Southern Iberian Peninsula Research Articles

Diversity of hirudin and hirudin-like factor genes in the North-African medicinal leech, Hirudo troctina.

Medicinal leeches of the genus Hirudo inhabit large areas of the Palaearctic realm. The distribution range of Hirudo troctina includes the southern Iberian peninsula and the northwestern regions of Africa. H. troctina is used for medical purposes, but only very little is known about the components of its salivary gland secretion. Hirudins, bivalent inhibitors of thrombin, are probably the best known leech-derived bioactive factors. Hirudin-like factors (HLFs) represent another class of salivary gland components that share characteristic genetic and structural markers with hirudins. Hirudin is not a single entity but exists in at least four different variants. However, there are differences among the European members of the genus Hirudo with respect to the actual number of hirudin and HLF genes that are present within their genomes. Here, we describe the identification and molecular cloning of 11 genes that encode for putative hirudin and HLF variants in H. troctina. Three of the genes consist of exons and introns that originate from different "archetype" genes and are likely the result of recombination events. The diversity of hirudin and HLF genes in H. troctina surpasses that of all other European members of the genus Hirudo. The putative hirudin variants and representatives of the HLFs of H. troctina were expressed as recombinant proteins, purified and functionally characterized for their thrombin-inhibiting potencies. Phylogenetic analyses based on hirudin and HLF gene sequences of the leech genera Hirudo, Hirudinaria, and Whitmania supported the hypothesis that hirudins and HLFs diverged early in leech evolution.

Acotylea (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida) from the southern and western Iberian Peninsula, with the description of five new species

Acotylea (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida) from the southern and western Iberian Peninsula, with the description of five new species

Multiple introduction events expand the range of the invasive brown alga Rugulopteryx okamurae to northern Spain

The brown alga Rugulopteryx okamurae is one of the most recent and aggressive marine invaders known, with a non-native range that spans from the western Mediterranean to the southern Iberian Peninsula, and the European Macaronesian archipelagos. Here, we provide the first record of its presence at three disjunct areas from northern Spain, supported by morphological and molecular evidence. Rugulopteryx okamurae was discovered in the port of Bilbao in the northeastern Atlantic of Spain, more than 1200 km away from the nearest invaded location previously known. It was also found at two separate areas in northwestern Spain: San Amaro, a small inlet at the entrance of the port of A Coruña, and Monteferro-Playa América, a site close to the port of Vigo. In two areas, R. okamurae was found to cover up to 100 % of the bottom, suggesting that it may behave as an aggressive invader in northern Spain. Our findings confirm the propensity of R. okamurae for long-distance dispersal and reveal that this invader is expanding its range northwards along the European Atlantic coast.

Contamination Assessment of Sediments and Bivalves in Estuaries of the Southern Iberian Peninsula

Human activities directly impact estuaries, where the biota is exposed to sediment contamination. A contamination assessment was carried out in several estuaries in the Southern Iberian Peninsula. Sediment samples were analyzed for the presence of metals/metalloids, and bioaccumulation tests were conducted with clams (Ruditapes philippinarum). Huelva Estuary had the highest contamination levels, while the inner bay of Cádiz and the outer stations of the estuaries from Guadiana, Guadalquivir, Palmones, and Guadarranque were the lesser contaminated. All sampling points (except Huelva) had low contamination levels of As and Cd, but they had high concentrations of Cu. The elements Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, As, and Hg displayed correlations between the concentrations in sediments and the biota. High bioaccumulation of Zn, Cu, and As was observed in Huelva and Barbate. Important insights into the sediment contamination in Southern Iberian Peninsula estuaries suggest greater management and conservation efforts in these critical ecosystems.

