Specific Richness Research Articles

Preliminary Data on the Taxonomic Composition and the Spatio-Seasonal Variation of the Zooplanktonic Population of Fish Ponds in Kisangani, DR Congo

The overall objective of this study was to determine the taxonomic composition and spatial seasonal variation of the zooplankton population in fish ponds in Kisangani, DR Congo. The collection of zooplankton in fishponds was carried out using plankton nets in the Artisanal and Plateau boyoma districts for four months, two months per season. At the end of this study, 3 sub-classes, 13 families and 22 species were listed. The subclass Monogononta (Rotifers) was the best represented with 7 families and 14 species identified. On the other hand, the family Brachionidae was the richest with 6 species. The high specific richness of zooplankton according to site and season was recorded in the Artisanal district with 19 species and in the rainy season with 22 species. Thus, it should be noted that the fish ponds of Kisangani have a high specific diversity of zooplankton that can vary according to the sites and seasons. Certain species such as Tropocyclops prasinus prasinus, Moina macrocopa, Brachionus falcatus, Thermocyclops sp and Brachionus calyciflorus are more abundant than others present. However, the list of species presented is not exhaustive given the sampling period, which was only 4 months, and the collection effort, which was only carried out at two sites.

A preliminary study of the biodiversity and bio-ecological parameters related to aphid’s species in an organic citrus orchard in Northeastern Tunisia

The Aphididae family contains many polyphagous species. Four species were identified in an organic Citrus orchard in Northeastern Tunisia in the current study. These species are Aphis gossypii, A. spiraecola, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, and Toxoptera aurantii. The most important and abundant species was A. gossypii followed respectively by A. spiraecola, M. euphorbiae, and T. aurantii. Monitoring species dynamic population showed that aphids began to occur in February and reached then high levels from March to May. Various structure and beta diversity indexes were calculated. The obtained results demonstrated that there was a high dominance of a few or one species. The evenness index was high and had a significant positive correlation with the Berger-Parker index. The Equitability index was low. The richness index had a strong positive correlation with Margalef’s richness index and the number of species. However, Menhinick's diversity index had a weak positive relationship with the Specific richness.

Taxonomic diversity and structure of malacofauna in stations Lavandula angustifolia L. (Lamiaceae) in the garden‘s Park of Tlemcen (Northwest Algerian)

The Tlemcen region is located in northwest Algeria and is characterized by a semi-arid bioclimate. An approach to the diversity of the malacofauna associated with Lavandula angustifolia was carried out in three stations in the gardens of Tlemcen Park from February to June 2015. The specific richness of Gastropods is 7 divided between two families: that of Helicidae and that of Subulinidae. The first includes two sub-families including that of Helicinae and that of Helicellinae and the second is represented by a single species. Two species are constant (Euparypha pisana and Rumina decollata), four are accessory and only one species is accidental. The relative importance of snails fluctuates between stations and between months and seasons. In February, in the first station, the specific richness is the highest equal to 6. The malacological richness is zero in June in the three stations. The largest numbers are found in the first station. Euparypha pisana (Helicidae) has a frequency of 80% and an abundance of 0.46 in the second station. The majority of malacological species are collected from the surface of the soil.

Taxonomic Diversity and Structure of Gastropods in Stations at <i>Salvia officinalis</i> L. (Lamiaceae) in the Gardens of Tlemcen Park (Tlemcen Mounts, Algeria)

The Tlemcen region is located in north-western Algeria and is characterized by a semi-arid bioclimate. An approach to the diversity of the malacofauna associated with Salvia officinalis was carried out in three stations belonging to this area from February to June 2015. The specific richness of the Gastropods is 9 divided into three families: Milacidae, Helicidae and Subulinidae. The second includes two subfamilies including that of Helicinae and that of Helicellinae. Two species are constant, 01 is incidental and the 06 others are very accidental. The relative importance of snails fluctuates according to the stations and according to the months and the seasons. In winter, in the first station the malacological richness is equal to 6. In February, the specific richness is relatively important in the 2nd station with a value equal to 7. Milax nigricans (Milacidae) has a frequency of 10% in station 1 and has a density of 0.1 in this same station. It is absent in the other two stations. Euparypha pisana has a frequency of 60% in station 3 and an abundance of 0.57 in this same station.

