Survey Of Fauna Research Articles

Faunal Composition of the Sumisu Caldera Hydrothermal Vent Field as a Key Baseline for Conservation in Light of Deep‐Sea Mining

ABSTRACTHydrothermal vents are biodiversity hotspots on the deep seafloor powered by chemosynthetic primary production, inhabited by a specially adapted fauna whose composition varies between regions. Sumisu Caldera, located approximately 500 km south of Tokyo, hosts a hot vent with an unusual species composition among the Izu–Ogasawara Arc sites and has been suggested as a priority site for conservation in light of upcoming deep‐sea mining for massive sulfides. However, this was based on just five species serendipitously recorded from geological surveys. Here, we carried out the first comprehensive biological sampling of Sumisu using two dives of the human‐occupied vehicle Shinkai 6500. Together with literature records, we count a total of 54 animal species of which at least 25 are endemic to chemosynthetic ecosystems, drastically increasing the known faunal diversity—including three sponges, one cnidarian, 12 molluscs, 23 annelids, 13 arthropods, one echinoderm, and one fish. The presence of sediments facilitating the occurrence of burrowing species and three non‐endemic predators contribute to the high species richness. Our findings make Sumisu the most species‐rich vent community in the entire northwestern Pacific and our work serves as a prime example for detailed faunal surveys to obtain key piece of baseline data for future environmental assessments. Although the apparent lack of massive sulfide deposits means Sumisu is unlikely to be an immediate target of mining, its close distance to Bayonnaise Knoll with a major deposit and the possibility that it acts as a critical stepping‐stone population for many species, as well as the presence of several endangered ones, presents a case for its protection.

Survey of sand fly fauna in six provinces of Southern Vietnam with species identification using DNA barcoding

BackgroundSand flies, belonging to the Psychodidae family, represent small, hairy insects that serve as significant vectors in various important medical and veterinary diseases. Despite being recognized by the World Health Organization as an endemic area for leishmaniasis, Southeast Asia lacks comprehensive information on the species composition and biology of sand flies. To address this, the current study aimed to survey sand fly biodiversity.MethodsSand flies from six provinces in Southern Vietnam were collected using CDC light traps. Sand flies were subsequently identified morphologically and confirmed molecularly using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) sequences. BLASTN searches were conducted, and the species identity of sand flies was further confirmed through a Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) search utilizing COI sequences. Subsequently, nucleotide sequences were subjected to a panel of analyses including intraspecific variation, phylogenetic relationships and haplotype network. The average densities of collected sand flies (sand flies/trap/night) and species richness were also recorded.ResultsA total of 753 sand flies were collected. After excluding damaged specimens, six sand fly species, namely Phlebotomus stantoni, Sergentomyia khawi, Se. silvatica, Se. barraudi, Se. bailyi and Grassomyia indica, were identified. All conspecific sand fly sequences, including Ph. stantoni, Se. barraudi, Gr. indica, Se. bailyi, Se. khawi and Se. silvatica, clustered with their reference sequences, corroborating the results of morphology-based identification, BLASTN analysis and BOLD search. For intraspecific variation of sand flies obtained from the current study, COI diversity indices were consistently higher than those of cytb.ConclusionsThis study provides the first updates on morphological and molecular characterization of sand flies in Southern Vietnam. This acquired knowledge on sand fly species composition is essential for controlling sand fly-borne diseases in this potentially endemic region.Graphical

Spider (Araneae: Araneomorphae) diversity in Annaba Province, Northeastern Algeria

Spiders, as predatory arthropods, play essential roles in ecosystem equilibrium and serve as bioindicators. To contribute to the understanding of spider diversity in northeast Algeria (Annaba province), a survey of spider fauna was conducted in both forest and urban sites over two consecutive years using the "hand collecting" method. A total of 879 adult spiders (681 females and 198 males) were identified, representing 25 families and 67 species. The Salticid Plexippus paykulli (Audouin, 1826) was the most abundant species, with 127 specimens collected. The most abundant families were Salticidae and Araneidae, with counts of 171 and 139 individuals, respectively. The Shannon-Weaver index varied from 2.17 to 3.68 bits across the different sites, while evenness values ranged from 0.60 to 0.75. This study significantly expanded the known spider species in Annaba province from 96 to 138.

