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Zoology in the Middle East

Volume 52, 2011

ISSN 0939-7140

Kasparek Verlag, Heidelberg
All articles, both print and online versions, are fully copyright-protected.

Covered in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE). Admitted to ISI Master Journal list and covered by the BioSciences Information Service (Biosis Previews) and Biological Preview (abstract/cover page)s, the Zoological Record and many other review organs.

Price per article: Euro 10.00 (plus Euro 2.00 postage/handling)

 

 

Adwan H. Shehab, Samir A. Al-Ahmad, Fauzy F. Samara

Morphology and distribution of the Indian Gerbil, Tatera indica (Hardwicke, 1807), in Syria (Rodentia: Gerbillinae)

Abstract. Twenty-two specimens of the Indian Gerbil (Tatera indica Hardwicke, 1807) were collected during January and February 2009 from northeastern Syria near the border with Turkey.  The external and cranial morphology and biometric measurements are given. Skull, structure, phallus and baculum were found to be similar to those reported from southern Turkey. The cranial and dental measurements closely resembled those reported for the Turkish population, but were larger than in Iranian specimens. Ecological and biological aspects are discussed. The range of the Indian Gerbil in Syria is restricted to rivers and irrigated lands in the northeastern parts of the country.

Key words. Indian Gerbil, Tatera indica, morphology, distribution, Mammalia, Rodentia, Syria.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 3-10.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Tamer Albayrak

Anthropogenic barriers to the distribution of the Grey Wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) in the Beydağları Mountains area, Turkey Mammalia: Carnivora)

Abstract. Field observations, interviews with local people and Forestry Department workers and camera trapping were used to determine the status of wolves in the Beydağları Mountains and surroundings. Following interview data, camera traps were placed at 17 stations between 1100 and 1900 m a.s.l. in Çığlıkara Nature Protected Area (NPA) and were maintained for 1031 camera days, from 29 May to 25 September 2009. Wolf pictures were taken during the time period of 20:00 and 06:00 hours and at the altitude of 1600–1800 m a.s.l. The population density of wolves was 0.9 individual per 100 km2 in the trapping polygon, with a buffer area of 445.5 km2 calculated using Geographic Information System (GIS). Çığlıkara NPA regularly hosts a wolf population in the Beydağları region due to anthropogenic barriers, topological barriers (high mountain ranges) and habitat preferences. The other areas of the Beydağları region have human structures such as villages, roads, farmland, high plateau houses, etc, that negatively affect the wolf distribution pattern.

Key words. Grey Wolf, Canis lupus, conservation, mammals, camera trapping, Anatolia, Turkey, Middle East.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 11-16.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Jacqueline Loos, Tamar Dayan, Nora Drescher, Tal Levanony, Erez Maza, Boaz Shacham, Roy Talbi, Thorsten Assmann

Habitat preferences of the Levant Green Lizard, Lacerta media israelica (Peters, 1964) (Reptilia: Lacertidae)

Abstract. The Levant Green Lizard, Lacerta media israelica (Peters, 1964), is a rare and declining lizard species that is classified as regionally vulnerable in Israel and Lebanon. We found information about historical observations of this species at 42 different locations. During field work at these and 12 additional locations between March and July 2009, we found 35 individuals at 21 different sites. Sixty-six percent of formerly inhabited places appeared not to be inhabited by the species anymore. L. media israelica inhabited heterogeneous plots, with an average of 30% herbaceous and shrub layer, moderate slope angle and a high proportion of woodland cover. Most observations occurred at the margins of anthropogenic installations and near woodland sites, such as fruit plantations, car parks, trails and traditional pasture landscape. To conserve populations of the Levant Green Lizard, it will be important to maintain landscape heterogeneity, including extensively used semi-open shrubland areas (such as local garigue or ‘batha’) for the protection of this species.

