Zoogeographical Analysis Research Articles

Species distribution modelling of Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus in Nagaon District of Assam, India: a zoogeographical analysis

Identification and mapping of the spatial distribution of species is an important aspect of zoogeographical enquiry. The habitats of many species are facing the threat of depletion in increasingly human-influenced environments. This has already led to the extinction of many species in different localities, making understanding the linkages between anthropogenic threats and species distribution of utmost importance. A GIS-based model was applied to gain an overall picture of the potential distribution of Ploceus philippinus (Baya Weaver) in and around Nagaon District in Assam. The used maxent model in the GIS environment gives a highly significant Area Under Curve (AUC) validation statistic of 0.99. Out of the total area of 3,975 km2, 596.86 km2 (15%) is demarcated as a high-potential area. Such predictions are highly useful in assisting in the conservation of threatened species under current and future climatic conditions.

Zoogeographical composition of macroinvertebrates in low-mountain lakes of the Russian Altai

In 2022 the taxonomic and zoogeographic composition of the macrozoobenthos of six lowland lakes of the Russian Altai: Aya, Beloe, Kireevo, Kolyvanskoe, Koksha and Svetloye was investigated. In the studied lakes 156 species of zoobenthos from 9 classes of invertebrates were identified. The largest number of species is characteristic of the insect class. Chironomids and oligochaetes dominated in terms of frequency of occurrence in the lakes. Of the oligochaetes, the family Tubificidae (68%) was more frequently observed. Tubificidae (68%), chironomids — subfamilies Chironominae (91%) and Tanypodinae (66%). The maximum species diversity of zoobenthos was observed in lakes Beloe (81 species) and Koksha (76 species), the least number of species was found in lakes Aya (41 species) and Kireevo (52 species). Lakes Beloe — Kireevo — Kolyvanskoe and Koksha — Svetloye are the most similar in composition of benthic invertebrates. The most original was the taxonomic composition of the deepest lake Aya. According to the taxonomic composition of the fauna of bottom invertebrates, most lakes (Aya, Beloe, Kireevo, Kolyvanskoe) were closer to plain water bodies, two lakes (Koksha, Svetloe) combined features of both plain and mountain lakes. Zoogeographic analysis of the fauna of benthic invertebrates of foothill lakes revealed 12 types of distribution. Holarctic (39%), Palaearctic (23%) and Western Palaearctic species (21%) were predominant in the lake fauna. Comparative analysis of the fauna of the identified homotopic and heterotopic species showed that the most extensive areas are found only among homotopic primary aquatic archaic taxa. Zoogeographic analysis of the studied lakes indicate their proximity to the border of the Western and Eastern Palearctic.

Обзор фауны тлей (Hemiptera, Aphidomorpha) казахстанской части хребта Кунгей Алатау (Северный Тянь-Шань)

В казахстанской части хребта Кунгей Алатау на данный момент выявлено 111 видов тлей из 55 родов, представленных семействами Adelgidae (1 вид, 0,8 % от общего числа выявленных видов) и Aphididae (110 видов, 99,2 %). Семейство Aphididae представлено 8 подсемействами: Anoeciinae (1 вид, 0,9 %), Thelaxinae (2, 1,8 %), Eriosomatinae (8, 7,3 %), Lachninae (4, 3,6 %), Callaphidinae (6, 5,5 %), Macropodaphidinae (1, 0,9 %), Saltusaphidinae (1, 0,9 %), Chaitophorinae (7, 6,4 %), Aphidinae (80 видов, 72,7 %). Больше всего видов выявлено в родах Aphis (24), Chaitophorus, Macrosiphoniella (по 7), Brachycaudus (5), Acyrthosiphon, Uroleucon (по 4), Cinara, Pterocomma, Forda (по 3). В остальных 46 родах отмечено по 1–2 вида. Впервые для казахстанской части хребта Кунгей Алатау указано 17 видов: Pemphigus birimatus, Trama rara, Betulaphis brevipilosa, B. quadrituberculata, Therioaphis trifolii, Macropodaphis rechingeri, Saltusaphis scirpus, Chaitophorus horii beuthani, Aphis cisticola, A. salviae, A. taraxacicola, Aphidura alatavica, Rhopalomyzus codonopsidis, Acyrthosiphon cyparissiae turkestanicum, Uroleucon pseudobscurum, Uroleucon jaceae reticulatum, Macrosiphoniella antennata antennata. Betulaphis quadrituberculata впервые приводится также для Казахстана и Северного Тянь-Шаня. Chaitophorus horii beuthani впервые найден также и в Северном Тянь-Шане. Рассмотрены также вертикально-биотопическое распределение, особенности трофической специализации, относительная численность выявленных видов тлей. Сделан зоогеографический анализ.

