Terms Of Species Number Research Articles

Taxonomy, Distribution and Habitat of the Giant Trechus Beetles Endemic to Mt. Choke, Ethiopia (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

The Holarctic ground beetle genus Trechus Clairville, 1806, is highly diverse in the Ethiopian highlands, both in terms of species numbers and morphology. Particularly noteworthy are the extraordinarily large species of the subgenus Abyssinotus Quéinnec and Ollivier, 2021, with a body length up to 8.5 mm, that occur on Mt. Choke in northern Ethiopia. Recent, intensive field work on Mt. Choke resulted in a significantly large number of specimens that are the basis for our taxonomic revision of the species related to the giant species, T. dimorphicus Pawłowski, 2001 and T. gigas Pawłowski, 2001. We describe three new species and one new subspecies and discuss a likely interspecific hybrid that combines morphological character states of representatives of the dimorphicus and gigas subgroups of Abyssinotus. An iconography of males and females as well as photographs of the aedeagi of all the considered species are presented. The distributions of the species are detailed and knowledge of the species-specific habitat preferences is summarized. Based on the distributions and habitat specificity, a threat assessment based on the current land use pattern at Mt. Choke is provided.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF WEED FLORA IN MAIZE FIELDS IN THE AREA OF NOVI GRAD (REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA, B&H)

<p>Knowledge of the weed flora of a certain area, as well as knowledge of the relationship between cultivated plants and weed plants, is important for successful weed control and the efficient application of agrotechnical measures. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the weed flora in maize fields in the area of Novi Grad, as well as a taxonomic analysis, an analysis of the biological spectrum, a phytogeographical analysis and an analysis of ecological indicators of the maize weed flora. During field research on two maize fields in the area of Donji Rakani village (Novi Grad), a total of 38 species of vascular plants were collected, which were systematized into 35 genera and 16 families. The most abundant in terms of species numbers were the families Compositae (31.58%) and Poaceae (18.42%), as well as the genera <em>Erigeron</em>, <em>Ranunculus </em>and <em>Setaria</em>. Hemicryptophytes (36.84%) and therophytes (31.58%) dominated the biological spectrum. Phytogeographical analysis revealed the dominance of the Eurasian (25.81%) floral element. A total of seven adventive species were recorded. The paper also presents the results of the analysis of ecological indicators for soil moisture, soil reaction, nutrients, light and temperature. The results of our research contribute to a better knowledge of the weed flora in maize fields, which could be useful for creating more efficient weed control measures.</p>

Environmental DNA detects biodiversity and ecological features of phytoplankton communities in Mediterranean transitional waters

Climate changes and anthropogenic pressures are causing a biodiversity decline in terms of species number and genetic diversity, reducing the adaptability and evolvability of natural communities. Transitional water ecosystems are more sensitive to habitat reduction and degradation and, thus, are more exposed to biodiversity declines requiring biodiversity monitoring programs for their conservation. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding represents a high-throughput tool for biodiversity assessment that is facilitating data collection for biodiversity monitoring. In this study, we applied, for the first time, eDNA metabarcoding in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon to assess the ecological features of eukaryotic phytoplankton communities. We sampled water in seven different lagoon sites and amplified the extracted DNA with primers targeting the variable region 4 (V4) of the 18S rRNA gene marker. The results demonstrated the validity of eDNA studies to provide insights into lagoon phytoplankton composition, establish the structure and spatial variation of phytoplankton communities, and evaluate its correlation to abiotic factors. Finally, the genetic distances analysis suggests that the different spatial distribution of OTUs, at least for the Tetraselmis genus, reflects the genetic background.

A revision of the South American species of the Morelloid clade (Solanum L., Solanaceae).

