bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing patterns in abundance and diversity of hole-nesting birds in mediterranean habitats
Authors: Zangari Laura , Ferraguti Martina , Luiselli Luca , Battisti Corrado , Bologna Marco A. 
Published: November 2022

Hole-nesting birds include species highly dependent on old trees or dead wood for nesting, roosting, breeding and feeding. In this study we characterize the assemblages of these species occurring
in five different habitat types located in a heterogeneous Mediterranean landscape. We used the point
count method. In all habitat types, tits (Parus major and Cyanistes caeruleus) were the most abundant species, except in beech forests, where Sitta europaea showed the highest mean abundance. Hole nesting bird
assemblages increase in abundance, richness and diversity, with significant changes from termophilic and
sclerophyllous forests (Holm-oak and Cork-oak) to temperate and mesophilic forests (chestnut, Turkey oak
and Beech). This pattern reflects the progressive change in vegetation type both due to structure and species
composition, ultimately due to progressive change in altitude and local climate. In particular, data at singles species level corroborate that the presence of mature and dead trees (i. e., with high mean diameter) may explain the abundance of Sitta europaea, Picus viridis and Certhia brachydactyla. Our dataset highlights that, for the hole-nesting birds, mesophilous beech and oak Mediterranean forests of biogeographic and conservation concern, represent suitable habitat types for these specialized species.
Le marais de Joumine, Parc National de l’Ichkeul, Tunisie : diversité floristique, cartographie et dynamique de la végétation (1925-2011)
Authors: Ouali Mounira , Daoud-Bouattour Amina , Etteieb Selma , Gammar Amor Mokhtar , Ben Saad-Limam Samia , Ghrabi Gammar Zeineb 
Published: November 2022

Joumine Marsh ; National Park of Ichkeul, Tunisia : floristic diversity, vegetation mapping and dynamics (1925-2011).
The vegetation of Joumine Marsh (National Park of Ichkeul, Tunisia) has been studied from 2005 to 2011 with the aims : (1) to characterize the present-day status of the marsh vegetation based on plant inventories and phytosociological surveys, (2) to identify the influence of interannual hydrological changes on the plant distribution, and (3) to reconstruct, on the basis of previous works, the vegetation dynamics over the past 86 years (1925-2011). Results reveal the regression and sometimes the local extinction of the plants of temporary freshwater habitats, and their replacement by halophilous, cultivation-tolerant, footpath and grazing-tolerant species. Such changes express the artificialisation of the marsh. The mid-term dynamics of Joumine Marsh (1925-2011) is characterized by four periods : (1) before the first hydrological developments realized on the Joumine Wady in 1948, the marsh was dominated by the helophytic formation of Bolboschoenus glaucus and Schoenoplectus litoralis ; (2) between 1948 and the putting into service of the Joumine Dam in 1982/ 83, the helophytic vegetation remained dominant ; (3) between 1982-1983 and the summer 2002, because of an inappropriate management of the reservoir (without freshwater release), the salinity of the marsh has considerably increased, triggering the decline of the hydrophilous vegetation and the expansion of salt scrubs of Sarcocornia fruticosa ; (4) finally, since autumn 2002, occasional releases of freshwater from the Joumine reservoir and the realization of new hydrological developments on the Joumine ditch lead to the inundation and washing of the marsh. These changes have induced the partial replacement of the salt scrubs by
renewed helophytic herbaceous formations. This study reveals the significance of the ratio “hydro-hygrophilous plants/halophilous plants” as an indicator of the health of coastal wetlands. This ratio, as a simple tool for helping the management, may be used at the scale of the entire system lake-marsh of Ichkeul.
Gestion différenciée des parcelles de luzerne. Un impact positif sur les papillons de jour (Lepidoptera : Rhopalocera)
Authors: Manil Luc , Chagué Julien 
Published: November 2022