Update of the non-marine (terrestrial & freshwater) molluscs systematic inventory occurring in Santa Catarina State/ SC, Central Southern Brazil region

Introduction: The survey of the mollusc fauna (malacofauna) of a geopolitical region (State) is important from several aspects, reaching several important sectors of knowledge. So if all regions could do the same we would have within, a few years, expanded and completed the catalog of molluscs in Brazil, with much still to be added with regard to terrestrial and freshwater fauna. Objective: Updated general rеᴠiеw of the inventory of non-marine molluscs occurring in the Santa Catarina State/ SC, subtropical Central Southern portion of the Brazilian territory. Methodology: Organization of a occurring State species taxonomic checklist and their corresponding reference database, comprising the regional knowledge formally produced around the theme at least since the year 2003. Results and Conclusions: Confirmed and recorded regional total of 241 species (202 Gastropoda & 39 Bivalvia), among which at least 86 (79 Gastropoda & 7 Bivalvia) exhibit radicals synonymical (among others) changes recently reported through the global platform "MolluscaBase" and available literature of recent production, taxonomically included all in 95 genera (83 Gastropoda & 12 Bivalvia) and 40 families (35 Gastropoda & 5 Bivalvia), with aggregated additional information about their known biogeographical distribution in the territorial space of the State.

New data on two rare East Asian cladocerans, Coronatella trachystriata (Chen, Zhang & Liu, 1994) and Nedorhynchotalona chiangi Kotov & Sinev, 2011 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae)

Two rare East Asian cladocerans, Coronatella (Coronatella) trachystriata (Chen, Zhang et Liu, 1994) and Nedorhynchotalona chiangi Kotov & Sinev, 2011, were found in Qili Lake on the border of Anhui and Jiangsu Provinces of China. Morphology of the species was studied by scanning electron microscopy for the first time, revealing unique morphological features: valve sculpture as a system of ridges in C. (C.) trachystriata and head shield with only lateral head pores present in N. chiangi. Both species have numerous adaptations for a benthic mode of life. They were found in a pelagic plankton sample during strong wind action, but were absent in littoral samples. Our data suggest that both species inhabit bottom sediments in a deeper zone of lakes at some distance from the shore, usually not sampled during cladoceran faunistic surveys. Morphology and distribution of the species are discussed.

Earwigs (Insecta: Dermaptera) recorded first time from different Wildlife Sanctuaries of West Bengal, India

The present communication deals with the first record of Earwigs (Insecta: Dermaptera) from Bibhutibhushan, Bethuadahari and Kulik Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal, India. This study reports five species from Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary, single species from Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary, single species from Kulik Wildlife Sanctuary. Two Surveys (December 2021 & October 2023) were conducted to understand the Dermapetra fauna diversity of Wildlife Sanctuaries of West Bengal (Bibhutibhushan, Bethuadahari and Kulik Wildlife Sanctuary). The result of the study based on these survey collections carried out as part of faunal surveys at various sites of the sanctuaries of West Bengal. All the species are recorded for the first time from these Wildlife sanctuaries.