The Morelloid clade, also known as the black nightshades or "Maurella" (Morella), is one of the 10 major clades within the mega-diverse genus Solanum L. The clade is most diverse in the central to southern Andes, but species occur around the tropics and subtropics, some extending well into the temperate zone. Plants of the group vary from herbs to short-lived perennials to perennial shrubs that are distinctly woody at the base, they have small mostly white or purplish white flowers and small juicy berries. Due to the complex morphological variation and weedy nature of these plants, coupled with the large number of published synonyms (especially for European taxa), our understanding of species limits and diversity in the Morelloid clade has lagged behind that of other clades in Solanum. Here we provide the last in a three-part series of monographic treatments of the morelloid solanums (see PhytoKeys Vols. 106, 125), treating the 62 species occurring in South America. This region is by far the most diverse in the clade, both in terms of species number and morphological diversity. We provide complete synonymy, nomenclatural details, including lecto- and neotypifications where needed, common names and uses, morphological descriptions, illustrations to aid identification both in herbaria and in the field, and distribution maps for all native, non-cultivated species. We include a key to all species, a synoptic character list for the species treated here and links to synoptic online keys for all species of the Morelloid clade. Preliminary conservation assessments following IUCN guidelines are also provided for all native species.

Weed flora composition in a young olive orchard as affected by fertilizer types

Manure is a useful source of nutrients in olive orchards, but its effect on weed growth in such an ecosystem has not been studied. A field experiment was conducted in a six-year old olive orchard (cv. Chondrelia Chalkidikis) in northern Greece to study the effects of two forms of fertilization (inorganic fertilizer and composted cow manure) on weeds abundance and weed flora composition (species diversity and dominance). A randomized complete block design with three treatments (inorganic fertilizer, 150 kg N ha−1 plus 205 kg P2O5 ha−1 plus 205 kg K2O; composted cow manure, 20 Mg dry weight ha−1; and control) replicated three times was used. Inorganic fertilizer and composted cow manure had no significant effect on the number of weed species (F = 0.288, P > 0.05), but improved olive fruit yield by 61.6% and 57.1%, respectively, compared with the non-fertilized control. Both inorganic fertilizer and composted cow manure increased the weeds dry biomass by 133.4% and 80.8%, respectively, compared with the non-fertilized control. There was a decrease in the biomass proportion (percentage of the total weed biomass) of annual species with composted cow manure (x2 = 6.72, P < 0.05), while no significant change in the biomass ratio of grasses and broadleaf weeds was observed. Fertilization increased the growth of Chenopodium album, mainly with the addition of inorganic fertilization; and Sonchus oleraceus, slightly more with the addition of composted cow manure. Centaurea solstitialis and Daucus carota had a high proportion only in the non-fertilized control plots. Composted cow manure can be used as an alternative fertilizer in olive orchards, without enriching weed flora in terms of species number. Long-term experiments would be useful to confirm the influence of composted cow manure on weed flora of olive orchards.

Temporal development of fish communities in brackish lagoons of the Baltic Sea considering the invasion of the non-indigenous round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)

Globally, successful invasions of non-indigenous species affect biodiversity and can push ecosystems beyond tipping points. This study aimed to identify factors that influence round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) abundances and distribution pathways along the eastern German coast of the Baltic Sea over a 12year period. The study further explored how the invasion of round goby affected the local fish and benthos assemblages in terms of species numbers and diversity. Round goby invaded various areas and estuaries and has established self-sustaining populations at low densities with further westward spread along the coast appearing to be ongoing. Salinity emerged as the most important predictor for overall round goby abundance, while the influence of macrozoobenthos abundance, vegetation cover, oxygen concentration, and water temperature were comparably low, indicating that round goby have a high tolerance in this regard. Negative impacts of round goby on benthic organisms and indigenous fish species, such as native gobiids, flounder (Platichthys flesus), ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua), perch (Perca fluviatilis), pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), and cod (Gadus morhua), were not observed. This could be attributed to the comparably low densities of round goby at the sampling areas (0.0001 to 0.2 fish per m2) in combination with a potential surplus of benthic resources counteracting negative effects of predation and competition. The results suggest that its broad environmental adaptability could have enabled round goby to occupy a vacant ecological niche in coastal areas of the south-western Baltic Sea, which is generally considered to be species-poor due to strong environmental gradients. However, it cannot be excluded that certain effects of the round goby invasion may be too subtle to be detected. Thus, the results of our study underline the need for a specific long-term monitoring of the round goby invasion across taxa and habitats.

