Latest Articles from BioRisk Latest 17 Articles from BioRisk https://biorisk.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 20:04:09 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://biorisk.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from BioRisk https://biorisk.pensoft.net/ Riparian habitat assessment tool for Lebanese rivers (RiHAT): case study Ibrahim River https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1891/ BioRisk 7: 99-116

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.7.1331

Authors: Maya Abboud, Jala Makhzoumi, C. Clubbe, R. Zurayk, S. Jury, S. N. Talhouk

Abstract: Biodiversity conservation in Lebanon ought to be guided by practical assessment tools in order to promote conservation efforts amid destructive and profit driven urban and industrial expansion. The challenge for national conservation scientists, however, is to develop such tools while reconciling between scientific ‘rigor’ and pressing national realities. Those include rapid habitat loss, limited human and financial resources, and the fact that biodiversity is a low national priority compared to other social, political, and economic issues. It is in this context that we propose a rapid management strategy guide based on a habitat assessment tool for riparian ecosystems (which are typically threatened in Lebanon). The proposed riparian habitat assessment tool (RiHAT) consists of a habitat condition index based on twelve indicators grouped under two attributes, floristic and lndscape.

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Research Article Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300
A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005–-2008 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1840/ BioRisk 3: 205-219

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.14

Authors: Mudhafar Salim, Richard Porter, Clayton Rubec

Abstract: The marshlands of Lower Mesopotamia witnessed severe draining programs during late 1980s and early 2000s, which turned vast areas of the former water body into desert areas. New field surveys of birds and their habitats in the marshes of southern Iraq were launched in 2005 through a national and international partnership of non-government organizations, ministries and donor agencies. This has resulted in the collection and collation of new data on the status, distribution and habitat requirements of birds and other biota in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Iraq from 2005 to 2008. This paper summarizes the bird data obtained in these surveys in the southern marshes, during which 159 species of birds were recorded; of these 34 are considered to be of conservation concern, including eight that are globally threatened.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1839/ BioRisk 3: 187-203

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.21

Authors: Korsh Ararat

Abstract: Bird surveys to help identify and assess Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) were undertaken in Kurdistan in the winter and summer of 2008. The winter survey was from 19 January to 8 February and the summer survey from 7 May to 16 June, a total of 45 days. During these periods a total of 34 sites were surveyed in the North Iraq governorates of Sulaimani, Erbil, and Dohuk and 185 species of birds recorded. Of these, according to IUCN criteria, one species was globally endangered, three vulnerable and two near threat- ened. In addition, 32 species were considered to be of conservation concern in Iraq, based on a system developed by Richard Porter. Of the species observed, 124 were confirmed or probable breeding, whilst 59 were winter visitors. The KBA selection process used the Middle East Important Bird Areas (IBAs) criteria, which considers seven species-based categories.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Structure and ecological indices of the fish assemblage of the recently restored Al-Hammar Marsh, southern Iraq https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1838/ BioRisk 3: 173-186

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.11

Authors: Najah Hussain, Abdul-Razak Mohamed, Sajed Al Noor, Falah Mutlak, Ibrahim Abed, Brian Coad

Abstract: The aim of the present study is to determine the species composition, the structure of the fish assemblages, and to develop ecological indices in the restored east Al-Hammar Marsh. Fish were collected from October 2005 to September 2006 at two stations (Mansoury and Burkah). Fish samples contained freshwater species, both native and alien, and marine species. Thirty-one species were collected, eleven of them marine, the rest freshwater. Native species numbered 14 (45%), alien species 6 (19%) and marine species 11 (36%). Resident species formed 32.2%, seasonal species 16.0% and occasional species 51.6% of the fauna. The abundance of species varied, Liza abu being the most dominant species, with Carassius auratus ranking second and Acanthobrama marmid ranking third, comprising 35.8%, 23.6% and 10.6% respectively. Ecological indices were as follows: diversity ranged from 1.07 in November to 2.01 in July, richness ranged from 0.74 in December to 2.83 in July, and evenness ranged from 0.48 in November to 0.84 in December. The highest monthly similarity was in May at 77% and lowest in December at 29%. Water temperature showed medium correlations (0.62 and 0.58) with both the number of species and the total catch, respectively, while salinity exhibited weak positive correlations (0.05 and 0.26) with both the number and the total catch of species, respectively. Temperature is related to species number, presumably as a surrogate for many other seasonal changes.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of fish fauna in southern Iraq https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1837/ BioRisk 3: 161-171