Spatiotemporal Variation of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Some Tropical Forest Streams of the Nyong Catchment (Cameroon)

With the aim of assessing the benthic macroinvertebrates’ diversity, a study was carried out in some tropical forest streams of the Nyong River catchment in Cameroon from February 2019 to February 2020. A total of 167 samples were carried out from 13 stations during 13 months. Some environmental variables were measured. These parameters varied more or less from station to station but significantly at the temporal level. In this study, 13,690 benthic macroinvertebrates belonging to 4 phyla, 7 classes, 16 orders and 93 families were collected. The benthic macroinvertebrates were more abundant and more diversified in the stations whose waters are well oxygenated and present a moderate current compared to the stations with a very weak current. The diversity varied significantly from 1.33 ± 0.14 bits/ind to 2.00 ± 0.35 bits/ind and the high values were found in stations with multiple substrates and well-oxygenated waters. Temporally, the diversity varied significantly from 1.10 ± 0.16 bits/ind in NM sampling station in February 2020 to 1.87 ± 0.1 bits/ind in the OB sampling station in September. In addition, the settlement was more abundant during the short dry season, more precisely during the month of August (1471 individuals) but richer during the long dry season during the month of February (54 families). The distribution of the abundances of the benthic fauna in the different stations made it possible to identify five typological groups using the rarefaction curves, the ascending hierarchical classification and the principal component analyses. Each of these five groups is characterized by a specific taxonomic richness, composition and abundance.

Effect of the Site and the Type of Fertilizer on the Taxonomic Composition and Abundance of Phytoplankton Population of Ponds in West Cameroon

Pond fertilization is an age-old practice aimed at optimizing yields in so-called production fish farming systems. With this in mind, a characterization study of phytoplankton, the basis of the trophic food chain leading to fish, was conducted from January to December 2021 in ponds in the West Cameroon regionand at the Research Unit of Ichthyology and Applied Hydrobiology of the University of Dschang. To do this, a total of fifteen (15) ponds including 03 in Bamendou fertilized with cowpat, 04 in Batie including 02 fertilized with pig manure and 02 with wheat bran, 01 in Dschang fertilized with chicken manure, 04 in Fokoue including 02 fertilized with pig manure and 02 unfertilized and 03 in Foumbot fertilized with cowpat, were considered. These ponds were chosen based on the availability of fish farmers and the type of fertilizer administered. Sampling of biotic characteristics including phytoplankton richness, relative abundance and density was done between 6 and 8 a.m. following a monthly frequency. The results showed that the highest specific richness (42.73% of total species richness) was observed in Batie ponds fertilized with pig manure and generic richness (81.53% of total genera richness) and families (84.21% oftotal of families richness) highest phytoplankton in Batie ponds fertilized with wheat bran. Regardless of the type of pond, Chlorophyta were more abundant (40.50%). With the exception of Chrysophyta who were absent in the ponds of Foumbot fertilized with cowpat, all other groups were listed in the different types of ponds. The significantly (p<0.05) highest phytoplankton density (71. 107 ind/L) was observed in ponds fertilized with chicken manure with high concentrations of nitrates and nitrites.

Influence of cocoa cultivation on the diversity and density of termites in the Azaguié zone (South of Côte d’Ivoire)

Termites play an important role in the aeration and fertilization of soils where they abound. However, cultural practices influence their ecology. This study, which took place in Azaguié in the south of Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to know the diversity of termites that colonize cocoa plantations in comparison with the natural area. Three age classes of plantations have been defined: PC1 (from 0 to 5 years), PC2 (6 to 10 years old) and PC3 (over 30 years old). In each class of plantations, three transects 100 m long each, subdivided into 20 sections of 10 m2 (10 m x 2 m) have been demarcated. Three (3) monoliths were also dug by transect in order to know the density of hypogeal termites. Old plantations were more diversified with 18 species compared to plots PC1 (14 species) and PC2 (16 species). The natural area recorded the highest specific richness with 21 species sampled. The relative abundance of fungal termites in transects showed a high adaptability of these insects (18 occurrences in plots PC1 to 26 occurrences in natural area). With hypogeal termites, 16 species have been collected in all habitat types. The Jaccard Similarity Index showed large differences between species of hypogenous termites according to habitat types. No significant difference was observed between termite densities in selected plots. However, the distribution of termites in the depth of the soil was unevenly distributed and the surface layer of 0 - 10 cm concentrated the majority of termites. Cocoa production influences termite diversity and density, but the cessation of agricultural activities results in the recomposition of termite biodiversity.