Differentiated management of alfalfa fields : a positive impact on butterfly populations (Lepidotera : Rhopalocera)
The impact of differentiated management of alfalfa fields on butterfly populations (Rhopalocera) was investigated in 2009 and 2010 on 18 sites in Champagne-Ardennes and 6 in Haute-Normandie (France), in comparison with both conventionally managed alfalfa and cereal crops. The STERF method (Suivi Temporel des Rhopalocères de France), the national French program for butterfly populations follow up, was used. Alfalfa itself (classical management) and moreover a flowered strip maintaining (7 m-wide band alternating non-swath in each cut) are significantly favourable to richness (31 species on the 43 observed, compared with 15 in and on the edge of cereal fields) and the abundance of butterflies (53 ± 6 butterflies per 10 minutes of counting in the non-mown strip, against 15 ± 2 on the edge of mowed alfalfa crops and 6 ± 1 on the edge of cereal fields). The most abundant species were Vanessa cardui (amazing position linked to the exceptional migration of 2009, with a particular concentration on
alfalfa), Pieris rapae, Polyommatus icarus, Colias croceus, Pieris brassicae, Aglais io and Pieris napi. The more the species were common, the more they seemed to be favoured by these alfalfa blooms. Bloom alfalfa condition is an essential parameter, especially in the second half of the season, when wildflowers are less numerous. There is an additional interest of the flowering bands of alfalfa for species such as P. icarus (sedentary) and C. croceus (migratory), whose caterpillars can feed with alfalfa.
Spatial distribution of nests of Paratrigona subnuda Moure, 1947 (Apidae, Meliponini)
Authors: Dubet da Silva Mouga Denise Monique 
Published: November 2022

Distribution spatiale des nids de Paratrigona subnuda Moure, 1947 (Apidae, Meloponini).
Le modèle de nidification d’une espèce est une de ses caractéristiques fondamentales. Afin d’appuyer les connaissances sur la construction des nids souterrains que l’espèce d’abeille sans aiguillon Paratrigona subnuda occupe, un échantillonage de colonies vivant en milieu naturel a été entrepris et leur rassemblement a été calculé. La dispersion vérifiée montre un dessin de petits groupes qui se répètent à certaines distances et l’indice de dispersion au voisin le plus proche indique une agrégation, dans un modèle semblable à celui en chambres des nids des fourmis du genre Atta. La proximité des nids implique un chevauchement des zones d’activité d’individus provenant de colonies voisines.
Impact de la mise en défens sur la lutte contre la désertification dans les parcours steppiques : cas de la région de Naâma (sud-ouest algérien)
Authors: Khalid Foudil , Benabdeli Kheloufi , Morsli Boutkhil 
Published: November 2022

Impact of protection on the fight against desertification in the steppe rangelands : the case of Naâma region (south-west of Algeria)
The fight against desertification in the region of Naâma begins with restoring severely degraded steppe rangelands. In this context several hundred thousand hectares of pastoral land were exempted from agropastoral activities and protected from grazing for 25 years. The present study aims assess the impact of this technique on combating against desertification in the steppe environment. The methodological approach is based on comparative analysis of the vital ecosystem attributes (VEA), it assesses degradation status or restoration of the structure and the function of steppe grazing exclosure areas and other neighbouring areas located outside the protected area. The results highlighted significant differences between unprotected plots and exclosures whatever the duration : an increase in species richness, species diversity, recovery rate of vegetation, plant biomass and organic matter in the soil was noted in the protected plots. This enhancement ensures both greater stability against various disturbances and proper functioning of the steppic ecosystem. However, this protection causes the extension of the hardpan layer on the ground. It also results a decrease of the floristic richness and diversity in formally protected rangelands compared to those with an average length of protection (5-7 years).
Les facteurs déterminant la réussite de la reproduction des Tourterelles des bois (Streptopelia turtur) dans un milieu agricole Nord-Africain
Authors: Kafi Fadhila , Hanane Saâd , Bensouilah Taquieddine , Zeraoula Ali , Brahmia Hafid , Houhamdi Moussa 
Published: November 2022

Determinants of nesting success in Turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur) in a North-African agricultural area.
Determining the effects of environmental factors on nesting success of migrant and breeding game birds is paramount especially in man-made environments. Using Poisson regression, we investigated the influence on the number of chicks fledged per nest (N = 207) of nest placement, proximity of cereal crops and water sources, taking into account possible phenological and spatial differences between the five studied orchards. The best model, selected by Akaike criterion, shows positive linear effects of distance from the nest to the trunk, to closest cereal crops and a quadratic effect of nest height (with an optimum at 1.6m). In Guelma’s orange groves, nest placement and proximity to cereal crops have a direct impact on the productivity of Turtle doves. Further researches on other tree species (fruit and forest ones) are necessary to : (i) assess their importance for breeding Turtle doves and (ii) determine the effect of environmental variables on the maintenance of the species.
Biological parameters and parasite loads of eel populations (Anguilla anguilla L.) inhabiting two water bodies in coastal Algeria
Authors: Djouahra Chafika , Arab Abdeslem 
Published: November 2022

