scholarly journals Swallowtail butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) species diversity and distribution in Africa: The Papilionidae collection at the National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Kioko ◽  
Alex Musyoki ◽  
Augustine Luanga ◽  
Mwinzi Kioko ◽  
Esther Mwangi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Label Data ◽  
Western Africa ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
National Museums ◽  
Swallowtail Butterflies

Species data from the Museum collections have been shown to be of great value as a tool for prioritising conservation actions in Africa (Fjeldsa and Tushabe 2005). The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) have an entomology collection, housed in 4,000 drawers in cabinets that contain over 1.5 million specimens, including the largest butterfly collection in Africa (Arnett et al. 1997). Lampe and Striebing (2005) demonstrated how to digitise large insect collections in order to make their associated label data into databases that can be used for functions, such as creating distribution maps. The NMK’s swallowtail butterflies' collection had not been digitised and thus there was a need to capture the label data to create a database that can be used for mapping the distribution of the species in Kenya and elsewhere. These data have addressed one of the most significant challenges to insect conservation i.e. the lack of baseline information concerning species diversity and distribution (Summerville and Crist 2003). These data have provided key historic papilionid species diversity and distribution data that can be used to monitor their populations, as butterflies are declining due to changes in land use, intensive agriculture and pestcide use, diseases and pest and climate change (Potts et al. 2016; Bongaarts 2019). The publication of the occurrence data records in GBIF has been undertaken, thus making the data available to a wider audience and promoting availability for use. The swallowtail butterflies collection at the National Museums of Kenya was digitised from 2017–2019 and this paper presents details of the Papilionid collection at the Zoology Department, NMK, Nairobi, Kenya. The collection holds 7,345 voucher specimens, consisting of three genera and 133 species. The collection covers the period between 1850 to 2019. The distribution of the swallowtail butterflies, housed at the NMK, covers East Africa with 88%, Central Africa (6%), Western Africa (4%) and Southern Africa (2%).

scholarly journals Geographical and temporal distribution of hawkmoth (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) species in Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Kioko ◽  
Alex Musyoki ◽  
Augustine Luanga ◽  
Mwinzi Kioko ◽  
Esther Mwangi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Species Occurrence ◽  
Continuous Growth ◽  
Occurrence Data ◽  
National Museums

Hawkmoths consist of species where most adults are nocturnal, but there are some day-flying genera. Hawkmoth species have a wide variety of life-history traits, comprising species with adults (mostly nectarivorous though with some exceptions, honey-feeding), but there are also species that do not feed at all. The nectarivorous species are an important component of tropical ecosystems, with significant roles as major pollinators of both crops and wild flora with the pollination done by the adult stage. Pollinators are in decline world-wide and there is need for baseline data to provide information about their conservation strategies. Species occurrence data from Museum collections have been shown to be of great value as a tool for prioritising conservation actions in Africa. The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) have a large and active entomology collection that is in continuous growth. The NMK’s collection of hawkmoths had not been digitised prior to 2017. This moth family Sphingidae includes about 1,602 species and 205 genera worldwide (Kitching et al. 2018) with the majority of these species occurring in Africa. These moth species can also be used as indicators in biodiversity assessments as they can be easily sampled and identified. However, hawkmoths have rarely been surveyed over the long term for this purpose. Long-term datasets are of unquestionable significance for understanding and monitoring temporal changes in biodiversity. These hawkmoth data have addressed one of the most significant challenges to insect conservation, the lack of baseline information concerning species diversity and distribution and have provided key historic hawkmoth species diversity and distribution data that can be used to monitor their populations in the face of climate change and other environmental degradation issues that are facing the world today. The publication of the hawkmoth species occurrence data records in GBIF has enhanced data visibility to a wider audience promoting availability for use. The hawkmoth (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) collection at the National Museums of Kenya was digitised from 2017 – 2020 and this paper presents details of species occurrence records as in the insect collection at the NMK, Nairobi, Kenya. The collection holds 5,095 voucher specimens consisting of 88 genera and 208 species. The collection covers the period between 1904 and 2020. The geographical distribution of the hawkmoths housed at the NMK covers East Africa at 81.41%, West Africa at 7.20%, Southern Africa at 6.89%, Central Africa at 4.02% and North Africa at 0.2%.