Done but not dusted: Reflections on the first global reptile assessment and priorities for the second

The IUCN recently coordinated the first assessment of extinction risk of the world's reptile species. This monumental undertaking allows, for the first time, an examination of threats and prioritization of conservation effort, not just for reptiles, but for land vertebrates as a whole. Reptiles are now the largest class of land vertebrates in terms of species numbers. The dynamic nature of reptile taxonomy, the 18 years it took for the Global Reptile Assessment to be completed, the poor state of knowledge for many species – especially of squamates – and the evolving nature of threats, however, all highlight the need for continued monitoring of reptile species and threats. Here we review the status of reptile conservation assessments, and identify the challenges facing the next reptile assessments. We then recommend potential avenues that could facilitate efficient, accurate and timely future assessments.

Metabolically Doping of 3D Diatomaceous Biosilica with Titanium.

Diatoms represent, in terms of species number, one of the largest groups of microalgae that have the ability to synthesize phenomenal mineral composites characterized by complex hierarchical structures. Their shells, called frustules, create intricately ornamented structures, reminiscent of the most sophisticated, natural mosaics. Ordinated pore systems perforate siliceous walls of the frustules with diameters ranging from nano to micro-scale, forming openwork three-dimensional silica structures. The use of these features is one of the main challenges in developing new technological solutions. In this study we assess the ability of selected diatom species (Pseudostaurosira trainorii) for metabolic insertion of soluble titanium from the culture medium into the structure of amorphous silica cell walls by its cultivation in laboratory conditions. The study is aimed at obtaining new and strengthening the already existing optical properties of diatomaceous biosilica. The physicochemical properties of the obtained materials have been studied using a series of instrumental methods.

Analysis of the structural characteristics and spatial organization of macrobenthic fauna in Oualidia lagoon, Morocco

Morocco is a very rich country in terms of wetlands, including bays, estuaries, lagoons, lakes, and rivers, among others. However, many of them need to be well managed and better exploited, thus requiring baseline descriptive studies to assess faunal patterns and trends. Oualidia lagoon is not an exception. In fact, the studies conducted to date in the lagoon mainly focused on its oceanographic features and aquaculture capacities. The present paper presents the first study on the whole macrofaunal assemblages of Oualidia lagoon, having as main objectives analyze the composition and structure of the assemblages, as well as their relationships with the main environmental variables explaining their spatial distribution variability in the enclosed ecosystem of the Oualidia coastal lagoon. The benthic macroinvertebrates of Oualidia lagoon were studied in summer 2013 based on 43 stations spread over the whole lagoon by using a Van Veen grab. Two replicate samples were collected for macrobenthos and one additional replicate for sediment analyses at each station. Also, single water salinity and temperature measurements were recorded at each station. Fifty-one species from seven different taxa were recorded, among which mollusks (37%), polychaetes (25%) and crustaceans (25%) dominated in terms of species number. Peringia ulvae, Abra alba, Sphaeroma serratum, Cerastoderma edule and Corophium sp. accounted for 88% of total abundance. The benthos was structured along a downstream–upstream gradient, showing three assemblages, named according to the IndVal index: (1) Diopatra cf. marocensis, (2) Peringia ulvae, and (3) Cerastoderma edule, while the main factors driving their distribution were granulometry and salinity. The Biotic and Environmental analysis showed that the combination of granulometry and salinity was the major factors controlling the spatial distribution of the macrozoobenthos in the Oualidia Lagoon.