Paramètres biologiques et charges parasitaires de populations d’Anguille (Anguilla anguilla L.) habitant deux systèmes aquatiques de la côte algérienne.
L’évolution spatio-temporelle des paramètres biologiques (Lt, GSI, HSI, kc) des anguilles européennes, peuplant deux hydrosystèmes différents du littoral algérien, montre qu’il n’y a aucune différence significative de ces paramètres entre deux sous-populations d’anguille du lac Tonga, l’une parasitée (PT) et l’autre non parasitée (NPT) par le Nématode Anguillicoloides crassus ; mais nous notons une différence significative entre ces deux sous-populations d’anguilles du lac Tonga et la sous-population d’anguilles non parasitée (NPT) du port de Bou Haroun, sauf pour le poids total (Wt). Les valeurs les plus élevées du coefficient de condition (kc) sont observées chez les anguilles du lac Tonga. Le nombre élevé de parasites (NP ≥ 10) par vessie natatoire influence négativement tous les paramètres biologiques. Dans les deux stations, les conditions vitales des anguilles sont minimales en été et au printemps. L’analyse en composantes principales (PCA) distingue deux groupes d’anguilles. Le premier groupe réunit les individus du lac Tonga autour des indices parasitaires et de l’oxygène dissous. Le deuxième groupe réunit les anguilles du port de Bou Haroun autour des paramètres de pollution. Nous notons aussi que le parasite n’a pas été signalé au port de Bou Haroun du fait qu’il ne se développe probablement pas dans un tel milieu. Ce nématode ainsi que l’anguille préfèrent les milieux non pollués et à faible salinité, tel le lac Tonga.
User de pesticides pour contrôler les espèces invasives : les facettes d’un paradoxe éthique
Authors: Tassin Jacques 
Published: November 2022

Use of pesticides in invasive species control : facets of an ethical paradox.
The control of invasive species impacting environment or human health sometimes involves the use of lethal chemicals. Yet, while the interest of pesticides in invasive species control is undeniable, their impact should not be overlooked. From year to year the use of rodenticides with a low selectivity (e. g. brodicafoum or 1080), of persistent insecticides such as neonicotinoids and of systemic herbicides (e. g. glyphosate) actually concerns more and more large areas. The literature provides many examples of negative side effects on biodiversity or human health that should be more transparently reported. Risk assessment of pesticide use remains incomplete for invasive species, and the risk-benefit approach that would impose is still lacking. This use of pesticides involves an ethical paradox since it is part of an approach which aims to protect wildlife, and since in the context of public health policy, it sometimes puts people to new health risks. In general, the effectiveness of pesticides in the control of invasive species also remains poorly evaluated. It seems imperative to put the citizen at the heart of decision-making or at least to advocate greater transparency regarding all the expected benefits and risks. Similarly, ethics gap aroused from the use of pesticides is to evaluate. It is not justifiable that the issue of animal rights is so much departed from vertebrate control programs. Imposed suffering to these animals is a reality and it is not for scientists to decide alone what in our relations with the animal, is acceptable or not. The field of invasive species should not be an exception in global discussions conducted on pesticides. However, the representation that invasive species escape to nature as we think it should be, contributes to validate the use of resources normally prohibited in natural areas. We must continue to wonder about the basis for these breaches of environmental protection and environmental ethics. They correspond to a rejection of values that are not so shared by our communities.
Echium modestum Ball, Plantago benisnassenii Romo, Peris et Stübing, Teucrium doumerguei Sennen : nouveaux taxons pour la flore d’Algérie (Massif des Traras)
Authors: Zohra Hannane Fatima , Hadjadj Aoul Seghir , Véla Errol 
Published: November 2022