The Path of African Millets (Pennisetum glaucum and Sorghum bicolor) to Iberia

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is the most widely cultivated millet in Africa and India but has not yet been identified in Europe, while the earliest remains of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) are attested in Italy in the fifth century AD. This paper presents evidence that pearl millet was introduced to Iberia during the 11th–12th centuries AD. This is the first documented evidence for this African crop in Europe. Sorghum, on the other hand, appears as a later introduction (14th century AD) in Iberia. We present archaeobotanical data from eight Andalusi sites in Valencia and Andalucía (southern Iberia) where both crops have been found. We have also examined medieval textual data where references to pearl millet appeared to be absent, and we conclude that the word “dacsa”, currently used to refer to sorghum, should be understood as a reference to pearl millet. From the 16th century onwards, this term was given to maize, when the American cereal replaced the African millets.

Intercomparison of WRF-chem aerosol schemes during a dry Saharan dust outbreak in Southern Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula (IP), where this study is conducted, has experienced an increase of the frequency and intensity of Saharan aerosol dust outbreaks over the latest decades, which may have an impact on its regional climate. The Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-chem) has been used worldwide to simulate dust outbreaks and can support the analysis of such potential impacts. However, it includes multiple alternative aerosol parameterization choices that have not been conveniently evaluated in the study region yet. Here, three of the most popular WRF-chem aerosol parameterization schemes, namely, the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART), the Model for Simulating Aerosol Interactions and Chemistry (MOSAIC) and the Modal Aerosol Dynamics Model for Europe (MADE) schemes, are inter-compared during a strong and dry dust outbreak on July 2021 in southern IP. The results show that the three schemes predict qualitatively similar dust intrusion patterns that are consistent with ground observations and have inter-model dust loading differences smaller than 4%. However, their average dust size distributions differ notably. While GOCART is reasonably consistent with observations, MOSAIC underpredicts the amount of dust particles with sub-micron diameters and overpredicts that of large particles and MADE does the opposite. This is found to have a strong detrimental impact on the prediction performance of dust optical properties in MOSAIC and MADE, which is related, at least partially, with issues in the required inter-sectional redistribution of dust parameters during the dust emission and calculation of optical properties. Overall, GOCART generally appears a better choice for strong and dry dust outbreak events in southern IP. It remains to be evaluated during wet dust outbreaks, which is a work underway.

Description of Cervidellus bifidihastatus n. sp. (Rhabditida, Cephalobidae) from Tabernas Desert, Spain

Summary A new species of the genus Cervidellus, C. bifidihastatus sp. n., is described from the Tabernas desert, in southern Iberian Peninsula. The new species is distinguished by having a body 0.31-0.36 mm long, cuticle tessellated, lateral fields with three longitudinal incisures, a lip region with lips having four small rounded processes at the primary axil, one small rounded apical process, and two larger triangular processes at the secondary axil, primary and secondary axils with two triangular axillar guard processes, amphids rounded, oral opening surrounded by three bifurcate Y-shaped labial probolae with long stipe with three thickenings at base and bifurcated distally with long prongs appearing as a spur-like process directed posteriorly, the excretory pore located at basal bulb or isthmus-bulb junction level, female reproductive system with long spermatheca and short post-vulval uterine sac, female and male tails conical and spicules 19-20 μm long. Additionally, the species of the genus Cervidellus are listed and their lip regions are illustrated.

New 3D Velocity Model (mTAB3D) for Absolute Hypocenter Location in Southern Iberia and the Westernmost Mediterranean

AbstractThe Trans‐Alboran Shear Zone is one of the most seismically active areas in the westernmost Mediterranean, where a wide variety of tectonic domains have developed within the context of oblique convergence between Eurasia and Africa plates. In this region, earthquakes occur close to seismogenic structures, some of them large enough to cause damaging events. In addition, the diversity of tectonic domains implies a lateral variation of seismic wave propagation, which could affect the hypocenter reliability if not addressed during the location procedure. We present mTAB3D, a new 3D P‐wave velocity created after data collection, geometry modeling and velocity estimation in our study area. To test this model, we used arrival times from the Spanish Seismic Network catalog and performed two non‐linear absolute hypocenter inversions: the first comprises all the seismicity detected during 2018–2022 in the Eastern Betics Shear Zone; the second one consists of the earthquakes recorded during the Al‐Hoceima seismic sequence (2016). We compare our results against hypocenters computed with a 1D velocity model of the region (mIGN1D) and observe that mTAB3D achieves better clustering near active structures and lower epicentral uncertainties (up to 11% lower). Moreover, hypocenters obtained with mTAB3D show notable reliability even in scenarios of a low azimuthal gap, such as the 2016 Al‐Hoceima sequence. The new catalogs computed with our model help us to infer possible genetic relations between seismicity and source faults within our study area and can be used as an additional tool when looking into prior seismic sequences.