A faunistic review of the Iranian species of Sphingonotus (Orthoptera, Oedipodinae) with an online key to species

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4379 (2) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
LARA-SOPHIE DEY ◽  
ALIREZA SABOORI ◽  
SEYED HOSSEIN HODJAT ◽  
MAHDI TORK ◽  
FELIX PAHLOW ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Museum Collections ◽  
Key To Species ◽  
Eastern Asia ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Annotated List ◽  
The Mediterranean

Sphingonotus is a species-rich genus of band-winged grasshoppers (Oedipodinae), comprising more than 170 species, with its diversity hotspots in the Mediterranean, and in Central and Eastern Asia. Iran represents one of the countries with the highest species diversity for the genus with a total of 31 recorded species. However, no study so far has provided a faunistic overview and no identification keys are available. Here, we present an annotated list of all Sphingonotus species found in Iran derived from records from field observations, museum collections and literature data. Based on morphological and distribution data we synonymize Sphingonotus intutus Saussure, 1888 syn. nov. under Sphingonotus nebulosus persa Saussure, 1884 and Sphingonotus obscuratus transcaspicus Uvarov, 1925 syn. nov. under Sphingonotus obscuratus brunneri Saussure, 1884. We present images of representative specimens (mostly types) of all species, as well as distribution maps and ecological data. Finally, we provide an online key to all known species of Sphingonotus from Iran, which will continuously be updated. 

Disentangling the Sudanonautes granulatus (Balss, 1929) species complex (Potamoidea: Potamonautidae), with the description of two new freshwater crabs from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4948 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-220
Author(s):  
NEIL CUMBERLIDGE ◽  
PIERRE A. MVOGO NDONGO ◽  
PAUL F. CLARK
Keyword(s):  
Cote D'ivoire ◽  
Côte D’Ivoire ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Cote D’Ivoire ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Freshwater Crabs ◽  
Côte D'ivoire

The taxonomic status of the widely distributed West and Central African freshwater crab Sudanonautes granulatus (Balss, 1929) sensu lato is revised in the light of improved morphological evidence which indicates that this taxon is a complex comprising at least 4 species: Sudanonautes granulatus (Balss, 1929) sensu stricto from Togo, S. koudougou n. sp. from Côte d’Ivoire, S. umaji n. sp. from Nigeria, and S. tiko from Cameroon, Nigeria, and Bioko. Diagnoses, illustrations and distribution maps are provided for these species and they are compared with congeners from West and Central Africa. 

Diversity and distribution of Phanaeini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in Mexico

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4358 (2) ◽  
pp. 271 ◽  
Author(s):  
VIRIDIANA LIZARDO ◽  
FEDERICO ESCOBAR ◽  
OCTAVIO ROJAS-SOTO
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Volcanic Belt ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Biological Databases ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Distribution Ranges ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Sierra Madre

In this study, we systematized available distribution data, obtained from biological databases and relevant literature, for Mexican species belonging to the tribe Phanaeini. The main objectives were to provide an overall description of the distribution records in biological collections, to detect potential sampling biases, to describe the seasonality of collections and to obtain species distribution models using the Desktop GARP algorithm. A total of 5,562 records, corresponding to 32 species in Mexico, were compiled, including the recently described Phanaeus zoque Moctezuma & Halffter, 2017. This compilation includes 784 unique collection records at 325 localities. These records were mainly distributed along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental mountain ranges and throughout the states of Chiapas and Veracruz. The Mexican High Plateau, the state of Tlaxcala and the Yucatan Peninsula are lacking in records. Distribution maps were created for species of three genera (Phanaeus MacLeay, 1819, Coprophanaeus Olsoufieff, 1924, and Sulcophanaeus Olsoufieff, 1924) and for 29 species present in Mexico. These species distributions are largely delimited by geomorphological features and vegetation types and coincide with expert descriptions of this tribe; some species show expanded distribution ranges. These maps provide a starting point for further analyses, the planning of future field studies, and the verification of possible new species in the Mexican territory. 

scholarly journals Baseline Assessments of Wildlife Biodiversity Within Selected Areas of Central Visayas, Philippines