Key words. Mediterranean Lacertid, microhabitat, landscape heterogeneity, ecotone.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 17-28.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Bektas Sönmez, Cemal Turan, Sükran Yalcin Özdilek

The effect of relocation on the morphology of Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758), hatchlings on Samandağ beach, Turkey (Reptilia: Cheloniidae)

Abstract. We studied the impact of nest relocation in Green Turtles, Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758), on hatchling morphology at Samandağ, Turkey, and examined 350 hatchlings taken equally from both natural nests and relocated nests. The nuchal, vertebral and costal series were the most variable and the supracaudal scutes were almost stable for the hatchlings in both groups. There were significant differences in all sets of nuchal, costal and marginal except vertebral scutes between hatchlings from natural and relocated nests. Hatchlings from relocated nests also had a smaller straight carapace width and lower weight than hatchlings from natural nests. Furthermore, hatchlings from relocated nests had smaller left and right fore limb lengths than hatchlings from natural nests. There were significant differences between both nests in incubation duration and moisture content. Relocation thus has a negative effect on hatchling morphology and consequently on the fitness of hatchlings. The smaller size of hatchlings (with scute variations) results in reduced fitness. In spite of the relocation of nests being an important protection technique, it has a negative effect on the morphology and probably on the viability of hatchlings.

Key words. Chelonia mydas, morphology, nest relocation, conservation, Samandağ beach, Turkey, Mediterranean Sea.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 29-38.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Eyup Baskale, Ferah Sayim, Samil Yildirim, Mehmet Kutsay Atatür, Ugur Kaya

Reproductive ecology and body size-fecundity relationships of the Green Toad, Pseudepidalea viridis (Laurenti, 1768), in the Kocaçay Stream, Izmir, Turkey (Amphibia: Anura)

Abstract. We studied the breeding biology of the Green Toad,  Pseudepidalea viridis (Laurenti, 1768), in the 2007-2008 breeding seasons at Kocaçay Stream. The breeding period began in early February and lasted approximately two months. The median of the breeding seasons was calculated as 5tMarch for the entire study period 2007-2008. The average clutch size was 14,594 eggs and this value was higher than in other conspecific populations from Denmark, Israel and Italy. Clutch size and clutch mass were significantly correlated with female body size, but single egg mass and egg diameter were not. A negative significant correlation was seen between clutch size and egg diameter.

Key words. Climate, clutch size, green toad, reproductive output, spawning duration, Turkey.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 39-46.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Majid Bakhtiyari, Shafagh Kamal, Asghar Abdoli, Hamid Reza Esmaeli, Mehrgan Ebrahimi

Comparison of the feeding behaviour and strategy of the Killifish, Aphanius sophiae Heckel, 1847, at two different localities in Iran (Actinopterygii: Cyprinodontidae)

Abstract. The feeding strategy and behavioural differences of a Killifish, Aphanius sophiae Heckel, 1847, were compared at a freshwater spring (Cheshme-Ali at Damghan) and a salty water river (Shour River) by considering stable and non-stable environmental conditions. The results showed that Killifish were affected by environmental differences. Chironomid larvae were its main food item in Shour River, whilst the species mainly fed on crustaceans and Daphnia at Cheshme-Ali. In Cheshme-Ali, the fish had suitable feeding for almost the whole year in spite of some fluctuations during the period of shortened daylight. In Shour River, however, the case was affected by salinity and thermo period. Therefore suitable and stable conditions allowed more prey selection for Killifish in Cheshme-Ali than in Shour River. The observations demonstrated that Killifish probably preferred to hunt a specific prey that is abundant and easy to capture. Furthermore, the size of both prey and predator can affect their feeding diversity. The results in Shour River showed a higher relative length of gut (RLG) (p<0.05) which means more energy utilization and osmoregulation in the gut. Also the Shour River population shows a relatively benthic, passive behaviour and a low condition factor (p<0.05) that is caused by different and non-stable conditions.

Key words. Aphanius sophiae, feeding behaviour, Cheshme Ali Spring, Shour River, Iran, Middle East.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 47-56.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Ahmet Mutlu Gözler, Semih Engin, Davut Turan, Cemalettin Sahin

Age, growth and fecundity of the Turkish Brook Lamprey, Eudontomyzon lanceolata (Kux & Steiner, 1972), in north-eastern Turkey (Petromyzontiformes: Petromyzontidae)

Abstract. The age, growth and fecundity of the Turkish Brook Lamprey, Eudontomyzon lanceolata (Kux & Steiner, 1972), was studied at İyidere stream in the Black Sea region of Turkey. The total length values varied between 2.0 and 17.3 cm (average 11.38 cm), and the total weight values between 0.02 and 9.4 g (average 2.57 g). The sex ratio (female:male) was 1:1.16. Larvae start their metamorphosis after they reach 2 years, and metamorphosis extends over 3 years. It begins at the end of summer. Metamorphosis was observed in individuals longer than 13 cm, but even some larger individuals showed larval characteristics. Females in 4th year sampled between March and May had ovaries full of eggs. The absolute fecundity was found to be on average 1898.5 eggs/female. No individuals who had already laid eggs were found.