Evaluation of assisted natural regeneration and stored carbon in Prioria balsamifera (Vermoesen) Bretteler plots of the Luki Biosphere Reserve in Central Kongo, Democratic Republic of Congo

Extensive programs of enrichment through natural assisted regeneration were implemented between 1946 and 1959 by INEAC (Institute National pour étude Agronomique du Congo belge). He has conducted several studies for the implementation of silvicultural techniques in tropical environments, particularly in the Luki Biosphere Reserve (RBL) in the DRC. The Prioria balsamifera natural assisted regeneration (RNA) plots were part of the various silvicultural treatments implemented between 1956 and 1962 after clear-cutting. Five decades after their establishment, no evaluation has been undertaken. The objective of this study is to evaluate the natural assisted regeneration in the P. balsamifera plots and to account for the carbon sequestered in the P. balsamifera RNA after clear-cutting. The methodological approach to floristic, dendrometric and allometric inventories was used to determine the specific richness and diversity of the different study plots and to account for the carbon of the RNA biomass of the fifteen sampling plots of 0,25 ha each at three sites: Camp1; Camp2 and the RBL Post. The study revealed a higher density per hectare in the Camp1 plot, almost double the last two plots of the sampling. The density / ha varied between 380 to 980 stems / ha. The same trend was observed on the basal area (m2 / ha). This varied between 43 and 68 m2 / ha. The Shannon index used for the analysis of wealth and specific diversity varied between 0.8 and 1.6. The Camp1 plot showed little diversity compared to other plots of sampling. The mean téq CO2 / ha values in our fifteen sample plots (Camp1, amp2, RBL station) are estimated to be 1793.96 téq CO2 / ha, 985.28 teqCO2 / ha and 1305.8 téq CO2 / ha respectively for the three plots.

Effect of different cover conditions on the regeneration of woody species of the Tamaulipas thorn scrub

The Tamaulipas thorn scrub has been strongly affected by the change in land use to carry out different activities, so it currently hassecondary vegetation areas with different structure and canopy cover. In the present study, the density, specific richness, Shannon'strue diversity index and Importance Value Index (IVI) of natural regeneration were evaluated, according to three conditions ofcrown cover of the upper stratum (mature scrub). The three canopy coverage conditions were classified according to the percentageof canopy area covered within each site. 12 sites of 100 mwere established for each condition, where the crown area of trees andshrubs was measured. To evaluate natural regeneration, 5 sites of 1 mwere established within each site of the mature scrub. Todetermine significant differences between the parameters, a one-factor analysis of variance was performed, as well as the similarityusing the Bray-Curtis model. 22 species were recorded, Fabaceae being the best represented family. 5 species were located withpreference for some crown cover condition. Croton incanus, is the species with the highest IVI. The values of density, specificrichness and Shannon index did not show significant differences according to the 3 established coverage conditions.

Status and distribution of diurnal raptors in Central North Algeria, the case of Great Kabylia

In 2018 and 2019 thirteen species of raptors, with 407 individuals, were found nesting in Great Kabylia in Algeria. During this period, 196 raptor nest sites were located (Falco tinnunculus is not included as it thrives in many biotopes and tolerates anthropization). We noted a decrease in specific richness and abundance of raptors in the region compared to data for 1992. Some raptors were not seen during our study: Gypaetus barbatus, Pandion haliaetus, Falco biarmicus, Circaetus aeruginosus, and Falco eleonorae. We classified nesting diurnal raptors into 3 classes according to their relative abundance: (1) widespread species (10-26 %): F. tinnunculus, Hieraaetus pennatus, and Buteo rufinus cirtensis; (2) common species (5-10 %): Elanus caeruleus, Falco peregrinus, Circaetus gallicus, Falco naumanni, Gyps fulvus, and Milvus migrans; and (3) uncommon species (1-5 %): Neophron percnopterus, Accipiter nisus, Aquila fasciata, and Aquila chrysaeto. With the exception of N. percnopterus, which is classified as an endangered species, the raptors of Great Kabylia are mainly classified in the category of species of least concern (IUCN, 2020). Dataset published through GBIF (Doi: 10.15470/wt5dgi).

A specific structure and high richness characterize intestinal microbiota of HIV-exposed seronegative individuals.