A preliminary recording of insects on the island of Farwa Northwest of Libya

The study aimed to present the first record of insect families in Farwa Island. Farwa Island is the largest and most important island in Libya; located in Northern west part of Libya in the Mediterranean, its insect fauna is poorly studied. Short time intensive collection of insect samples was conducted in four areas (mouth of the valley, bay of containers, center of the Island, and Ras-Attalgha) in February, March and April 2021. Different methods were used for insect collection, sorting, preservation and later identification to the lowest taxonomic level and verification. 9 orders, 31 families, 40 genera and 58 insect species were collected in the study; the center of the Island had the highest numerical density and diversity of insect fauna due to its diverse vegetation compared to other areas. Diverse suitable habitats and absent insect control measures provided suitable environmental conditions for insects breeding, feeding and hiding from enemies. This study constitutes the first comprehensive survey of insect fauna on Farwa Island and adds significant value to the ongoing assessment of insect diversity in Libya. A long-term study has to be conducted to investigate detailed information about the abundance and diversity of insects and other arthropods on Farwa Island.

New faunistic records of chironomids and phantom midges (Diptera, Chironomidae and Chaoboridae) from Ukraine indicate recent climatic refugia in the Eastern Carpathians.

The aquatic insect fauna of the Eastern Carpathians is poorly known, especially in Ukraine. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted faunistic surveys of Chironomidae and Chaoboridae in 2018 and 2021. The study involved sampling of 11 watercourses and 10 mountain lakes situated in the Ukrainian part of the Eastern Carpathians. A total of 101 taxa were identified, including 40 chironomid species and one genus that have been recorded for the first time from Ukraine. The occurrence of one species previously considered as "doubtfully present" in Ukraine was confirmed by this study. One of the two identified phantom midge species, Chaoborus(s. str.)obscuripes (van der Wulp, 1859), is recorded for the first time from Ukraine. The most intriguing records are chironomid species Cricotopus(s. str.)beckeri Hirvenoja, 1973, Eukiefferiellabedmari Vilchez-Quero & Laville, 1987, and Pseudorthocladius(s. str.)berthelemyi Moubayed, 1990. These species have Mediterranean distribution and their occurrence in the Eastern Carpathians could be remains of once-widespread populations that currently survive in the Carpathian refugia due to adverse climatic conditions in the former distribution area. The high number of first records from a relatively small number of sites indicates a great gap in the knowledge of the Ukrainian chironomid fauna.

Birds and mammals assemblages assessment in sub-Antarctic channels of the Kawésqar National Park and Reserve, southern Chile

Clarence Island and its inland channels are part of the Kawésqar National Park and Kawésqar National Reserve, an extensive wilderness area dominated by pristine sub-Antarctic environments and high marine biodiversity. During the summer and winter of 2020, the assemblages of birds and mammals were recorded in 10 sites, and these data, the following aspects were evaluated: 1) the sampling effort used with species accumulation curves and 2) the community structure of the assemblages with alpha and beta diversity. The total richness was 35 species of birds and 6 species of mammals, representing 17% of both groups documented for the sub-Antarctic Ecoregion of Magellan. During summer and winter, low and high values of species richness and abundance were registered, which modulated low and medium values of diversity. The moderate diversity was consistent with the beta diversity values from the Whittaker index, which on average indicates low species replacement in response to seasonal change. By considering that 20 % of the recorded species have high conservation risks, it can be concluded that this type of fauna survey contributes to improve the knowledge and dissemination of the current distribution of these species, and in future scenarios it will be useful to help predict local extinction events for anthropogenic or natural reasons.

Bird richness at Sítio do Sol in Cabreúva, State of São Paulo, Brazil

The Atlantic Forest biome has suffered great devastation but still possesses a vast biological and endemic richness, making its preservation essential. The Atlantic Forest fragments located in the interior of the state of São Paulo have not been studied as much as other areas, mainly in the municipality of Cabreúva. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the bird richness of the Sítio do Sol property, in Cabreúva, São Paulo. The study was carried out from August 2021 to September 2022, covering seasonality. The findings revealed that 193 species were registered, distributed among 52 families, and 23 orders, with a predominance of the Passeriformes order and the Tyrannidae family. The most observed trophic guild among species was insectivorous, accounting for 78 (41%) species, followed by omnivorous with 59 (31%) species, carnivorous 18 (9%), frugivorous 16 (8%), granivorous 12 (6%), nectarivorous 8 (4%), and detritivorous species 2 (1%), with lower richness. This study is one of the few bird surveys carried out in the municipality of Cabreúva and indicates that even in small forest fragments, there is a considerable species richness. Developing more fauna surveys and management plans for the species present in the area is important to preserve these birds.