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.15

Authors: Ibrahim Abed, Clayton Rubec, Brian Coad

Abstract: Surveys of fish in the southern marshes of Iraq are an integral component of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Project that was initiated in 2005 by Nature Iraq. This included sampling in the January to February and June periods of 2005, 2006 and 2007. Fish species occurrence, relative abundance, and weight and length were recorded. Species of importance for local consumption were noted. An initial project report included details and photographs of the species observed in 2005. Records based on interviews with local residents are noted. Sixteen “Species of Special Concern” are proposed, considering both economic and ecological factors that may be relevant to a future national fish management strategy in Iraq.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Complex ex situ - in situ approach for conservation of endangered plant species and its application to Iris atrofusca of the Northern Negev https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1836/ BioRisk 3: 137-160

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.5

Authors: Sergei Volis, Michael Blecher, Yuval Sapir

Abstract: We introduce a novel approach for conservation of endangered plant species in which ex situ collections maintained in natural or semi-natural environment are a part of a complementary ex situ – in situ conservation strategy. We provide detailed guidelines for 1) representative sampling of the populations; 2) collection maintenance; and 3) utilization for in situ actions. Our approach is the first that explicitly takes into account ecologically significant (i.e. adaptive) variation of plants in both ex situ and in situ conservation actions. We propose that an important part of the conservation strategy is preserving both neutral and adaptive genetic diversity through a quasi in situ conservation approach. Finally, we demonstrate this approach using a critically endangered plant species, Iris atrofusca from the northern Negev, Israel.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Lichens of Israel: diversity, ecology, and distribution https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1835/ BioRisk 3: 127-136

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.25

Authors: Marina Temina, Eviatar Nevo

Abstract: The biota of lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi of different plant-geographical regions of Israel was analyzed. These areas differ in climatic conditions. A total of 350 species from 16 orders, 52 families, and 117 genera were recorded; among them 5% are endemic to the Levant. The highest species richness was found in the Mediterranean area. Species diversity of other areas with more arid climatic conditions were much poorer in comparison with species diversity found in the more humid and cooler Mediterranean region. Saxicolous lichens were the most common species. However, in the Sudanian penetration area, terricolous lichens dominated. Among phytogeographic elements, temperate species were dominant. However, the Sudanian penetration area was characterized by the dominance of Mediterranean and subcontinental species. Most of the lichens studied were xerophytic and photophytic species. They dominated all plant-geographical areas of Israel. In the Mediterranean region, mesophytic lichens were also common.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of phytoplankton in the Mesopotamian Marshlands of southern Iraq https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1834/ BioRisk 3: 111-126

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.20

Authors: Ghasak Al-Obaidi, Suad Salman, Clayton Rubec

Abstract: Between the summers of 2005 and 2007, studies have been conducted for five seasons in several marsh locations in southern Iraq. During five surveys, 317 taxa of phytoplankton belonging to six major groups were identified. These included: 204 taxa of Bacillariophyceae (represented by 13 Centrales and 191 Pennales, thus 14% and 27% respectively of all taxa recorded), 59 Chlorophyta (28%), one Cryptophyta (4%), 39 Cyanophyta (21%), 10 Euglenophyta (2%) and four Pyrrophyta (4% of all the taxa recorded). The Central Marsh, Hammar Marsh and the Hawizeh Marsh had higher phytoplankton populations compared to all other studied sites. The dominant phytoplankton groups throughout the study area were the Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyta and Cyanophyta. The dominant species were Cyclotella meneghiniana, Kirchneriella irregularis and Nitzschia palea. A progression in the richness and biodiversity of species occurred during winter. These three phytoplankton groups were dominant in waters of southern Iraq and were responsible for most of the species richness and diversity observed. Generally, sites changed from summer to winter according to the changing conditions associated with nutrients, salinity, temperature, and light intensity. These controlling factors influenced phytoplankton biomass from season to season.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Biodiversity of free-living flagellates in Kuwait’s intertidal sediments https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1833/ BioRisk 3: 97-110

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.16

Authors: Maria Saburova, Faiza Al-Yamani, Igor Polikarpov

Abstract: Taxonomic data of free-living benthic flagellates in Kuwait’s intertidal sediments are summarized. A full list of the species composition is presented, including distribution on different sediment types, species occurrence and light micrographs for each taxon identified. A total of 67 flagellate species were identified, representing six classes. Most of them are reported from Kuwait for the first time. The most abundant and diverse species were sand-dwelling dinoflagellates (43 taxa).