Faunistic inventory, identification keys and zoogeographical analysis of the Thysanoptera-Terebrantia of Saudi Arabia, including two new species.

This faunistic study of the Thysanoptera suborder Terebrantia of Saudi Arabia has revealed 79 species in 39 genera and four families. Two families Melanthripidae Bagnall and Stenurothripidae Bagnall, also 25 genera and 51 species, are newly recorded for Saudi Arabia, and Mycterothrips arabicus sp. n. and Scirtothrips erectus sp. n., are described. Males of Thrips lomatus zur Strassan and Odontothrips elbaensis Priesner are described for the first time. Keys to the families, genera and species of Terebrantia of Saudi Arabia are presented, together with a species check list. Zoogeographical analysis indicates that general affinity of the thrips fauna of Saudi Arabia is dominated by Afrotropical (22.6%) and Saharo-Arabian (17.9%) species, followed by Cosmopolitan (16.7%), endemic (11.9%), Palearctic (10.7%), Oriental (9.5%), Mediterranean (7.1%), and traces of Nearctic (2.4%) and Holarctic (1.2%) species.

Zoogeographic Analysis of the Features of Temperature Preferences of Fish of the European Part of Russia

Zoogeographic Analysis of the Features of Temperature Preferences of Fish of the European Part of Russia

Zoogeographic Analysis of the Features of Temperature Preferences of Fish of the European Part of Russia

Analyzes of temperature preferences of fish and cyclostomes 54 species, inhabiting fresh water bodies of the European part of Russia are presented. It is shown that the main temperature criteria of the fundamental ecological niche (optimum, limits, and spawning temperatures) cannot be used as a clear sign of the species attribution to a particular faunistic complex. Nevertheless, these criteria are, apparently, a certain reflection of the climatic conditions in time of the species origin and development. Among the studied fish and cyclostomes, two separate groups of “northern” cold-water and “southern” warm-water species are identified. Their presence results from the historical features of the ichthyofauna formation in the region. The outlined in recent decades climatic trend towards an increase in water temperature probably favors the spread of the southern group representatives to the north, which can lead to further restructuring of competitive relations in fish populations and cause changes in the boundaries of their ranges.

Ökológiai vizsgálatok Sopron város madárfaunájáról

This paper presents the results of an ecological study on the urban avifauna of Sopron. Bird surveys were carried out in six different urban green areas during the period 2006–2007. A total of 81 bird species were recorded, 56 of them are breeding species. Based on the zoogeographical analysis, the species that occurred belong to 13 faunal units. Palearctic, European, and Euroturkestan species are dominating, but at the same time, the percentage of Holarctic species is also notable. Bird species richness was the highest in the University Botanical Garden, while the lowest species richness was found in the Széchenyi Square area. The relative species richness calculated for the avifauna of Sopron was relatively high (RSR=26,54). Similarity measures and hierarchical cluster analysis based on the Simpson index clearly showed the high similarity between the two most disturbed areas (Széchenyi Square and Jereván Housing Estate) as well as between the two most natural-like areas (Sörházdomb and Botanical Garden).