Millennial‐Scale Climate Variability Potentially Shaped the Early Interglacial Optimum in Southern Europe

AbstractThe seasonal and latitudinal distribution of insolation is considered the main factor controlling the magnitude and timing of interglacial periods. However, despite small differences in insolation forcing, vegetation and hydrology in southern Europe during past interglacials are variable and the gradual change in insolation cannot explain the observed short‐lived forest optimum. Here we focus on vegetation and hydroclimatic changes at orbital‐ and suborbital‐scales in southwestern Europe during two past warm interglacial periods with reduced ice‐sheets, namely Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 9e and 5e. We provide new pollen and sea surface temperatures records for MIS 9e from IODP Site U1385. This pollen record shows a forest expansion in southern Iberia over a 14 ky interval, bracketed by the millennial‐scale cooling events of Termination IV and MIS 9d. Between 334.5 and 332.5 ka, forest expansion reached a maximum, suggesting increased winter moisture during early MIS 9e. Model‐data comparison for MIS 9e and 5e shows that insolation is the main driver of the orbital‐scale vegetation and precipitation changes in Iberia, atmospheric CO2 forcing playing a secondary role. The high‐frequency component of the MIS 9e and 5e forest timeseries highlights the early interglacial forest and precipitation maxima as prominent suborbital events lasting ∼2 ky. We propose that the primarily insolation‐driven forest and precipitation optima were fostered by the non‐equilibrium conditions generated by the millennial‐scale deglacial variability during the early interglacials. Additionally, the early end of these optima may have been favored by a cooling and drying event that is part of the persistent intra‐interglacial variability.

Human-Induced Mortality Causes Affecting a Newly Established Population of Ospreys Pandion haliaetus in Southern Iberia

Human-Induced Mortality Causes Affecting a Newly Established Population of Ospreys Pandion haliaetus in Southern Iberia

Dehesilla Cave Rock Paintings (Cádiz, Spain): Analysis and Contextualisation within the Prehistoric Art of the Southern Iberian Peninsula

Abstract A systematic survey of Dehesilla Cave was carried out during 2017 in order to search for traces of rock art. Several panels with paintings were identified in the chamber next to the entrance (consisting of strokes, dots, stains, and remnants of shapes in red and black), which had remained unnoticed up until now and may provide relevant information towards the understanding of the prehistoric use of the cave and its seemingly symbolic topography. However, we cannot assume a priori a relationship between these paintings and the well-known Neolithic sequence of the site. To assess these paintings, we have analysed photomicrographs which have allowed us to determine their detailed characteristics, stroke morphology, and remnant features (for instance, hue, shape, density of paint, pigment grain size, micro-stroke traces left by the tools used). Taphonomic issues have also been considered and several physical and chemical techniques of analysis have been applied in order to identify the pigments and possible binders.