Fungi Occurring in Norway Spruce Wood Decayed by Heterobasidion parviporum in Puszcza Borecka Stands (Northeastern Poland)

In many spruce stands, trees are frequently attacked by the pathogen Heterobasidion parviporum, albeit without visible symptoms in the crown. In the present work, the results of the presence of stem rot, assessed by PICUS Sonic Tomography, and the fungal biota on trees and stumps in eight plots in the Puszcza Borecka Forest are described. The plots were located in stands on original forest soil (4) and on post-agricultural soil (4), where around a stump with H. parviporum symptoms (signs of internal rot and basidiocarps), 30 trees were selected and examined for internal rot. Wood samples were collected from two selected trees for fungal molecular analysis. A total of 79 fungal taxa were found, including 57 taxa in plots on post-agricultural soil and 45 on forest soil. There were 395 fungal records on stumps and 22 records on trees, therein, from the inner parts of felled trunks. Significant differences in the Chao-1 diversity index indicate that the origin of the soil—post-agricultural or forest soil—influenced the alpha diversity of the fungal communities in the forests studied. The values of the Shannon and Simpson indices show that the two communities were similar in terms of species numbers. The presence of basidiomata of H. parviporum and two species of Armillaria (mainly A. cepistipes) in samples on all plots is striking, although Armillaria spp. was detected more frequently. Most of the species identified were typical saprotrophs, although rare species were also found, such as Entoloma byssisedum, Onnia tomentosa, Physisporinus vitreus, Postia ptychogaster, and Ramaria apiculata. The presence of H. parviporum in the inner woody parts was confirmed by PCR analysis, and decay was detected even up to a stem height of 6 m. Armillaria was the dominant genus in the studied stands and plays a significant and underestimated role in heartwood decay of old spruce trees in Puszcza Borecka Forest.

Comparison of goose down and woolen pillows in terms of house dust mites

This study was conducted to compare the goose down and the woolen pillows in terms of number of house dust mites per gram of dust. The study was conducted in Kars province, Turkey in September 2020. A total of 180 house dust samples were collected from 45 randomly selected houses in various districts of the city. The number of houses in which at least one sample was positive regarding mites was found to be 39 (86.66%). Overall, 137 (76.11%) of dust samples were mite positive. This rate was 87.77% in dust samples of woolen and 64.44% in dust samples of goose down pillows. The number of mites/g dust varied between 15 and 625 in mite-positive woolen pillows, 10 and 420 in mite-positive goose down pillows. Mean number of mites per g of dust was 127.67 in woolen pillows and 79.39 in goose down pillows. A statistically significant difference was found between woolen and goose down pillows in terms of the number of mites per gram of dust (P&lt;0.05). A total of 1,362 mite specimens were isolated from the dust samples. As a result of the identification of isolated specimens; a total of 16 species belong to 10 genera and 6 families were determined. Of these; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart, 1897) (65.85%), Lepidoglyphus destructor (Schrank) (9.25%) and Acarus siro Linnaeus (6.16%) were the most dominant species in terms of number of specimens.

The Future of (Soil) Microbiome Studies: Current Limitations, Integration, and Perspectives.

ABSTRACTMicrobes dominate the planet’s biodiversity in terms of species number and by driving essential Earth system functions such as the carbon cycle. Soils contain most of this microbial biodiversity. Only recently, we have started to better understand the diversity of bacteria and fungi at the global scale. Here, I list my views on some shortcomings of contemporary soil microbiome studies and potential solutions to overcome them. In particular, I highlight that (soil) microbiome studies should become more holistic in terms of (i) taxa and resolution targeted, (ii) by adding functional to taxonomic information, and (iii) by integrating temporal analysis into spatial analyses. Considering those elements with the methodology that is now available will advance our understanding on (soil) microbiomes to reliably address major ecological hypotheses and to advance insights into the importance for life on Earth.