Echium modestum Ball, Plantago benisnassenii Romo, Peris & Stübing, Teucrium doumerguei Sennen : new taxa for the Algerian flora (Traras Mountains).
With the purpose of studying dry grassland plant groups in northwestern Algeria, we were led to sample and collect plant material. The identification and comparison with the current resources allowed us to add three taxa Echium modestum Ball, Plantago benisnassenii Romo, Peris & Stubing and Teucrium doumerguei Sennen to the Algerian flora. Two of these species, up to now endemic of Beni Snassen, eastern Morocco, are reported for the first time in the Traras Mountains. E. modestum is more widespread in Morocco than the other two. Their distributions, taxonomic and chorological statuses are discussed with an overview on the ecology of the localities where they were reported.
High densities of the french coastal endemic bluethroat (Cyanecula svecica namnetum) revealed in intertidal reed beds and conservation perspectives towards sea level rise
Authors: Musseau Raphaël , Beslic Sonia 
Published: November 2022

Our study deals with density estimation in intertidal reed beds of the Gironde estuary (France) of the French endemic subspecies of Bluethroat breeding along the Atlantic coast (Cyanecula svecica namnetum).
We analysed count point data collected during the beginning of the breeding period, with information gathered from 94 stations distributed over 100 hectares. Analysis of data integrating bird detection probability as a function of the detection distance (distance sampling) allowed us to estimate an average density of 20.5 ± 3.7 males for 10 hectares (14.4 – 29.5 within the 95 % CI). Up to now, no equivalent densities have been documented for this endemic taxa which is of conservation concern given its relatively high degree of specialization in terms of ecological resources exploited and its limited range and numbers. Despite their singularity given the limited size of the study area, our results confirm the particular importance of coastal marshes for C. s. namnetum. In view of strong alterations of coastal habitats due to the rise in sea level already observed in the breeding grounds of C. s. namnetum, our results highlight the interest in developing conservation strategies for habitats exploited by the taxa, integrating the potential key roles of back littoral areas in order to compensate losses of habitats due to the ongoing and forthcoming effects of global changes.
Habitats larvaires et sensibilité des vecteurs du paludisme aux insecticides dans des localités (semi-urbaine et rurale) de la région du littoral camerounais : données préliminaires
Authors: Ntonga Akono Patrick , Mbida Mbida Arthur , Awono Ambene Parfait , Youmbi Enga Lyonnais , Abdel Kayoum Yomon , Kekeunou Sévilor 
Published: November 2022

Larval habitats and susceptibility of malaria vectors to insecticides in semi-urban and rural localities of the Coast-Cameroon region : preliminary data.
Choosing an appropriate strategy for mosquito control in an eco-climatic facies requires knowledge of vector ecology, including the spatial distribution and productivity of larval habitats and their level of susceptibility to insecticides. This study maps, characterizes the mosquito breeding sites and evaluates the susceptibility to insecticides of malaria vectors to Banya II and Bodiman, two semi-urban and rural areas of the coastal region of Cameroon. The field surveys were conducted in May 2015. The mosquito breeding sites were geo-referenced. For each breeding site, larvae were collected then reared and physico-chemical parameters measured in situ. The susceptibility of vectors to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), deltamethrin and permethrin was evaluated on the anopheline obtained from larva rearing. A variety of breeding sites has been identified in the study sites (ponds, rivers, ditches, tires, plastic wrap, water storage containers, abandoned containers, papaya holes, bamboo holes). However, Anopheles gambiae s. l, the most abundant species in Banya II was more common in the pools, while Culex poicilipes, the most abundant species in Bodiman was mainly collected in abandoned containers. The two categories of breeding sites had respectively electrical conductivity of 167.5 [16.9-305] and 170.43 [11.6-461] μs/cm, salinity of 90.5 [23.5-157] and 94.63[15-240] g/l and total dissolved solids of 119.6 [20.6-215] and 123.3 [7.8-354] ppm. Insecticides tests revealed mortality rates below 85 % for the Banya II Strain of A. gambiae s. l. and over 98 % for the Bodiman strain of A. nili. These informations should be taken into account for a better orientation of control strategies in order to control effectively the vectors in the study localities.
Biodiversity and abundance of gelatinous zooplankton along the Algerian coast
Authors: Khames Ghollame Ellah Yacine , Hafferssas Aziz 
Published: November 2022

