six other species of sand flies. In males, there were no significant differences in infection rates when compared to P. perniciosus. In females, most species tested showed high infection rate at the beginning but then significant gradual decrease in infection rate during the experiment. Conclusions/Significance: We present the first description of arboviral infection of a dipteran vector using sugar meal. In all seven sand fly species tested, MASV was detected for two weeks post-infection. Our results showed that MASV can be transmitted between P. perniciosus either through co-feeding or via an infected sugar source such as plant sap. These newly described routes of horizontal transmission may play an important role in the circulation of phleboviruses in nature.

Research trends and geographical distribution of mammalian carnivores in Portugal (SW Europe).

Information regarding species’ status at a regional scale is instrumental for effective conservation planning. Some regions of southwestern Europe, such as Portugal, albeit included in the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, lack a detailed assessment of the distribution patterns of several taxonomic groups, such as carnivores. Moreover, information is scattered, often unreliable and biased towards some species or regions. This study aimed at reviewing the existing knowledge on mammalian terrestrial carnivores in Portugal, to analyse research trends, update the species checklist and assess their historical and current distribution patterns. We conducted a comprehensive review of 755 scientific studies to analyse several publication metrics and compiled 20,189 presence records of all mammalian terrestrial carnivores occurring in Portugal since historical times to evaluate their distribution patterns. Carnivore research in Portugal began in the 18th century, with a recent boost in the mid-1990s, and has been biased towards certain research topics and regionally threatened species. There are 15 extant species in Portugal, with nine occurring across the country, six showing a more limited range, as well as one additional species currently locally extinct (Ursus arctos). Over the last decades, the distribution ranges of seven species apparently remained stable, two expanded, two contracted, and three showed unclear trends. The presence of a new invasive carnivore, the raccoon (Procyon lotor), is also documented here. This study illustrates the relevance of a comprehensive analysis of non-systematic data to assess the historic and current status of mammalian terrestrial carnivores at a national level, and to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities.

Sistemas empresariales locales y territorios de progreso en Andalucía, 1886-1959

Economic change is concentrated in small territorial units —cities or counties— before spreading to the immediate space. This article aims to point out the relationship between space and economic development, from the concept of territory of progress. We understand that «territories of progress» are those spaces which assimilate organizational patterns, technological trends and trade patterns of the most advanced regions in a particular historical moment. The case study is Andalusia, a region of southwestern Europe, between 1886 and 1959. First, we locate the economic activity in local business systems. Subsequently, we identified those business systems became territories of progress, using indicators of network theory. The research, based on information from the Commercial Registers, concludes that in Andalusia, during the period studied, there were few areas of progress, which conditioned the economic performance of the region.

Dinosaur tracks from the Early Cretaceous of Parede tracksite (Cascais, Portugal): New implications on the sauropod palaeobiology of the Iberian Peninsula

A recently discovered Early Cretaceous (early late Albian) dinosaur tracksite at Parede beach (Cascais, Portugal) reveals evidence of dinoturbation and at least two sauropod trackways. One of these trackways can be classified as narrow-gauge, which represents unique evidence in the Albian of the Iberian Peninsula and provides for the improvement of knowledge of this kind of trackway and its probable trackmaker, in an age when the sauropod record is scarce. These dinosaur tracks are preserved on the upper surface of a marly limestone bed that belongs to the Gale Formation (Agua Doce Member, middle to lower upper Albian). The study of thin-sections of the beds C22/24 and C26 in the Parede section has revealed a microfacies composed of foraminifers, radiolarians, ostracods, corals, bivalves, gastropods, and echinoids in a mainly wackestone texture with biomicritic matrix. These assemblages match with the lithofacies, marine molluscs, echinids, and ichnofossils sampled from the section and indicate a shallow marine, inner shelf palaeoenvironment with a shallowing-upward trend. The biofacies and the sequence analysis are compatible with the early late Albian age attributed to the tracksite. These tracks and the moderate dinoturbation index indicate sauropod activity in this palaeoenvironment. Titanosaurs can be dismissed as possible trackmakers on the basis of the narrow-gauge trackway, and probably by the kidney-shaped manus morphology and the pes-dominated configuration of the trackway. Narrow-gauge sauropod trackways have been positively associated with coastal palaeoenvironments, and the Parede tracksite supports this interpretation. In addition, this tracksite adds new data about the presence of sauropod pes-dominated trackways in cohesive substrates. As the Portuguese Cretaceous sauropod osteological remains are very scarce, the Parede tracksite yields new and relevant evidence of these dinosaurs. Furthermore, the Parede tracksite is the youngest evidence of sauropods in the Portuguese record and some of the rare evidence of sauropods in Europe during the Albian. This discovery enhances the palaeobiological data for the Early Cretaceous Sauropoda of the Iberian Peninsula, where the osteological remains of these dinosaurs are relatively scarce in this region of southwestern Europe. Therefore, this occurrence is also of overall interest due to its impact on Cretaceous Sauropoda palaeobiogeography.

