Natural History Sciences最新文献

{"title":"First record of the presence and reproduction of the two-tailed pasha Charaxes jasius (Linnaeus 1767) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Northeastern Italy","authors":"D. Beretta, E. Moretto, Luca Bolognin, Luis Guariento","doi":"10.4081/nhs.2022.591","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2022.591","url":null,"abstract":"Charaxes jasius (Linnaeus, 1767) is reported for the first time for the Veneto region, in Northeastern Italy. Both adults and caterpillars have been observed in the Euganean Hills (Colli Euganei Regional Park) between August and October 2021. The location is a xerothermic oasis that could provide the suitable environmental conditions for maintaining a population of this species, which is recently expanding its range to northern latitudes.","PeriodicalId":52358,"journal":{"name":"Natural History Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88941659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-volant mammals of the ‘Lago di Tarsia’ Regional Nature Reserve and Special Conservation Area (IT93100055; Cosenza, Southern Italy)","authors":"A. Brusco, Roberto Marchianò, G. Dodaro, C. Battisti","doi":"10.4081/nhs.2022.588","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2022.588","url":null,"abstract":"In this study we improved the knowledge about terrestrial mammals (excluding Chiroptera) of the 'Lago di Tarsia' Regional Nature Reserve (Special Conservation Area; Cosenza; Southern Italy), collecting a large amount both of direct and indirect original data (including road-killing remains and items obtained by small mammal traps, owl pellets, and phototraps), and bibliographic ones. We obtained 424 records belonging to 22 taxa classified at species level and one requiring a further taxonomic diagnosis (Microtus savii vel brachycerchus). Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758, Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) and Martes sp. were the taxa with the highest number of records (> 10%). Sciurus meridionalis (Lucifero, 1907), Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777), Glis glis (Linnaeus, 1758), Apodemus cfr. flavicollis (Melchior, 1834), Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778, Talpa romana (Thomas, 1902), Rattus cfr. rattus (Linnaeus, 1758), Arvicola amphibius (Linnaeus, 1758) were the taxa with the lowest number (<1%). Almost half of the records have been obtained by indirect traces (hairs, excrements, fingerprints, burrows, etc.). Records from owl pellets represented an important percentage. Although the study area is restricted in size, the high environmental heterogeneity make possible the co-occurrence of a high number of species, including specialized taxa (e.g., forest mammals, mustelids and Soricomorpha). Some species, occurring in the neighbouring, although not recorded in our study (e.g. Sorex spp., Neomys sp., Elyomis quercinus Linnaeus, 1766), could be confirmed improving the research effort. Further studies are necessary in this regard, also focusing on the role of this reserve as dispersal corridor for rare carnivores, occurring in the massifs and rivers neighbouring to the Reserve (e.g. Lutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758 and Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758).","PeriodicalId":52358,"journal":{"name":"Natural History Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86121084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The western European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus L. 1758 on San Pietro Island (southern Sardinia, Italy) and an updated review of its presence on the Italian small islands","authors":"C. Battisti","doi":"10.4081/nhs.2022.594","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2022.594","url":null,"abstract":"The current presence and local distribution of the western European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus L. 1758, on San Pietro Island (Southern Sardinia, Italy) are here discussed for the period 2013-2021 with a short review of the species’ occurrence on the small Italian islands. The species was found in the central-eastern sector of the island, which is characterised by a high urban and infrastructural density and an agricultural mosaic, both suitable ecological conditions favouring its presence. Most of the direct data were obtained from roadkills. Despite the elusive behaviour of the species and the consequent possible underestimation, it can be assumed that the species shows a low density. In this respect, it might be interesting to investigate whether local limiting factors, either anthropogenic or natural might act on the hedgehog population. At a larger scale, the updated review of the small Italian islands shows the presence of the species on 13 islands, of which probably only Elba, Asinara and San Pietro (all >50 km2) support established populations. Further research is needed to study anthropogenic origin, history of introduction, genetics, density and medium-long-term viability of these small populations in each insular context.","PeriodicalId":52358,"journal":{"name":"Natural History Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85345051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Habitat selection of the roe deer Capreolus capreolus (Artiodactyla, Cervidae) in an agroforestry system","authors":"P. Zorzi, Alessandro Nardotto, M. Bottazzo, M. Dal Zotto","doi":"10.4081/nhs.2022.550","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2022.550","url":null,"abstract":"The present study aimed at assessing the habitat preferences of the most widespread and abundant ungulate in Italy, the roe deer, in the Vallevecchia protected area (Venice). This area has been the object of naturalistic management and continuous environmental improvements in the last decades. Currently, the area is characterized by a high habitat heterogeneity, including deciduous woodlands, pine forests, wetlands, and farmlands. The study was carried out during the summers of 2017 and 2020. Data were collected along standardized transects, and the geo-localized records were divided into the corresponding habitats to calculate the Jacobs Index. In addition, chi-square test was applied, with the calculation of Pearson residuals to estimate the significance of associations to the habitats. The analyses show that in Vallevecchia the roe deer prefers woods and permanent meadows. Conversely, this ungulate avoids pine forests, wetlands and farmlands, despite their potential as sources of food and shelter. In line with other studies on agroforestry systems, wooded areas were most likely preferred because they provide shelter from disturbing factors and thermal stress, while meadows were likely chosen for trophic reasons. In this respect, we point out that in the studied area the preference for meadows was most likely due also to the availability of sprouts all year round, deriving from the constant mowing activities implemented in this habitat. In addition, our investigation underlines that the roe deer normally avoids maize and wheat crops, in accordance with similar studies. Moreover, the analyses highlight the preference for farmlands only if woods and grasslands are not present in the adjoining areas. Conversely, the proximity of these habitats results in a low impact on crops. In addition to encouraging the enforcement of current management actions in Vallevecchia, our results represent a contribution to a more effective management of the roe deer in agroforestry systems, aimed at limiting its impact in anthropized contexts and at achieving the conditions for a better coexistence of this deer with human activities.","PeriodicalId":52358,"journal":{"name":"Natural History Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83608306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In memory of Alberto Mario Simonetta (1930-2021)","authors":"F. Ceccolini","doi":"10.4081/nhs.2022.575","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2022.575","url":null,"abstract":"The polyvalent figure of Alberto Mario Simonetta (Pisa, 1930 - Florence, 2021), one of the most important exponents of Italian Zoology of the last century, is here presented with a brief biographical note, a list of the taxa he described and of those dedicated to him, and a complete list of his publications.","PeriodicalId":52358,"journal":{"name":"Natural History Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75403289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Di lupi, genti e luoghi. Storie e rappresentazioni dal Medioevo a oggi","authors":"A. Visconti","doi":"10.4081/nhs.2022.595","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2022.595","url":null,"abstract":"Il dossier di Archivio Storico Ticinese che qui si presenta, prende le mosse, come scrive Andrea Martignoni nell’Introduzione ai sette contributi che lo compongono, dall’osservazione di come il ritorno del lupo sugli Appennini e sulle Alpi − dopo un periodo relativamente lungo di assenza dovuto allo sterminio attuato tra l’epoca moderna e l’inizio del secolo scorso − abbia posto la questione centrale della convivenza tra l’uomo e l’animale, la cultura e la natura, la pastorizia e il mondo dei predatori, polarizzando e dividendo l’opinione pubblica [...].","PeriodicalId":52358,"journal":{"name":"Natural History Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75952048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Samara water absorption and floatation in sheoaks, Casuarina and Allocasuarina (Casuarinaceae)","authors":"I. Riley, M. Qureshi","doi":"10.4081/nhs.2022.541","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2022.541","url":null,"abstract":"Diaspores (samaras) of the sheoaks, Casuarina and Allocasuarina, have a mesocarp composed of hydrophilic fibres that, in Allocasuarina, rapidly expand on wetting, capturing significant quantities of water. The ecological function of this water capturing has been the subject of speculation but not quantification or experimentation. Therefore, the rate and quantity of water absorbed, and the floatation properties of samaras of accessions of Casuarina and Allocasuarina were assessed. Casuarina absorbed water slowly (~48 h) with median absorption of 90% (by weight) whereas Allocasuarina absorbed water rapidly (<2 min) with median absorption of 240%. The process was reversible and increasing