Kinorhynch fauna from Oki Islands, with the description of a new Echinoderes species and its phylogenetic relationships within the family Echinoderidae

A survey of the kinorhynch fauna in the Oki Islands revealed six species of kinorhynchs in three families and four genera. Among these, one species in the genus Echinoderes was described as a new species, Echinoderes okiensis sp. nov., based on the following characteristics: presence of middorsal acicular spines on segments 4–8; ventrolateral tubes on segment 2; lateroventral tubes on segment 5; lateroventral acicular spines on segments 6–9; midlateral tubes on segment 10; type-1 glandular cell outlets present middorsally on segments 1–3, 5, and 7, two middorsally on segments 10 and 11, one pair paradorsally on segments 4, 6, 8, and 9, sublaterally on segment 1, and ventromedially on segments 2–10; type-2 glandular cell outlets absent; tergal extension narrowing abruptly into long acicular tips, constituting 5–7% of trunk length; males with three pairs of penile spines, the middle pair being very short; females with papillae in ventrolateral position on segment 7 and ventromedial position on segment 8, as well as with lateral terminal accessory spines. This species was also found to inhabit off Iejima Island in Okinawa, more than 1000 km away from the Oki Islands. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S and 28S rDNA sequences suggested that this species is closely related to Echinoderes aureus Adrianov et al., 2002 in the family Echinoderidae. These two species, along with the Echinoderes dujardinii species group, the Echinoderes spinifurca species group, Echinoderes truncates Higgins, 1983, and Cephalorhyncha, compose one of the two major clades detected in Echinoderidae.

Survey of Insects Fauna of Al-Tar Caves in Karbala, Iraq

Survey of Insects Fauna of Al-Tar Caves in Karbala, Iraq

First records of some coral reef-associated brachyuran crabs from the Nicobar archipelago, India

The coral reefs off the Andaman and Nicobar archipelagos harbour some of the world’s diverse reef-associated crustacean fauna, which have not been adequately surveyed. A recent faunal survey in the Andaman Sea on-board the Fishery Oceanographic Research Vessel Sagar Sampada (cruise number 388) revealed a rich diversity of coral reef-associated brachyuran crabs. The article reports four genera, Singhaplax Serène & Soh, 1976, Cavoportunus Nguyen & Ng, 2010, Cyrtocarcinus Ng & Chia, 1994 and Visayax Mendoza & Ng, 2008 occurring in Indian waters for the first time. Seven species namely Singhaplax ockelmanni (Serène, 1971), Urnalana angulata (Rathbun, 1911), Pseudolambrus confragosus (Calman, 1900), Cavoportunus dubius (Laurie, 1906), Cyrtocarcinus truncatus (Rathbun, 1906), Visayax osteodictyon Mendoza & Ng, 2008, and Xanthias joanneae Mendoza, 2013, are likewise reported for the first time from Indian waters.

Taxonomic Impediment for Conservation: The Case of Bees in an Undersampled Tropical Mid-Elevation Site, San Martín, Peru.

In this first field survey of an entire bee fauna for any part of Peru, we report a total of 1796 bees belonging to 181 species or morphospecies in four families. The taxonomic impediment was pronounced with only 80 species of 181 that could be named. With such a high proportion of undetermined species, it is not possible to adequately compare pollinator communities across different studies, assess historical changes or analyze endemism patterns to document ecology, behavior and evolution of the species and genera. This information is required to provide a sound basis for policymakers to protect habitats for the conservation of native pollinators.

ВИДОВИЙ СКЛАД І ЧИСЕЛЬНІСТЬ БІЛАНОВИХ (RHOPALOCERA, LEPIDOPTERA, PIERIDAE) В ЕНТОМОЛОГІЧНИХ КОЛЕКЦІЯХ ЗА 2021–2023 рр.