Natural Products from Bryophytes: From Basic Biology to Biotechnological Applications

Natural products from plants have served mankind in a wide range of applications, such as medicines, perfumes, or flavoring agents. For this reason, synthesis, regulation and function of plant-derived chemicals, as well as the evolution of metabolic diversity, has attracted researchers all around the world. In particular, vascular plants have been subject to such analyses due to prevalent characteristics such as appearance, fragrance, and ecological settings. In contrast, bryophytes, constituting the second largest group of plants in terms of species number, have been mostly overlooked in this regard, potentially due to their seemingly tiny, simple and obscure nature. However, the identification of highly interesting chemicals from bryophytes with potential for biotechnological exploitation is changing this perception. Bryophytes offer a high degree of biochemical complexity, as a consequence of their ecological and genetic diversification, which enable them to prosper in various, often very harsh habitats. The number of bioactive compounds isolated from bryophytes is growing rapidly. The rapidly increasing wealth of bryophyte genetics opens doors to functional and comparative genomics approaches, including disentangling of the biosynthesis of potentially interesting chemicals, mining for novel gene families and tracing the evolutionary history of metabolic pathways. Throughout the last decades, the moss Physcomitrella (Physcomitrium patens) has moved from being a model plant together with Marchantia polymorpha in fundamental biology into an attractive host for the production of biotechnologically relevant compounds such as biopharmaceuticals. In the future, bryophytes like the moss P. patens might also be attractive candidates for the production of novel bryophyte-derived chemicals of commercial interest. This review provides a comprehensive overview of natural product research in bryophytes from different perspectives together with biotechnological advances throughout the last decade.

Macrozoobenthos in mid-mountain lakes of river Multa basin (Republic of Altai)

In August 2020, taxonomic composition and quantitative characteristics of zoobenthos from 4 lakes located in the upper reaches of the R. Multa basin (the R. Ob basin) were studied. Because of the basin inaccessibility the hydrobiological information about these lakes was previously fragmentary or absent at all. The data on macrozoobenthos composition and its structure were not available. In these lakes, 49 species of benthic invertebrates from 7 classes were identified, i.e. Demospongiae (1), Turbellaria (1), Oligochaeta (3), Gastropoda (4), Euchelicerata (1), Crustacea (1) and Insecta (38). Among insects, Diptera were the most diverse (22 chironomids out of 23 species). Beetles, mayflies and caddisflies were also found. In terms of species number, abundance and biomassб chironomids were the dominant taxonomic group in the studied lakes. The species composition of macrozoobenthos consisted of species widely spread in the Palearctic and Holarctic. The investigated lakes differed in species composition of zoobenthos. When comparing the species lists of benthic animals, lakes Sredneye Multinskoye and Poperechnoye were similar at most, whereas the fauna of Lake Nizhneye Multinskoye was the most original. The studied water bodies were distinguished by poor macroinvertebrate development and thereby corresponded to ultra-oligotrophic and oligotrophic reservoir types. The oligochaete index by Goodnight and Whitley corresponded to quality class I–II, i.e. “conditionally clean” and “slightly polluted waters”. We defined the trophic structure of macrozoobenthos of lakes and identified five main trophic groups of hydrobionts (Deposit feeders, Сollectors-detritus feeders and facultative filter feeders, Collectors-obligate filter feeders, Shredders, Predators), among which Collectors-detritus feeders and facultative filter feeders dominated.

Diversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in home gardens of Kampung Masjid Ijok, Perak, Malaysia

Abstract. Ramli MR, Milow P, Malek S. 2021. Diversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in home gardens of Kampung Masjid Ijok, Perak, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 22: 2458-2465. Medicinal plants and associated traditional knowledge are at risk of habitat modification, globalization, urbanization, and modernization. Though home gardens are recognized as a potential strategy for medicinal plant conservation, at the same time very limited efforts have been made for the documentation of ethnomedicinal plants. We explored and documented the diversity and population status of ethnomedicinal plants in the home gardens of Kampung Masjid Ijok along with its associated traditional knowledge. Field observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted to record for the medicinal uses of the medicinal plants in the home gardens. The information, i.e. local name, parts used, methods of preparation, and type of ailments, were also collected. The total numbers of medicinal plants recorded in the study area were 68 species belonging to 40 families. The families of Zingiberaceae, Asteraceae, Acanthaceae, and Fabaceae were recorded as having the highest number of medicinal plants. Herbs were the main source of medicinal plants in terms of species number followed by shrubs, trees, and climbers. Cocos nucifera L, Carica papaya L, Areca catechu L, and Citrus aurantiifolia (Chris. &amp; Panz.) Swin were the most frequent species of medicinal plants. Shannon diversity index of medicinal plant species was 3.7. The most frequently utilized plant parts were the leaves followed by roots, fruits, rhizomes, whole plants, flowers, seeds, and barks. Gastrointestinal disorders including stomach ache, diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, flatulence, worm infestation in children, and constipation were among the most frequent ailments treated with the medicinal plants. This study revealed that many medicinal plants are still broadly found in home gardens and used for treating various ailments. The information recorded in this study may form the basis for the conservation and sustainable use of ethnomedicinal plants and may also contribute to the preservation of cultural and genetic diversity.