Soil–plant relations in Mediterranean forest environments

During recent decades, Mediterranean forest ecosystems have been subjected to natural wildfires, as well as to important changes in land use. One of the main changes to the landscape has undoubtedly been the reforestation of marginal croplands (Pardos et al. 2007). Soil organic matter has a direct influence on soil conservation, water storage and fertility, and therefore is also an important factor in the perturbations and changes. Many studies in recent years have focussed on soil C dynamics within the context of global change (Bravo et al. 2008). Thus, soil fractionation (e.g. Knicker et al. 2006; Rovira and Vallejo 2007), microbial community (e.g. Zornoza et al. 2009) and biochemical parameters (e.g. Miralles et al. 2009; GonzalezPerez et al. 2008) have been widely studied in different types of forests and under various environmental conditions. The influence of changes in quantity and quality of soil organic matter on water repellency and aggregate stability is also important (e.g. Arcenegui et al. 2008). To predict hydrological functioning under different environmental scenarios, numerous experimental plots have been established in recent years, particularly in Spain, where such plots have been established in contrasting environments ranging from areas with a semi-arid Mediterranean climate to high Pyrenean mountains, mid-altitude mountains and Dehesa environments (i.e. Garcia-Ruiz et al. 2008; Gonzalez-Perez et al. 2008; Hernandez-Santana et al. 2008). Dehesas (with 3–5 million ha, located in dry regions of south-western Europe with poor acidic soils) are the most extended agroforestry system in Europe. They are multipurpose agrosilvopastoral systems with extensive land use, where apart from native grasses, Mediterranean shrubs and periodical crops are combined with widely spaced and scattered oak trees, which forms an open permanent upper storey (tree density from 10 to 80 trees per ha, depending on its main use). Nowadays, Dehesas are considered as habitats to be preserved because of the high biological diversity they include. In Mediterranean countries, the negligible commercial value of forestry products means that aspects such as protection against desertification and conservation of the diversity of flora and fauna assume a relatively more important role. In this context, several species-specific models have been developed for accurate assessment of the suitability of a territory for reforestation (Rubio and Sanchez-Palomares, 2006). However, in some Mediterranean areas where forest growth is high, fast-growing species, such as Eucalypts, pines and other species are now dominant. This implies improvements as regards water regulation and soil protection against erosion. However, the export of large amounts of nutrients as a consequence of forest establishment has also led to the need for studies to assess the sustainability of different models of this type of silviculture (i.e. Merino et al. 2005; Blanco et al. 2005). The Sociedad Espanola de Ciencias Forestales (SECF: Spanish Society for Forestry Sciences) was established in 1991. The Ecology, Ecophysiology and Forest Soil Study Group (one of 19 SECF Study Groups) held its most recent meeting on 22 and 23 October 2007, at the University of Salamanca. The meeting included a large variety of topics: soil chemistry, physics, microbiology, carbon flows, fertility, amendments, biogenic cycles, allelopathy, ecological modelling, silviculture treatments, forest fires, etc. A. Rubio (&) A. Blanco Ecology and Soil Science Unit, ETSI Montes, Polytechnic University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain e-mail: agustin.rubio@upm.es