Intestinal microbiota facilitates food breakdown for energy metabolism and influences the immune response, maintaining mucosal homeostasis. Overall, HIV infection is associated with intestinal dysbiosis and immune activation, which has been related to seroconversion in HIV-exposed individuals. However, it is unclear whether microbiota dysbiosis is the cause or the effect of immune alterations and disease progression or if it could modulate the risk of acquiring the HIV infection. We characterize the intestinal microbiota and determine its association with immune regulation in HIV-exposed seronegative individuals (HESN), HIV-infected progressors (HIV+), and healthy control (HC) subjects. For this, feces and blood were collected. The microbiota composition of HESN showed a significantly higher alpha (p = 0.040) and beta diversity (p = 0.006) compared to HC, but no differences were found compared to HIV+. A lower Treg percentage was observed in HESN (1.77%) than HC (2.98%) and HIV+ (4.02%), with enrichment of the genus Butyrivibrio (p = 0.029) being characteristic of this profile. Moreover, we found that Megasphaera (p = 0.017) and Victivallis (p = 0.0029) also are enriched in the microbiota composition in HESN compared to HC and HIV+ subjects. Interestingly, an increase in Succinivibrio and Prevotella, and a reduction in Bacteroides genus, which is typical of HIV-infected individuals, were observed in both HESN and HIV+, compared to HC. Thus, HESNs have a microbiota profile, similar to that observed in HIV+, most likely because HESN are cohabiting with their HIV+ partners.

Characterization of the Ichthyological Population of Hydrosystèmes in the Lagoon Area of the Azagny National Park (Ivory Coast)

The conservation of protected areas is nowadays one of the concerns of international and national institutions. This study aims to contribute to better conservation of the ichthyological fauna of the lagoon area of the Azagny National Park (PNA). This national park has been dealing with the harmful effects of human activities for years. Thus, from March 2019 to February 2020, sampling campaigns were carried out to characterize this space, for better conservation. The results obtained are based on the analysis of abiotic and biotic (fish) data collected at 6 stations. The physicochemical parameters were measured using a multiparameter and the fish population collected using 10 gillnet batteries of 10, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 mm mesh void. The analysis of the ichthyological population of the lagoon area reveals a diversity of 53 species belonging to 30 families and 12 orders. 11 species were newly collected while 31 species previously recorded in these hydrosystems were not captured in the present study. The Shannon (H’> 2) and Equitability (E> 0.5) indices calculated reflect a good organization and stability of the ichthyological population of the hydrosystems of the PNA lagoon zone. The Monte-Carlo test indicates that the variables rate of nitrate, width, rate of dissolved oxygen, water temperature, alkalinity, salinity, rate of dissolved solid and phosphorus are those which discriminate specific richness, abundance and the distribution of the stand.

Structure, composition and carbon stocks of woody plant community in assisted and unassisted ecological succession in a Tamaulipan thornscrub, Mexico

BackgroundEcological restoration is a process that helps the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. The success of restoration actions depend on the understanding of the processes, mechanisms and factors that guide vegetation dynamics. The restoration of plant communities can be made by unassisted (passive restoration, where the community recover by itself) and assisted (active restoration) ecological succession. It is imperative to know the scope of both types of activities to guide future restoration actions by evaluating the properties and functioning of the intervened communities.MethodsVariance analysis of the carbon (C) stocks, basal area, canopy area, Shannon–Weaver index values, specific richness and abundance of three Tamaulipan thornscrub communities (assisted natural succession area, unassisted natural succession area and control area) was performed. Furthermore, a similarity analysis between the sampling areas using the floristic composition (abundance) was performed.ResultsIn total, 11 families, 17 genera and 20 species of vascular plants were registered. The richness of species and abundance ranked as follows per area: assisted ecological natural succession > control > unassisted ecological natural succession. The species composition between sampling areas showed a low number of common species between plant communities.ConclusionsThe values of species richness, diversity, abundance, basal area, and canopy area of the assisted natural succession vegetal community was statistical similar to the control plan community. The values of C stocks showed that assisted ecological succession could recover not only structure and composition attributes but also this key ecosystem property.

The hump-shaped effect of plant functional diversity on the biological control of a multi-species pest community

Plant taxonomic and functional diversity promotes interactions at higher trophic levels, but the contribution of functional diversity effects to multitrophic interactions and ecosystem functioning remains unclear. We investigated this relationship in a factorial field experiment comparing the effect of contrasting plant communities on parasitism rates in five herbivore species. We used a mechanistic trait-matching approach between plant and parasitoids to determine the amount of nectar available and accessible to parasitoids. This trait-matching approach best explained the rates of parasitism of each herbivorous species, confirming the predominant role of mass-ratio effects. We found evidence for an effect of functional diversity only in analyses considering the ability of plant communities to support the parasitism of all herbivores simultaneously. Multi-species parasitism was maximal at intermediate levels of functional diversity. Plant specific richness had a negligible influence relative to functional metrics. Plant communities providing large amounts of accessible nectar and with intermediate levels of functional diversity were found to be the most likely to enhance the conservation biological control of diverse crop herbivores.