Faunistic and zoogeographic analysis of sac and ground spiders (Cheiracanthiidae, Clubionidae and Gnaphosidae) in mainland Greece

In diesem Artikel werden die Spinnenfamilien Cheiracanthiidae, Clubionidae und Gnaphosidae von Flächen auf dem griechischen Festlandes untersucht. Es wurden insgesamt 72 Arten gefunden, die zu den Cheiracanthiidae (1 Art), Clubionidae (1 Art) und Gnaphosidae (70 Arten) gehören. Marinarozelotes cumensis (Ponomarev, 1979) wird erstmals für Griechenland nachgewiesen. Die Habitatpräferenzen der dominanten Arten werden erfasst. Eine zoogeografische Analyse, die für die Flächen mit relativ vollständiger Erfassung durchgeführt wurde, weist auffällige Ähnlichkeiten sowohl zur europäischen als auch zur östlichen Spinnenfauna auf.

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This study was conducted on species composition, morphology, ecological characteristics, biotope distribution, ecological groups, biodiversity indicators and zoogeography of leeches and gastropods distributed in the lower Ak-Buura River. According to the results, it was found that 7 species of leeches belonging to 4 families and 6 genera and 10 species of fresh-water gastropods belonging to 3 families and 6 genera live in the lower Ak-Buura River. In the river, it was observed that leeches are mainly distributed in muddy biotopes, and gastropods are widespread in muddy, stony and sandy biotopes with a lot of plants. Biodiversity indices of leeches and gastropods in the Ak-Buura River were analyzed using the Shannon index. As a result, it was determined that the biodiversity index of the Ak-Buura river is lower than other rivers in the Fergana valley (H' = 0.81-1.17). This is mainly due to the eutrophication of some parts of the river and the instability of the water hydro-regime. Most of the leeches distributed in the river are carnivores, and gastropods are phytophages. According to the zoogeographical analysis, it was found that leeches are Holarctic, Palearctic, Western Palearctic, and gastropods are composed of European-Siberian, Palearctic and Central Asian species.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCOLIOID WASPS FAUNA (HYMENOPTERA, SCOLIOIDEA) OF THE KHINGAN NATURE RESERVE, AMURSKAYA OBLAST

An annotated list of 17 species in five genera of the families Sapygidae, Scoliidae and Tiphiidae collected for the first time in the Khingan Reserve is given. Sapyga coma Yasumatsu et Sugihara, 1938, Scolia oculata (Matsumura, 1911), S. sinensis Saussure, 1864, Tiphia minuta Vander Linden, 1827, and T. ordinaria Smith, 1873 are reported for the Amur province for the first time, and Tiphia fossata Allen et Jaynes, 1930 is new for the fauna of Russia. A zoogeographic analysis show that the fauna of the scolioid wasps of Khingan Reserve is an East Asian nemoral with components of the Central Asian and Transpalaearctic faunal elements.

Checklist of the earthworm fauna of Bosnia amp; Herzegovina (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae).

In this paper, a list of the earthworm fauna of Bosnia Herzegovina (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) is presented, including literature data, unpublished data from our collection and new data from the field. In this list, earthworm diversity, general ecology, their distribution and zoogeographical types are presented as well. The currently known earthworm fauna of Bosnia Herzegovina is comprised of 49 species belonging to 12 genera, with Dendrobaena being the species-richest genus (11). Our zoogeographic analysis has shown presence of 9 different types of distribution. lmost one third of all species represent either peregrines (14 species, 28.57%) or endemic (13 species, 26.53%). A higher fraction of the endemic species belongs to the Allolobophora and Dendrobaena genera. With the 13 endemic and some Balkanic-Alpine (4), Alpine-Dinaric (2), Illyric (Western Balkans) (2) species, it is proven that 42.85% of the total lumbricidae fauna shows an autochthonous character. These results represent another confirmation of particularity of this fauna and prove the need for further research in this area.

