David Galicia

Sex Differentiation of Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis lusitanius): the Use of Biometrics, Bill Morphometrics and Wing Tip Coloration

Abstract We used feathers and skeletal measurements, white and black areas at the wing tip and bill morphometrics of Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus michahellis lusitanius) in order to test for possible sex-differences. Overall, 157 individuals from the eastern Bay of Biscay (N Spain) were measured, and the sex determined in 155 individuals, by means of DNA-analyses. All feathers and skeletal-associated measurements, except the distance between each primary (P1 to P5) feather and the wing tip in a folded wing varied between the sexes, with males being larger than females. Sexual selection is discussed to be the major cause explaining these differences. A discriminant function is provided to separate sexes. By contrast, both wing tip patterns of coloration and bill morphology did not vary between sex classes.

Setting priorities for existing conservation needs of crayfish and mink

According to Clavero (2014), the conservation in Spain of the white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius italicus) and the European mink (Mustela lutreola) to the detriment of 3 North American species (red swamp crayfish [Procambarus clarkii], signal crayfish [Pacifastacus leniusculus], and feral American mink [Neovison vison]) represents a case of shifting baseline syndrome (Pauly 1995; Papworth et al. 2009). Clavero argues there is clear evidence that all these species are nonnative to the Iberian Peninsula and therefore preserving the white-clawed crayfish and the European mink responds to an a priori social assimilation of these species as native and, thus, to a shift of the baseline of Spanish natural freshwater ecosystems. We question Clavero’s evidence on the nonnative status of these 2 species in the Iberian Peninsula and disagree with the importance he attributes to species’ native or nonnative status when setting conservation priorities. Nonnative species occur outside their historical natural range following intentional or accidental human introduction (Heywood 1995). Contrary to Clavero’s claim, evidence suggests the white-clawed crayfish and the European mink are native to the Iberian Peninsula (see below). Moreover, the current known European distribution for both species makes natural dispersion a plausible biogeographic process because the Pyrenean range is permeable at its extremes (e.g., Mart́ınezRica & Monserrat-Recoder 1990) and, at least for mustelids, mountains are not a barrier to dispersal (e.g., Zuberogoitia & Zabala 2003).

Biodiversity data obsolescence and land uses changes

Background Primary biodiversity records (PBR) are essential in many areas of scientific research as they document the biodiversity through time and space. However, concerns about PBR quality and fitness-for-use have grown, especially as derived from taxonomical, geographical and sampling effort biases. Nonetheless, the temporal bias stemming from data ageing has received less attention. We examine the effect of changes in land use in the information currentness, and therefore data obsolescence, in biodiversity databases. Methods We created maps of land use changes for three periods (1956–1985, 1985–2000 and 2000–2012) at 5-kilometres resolution. For each cell we calculated the percentage of land use change within each period. We then overlaid distribution data about small mammals, and classified each data as ‘non-obsolete or ‘obsolete,’ depending on both the amount of land use changes in the cell, and whether changes occurred at or after the data sampling’s date. Results A total of 14,528 records out of the initial 59,677 turned out to be non-obsolete after taking into account the changes in the land uses in Navarra. These obsolete data existed in 115 of the 156 cells analysed. Furthermore, more than one half of the remaining cells holding non-obsolete records had not been visited at least for the last fifteen years. Conclusion Land use changes challenge the actual information obtainable from biodiversity datasets and therefore its potential uses. With the passage of time, one can expect a steady increase in the availability and use of biological records—but not without them becoming older and likely to be obsolete by land uses changes. Therefore, it becomes necessary to assess records’ obsolescence, as it may jeopardize the knowledge and perception of biodiversity patterns.

Diversity of Freshwater Fishes in Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán, Hidalgo, Mexico, and Recommendations for Conservation

Abstract The primary objective was to document the diversity of fishes in Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán, Hidalgo, Mexico. Samples were collected from 35 localities using electrofishing, nets, and angling, and from local fishermen. A total of 7,290 specimens was collected, representing 16 species (including 4 introduced and 4 translocated). This study adds seven species to the regional fish fauna, five of which are exotic. Resumen El objetivo primario fue caracterizar la diversidad de peces en la Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán, Hidalgo, México. Se muestrearon peces en 35 localidades, capturados con pesca eléctrica, redes, pesca con anzuelo, y por pescadores locales. Se capturó un total de 7,290 especímenes, representando 16 especies (incluyendo 4 especies introducidas y 4 translocadas). Este trabajo añade siete nuevas especies a la ictiofauna regional, cinco de las cuales son exóticas.

Bone-to-Body Biometric Relationships for Owens and Lahontan Tui Chubs and their Hybrids in California

Abstract Regression parameters for the length of several bony structures against fish body length, and for body length against body weight, were determined for Owens tui chub Siphateles bicolor snyderi, Lahontan tui chub Siphateles bicolor obesa, and hybrid swarm deriving from the two species. Two-hundred eleven individuals from 16 localities from the Owens River and neighboring basins along the border between California and Nevada were used for regression analyses. The coefficient of determination of linear regressions for scales, pharyngeal arches, dentaries, cleithra, and opercula against body length were consistently high (r2 ≥ 0.9). Differences between subspecies were mainly with reference to the intercept parameter in comparisons involving Lahontan tui chub. Coefficients of determination from log-linear length–weight regressions were also high (r2 ≥ 0.9) for individual taxa and for the pooled data set combining both Lahontan and hybrid species. The length–weight relationship did not differ between s...