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-34
Author(s):  
RP Jose ◽  
WA Aureo ◽  
CI Narido ◽  
TD Reyes Jr ◽  
MB Sarnowski
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Population Trends ◽  
Species Richness And Diversity ◽  
Natural Park ◽  
Biodiversity Inventories ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
High Diversity ◽  
Areas Of Protection

A comprehensive inventory of faunal biodiversity was conducted within three Key Biodiversity Areas of Central Visayas. Mt. Bandilaan Natural Park (MBNP), Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (BTLNP), and Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL). Three primary wildlife groups were surveyed: bats, birds and amphibians. Species diversity and population trends were then analyzed to assess areas of biodiversity importance. RSPL generally had the highest species richness and diversity index while MBNP consistently had the lowest. When pooled. The surveyed areas resulted in a high diversity index and rate of endemicity showing the importance of multiple areas of protection. These findings can be utilized to prioritize habitat protection as well as to serve as a baseline information for future biodiversity inventories. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2020, 6(2): 27-34

scholarly journals Unravelling the Potamonautes lirrangensis (Rathbun, 1904) species complex (Potamoidea: Potamonautidae), with the description of two new species

2021 ◽  
Vol 744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Cumberlidge ◽  
Emily Johnson ◽  
Paul F. Clark ◽  
Martin J. Genner
Keyword(s):  
Species Complex ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Lake Malawi ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Freshwater Crab ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Congo River ◽  
Two New Species

The taxonomic status of the widely distributed freshwater crab Potamonautes lirrangensis (Rathbun, 1904) sensu lato is revised because morphological and molecular evidence indicates that this taxon is a complex comprising more than one species. Four taxa are now recognized: Potamonautes lirrangensis (Rathbun, 1904) s. str. and P. kisangani sp. nov. from the Middle Congo River in Central Africa, P. amosae sp. nov. from the drainages of Lakes Kivu and Tanganyika, and P. orbitospinus (Cunnington, 1907) from Lake Malawi which had been previously synonymised with P. lirrangensis s. lat. Diagnoses, illustrations and distribution maps are provided for each of these taxa and they are compared to similar species from Central and Southern Africa.

Synopsis of the Genus Pentacalia (Compositae, Senecioneae) in Bolivia

2021 ◽  
Vol 106 ◽  
pp. 340-371
Author(s):  
Joel Calvo
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Woody Plants ◽  
Montane Forests ◽  
Southern Mexico ◽  
Northwestern Argentina ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Ray Florets ◽  
First Time ◽  
Subsequent Addition

The Neotropical genus Pentacalia Cass. (Compositae, Senecioneae) is distributed from southern Mexico to northwestern Argentina, plus two disjunct species that thrive in Brazil. Most species diversity occurs in the montane forests of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It comprises scandent woody plants characterized by displaying alternate leaves (opposite in three species), involucres with supplementary bracts, usually yellow ray florets (when present), sagittate to caudate anther bases, and truncate to obtuse style branches with a crown of sweeping trichomes (sometimes with a tuft of longer trichomes, but not strictly penicillate). The Bolivian species were revised for the first time by Cabrera (1985), who treated the group under Senecio L. sect. Streptothamni Greenm. Because of the subsequent addition of new species and the need of taxonomic arrangements, an updated synopsis of the genus recognizing 18 species is presented. The names P. brittoniana (Hieron.) Cuatrec. and P. miguelii (Cuatrec.) Cuatrec. are synonymized with P. psidiifolia (Rusby) Cuatrec., as well as P. inquisiviensis H. Rob. & Cuatrec. with P. cardenasii (Cuatrec.) Cuatrec. and P. sailapatensis (Cuatrec.) Cuatrec. with P. urubambensis (Cabrera) Cuatrec. Seven names are lectotypified and an epitype is designated for the name P. zongoensis (Cabrera) J. Calvo. The new species P. viburnifolia J. Calvo & A. Fuentes is described. Revised nomenclature, succinct descriptions, taxonomic discussions, lists of specimens examined, and distribution maps are provided for all accepted species, in addition to an identification key. Pictures of living plants are also presented for eight species.

scholarly journals Dietary changes in African urban households in response to currency devaluation: foreseeable risks for health and nutrition