Checklist of the earthworm fauna of Bosnia & Herzegovina (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae)

In this paper, a list of the earthworm fauna of Bosnia & Herzegovina (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) is presented, including literature data, unpublished data from our collection and new data from the field. In this list, earthworm diversity, general ecology, their distribution and zoogeographical types are presented as well. The currently known earthworm fauna of Bosnia & Herzegovina is comprised of 49 species belonging to 12 genera, with Dendrobaena being the species-richest genus (11). Our zoogeographic analysis has shown presence of 9 different types of distribution. Аlmost one third of all species represent either peregrines (14 species, 28.57%) or endemic (13 species, 26.53%). A higher fraction of the endemic species belongs to the Allolobophora and Dendrobaena genera. With the 13 endemic and some Balkanic-Alpine (4), Alpine-Dinaric (2), Illyric (Western Balkans) (2) species, it is proven that 42.85% of the total lumbricidae fauna shows an autochthonous character. These results represent another confirmation of particularity of this fauna and prove the need for further research in this area.

The occurence of non-obligate cave dwelling beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera) in the biospeleological provinces of Romania: A faunal and zoogeographic analysis

Beside 143 specialized (obligate) and other 85 non-obligate cave dwelling species of Coleoptera (also named troglobitic species), previously inventoried by us in the Romanian fauna, in this article we present a list of 156 of non-obligate cave dwelling species which occur in different associations in the Romanian caves, for the first time grouped on biospeleological provinces and zones. In the context of the new studies which showed that the “non-obligate” cave dwelling species do not occur randomly in the caves, but having a proved selectivity for caves, this study is focused on biogeographical aspects of non-specialized cave dwelling species.

Zoogeographic significance of Dmanisi large mammal assemblage

We undertake a comparative mammalian zoogeographic analysis with the aim of revealing the extent to which the Dmanisi Early Pleistocene large mammal assemblage resembles, at the genus level, African, Arabian, and Eurasian localities of similar age. The inclusion of Old World Pliocene and Pleistocene mammalian faunas provides us with insights into the provincial origins of specific mammalian taxa and permits us to assess the relative affiliation of the Dmanisi mammalian faunas to other faunas in the Old World. Our analysis also allows us to consider hypotheses about the timing and direction of zoogeographic connections between western Eurasia and Africa during the Early Pleistocene. We utilize multiple zoogeographic analytical tools as a cross-comparison of Dmanisi with 42 other Eurasian and African mammalian-bearing localities between 2.7 and 0.7 Ma. Overall, we find that Dmanisi compares most closely with a subgroup of Greek, Italian, and Spanish localities that are slightly younger than Dmanisi itself. This could suggest a progressive dispersal from East to West of the large mammal communities during the late Early Pleistocene and the first occurrence at Dmanisi, and then later in Western Europe, of some taxa such as Stephanorhinus ex gr. etruscus-hundsheimensis, Equus altidens, Bison georgicus, Soergelia minor, Megantereon whitei, Canis borjgali, Canis (Xenocyon) lycaonoides. Dmanisi's habitats included drier areas, probably of open wooded savannah and grassland and by mountainous to semiarid rocky terrain. There is evidence that Dmanisi records short intervals of increased aridity in the middle part of the succession contemporaneous with the occurrence of Homo.

Ichthyofauna composition (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) caught by Jalisco's small-scale fisheries in the Mexican Central Pacific coast