Species of Lepidoptera are specific indicators of the state of biotic communities and ecosystems, playing a crucial role in the functioning of phytocenoses and holding significant scientific, cognitive, and aesthetic value. Diurnal butterflies are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic influences and belong to one of the animal groups that is in danger of extinction. The article presents original data on the current status of the Pieridae family based on the analysis of collection materials gathered during April-October 2021–2023 in the Zakarpattia, Lviv, Volyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Species identification was conducted under laboratory conditions according to scientific requirements. The list of species of this family was formed from taxa according to Nieukerken et al. (2011). Entomological collection of Lepidoptera was conducted in accordance with nature conservation legislation norms. It was established that in 2021, 8 species were identified (168 individuals), in 2022 – 5 species (71 individuals), and in 2023 – 6 species (84 individuals). The studied insects belong to 6 genera: Leptidea, Anthocharis, Pieris, Pontia, Colias, Gonepteryx. Based on the analysis of relative abundance, it was determined that Pieris rapae was the most abundant species throughout the studied years, while Pieris brassicae, Pieris napi, Colias hyale, and Gonepteryx rhamni were common species, and Leptidea sinapis, Anthocharis cardamines, Pontia daplidice, and Colias croceus were rare. For a detailed study of the Pieridae family and conducting comprehensive ecological-faunistic insect identification, we plan to conduct annual entomological surveys of fauna of Ukraine. These data can be used for the further analysis of the changes of species diversity of this family taking into account biodiversity conservation.

Leishmania infantum detection in Nyssomyia neivai and dogs in Southern Brazil

BackgroundThe sand fly Nyssomyia neivai is one of the most abundant species in Southern Brazil. It is frequently found in areas that are foci of visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Santa Catarina, caused by Leishmania infantum. In this region, the main vector of L. infantum, Lutzomyia longipalpis, has not been detected. In the absence of L. longipalpis, this study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna and diagnose any potential Leishmania spp. infection in sand flies and in dogs in a region of Southern Brazil that experienced a recent canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak.MethodsThis report includes a survey of the sand fly fauna at the Zoonosis Control Center of the Municipality of Tubarão (Santa Catarina, Brazil). Molecular tests were conducted to investigate Leishmania spp. natural infection in sand flies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In positive females, in addition to morphological identification, molecular analysis through DNA barcoding was performed to determine the sand fly species. Additionally, the dogs were tested for the presence of Leishmania spp. using a non-invasive technique for the collection of biological material, to be assessed by PCR.ResultsA total of 3419 sand flies, belonging to five genera, were collected. Nyssomyia neivai was the most abundant species (85.8%), followed by Migonemyia migonei (13.3%), Pintomyia fischeri (0.8%), Evandromyia edwardsi (< 0.1%), and species of the genus Brumptomyia. (0.1%). Out of the 509 non-engorged females analyzed by PCR, two (0.4%) carried L. infantum DNA. The naturally infected females were identified as Ny. neivai, in both morphological and molecular analysis. In addition, two out of 47 conjunctival swabs from dogs tested positive for L. infantum, yielding an infection rate of 4.2%.ConclusionsThese results confirm the presence of Ny. neivai naturally infected with L. infantum in an area where dogs were also infected by the parasite, suggesting its potential role as a vector in Southern Brazil.Graphical

PHÂN BỐ CỦA LOÀI EPINEPHELUS EPISTICTUS (Temminck and Schlegel, 1843) (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) Ở VÙNG VEN BIỂN BẮC TRUNG BỘ, VIỆT NAM

The article provides data on the morphological characteristics and the distribution of the dotted grouper Epinephelus epistictus (Temminck &amp; Schlegel, 1843) in the coastal area of Thanh Hoa province, North Central Vietnam. Five specimens were collected from Minh Loc fishing port during a fish fauna survey on 06 August 2023. Combine with data from previous studies, this paper provides information of the distribution of E. epistictus in Vietnam in a northward expansion direction, thereby demonstrating the widespread distribution of this species. Species identification was confirmed by morphological characteristics and colour patterns on the body.