ФИЛОАГРОЦЕНОГЕНЕЗ В ПОСЕВАХ САХАРНОЙ СВЕКЛЫ ПРИ РАЗНОЙ СТЕПЕНИ АНТРОПОГЕННОЙ НАГРУЗКИ В ХХВЕКЕ–НАЧАЛЕ ХХI ВЕКА

The south of the Non-Chernozem Region is the north-ern boundary of sugar beet production in the Russian Fed-eration. An important factor restraining the growth of crop productivity is the high weed infestation of crops. To devel-op an effective system of crop protection against weeds, it is necessary to study their species composition in order to determine the most occurring and noxious weed species. The available data of geobotanical surveys since the 1930s showed that at different levels of anthropogenic impact the core of the most noxious weed species was formed. Under extensive agriculture conditions, the following species were the most widespread ones: Elytrigia repens(L.) Nevski, Equiseeum arvenseL., Sonchus arvensis L., Convolvulus arvensisL., Cirsium setosum(Willd.) Besser., Artemisia absinthiumL., Chenopodium albumL., Polygonum avicula-reL., Apera spica-ventiL., etc. The introduction of mechan-ical plowing decreased the population density of A. spica-ventiL., Dracocephalum thymiflorumL., and P. aviculareL. Further intensification of agriculture contributed to the narrowing of the weed species composition. Avena fatuaL., not previously found, appeared in abundance in crops and surpassed all other species in terms of number and frequency of occurrence, as well as species resistant to herbicides from the 2.4-D dimethylamine group -Poaceae, Galium aparineL., Tripleurospermum inodorum(L.) Sch. Bip. Couch grass(Elytrigia repens(L.) Nevski) was com-pletely substituted. Currently, the agrophytocenoses con-tain the most harmful rhizome and root-sucker weeds and spring species. Thefollowing early spring weeds are par-ticularly harmful and highly spread in crops: common wild oat (Avena fatuaL.), hemp-nettle species (Galeopsis), and Chenopodium albumL.; overwintering weeds resistant to 2.4-D dimethylamine which seeds accumulate in the soil during the cultivation of other crops in crop rotations where weed control is not so intense.

Odonata from Bahia Solano, Colombian Pacific Region

We present a checklist of Odonata species from Bahia Solano Municipality in the Pacific Region of Colombia. Sampling effort included 715 h between December 2018 and January 2020. We recorded 51 species in 27 genera and seven families. The most representative families were Libellulidae with 14 genera and 29 species and Coenagrionidae with 10 genera and 16 species. Argia fulgida Nav&amp;aacute;s, 1934 and Erythrodiplax funerea (Hagen, 1861) are newly recorded from Choc&amp;oacute; Department. The richer localities in terms of species numbers are conservation areas which are little impacted by indigenous traditional agriculture.

Giant African snail genomes provide insights into molluscan whole-genome duplication and aquatic-terrestrial transition.