We present the composition of the ichthyofauna (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) caught by small-scale fisheries off the coast of Jalisco in the Mexican Central Pacific, which has 170 species grouped into 15 orders, 52 families, and 113 genera. The families with the highest species richness were Carangidae (14.7%), Haemulidae (10.0%), Sciaenidae (9.4%), Serranidae (8.2%), Lutjanidae (5.8%), and Scombridae (5.8%). The relative abundance analysis indicated 13 relevant species in the artisanal fisheries of the coast of Jalisco, with six being the most representative ( Lutjanus guttatus , L. peru , L. argentiiventris , Microlepidotus brevipinnis , Haemulon flaviguttatum , and Scomberomorus sierra ). Fishers use the gill net (43.3%), the hand line (33.4%), and the harpoon (10.1%) as the main fishing gear in the catch off the coast of Jalisco. The zoogeographical analysis revealed a high affinity with the Mexican Province (24.9%), followed by the Panamic Province (23.4%), the Cortez Province (23.4%), Californian-Peruvian Province (15.6%), and the Galapagos Province (12.6%). The composition of the ichthyofauna recorded in the Jalisco coast by artisanal fisheries was most likely linked to the heterogeneity of the continental shelf bottom, variation in primary productivity, temperature, salinity, and the dynamics of marine currents in the Mexican Central Pacific. Therefore, this information will serve as a basis for future comparisons with other studies that allow the sustainable management of fishery resources in Mexican Pacific coastal fisheries.

Systematic redescription of Solen/ (Ensisolen/) tehuelchus/ and Ensis/ macha/ (Bivalvia: Solenoidea) from Argentina, southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

In the present study, bivalves belonging to the superfamily Solenoidea that inhabit the Argentinean Sea are redescribed. The specimens studied in this work were collected by scuba diving in the Gulf of San José, Argentina. Additional specimens from different malacological collections were revised to update the geographical distribution of valid species. According to the literature, there exist two species for the "Argentinean" and "Magellan" biogeographical provinces. However, ten nominal taxa, with uncertain taxonomic status, have been mentioned for the study area. Field work, local collection survey and type material examination allow confirming two valid species: Solen (Ensisolen) tehuelchus Hanley (Solenidae) and Ensis macha (Molina) (Pharidae). A morphological comparison between S. tehuelchus and S. gaudichaudi Chenu and S. obliqua Spengler is provided as well type locality, repository and synonymy list. The type material of all related species are illustrated whenever possible. Establishing the valid names of these species is the first step towards more integrative studies including genetic and zoogeographical analyses.

Герпетологические исследования в Средней Азии и Казахстане: краткая история изучения рептилий, основные достижения и перспективы в XXI веке

This review is devoted to the history and progress in herpetological research in Central Asia and Kazakhstan, a region that is positioned within Central Asia. Studies of the herpetological diversity of Central Asia have a long history and are a special field of research. Research in this area has passed through several developmental stages, the first of which was associated with early expeditions which penetrated into Asia including those of P.S. Pallas and I.I. Lepekhin. The interest of naturalists was focused on this vast unexplored territory. The list of prominent researchers-encyclopedists and great travelers to work in Central Asia included E.I. Eichwald, A.A. Kaiserling, V.A. Perovsky, A.I. Schrenk, G.S. Karelin, G.I. Radde, G.I. Sievers, E. A. Eversmann, O. A. Grim, A.I. Lehman, O. Bettger, V.D. Alenitsyn, N.A. Severtsov, M.N. Bogdanov, A.P. Fedchenko, S.N. Alferaki, P. Y. Schmidt, N.A. Zarudny, L.S. Berg, and many others. At this historical stage, herpetological studies were often not separated into a special scientific branch and were carried out as part of complex zoological works. Later, in the twentieth century, large-scale herpetological studies were launched; a preliminary inventory of the fauna was carried out, many species were described, a synopsis of the species composition was created, and a zoogeographic analysis of the arid territories of Central Asia was performed. For the first time, the outstanding herpetologist A.M. Nikolsky, whose name our Herpetological Society bears, undertook this task. The history of research in the twentieth century and the current trends of the herpetological branch of zoology, which require an analytical understanding of descriptive and comparative data accumulated over previous periods, are considered in detail in this article. The use of an integrative approach in zoological research is becoming increasingly relevant, including the results of studying diversity structures, modes of speciation, and ecogeographic trends in a phylogenetic context. An integrative approach with the use of molecular genetic methods has allowed us to approach the solution of issues that have confounded many generations of herpetologists. The horizons of comparative analyses have also been expanded due to the increased availability of new, previously unexplored territories for researchers. Data obtained are of practical importance in the preparation of proposals for the allocation of protected areas and the assessment of the conservation status of particular species of model groups, including reptiles. Examples of integrative studies in model groups of reptiles (in various groups of turtles and lizards) are therefore also presented in this article.