Intermediate water circulation in the mid-latitude Northeast Atlantic over the past 13,000 years: Multi-proxy evidence from IODP Site U1391

The Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) is an important contributor to the upper limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), redistributing heat, salinity, nutrients, and carbon in the Atlantic Ocean. The Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) transports heat and salt into the northern high-latitude Atlantic, thus playing an important role in driving the AMOC. However, the northward extent of AAIW in the Atlantic during the last deglaciation remains controversial and the Holocene variability of MOW is not well understood. In the modern east Atlantic Ocean, the northern boundary of AAIW meets the southern boundary of MOW off southern Iberia, which makes the Iberian margin an ideal region to unravel whether AAIW penetrated to the North Atlantic during the last deglaciation and the MOW dynamics during the Holocene. We present benthic foraminiferal Ba/Ca, Cd/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios, δ13C offsets between Planulina ariminensis and Globobulimina spp., and benthic foraminiferal faunal records of IODP Site U1391 drilled in the intermediate-depth Atlantic off the southwestern Iberian margin. The dominance of the Cassidulina neoteretis-Nonionella turgida assemblage, combined with low Δ13CP. ariminensis-Globobulimina spp. offsets, high Ba/Ca and Cd/Ca ratios and low Mg/Ca ratios during the Younger Dryas (YD), indicates the presence of AAIW in the mid-latitude North Atlantic intermediate waters. Going into the Holocene, the Cassidulina neoteretis - Nonionella turgida assemblage was shifted to the Melonis affinis – Bulimina marginata assemblage, accompanied by frequent occurrences of the MOW indicator Planulina ariminensis, which suggests that Site U1391 was mainly bathed by MOW. During the middle Holocene (∼9.4–6.0 ka), the relative abundance of P. ariminensis and Ba/Ca ratios decreased significantly, and the proportions of oxic species Osangularia culter, Bulimina alazanensis and Cibicidoides pachyderma increased, which were likely attributed to the influence of large volumes of oxygen-enriched North Atlantic Central Water. Between ∼6.0 ka and ∼ 3.6 ka, an increase in the relative abundance of P. ariminensis and Ba/Ca ratios, and a decrease in the relative abundance of O. culter assemblage suggest intensified MOW at Site U1391. However, from ∼3.6 ka onward MOW weakened at the study site, as evidenced by a distinct decrease in the proportion of P. ariminensis and Ba/Ca ratios. The long-term trend of MOW variations over the past 13 kyrs shows that the weakening of MOW dynamics at Site U1391 is related to the prevailing dry climates in the Mediterranean region, which is also reflected in its millennial-scale variations. Benthic Ba/Ca, Cd/Ca and Mg/Ca records exhibit high-frequency oscillations centred on periods of ∼1.8 kyrs. Lower Ba/Ca, Cd/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios suggest a weak MOW signal at Site U1391, concurrent with the Bond events during the Holocene.

Controls on the terrigenous fractions in Early Kimmeridgian shallow-water carbonate deposits in Southern Iberia

AbstractTwo Kimmeridgian shallow-marine carbonate successions (mid-shelf), sharing a similar paleoclimatic framework (climatic zone), were previously explored using carbonate chemostratigraphy. Before, the goal was to detect signals related to paleoplatform bottom physiography, degree of connection with oceanic waters and overall circulation patterns. In this contribution, complementary bulk mineralogical composition and clay mineral fractions are investigated to contrast and complement previous information, aiming for a more complete overview of continent-ocean dynamics along shallow-carbonate platforms of southern Iberia. The goal is now to explore complex patterns of continental influence along proximal settings and their relative spatial distribution across differentiated settings without relevant difference in paleolatitude. The choice of both stratigraphic sections is based on this distinctness: Rocha Poço (Algarve Basin, Portugal) represents a more restricted and relatively proximal setting, in contrast to Puerto Lorente (South Iberian Paleomargin, S Spain) placed at a relatively more open and probably distal shallow-water context. Accordingly, quartz content was higher at Rocha Poço, especially at the lower siliciclastic interval of this section. Quartz contribution fades out at Puerto Lorente, where it was mainly controlled by short-lived terrigenous pulses. Clay mineral assemblages also differed, being more varied (smectite, illite and traces of kaolinite) and abundant at Rocha Poço, and generally leaner at Puerto Lorente. At the latter site, terrigenous pulses do not contribute to clay mineral abundance, only showing abundant illite at the topmost horizons. New information retrieved from mineralogical data provided evidence on depositional contrasts resulting from local differences in platform configuration, allowing a better understanding of mechanisms controlling the terrigenous fraction in the shallow-water carbonates analyzed.