Whole-genome duplication (WGD), contributing to evolutionary diversity and environmental adaptability, has been observed across a wide variety of eukaryotic groups, but not in molluscs. Molluscs are the second largest animal phylum in terms of species numbers, and among the organisms that have successfully adapted to the nonmarine realm through aquatic-terrestrial (A-T) transition. We assembled a chromosome-level reference genome for Achatina immaculata, a globally invasive species, and compared the genomes of two giant African snails (A. immaculata and Achatina fulica) to other available mollusc genomes. Macrosynteny, colinearity blocks, Ks peak and Hox gene clusters collectively suggested a WGD event in the two snails. The estimated WGD timing (~70 million years ago) was close to the speciation age of the Sigmurethra-Orthurethra (within Stylommatophora) lineage and the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) mass extinction, indicating that the WGD may have been a common event shared by all Sigmurethra-Orthurethra species and conferred ecological adaptability allowing survival after the K-T extinction event. Furthermore, the adaptive mechanism of WGD in terrestrial ecosystems was confirmed by the presence of gene families related to the respiration, aestivation and immune defence. Several mucus-related gene families expanded early in the Stylommatophora lineage, and the haemocyanin and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase families doubled during WGD, and zinc metalloproteinase genes were highly tandemly duplicated after WGD. This evidence suggests that although WGD may not have been the direct driver of the A-T transition, it played an important part in the terrestrial adaptation of giant African snails.

Phytoplankton species composition and abundance in a freshwater ecotone, Akwa Ibom State, South-Eastern Nigeria

Phytoplankton composition and abundance could be used to evaluate the health of any aquatic ecosystem. Phytoplankton species were quantitatively sampled for twelve calendar months from Abak River, Nigeria using standard methods. Data generated were pooled and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis including descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 3,901 cells/l, 45 species, 36 genera and 4 phytoplankton taxonomic groups were identified. The dominant species in terms of number of cells/l was Phormidium valderiae (1,770 cells/l; 45.37%) while the least (1 cell/l; 0.02%) were Closteriopsis longissima and Netrium digitus. Order of significance in terms of number of species was: Chlorophyta (20 species; 44.45 %) &gt; Bacillariophyta (15 species; 33.33%) &gt; Cyanophyta (9 species; 20.00%) &gt; Xanthophyta (1 species; 2.22%). Dominance of the phytoplankton cell counts were observed in the following trend: Cyanophyta (65.27%) &gt; Bacillariophyta (20.06%) &gt; Chlorophyta (13.30%) &gt; Xanthophyta (1.38%). Low abundance of this flora accompanied by the high occurrence of Cyanophyta cells and species are indications of pollution of this important aquatic ecosystem. Hence, wastes generation and dumping without pretreatments into the river especially, organic and inorganic fertilizers should be discouraged.&#x0D; Keywords: Phytoplankton group, abundance, species composition, cell counts

Structure and distribution of fish assemblages at Burdwood Bank, the first Sub-Antarctic Marine Protected Area “Namuncurá” in Argentina (Southwestern Atlantic Ocean)

The first non-coastal Sub-Antarctic Marine Protected Area (Namuncura) in Argentina was created in 2013, at Burdwood Bank (MPAN-BB), an undersea plateau located about 200 km south from Malvinas/Falkland Islands, SW Atlantic Ocean. The main contribution of this work was to explore fish species composition and the structure of fish assemblages in three different zones of the MPAN-BB with different conservation strategies and different surrounding areas. Twenty-two fishing trawls were performed using a demersal bottom trawl pilot net at depths between 71 and 608 m. A total of 667 fish belonging to 30 species were collected in the surveyed area. The richest family in terms of species number was Nototheniidae (seven species), followed by Macrouridae, Myxinidae and Zoarcidae (four species each), then Moridae and Arhynchobatidae (three species each), and finally Muraenolepididae and Psychrolutidae (two species each). The remaining families were represented by a single species. Three significantly different fish assemblages were detected. These distinct assemblages were largely circumscribed at the plateau, the shelf-break slope, and the area west of the BB. The results showed that fish diversity in the MPAN-BB is relatively high constituting ~ 10% of the fish composition reported for the Atlantic sector of the Magellanic Province. The present data suggest that fishes are an important component of the benthic community planned to be protected by the implementation of the MPAN-BB. These findings have important implications for habitat preservation and threatened species conservation.