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Space-time variability of phytoplankton structure and diversity in the north-western part of the Arabian Gulf (Kuwait) https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1832/ BioRisk 3: 86-96

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.8

Authors: Igor Polikarpov, Faiza Al-Yamani, Maria Saburova

Abstract: Studies of the phytoplankton community were conducted in the north-western Arabian Gulf in 2005 and 2006. Seven stations throughout Kuwait’s waters were sampled. The influence of nutrient-rich freshwaters from the Shatt al-Arab resulted in high phytoplankton productivity characterized by high species diversity with a strong dominance of diatoms, especially in northern Kuwait. Phytoplankton species richness gradually increased from north to south. Spatial distribution of both total abundance and biomass of phytoplankton indicated significant differences in species structure and size spectrum of the microalgae. The analysis of the temporal and spatial phytoplankton variability (distribution of total abundance and biomass, similarity of species compositions and local community structure) indicated that Kuwait’s northern waters differed from areas further south in terms of phytoplankton structure and temporal and spatial variability. Environmental heterogeneity is mainly attributed to the influence of the Shatt al-Arab system, which affects the temporal and spatial variability of the phytoplankton community.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Morphological, phylogenetic and physiological diversity of cyanobacteria in the hot springs of Zerka Ma https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1831/ BioRisk 3: 69-82

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.29

Authors: Aharon Oren, Danny Ionescu, Muna Hindiyeh, Hanan Malkawi

Abstract: The freshwater thermal springs of Zerka Ma'in, located in Jordan in the mountains of Moab east of the Dead Sea, are densely inhabited by cyanobacteria up to the highest temperature of 63°C. We have investigated the cyanobacterial diversity of these springs and their outflow channels by microscopic examination, culture-dependent and culture-independent phylogenetic analysis, and by physiological studies of selected isolates of special interest. Both unicellular and filamentous types of cyanobacteria are present, and we identified morphological types such as Thermosynechococcus, Chroogloeocystis, Fischerella (Mastigocladus), Scytonema (occurring as large masses at lower temperatures), and others. Although morphologically similar cyanobacteria have been identified in hot springs world-wide, the Zerka Ma’in strains were phylogenetically distinct based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Considerable diversity was detected also in the gene sequences of nifH (nitrogenase reductase), encoding one of the key enzymes involved in nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation in a Mastigocladus isolate obtained from the springs was investigated in further depth. The heterocystous strain could fix nitrogen (as assayed by acetylene reduction) at tem peratures up to 53°C.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Habitat mapping project of the proposed Iraqi Marshlands National Park area https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1830/ BioRisk 3: 55-68

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.19

Authors: Nabeel Abdulhasan

Abstract: New ecological surveys in support of the creation of the proposed Iraqi Marshlands National Park were undertaken by Nature Iraq in June 2008 at the Central Marshes in southern Iraq. Surveys that occurred in two focal areas - Al Chibaish Marsh (10 sites) and Abu Zirig Marsh (two sites) - were supported by a preliminary land cover survey in November 2007. Satellite images from 2007 for the Central Marshes were acquired to support creation of maps. The “Iraqi Marshlands Habitat Classiffcation System” based on vegetation types has been developed to inventory habitats in these marshlands and to develop a methodology for application elsewhere in Iraq. Six habitat classes (inland running water, river or canal; inland standing water; marsh vegetation; desert; woodlands; and herbaceous vegetation) are included in this classification system, each of which is divided into several subclasses. The dominant habitat subclasses in the Central Marshes study area are: (1) rooted submerged vegetation, (2) helophytic vegetation (reed bed or reed mace bed), (3) free-floating vegetation, (4) terrestrial vegetation-shrub, (5) unvegetated river or canal, (6) unvegetated desert, and (7) flooded communities. This paper constitutes a review of the progress in developing this habitat classification system that remains under development.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
The Key Biodiversity Areas Project in Iraq: Objectives and scope 2004–-2008 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1829/ BioRisk 3: 39-53