Long-term data set of small mammals from owl pellets in the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition area

We describe the pellet sampling data set from the Vertebrate Collection of the Museum of Zoology of the University of Navarra. This data set compiles all information about small mammals obtained from the analysis of owl pellets. The collection consists on skulls, mandibles, and some skeletons of 36 species of more than 72,000 georeferenced specimens. These specimens come from the Iberian Peninsula although most samples were collected in Navarra, a highly diverse transitional area of 10,000 kilometre square sitting across three biogeographical regions. The collection spans more than forty years and is still growing as a result of the establishment of a barn owl pellet monitoring network in 2015. The program will provide critical information about the evolution of the small mammals’ community in this transition zone as it changes over time.

Hidalgo Fishes: Dataset on freshwater fishes of Hidalgo state (Mexico) in the MZNA fish collection of the University of Navarra (Spain)

Abstract The state of Hidalgo (Mexico) is an important region from the point of view of biodiversity. However, there exists a significant gap in accessible knowledge about species diversity and distribution, especially regarding to freshwater ecosystems. This dataset comprises the sampling records of two projects developed in Hidalgo between 2007 and 2009 about the freshwater fish communities of Tecocomulco lake and rivers belonging to the Metztitlán Canyon Biosphere Reserve. It contains the taxonomic identity (species level) and basic biometric data (total length and weight) as well as date of collection and coordinates of more than 9000 specimens. This dataset is the primary result of the first and unrepeated exhaustive freshwater fish’s survey of Metztitlán Canyon Biosphere Reserve and Tecocomulco lake. It incorporates seven more species to the regional fish fauna, and new exclusive biometric data of ten species. This dataset can be used by studies dealing with, among other interests, North American freshwater fish diversity (species richness, distribution patterns) and biometric analyses, useful for the management and conservation of these areas. The complete dataset is also provided in Darwin Core Archive format.

Why, Where and How: An Identification Guide of Macroinvertebrates

This chapter provides a general introduction to the identification of macroinvertebrates, with particular emphasis on the management of river systems and the correct identification of these animals in field surveys. Subsequently, the study area and taxonomic groups considered are defined and delimited. Technical considerations about photographic methods are also included at the end of the chapter.

Threatened fishes of the world: Herichthys labridens (Pellegrin, 1903)

Common name: Mojarra huasteca (Mexican), Curvebar or blackcheek cichlid (English). Conservation status: Amenazada (Threatened)—Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-059-ECOL-2001 (NOM 2001). Endangered—IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2007 (Contreras-Balderas and Almada-Villela 1996). Identification: D XV–XVII+10–12, A IV–VI+7–10, V I+6, P 15, C 18–20. Body moderately elongated, depth increasing with age. Anterior teeth of jaws are conical, curved canines, each with a posterior cusp. Central pair in upper jaw is the largest, flanked on each side one or two canines, easily visible even in live specimens. Teeth on lower pharyngeal plate are molariform. Body is gray-green dorsally, and cream on the belly. Sides of head and nape speckled with fine, dark spots. Body shows big irregular blotches and blue speckling on flanks. Fishes present a red or magenta spot (in life) in the bottom of the pectoral fin. In breeding adults, a contrasting pattern of an inferior area intensely black anteriorly and posteriorly, and an area above milky white to yellow is exhibited (Miller et al. 2005). Distribution: Headwater areas of Río Verde. This species was erroneously indicated by Taylor and Miller (1983) to be widely spread on the Pánuco basin, where similar cichlids should be considered as undescribed species (Miller et al. 2005). Pending formal taxonomic revision, these other forms should also be considered to represent H. labridens, as suggested by Taylor and Miller (1983) and others (Monks et al. 2005; ConcheiroPérez et al. 2007). Biology: There are lentic and lotic populations. Reproduction occurs from November to June (Miller et al. 2005). Euryphagic species, obtaining resources grazing periphyton (Díaz-Pardo et al. 2002). Conservation actions: Environmental deterioration, water exploitation and introduction of exotic fishes are the main risks in Central Mexico (e.g. Miranda et al. 2008). Conservation measures should be focused on habitat preservation and prevention of introductions of non-native fishes. Environ Biol Fish (2009) 86:377–378 DOI 10.1007/s10641-009-9528-x

The tragedy of the biodiversity data commons: a data impediment creeping nigher?

Abstract Researchers are embracing the open access movement to facilitate unrestricted availability of scientific results. One sign of this willingness is the steady increase in data freely shared online, which has prompted a corresponding increase in the number of papers using such data. Publishing datasets is a time-consuming process that is often seen as a courtesy, rather than a necessary step in the research process. Making data accessible allows further research, provides basic information for decision-making and contributes to transparency in science. Nevertheless, the ease of access to heaps of data carries a perception of ‘free lunch for all’, and the work of data publishers is largely going unnoticed. Acknowledging such a significant effort involving the creation, management and publication of a dataset remains a flimsy, not well established practice in the scientific community. In a meta-analysis of published literature, we have observed various dataset citation practices, but mostly (92%) consisting of merely citing the data repository rather than the data publisher. Failing to recognize the work of data publishers might lead to a decrease in the number of quality datasets shared online, compromising potential research that is dependent on the availability of such data. We make an urgent appeal to raise awareness about this issue.