Oleaxonchium olearum gen. et sp. nov. (Nematoda, Dorylaimida) associated with an olive grove in the southern Iberian Peninsula, and new insights into the evolutionary relationships within Belondiridae

Oleaxonchium olearum gen. et sp. nov. (Nematoda, Dorylaimida) associated with an olive grove in the southern Iberian Peninsula, and new insights into the evolutionary relationships within Belondiridae

Distribution and habitat database of fluvial Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Coleoptera from Sierra Nevada, Spain

Sierra Nevada (southern Iberian Peninsula) harbours a great biodiversity and the studies on some aquatic insect groups have been and continue to be numerous there. This database brings together information on Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Coleoptera inhabiting running waters of this mountain system above 800 m of altitude. It includes data on the number, life stage and sex of individuals as well as the available information on abiotic characteristics of their habitats. The dataset is composed of 1,718 sampling events carried out between 1901 and 2022 in approximately 60 different water bodies, 15,347 occurrences pertaining to more than 203,000 individuals, and 10,173 records of associated measurements (23 physico-chemical parameters). The dataset is the result of a comprehensive review of scientific literature and of integrating data from recent research projects and the Sierra Nevada Global-Change Observatory’s long-term monitoring data. This information is valuable for those studying past distributions and abundances of the species in the dataset, for building predictive models or just studying temporal trends in the current context of climate change.

Is the invasive Caprella scaura Templeton, 1836 displacing its resident congener Caprella equilibra Say, 1818 in marinas of the South Iberian Peninsula? A long-term spatio-temporal approach

Although marine invasions are increasingly a matter of concern, the impact of invasive species in the ecosystem and their ability to replace native taxa is still little understood. Data from 2011 to 2021 in marinas of the Southern Iberian Peninsula supported that the invasive amphipod Caprella scaura is replacing the resident Caprella equilibra over time. Six marinas where C. equilibra was abundant in 2011 and C. scaura was absent, are now dominated by C. scaura. Although this displacement is more evident in Mediterranean shores than in Atlantic coasts, it is very variable between marinas. The spreading of the invasive species in marinas of the Alboran Sea mainly occurred from 2011 to 2017, preventing C. equilibra from regaining its former distribution. The ultimate factors responsible for the displacement, such as the aggressive behaviour of C. scaura, environmental influences or physiological performance in a global warming context, should be further investigated experimentally.

Confirmed presence of the enigmatic ant Aphaenogaster gemella (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Iberia

BackgroundWhile the Iberian Peninsula has been relatively well-studied from a myrmecological standpoint, the true presence of certain ant species has remained obscure for decades. In this context, the case of A. gemella (Roger, 1862) stands out as one of the most intriguing examples. Initially described from the Balearic Islands, this conspicuous species seemingly vanished from the archipelago by the 1980s, confining its current distribution to the Maghreb region. However, lingering doubt has persisted regarding its potential presence in Iberia, based on some old bibliographic records from Spain and Portugal.ResultsThis study confirms the first known established population of A. gemella in the Iberian Peninsula (Tarifa, Southern Iberia). Two colonies were detected in an urban grass patch within the city center. The validity of other Iberian records regarding the species and its status as an exotic species are also discussed.ConclusionsThe presence of A. gemella in Southern Iberia highlights the need for targeted sampling efforts to delineate its actual range and distinguish it from morphologically similar species in the region.

Environmental factors affecting phenology and distribution of Tentyria species (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Doñana National Park (Southern Iberian Peninsula).