The Basse-Terre Island of Guadeloupe (Eastern Caribbean, France) and Its Volcanic-Hydrothermal Geodiversity: A Case Study of Challenges, Perspectives, and New Paradigms for Resilience and Sustainability on Volcanic Islands

The volcanic-hydrothermal geo-diversity of the Basse-Terre Island of Guadeloupe archipelago (Eastern Caribbean, France) is a major asset of the Caribbean bio-geoheritage. In this paper, we use Guadeloupe as a representative of many small island developing states (SIDS), to show that the volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity is a major resource and strategic thread for resilience and sustainability. These latter are related to the specific richness of Guadeloupe’s volcanic-geothermal diversity, which is de facto inalienable even in the wake of climate change and natural risks that are responsible for this diversity, i.e., volcanic eruptions. We propose the interweaving the specificity of volcanic-geothermal diversity into planning initiatives for resilience and sustainability. Among these initiatives research and development programs focused on the knowledge of geodiversity, biodiversity and related resources and risks are central for the long-term management of the water resource, lato sensu. Such a management should include a comprehensive scientific observatory for the characterization, exploration, and sustainable exploitation of the volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity alongside planning for and mitigating geophysical risks related to sudden volcanic-induced phenomena and long-term systemic drifts due to climate change. The results of this exercise for Guadeloupe could typify innovative paths for similar SIDS around their own volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity.

Sargassum Differentially Shapes the Microbiota Composition and Diversity at Coastal Tide Sites and Inland Storage Sites on Caribbean Islands.

Rafts of drifting pelagic Sargassum that are circulating across the Atlantic Ocean are complex ecosystems composed of a large number of associated species. Upon massive stranding, they lead to various socio-environmental issues including the inflow of contaminants and human health concerns. In this study, we used metabarcoding approaches to examine the differences in both the eukaryotic- and prokaryotic-associated communities from Sargassum present in two islands of the Lesser Antilles, namely Guadeloupe and Martinique. We detected significant differences in microbial community structure and composition between landing Sargassum, the surrounding seawater, and Sargassum from inland storage sites. In total we identified 22,214 prokaryotic and 17,679 eukaryotic OTUs. Among them, functional prediction analyses revealed a number of prokaryotes that might contribute to organic matter decomposition, nitrogen cycling and gas production, including sulfate-reducing bacteria at coastal landing sites, and methanogenic archaea at inland storage sites. We also found that Metazoan was the most abundant group in Sargassum samples, with nematode clades that presented exclusive or specific richness and abundance patterns depending on their Sargassum substrate. Together, these molecular inventories of the micro- and meiofauna communities provide baseline information for further characterization of trophic interactions, algal organic matter decomposition and nutrient transfers at coastal and inland storage sites.

Latitudinal Variation into the Macrofaunal Assemblages Associated to Zostera noltei Seagrass along the Atlantic Coast of Morocco

Large-scale research on seagrass-associated benthic fauna is very important for future regional marine conservation. In our study, we investigated spatial and latitudinal variation of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages associated to Zostera noltei Hornemann, 1832 beds from five semi-enclosed coastal systems (SECSs) ranging from 23°N to 34°N along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Overall, 17,320 individuals were reported as belonging to 96 taxa. The ecological community descriptors differ significantly at the level of the site. Specific richness showed an inconsistent significant pattern with latitude. The multivariate analyses of the assemblage’s composition showed 57% of total variation observed in benthic assemblages, while the PERMANOVA analysis confirmed that this variation is significant at the level of the site. According to DistLM results, variations in belowground biomass, and percentage of mud, were the important predictor variables explaining this variation along the large scale of the studied SECS. However, such patterns could be related to other factors such as habitat heterogeneity and regional, biogeographic, and anthropogenic factors. The present study marked the first attempt on broad-scale ecological research of seagrass beds in Morocco and offers baseline data for planning the broad-scale conservation of biodiversity in seagrass beds that remain suffering from multiple human-induced threats such as coastal developments and climate change.