Biodiversité et abondance du zooplancton gélatineux le long de la côte algérienne.
La distribution du zooplancton gélatineux (Siphonophorae, Salpidae, Doliolidae, Appendicularia, Chaetognatha et Mollusca) a été étudiée durant les quatre saisons sur un ensemble de stations le long de la côte algérienne. Sur 56 espèces reconnues, la diversité a été plus grande au printemps et l’abondance a été plus importante au printemps et en été. La composition taxinomique a varié selon les saisons : les assemblages printaniers ont été plus diversifiés, comprenant essentiellement des espèces de Thaliacea ; les assemblages d’été ont été dominés par Doliolum nationalis et Flaccisagitta enflata ; les assemblages d’automne ont été caractérisés par les deux espèces gélatineuses les plus abondantes et les plus fréquentes (F. enflata et Oikopleura longicauda) ; et les assemblages d’hiver ont été caractérisés par des espèces carnivores.
Perturbations de la reproduction chez Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pisces, Gobiidae) dans une lagune méditerranéenne polluée (Bizerte, Tunisie)
Authors: Louiz Ibtissem , Ben Attia Mossadok , Kalthoum Ben Hassine Oum 
Published: November 2022

Reproductive disorders in Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pisces, Gobiidae) in a polluted lagoon (Bizerta, Tunisia).
Gonad histopathology data are increasingly being used as indicators of reproductive disorders since they provide a definite biological end-point of historical exposure to endocrine disruptors. Here, a comparative study of some reproduction biological aspects, such as gonad histology, gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and condition index (CI) of mature Grass Goby (Zosterisessor ophiocephalus), was carried out in Bizerta lagoon where chemical contamination is proven and in a reference station free of this type of contamination. For this purpose, female and male gobies were collected during the breeding season (April 2006) in three stations in Bizerta lagoon (Menzel-Abderrahemen, Menzel-Bourguiba and Menzel-Jemil), differently impacted by contaminants, including PAHs, PCBs, DDT, organotins and heavy metals, and in the seaward entrance of Ghar el Melh lagoon (reference station). In both sexes, we detected the presence of an overall weaker GSI in Bizerta lagoon than in control fish. These GSI alterations were accompanied by most pathological changes. In females, a higher incidence of oocyte lesions (atretic oocytes and cytoplasmic retraction) was found in stations located near agricultural activity zones. Histologic observation of the testes revealed, as well, abnormalities in Bizerta lagoon fish such as germ cells syncytia, vacuolated germ cells and increase of gaps in the interstitium between lobules. These abnormalities were detected with a high prevalence in stations influenced by industrial and/ or urban activities. This study provides insights on the effects of various environmental stressors on Z. ophiocephalus reproductive health. Nevertheless, much research is needed to understand the cause of observed changes and their long-term effect on fish reproductive health, on population fitness and on this species survival in Bizerta lagoon.
Secondary succession and root biomass changes in madagascar dry deciduous forest (Mikea forest)
Authors: Randriambanona Herizo , Razanaka Samuel , Randriamalala R.J. , Grouzis Michel 
Published: November 2022

Succession secondaire et changements de la biomasse racinaire en forêt décidue sèche à Madagascar (forêt Mikéa).
La structure et la distribution de la biomasse racinaire ont été caractérisées le long d’une chronoséquence de forêt secondaire (jachères âgées de 2, 6, 12 et 30 ans) et deux écosystèmes de référence (une forêt mature et une savane boisée) afin de décrire le processus de régénération de la forêt dense sèche dans le sud-ouest de Madagascar. La distribution de la biomasse racinaire en fonction de la profondeur s’ajuste bien à une fonction puissance de type B = aDb (B : biomasse racinaire en mg. dm-3 et D : profondeur en cm). Les racines sont plus profondes dans les forêts matures et les jachères jeunes mais elles sont plus superficielles dans les vieilles jachères et la savane boisée où les sols sont plus compacts. La biomasse racinaire augmente avec l’âge de la jachère jusqu’à la douzième année et une diminution a été enregistrée dans la jachère de 30 ans. La biomasse racinaire était de 3,58 t. ha-1 dans la jachère de 2 ans, 4,96 t. ha-1 dans la jachère de 6 ans et 10,00 t. ha-1 dans la jachère de 12 ans. Les valeurs de la biomasse racinaire des jachères et de la savane boisée (7,00 t. ha-1) sont largement inférieures à celles de la forêt mature (18,5 t. ha-1). Ainsi, le coût écologique de la déforestation dans la zone d’étude correspond une perte de 16,9 t. ha-1 de biomasse racinaire après 30 ans d’abandon.