in Allocasuarina, with median absorption reaching 400% over three to five wetting/drying cycles. The floating half-life of Casuarina and Allocasuarina samaras overlapped, 17-70 and 29-57 h, respectively, so Casuarina samaras were not shown to be better adapted to hydrochory. Based on five accessions of each genus, it does not be appear that water-capturing of sheoak samaras is directly related to habitat aridity, nor to potential hydrochory. Therefore, the ecological implications of differential water-capturing of sheoak samaras remains to be determined.","PeriodicalId":52358,"journal":{"name":"Natural History Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73739474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A new genus for Papaver sect. Meconella and new combinations in Roemeria (Papaveraceae) in Europe and the Mediterranean area","authors":"E. Banfi, F. Bartolucci, J. Tison, G. Galasso","doi":"10.4081/nhs.2022.556","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2022.556","url":null,"abstract":"According to recent molecular phylogenetic studies the Papaver species belonging to P. sect. Argemonidium should be transferred in the genus Roemeria, and species of P. sect. Meconella should be treated as a distinct genus. Accordingly, the new genus Oreomecon is here established, seven new combinations are proposed and one name is typified. Furthermore, the correct names in Roemeria for the eleven, currently accepted, Papaver species in the Euro-Mediterranean area are provided, including nine new combinations.","PeriodicalId":52358,"journal":{"name":"Natural History Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73358037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First report of underwater oviposition by the island bluetail damselfly, Ischnura genei (Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae)","authors":"Enrico Schifani","doi":"10.4081/nhs.2022.565","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2022.565","url":null,"abstract":"Among odonates that exhibit endophytic oviposition, a few, mostly damselflies, are known to be able to perform underwater oviposition. Among them, just a few species do so very frequently. Here I report the first observation of underwater oviposition for the damselfly Ischnura genei, which becomes the eighth species of its genus known to adopt this strategy after I. asiatica, I. aurora, I. elegans, I. graellsii, I. hastata, I. nursei, and I. verticalis. The reasons why these species or other odonates choose this particular mode of oviposition on rare occasions are not yet known, although a number of possible costs and benefits have been proposed.","PeriodicalId":52358,"journal":{"name":"Natural History Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85509110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Status, distribution and conservation of Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus (Aves, Charadriiformes) in Sicily","authors":"Paolo Galasso, G. Spinella, M. Zafarana, A. Barbera, Andrea Cusmano, Giovanni Cumbo, D. D’Amico, D. Grimaldi, R. Ientile, Francesco La Spina, David Pepi, Antonino Torre, Giancarlo Torre, S. Surdo","doi":"10.4081/nhs.2022.551","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2022.551","url":null,"abstract":"The Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus is a sensitive species whose national breeding population has been undergoing a sharp decrease, up to 50%, in 2010 compared to the previous decade. Due to the lack of updated data and fragmented knowledge about its current status and distribution in Sicily, a specific and accurate monitoring of this species was carried out during the years 2018 and 2019. About 230 km of coastline and 64 UTM squares 10x10 km were investigated during the breeding seasons, and a total of 205-287 pairs have been estimated for the whole region, distributed in 41 UTM squares (including the island of Favignana). Pairs are mainly concentrated in the complex of “Saline di Trapani and Stagnone di Marsala” and along the sandy coast of Gulf of Gela, with a higher abundance along the southeast coast of the region. Breeding population showed a decrease of 18-28% in number of pairs in comparison to the last estimation of 250-400 pairs reported for the years 2009-2010. After the investigation of 108 km of coastline and 46 UTM squares, the Sicilian wintering population has been estimated at 376- 563 ind., with wintering flocks mainly concentrated in the wetlands of “Mazara del Vallo” and along the coasts of Syracuse and the Gulf of Gela. These updated estimates place Sicily as the second most important Italian region for the wintering of this species, just after Sardinia. For the first time, the data collected have made it possible to draw up qualitative-quantitative maps of C. alexandrinus distribution in Sicily, providing an important instrument for the management and planning of specific conservation actions, which should be based on habitat protection and implementation of appropriate artificial ecological niches.","PeriodicalId":52358,"journal":{"name":"Natural History Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74906767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}