Diversity and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in Skikda region (North-East Algeria): correlation with soil physicochemical factors

BackgroundThe inventory process is the first method to protect and safeguard animal biodiversity. This study carries out a quantitative and qualitative inventory of terrestrial gastropods at three sites in Skikda province (north-eastern Algeria). The relationship between terrestrial gastropod diversity and soil physicochemical factors was investigated using statistical analyses.ResultsThe inventory data reveals the presence of four families and eight species showing varied predominance rates of Cornu aspersum species according to each site in the city of Skikda (Azzaba 53.88%; Ben-Azzouz 56.12%; El-Hadaiek 37.92%). The maximal specific richness was registered in the El-Hadaiek site (seven species), and the highest mean richness was noted in the Ben-Azzouz site (392 individuals). Of the eight gastropod species identified, three species (Cornu aspersum, Cantareus apertus and Rumina decollate) were classified as constant species. The Shannon–Weaver diversity and equitability indices vary by site.ConclusionThe presence of certain species in one site and their absence in other sites, as well as the variation in ecological indices, could be attributed to the effect of soil-physicochemical factors.

Establishing the relationship between benthic macroinvertebrates and water level fluctuation in subtropical shallow wetlands.

Wetland water level fluctuations often influence benthic macroinvertebrate communities through changes in water quality, substrate, and macrophytes and, hence, affect the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. However, there is lack of understanding on how water level fluctuations affect the structure and composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in subtropical shallow wetlands in Nepal. Here, we assessed the changes in benthic macroinvertebrate community composition in response to water level fluctuations and identified indicator taxa sensitive to such fluctuations. A study was conducted over 4 seasons covering one annual cycle of water level fluctuation in 4 wetlands of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. The study revealed that benthic macroinvertebrate composition significantly differed across water levels. Dissimilarities in macroinvertebrate community composition were mainly attributed by families Atyidae, Dytiscidae, Baetidae, Planorbidae, Chironomidae, Bithyniidae, Sphaeriidae, and Thiaridae. Taxon specific richness, densities, and biomass varied across the water levels while no difference was documented for overall family richness, density, and biomass. Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera richness decreasedwhen water levels were low while Coleoptera and Diptera richness increased. Medium water level supported high benthic macroinvertebrate diversity. Indicator taxa analysis identified Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae and Dytiscidae, Hemiptera: Pleidae, Diptera: Muscidae and Mollusca: Sphaeriidae, Viviparidae, and Thiaridae, as indicators of low water level. Similarly, Coleoptera: Scirtidae, Hemiptera: Micronectidae and Oligochaeta: Tubificidae as indicators of medium water level, and Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae and Ephemeroptera: Caenidae as indicators of high water level. Redundancy analysis identified water level as one of the most influencing factors in benthic macroinvertebrate community variation. Considering the significant response of benthic macroinvertebrates to water level fluctuations, theyare important as ecological indicators in research aimed at developing environmental flow frameworks. Indicator speciesare likely to be a vital tool in environmental impact assessment and monitoring in relation to hydrological development. The outcomesof this research have important implications to conservation and management of wetlands to preserve the valuable ecosystem functions provided by wetlands.

New records of the genus Lobophora (Dictyotales: Phaeophyceae) for the marine flora of Cuba and their distribution in the Greater Caribbean Sea

To date, 18 species of the algal genus Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) have been reported for the Greater Caribbean Sea. Nevertheless, only 2 have been recorded for the marine flora of Cuba, Lobophora variegata and Lobophora canariensis (as Aglaozonia canariensis ). To update the knowledge about this genus in Cuba, an exhaustive morphological study was performed using macroalgae collected from Western Cuba: Ecological Reserve Los Pretiles (Pinar del Río Province; May 2011), Gulf of Guanahacabibes (Pinar del Río Province; June 2014) and Calle 16 beach (La Habana Province; April and May 2019). The species found were: L. canariensis, L. declerckii, L. guadeloupensis, L. littlerorum and L. variegata . The identified species were deposited in the Cuban National Aquarium Herbarium (HANC). Morphological descriptions from Cuban material are here presented. In addition, the distribution of these species in the Greater Caribbean Sea is undertaken. We report for the first time L. guadeloupensis in the Greater Antilles. These new records increase the specific richness in Cuba and expand the distribution range of Lobophora species for the Greater Caribbean Sea.