2000 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Fouéré ◽  
Bernard Maire ◽  
Francis Delpeuch ◽  
Yves Martin-Prével ◽  
Félicité Tchibindat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Currency Devaluation ◽  
Meal Preparation ◽  
Western Africa ◽  
Poor Households

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of currency devaluation on dietary change and nutritional vulnerability of poor households in two African capital cities.DesignA qualitative study based on 120 semistructured individual interviews and four focus group discussions in each city.SettingDakar, Senegal (western Africa) and Brazzaville, Congo (central Africa).SubjectsAll of the subjects were randomly selected women from modest or poor households, who spoke the local common language and were responsible for household meal preparation. Only those likely to restrict the dynamic of focus group discussions (because of language, age or education) were excluded.ResultsChanges were found in meal preparation characteristics (frequency, sharing pattern) and meal composition. There was frequent depletion of fat and vegetable contents in meals, frequent elimination of desserts and even the elimination of one daily meal. These changes specifically affected economically disadvantaged and socially isolated households, and those headed by women. Other changes were the reduction in the size of consumption units and the development of neighbourhood-specific street food – which has been a growing trend in Brazzaville since the outset of the economic crisis but is more recent in Dakar.ConclusionsIf lasting, these changes pose a dual health risk, i.e. reducing dietary diversity and altering the bacteriological quality of prepared meals. In addition, attempts to reduce the consumption units were found to upset community ties that bind these societies.

Native and Exotic Distributions of Siamweed (Chromolaena odorata) Modeled Using the Genetic Algorithm for Rule-Set Production

Weed Science ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Luís Galdini Raimundo ◽  
Rafael Luís Fonseca ◽  
Ricardo Schachetti-Pereira ◽  
A. Townsend Peterson ◽  
Thomas Michael Lewinsohn
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Pacific Islands ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Native Range ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Western Africa ◽  
Occurrence Data ◽  
Rule Set

Siamweed is an asteraceous shrub native to the Neotropics that ranks among the world's most widespread and troublesome invasive species. It was introduced in several regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands, where it severely infests natural habitats and plantation crops. Although extensive data document the weed's abundance and distribution throughout the invaded continents, the details of its current range are not fully known, especially within its native region. In this study, we used point-occurrence data and digital maps summarizing relevant environmental parameters to generate predictions for the species' geographic distributional potential—specifically, we modeled the native range of siamweed in the Neotropics using the genetic algorithm for rule-set prediction, an evolutionary computing approach. The native range occurrence data set contained 239 published and herbarium records. Models were trained on a random subset of half the points and tested using the other half. The rule sets of the native-range models were projected onto the invaded continents to predict the weed's potential for invasion, blind to its known occurrences in such regions. Native-range models predicted a wide potential distribution of siamweed throughout tropical America, from southern United States to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. The weed's occurrence has been confirmed on the northern Pacific coast, in southeast Brazil, and in other South American areas, where it was supposed to be absent. Independent model projections to Africa, Asia, and Oceania are supported by known occurrence records. Four regions are predicted to be susceptible to siamweed spread: (1) Central Africa, currently being invaded from Western Africa; (2) Infestations spreading northward from South Africa, which have already reached Swaziland and Mozambique and may extend to East Africa and Madagascar; and (3) northern New Zealand and (4) Australia, which are at risk from uncontrolled infestations on several western Pacific islands.

scholarly journals Terrestrial gastropods (Mollusca, Gastropoda) of the Bulgarian part of the Alibotush Mts.

2008 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 17-20
Author(s):  
Ivailo Kanev Dedov
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Karst Area ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Conservation Value ◽  
Terrestrial Gastropods ◽  
High Conservation

This work presents results of two years collecting efforts within the project “The role of the alpine karst area in Bulgaria as reservoir of species diversity”. It summarizes distribution data of 44 terrestrial gastropods from the Bulgarian part of Alibotush Mts. Twenty-seven species are newly recorded from the Alibotush Mts., 13 were confirmed, while 4 species, previously known from the literature, were not found. In the gastropod fauna of Alibotush Mts. predominate species from Mediterranean zoogeographic complex. A large part of them is endemic species, and this demonstrates the high conservation value of large limestone areas in respect of terrestrial gastropods.

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