Reef fish fauna in the coastal waters of Vietnam

During the last few decades, several studies relating to coral reef fishes in Vietnam have been conducted and published for individual coral reefs along the coast and offshore islands. However, no attempts have been made to compile a list of all known reef fish species from the area or to examine patterns of reef fish biodiversity across Vietnam. To address this issue, we assembled a comprehensive species distribution data set of coral reef fishes from the 23 major locations of coral reefs in the coastal waters of Vietnam. A total of 1049 species belonging to 362 genera and 91 families of reef associated fishes are currently known from the area. The 14 most-speciose families, which account for 67.8% of the total reef fish fauna, were Pomacentridae (110 species), Gobiidae (107), Labridae (100), Apogonidae (60), Serranidae (47), Blenniidae (46), Chaetodontidae (41), Scaridae (36), Scorpaenidae (32), Acanthuridae (30), Muraenidae (29), Lutjanidae (26), Carangidae (26), and Holocentridae (21). The central to southeast Vietnam (from Con Co island to Con Dao islands) supported higher species numbers compared to those on the western side of the Tonkin Gulf and the Thailand Gulf. A zoogeographic analysis reveals three distinct groups of reef fishes, in which the southern area supported 3–4 times higher numbers than the northern area and the southwestern area.

Pseudomaquises in SW Bulgaria as a habitat for the ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

A lack of sufficient data about ground beetles in maquis and maquis-like habitats in the whole Mediterranean region prompted this study. It brings new data to the knowledge of Carabidae species from Balkan pseudomaquis habitats in Bulgaria and reveals some patterns of species composition from zoogeographic and ecological points of view. Fieldwork was carried out in the period 5 April 2002 – 11 January 2004. A total of 305 specimens from 52 species were found, including two Balkan endemics and one Tertiary relict. These species belong to 23 genera and 12 tribes. Dromius quadrimaculatus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Harpalus fuscicornis Ménétriés, 1832 are new for the Bulgarian Struma Valley. Another 13 species are new for the Pirin Mountains. The richest tribe was Harpalini (21 species), followed by Carabini (6 species), Amarini and Sphodrini (5 species each). The most species-rich genus was Harpalus (13 species). Zoogeographical analysis showed that Euroasiatic and Mediterranean complexes were most prevalent. Xerothermic conditions in the habitats studied were also confirmed by the prevalence of the mesoxerophilous carabids. These habitats occur only locally in Bulgaria and support specific carabid assemblages. Knowledge about their diversity could be a keystone for the conservation of all target species living in these limited areas and encompassed by the adjacent Natura 2000 zones.

Zoogeography of marine Bryozoa around South Africa

The zoogeography of marine Bryozoa around South Africa was investigated using published distribution records, museum catalogues, and an examination of previously unworked bryozoan material in (mostly) museum collections. Although a total of 276 valid species are recognised, it was not possible to unambiguously assess geographic patterns of diversity. At all depth zones examined (shore and inner-shelf, 0–30 m; mid- and outer-shelf, 31–350 m; bathyal, >500 m), there was a clear geographic structure to communities that mirrored established regional patterns of biogeography. Too few samples were collected from the shelf edge (351–500 m) and they were consequently excluded from zoogeographic analysis. Communities on the shore and inner-shelf and on the mid- and outer-shelf were more similar to each other than they were to bathyal communities, and the pronounced structure in bathyal communities suggests heterogeneity in the deep sea around South Africa.