This research focuses on the effect of environmental factors on the phenology and distribution of the Tentyria species (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) from Doñana National Park (SW Iberian Peninsula). Data are derived from the results of a project carried out 20 years ago, aimed at inventorying the coleopteran of the park. This information provides a framework for comparison with current or future states since the time elapsed is long enough to detect variations. As the classification of Tentyria species is complex and controversial, the first aspect to be addressed was the taxonomical verification of the species. Indeed, they were T. platyceps Steven., T. subcostata Solier., T. bifida Bujalance, Cárdenas, Ferrer and Gallardo, and T. donanensis Bujalance, Cárdenas, Ferrer and Gallardo. Sampling consisted of 2 years of monthly pitfall trapping, encompassing the surface of the park and adjacent areas. Data on adult seasonal activity and spatial distribution of the species were obtained from the specific abundance in each sampling plot. Phenologically, the 4 species were mainly summer species, with unimodal or bimodal curves depending on the species. The distribution of the species was quite uneven: while T. donanensis was ubiquitous, T. subcostata was restricted to the southern coastal area of the park, and T. platyceps and T. bifida were recorded in the northern half, in marshes or inland forests, respectively. Our results also suggest that extreme temperatures may impose major constraints on the spatial distribution of Tentyria species, which could affect Doñana's biodiversity in the future scenery of thermal rise linked to climate change.

Killer whales habitat suitability in the Iberian Peninsula and the Gulf of Biscay: Implications for conservation

This study addresses existing gaps in our understanding of the ecology of killer whales by investigating their habitat use dynamics in the Atlantic coastal waters of North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Gulf of Biscay. Despite previous research on their distribution during the Atlantic Bluefin tuna migration in the Strait of Gibraltar and adjacent waters, substantial knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding their movement patterns beyond these regions and seasonal variations in habitat use. Utilizing killer whale occurrence records from 2020 to 2023 and considering environmental factors influencing prey presence, we employed seasonal spatial distribution models. MaxEnt models exhibited robust predictive performance, emphasizing distance to shore, depth, and sea surface temperature as key factors influencing killer whale habitat suitability. Spatial distribution patterns reveal a peak in coastal waters of the southern Iberian Peninsula and North Africa during winter and spring, with a significant shift northward and expansion during summer and autumn towards the Gulf of Biscay. This expansion suggests a broader distribution of killer whales in the Northeast Atlantic during warmer months, encompassing a diverse range of habitats. The research underscores a substantial interaction (47%) between killer whales and recreational vessels, posing concerns for both the killer whales and maritime safety. This study provides valuable insights on killer whale habitat use in the Atlantic waters from North Africa to the Gulf of Biscay, thereby supporting conservation and management efforts in the region.

Paleosol charcoal: 12,700 years of high-altitude mediterranean vegetation history in relation to forest fires in the southwestern baetic cordillera (Spain)

Mountain forests are sensitive ecosystems. This is why in recent years the dynamics of these forest ecotones have been researched from several different approaches. One of these has been the paleoecological perspective, which is particularly interesting in the mountainous areas of the Mediterranean region, where interactions between climate, vegetation and anthropic activities have been documented for millennia. This is the case of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park (southwestern Baetic Cordillera), a mountainous area that constitutes an important refuge for flora in southern Iberian Peninsula. At present, endemic trees such as Abies pinsapo and Quercus faginea subs. alpestris are found. However, its strategic geographical location may also have served in the past as a refuge for other tree taxa. In order to reconstruct the vegetation history in this protected natural area, this research aims to use pedoanthracological analysis in an unexplored area of this mountainous system. The results obtained have allowed to identify a new paleopopulation of Abies, a finding that provides new keys on the paleobiogeography of this species. This is the oldest evidence of this genus and at the highest altitude of those found to date in the southwestern Baetic Cordillera, which would confirm that this fir tree was present in high elevations of the Sierra de las Nieves during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. Likewise, the first anthracological evidence of Pinus nigra/sylvestris type in the southwestern end of the Baetic Cordillera has been obtained. Forest fires could have been one of the main factors which would be determined the shaping and evolution of the vegetation landscape, as suggested by the fire events identified from the soil analysis. This information can be useful for the conservation and adaptive management of the most threatened forests and their habitats in the face of global change.