Changes in Population Densities and Species Richness of Pollinators in the Carpathian Basin during the Last 50 Years (Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera)

Temporal changes in population densities and species richness of three main pollinator groups—moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera); bees, wasps and sawflies (Hymenoptera); and hoverflies, horseflies, tachinids and bee flies (Diptera)—were investigated in the Carpathian Basin. Maintaining pollinator diversity is a crucial factor for preserving our biodiversity and ecosystems; furthermore, several pollinator species have a strong economic role in maintaining crop and fruit cultures. Our conclusions are based on our three and four decades of faunistic surveys in various regions of the Carpathian Basin. Analyzing and comparing our data with the historical data of the last 50 years, we concluded that densities of some pollinators declined during the past decade and a half (Symphyta, hoverflies), although populations of several species of Mediterranean origin grew (Aculeata) and new species even migrated from the warmer regions. In numerous cases, this decrease was dramatic: more than 90% decline of certain butterfly species were detected. On the other hand, the composition of pollinator fauna significantly changed due to the disappearance of some mountainous or mesophile species. The main reason for the decrease in pollinator communities is due partly to climatic change and partly to anthropogenic factors. Different groups of pollinators react differently: some groups like Syrphidae, Tachinidae, most of the butterfly families and bumblebees suffered a strong decline in the last two decades; other warm-loving groups like most of Aculeata and horseflies and bee flies showed a significant increase in population densities. Our conclusion: in our region, the pollinator crisis is present but moderate; however, there is a clear sign of the gradual transition of our pollinator fauna towards the Mediterranean type.

A new shallow water species of the palaemonid shrimp genus Palaemon Weber, 1795 (Decapoda: Caridea) from Japan

During a survey of the shallow water decapod fauna in the Miura Peninsula, Kanagawa Prefecture, central Japan, four specimens of a new palaemonid shrimp, Palaemon parvibrachium n. sp., were collected from sea grass beds of Nanozostera japonica (Ascherson &amp; Graebner) Tomlinson &amp; Posluszny, 2001. The new species appears morphologically similar to P. serrifer (Stimpson, 1860), one of the most common representatives of Palaemon Weber, 1795 in Japanese waters, but the short carpus of the second pereopod and the different live colouration readily differentiate the new species from the latter. A DNA barcode (a partial fragment of the mitochondrial CO1 gene), as well as a partial fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, are provided to genetically characterize the new species.

Environmental DNA Characterization of the Fish Species Composition in the Mukawa River and Adjacent Habitats

The diverse freshwater fish fauna of the Japanese archipelago is distributed among four main island landmasses, which include Hokkaido in the north, with many diadromous species. One relatively well-preserved river drainage along the southern coast of Central Hokkaido is the Mukawa River. Fish fauna surveys in the Mukawa River were mostly in downstream areas and the fish diversity is not well-documented among the upper, lower river, and coastal environments. Fish communities in the river, estuary, and sea were sampled using eDNA analysis to evaluate upstream and downstream species detections, and tidal and spatial detection variation near the river mouth. The number of species was higher at the river mouth and nearshore sites compared to the river and offshore. Fish detections reflected life history categories (freshwater resident, diadromous, brackish, or marine) and the environments. Similarity analysis showed that fish species compositions were divided into (1) upstream and midstream, (2) downstream and river mouth, (3) adjacent shore, and (4) offshore. Salmonid, cyprinid, loach, and sculpin species were detected in the river, compared to a mixture of species downstream and along the coast. This rapid assessment type study demonstrated that eDNA survey methodology would be effective for multiple river comparative surveys, seasonality studies, or evaluating possible effects of cross-river weirs or dams.