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.12

Authors: Clayton Rubec, Azzam Alwash, Anna Bachmann

Abstract: Nature Iraq conducted biological surveys throughout Iraq during the 2004 to 2008 period under the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Project. This continuing initiative comprises the largest and most comprehensive biological surveys to take place in Iraq in well over 25 years. Under the KBA Project in Iraq, Nature Iraq in cooperation with the Iraqi Ministry of Environment, has visited over one hundred sites in southern Iraq and in Kurdistan in northern Iraq to survey plants, fish, reptile, bird and mammal species. In addition, water quality physical parameters, sediment, plankton and benthic invertebrates were examined at these sites to determine the overall health of key habitat areas. Birds have been a primary focus of the surveys. This has involved the collection of data on these potential sites of key biological diversity including the identification of species, population counts and information on how species are using a site (e.g. breeding, feeding, migration, etc.). This paper provides an overview of this continuing project that will, over time, permit the refinement of data and the survey of more of Iraq as security improves within the country. The paper also summarizes current recommendations for the management of some of the KBA sites in Iraq.

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Review Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Urbanisation in the United Arab Emirates: The challenges for ecological mitigation in a rapidly developing country https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1828/ BioRisk 3: 27-38

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.18

Authors: Andrew Gardner, Brigitte Howarth

Abstract: The United Arab Emirates is a small Gulf country with perhaps the fastest rate of infrastructure development anywhere. While there is legislation in place requiring environmental impact assessments (EIA) to be undertaken for all major projects, the speed and scope of development provides special challenges in devising and implementing ecological mitigation against the loss of habitats and biodiversity that this development engenders. This paper critically discusses mitigation strategies that have been attempted, and suggests mitigation strategies in the local context. It is hoped that this will assist both the environmental consultants involved in the EIA process and the competent authorities who issue development licences, to the benefit of the remaining native biodiversity of the area.

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Review Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
The biodiversity network BioFrankfurt: An innovative strategic approach to integrative research, conservation, and education https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1827/ BioRisk 3: 21-25

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.34

Authors: Jenny Krutschinna, Bruno Streit

Abstract: Responding to inadequate awareness of the outstanding importance of biodiversity, the BioFrankfurt network was founded in 2004 in the State of Hesse, Germany. It is presented here as a case study and may serve as a model for other parts of the world, such as the Middle East. In 2007, only about 26% of the German population were familiar with the term “Biodiversity”, and most of them only had a vague idea about its meaning. The BioFrankfurt network of institutions addressed this problem, raising public awareness and supporting research, education and conservation. A regional biodiversity education program has been developed and delivered to more than 500 schools. Since 2007, an innovative public relations campaign combines raising awareness on regional biodiversity issues with activities to improve the public image of the Frankfurt area. Because of its geographical focus, the network’s activities gained the attention of local and regional politicians and other decision makers, culminating in the joint establishment of a new Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre by BioFrankfurt member institutions. The success of current activities attracts interesting partners, resulting in challenging cooperation initiatives. The authors are convinced that the network’s concepts and activities have a great potential to profoundly enhance the notion and acceptance of biodiversity issues elsewhere.

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Review Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Tethys returns to the Mediterranean: Success and Limits of Tropical Re-Colonization https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1826/ BioRisk 3: 5-19

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.30

Authors: Francis Por

Abstract: Many thousands of tropical species have been settling in the Mediterranean during the last decades. This is the result of congruence between the present Climate Optimum, which is expressed in the warming of the sea and the opening of the contact with the Indo-pacific realm through the Suez Canal and a renewed entry through the Straits of Gibraltar. A historical review shows that tropical biota survived in the Mediterranean till the end of the Pliocene Climate Optimum and that presently we are witnessing a re-colonization of the Mediterranean by Tethyan descendants, rather than an invasion by harmful alien species as happens elsewhere. The limits of this resettling as witnessed today are discussed.

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Review Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
The effects of climate change on biodiversity: Pressing issues and research priorities https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1825/ BioRisk 3: 1-4

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.40

Authors: Friedhelm Krupp, Lytton Musselman, Mohammed Kotb, Ilka Weidig

Abstract:

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Editorial Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200