Key words. Fecundity, egg size, Petromyzontidae, Black Sea region, Turkey, Middle East.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 57-62.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Aref Dia, Henri J Dumont

The Odonata of Lebanon (Insecta: Odonata)

Abstract. In a year-long survey of the Odonata of Lebanon, 29 species of the approximately 49 known or expected to live in the country were recorded. Some endangered species should be considered for urgent protection. Others are doing well. A brief biogeographic analysis of the fauna is given. The almost complete absence of species typical of semi-arid to arid environments is to be noted.

Key words. Lebanon, Odonata, biogeography, river ecology.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 63-70.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Fateme Firouzi, Shahrokh Pashaei Rad, Sakine Hossein Nezhad, Donat Agosti

Four new records of ants from Iran (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract. Four ant species are recorded for the first time for Iran: Myrmica hellenica Finzi, 1926; Myrmica deplanata Emery, 1921; Messor aralocaspius Ruzsky, 1902; and Messor picturatus Santschi, 1927. The ant fauna of Iran now includes 148 species.

Key words. Formicidae, Myrmica, Messor, Zanjan, Mazandaran, Iran, Middle East.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 71-78.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Seyed Massoud Madjdzadeh, Hassan Ali Dawah, Mike Bruford

Morphometric differentiation of Tetramesa leucospae Zerova & Madjdzadeh, 2005, populations associated with two geographically isolated grass species in Iran (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae)

Abstract. Discriminant function and cluster analyses were performed on 19 morphometric variables of the head, thorax, propodeum, wing, antenna and leg to determine whether individuals of Tetramesa sp. are distinguishable from the morphologically similar Tetramesa leucospae Zerova & Madjdzadeh, 2005. The former was reared from the grass Leucopoa pseudosclerophylla (Krivot.), an endemic species in the alpine region of southern Iran, and the latter from Festuca sclerophylla (Boiss. Ex Bisch.) that is found on stony slopes in northern Iran. Our results showed significant differences between individuals of Tetramesa reared from these two geographically isolated grasses. A stepwise discriminant function analysis selected six morphological characters (distance between two top ocelli, length of compound eye, breadth of thorax, width of propodeal foramen, stigmal vein and tarsal segment 2 of hind leg) from which two characters (width of propodeal foramen and distance between two top ocelli) provided the greatest discrimination between these geographically isolated populations of Tetramesa. 84% of individuals were reclassified correctly into their original populations using these characters. A dendrogram of the cluster analysis based on data of squared Euclidean distances between Tetramesa showed two main branches, one that combined Tetramesa reared from L. pseudosclerophylla and the other that represented the individuals reared from F. sclerophylla. This analysis clearly implies that each host-associated population is restricted to one grass species. We therefore concluded that the two Tetramesa populations represent two host-adapted forms and we consider that they are an example of superficially cryptic allopatric speciation in insects.

Key words. Morphometrics, Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae, Leucopoa, Festuca, Poaceae, host-adapted variation, Iran.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 79-88.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Adrian C. Pont, Nikita Vikhrev, Doreen Werner

The hunter-flies of Armenia. I. Some species of the genus Limnophora Robineau-Desvoidy, with the description of a new species (Insecta, Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract. New field observations on adult behaviour and predation in Limnophora riparia (Fallén) and Limnophora patellifera (Villeneuve) in Armenia are given. The adults of the little-known L. patellifera, and a new species, Limnophora femoriseta sp. n. from Armenia and Turkey, are described. All three species discussed here are new records for Armenia.

Key words. Hunter-flies, Muscidae, Limnophora, Armenia, Turkey, predation.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 89-103.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

Alireza Saboori, Mohammad Bagheri

A new species of Smaris Latreille, 1796 from Iran (Acari: Smarididae)

Abstract. Smaris maraghehiensis sp. n. (Acari: Smarididae) is described and illustrated from larvae free-living on soil (off host) from Maragheh, Iran. It is the third species of Smaris Latreille, 1796 based on larvae which is reported from outside Australia. A key to the larvae of Smaris is presented.

Key words. Parasitengona, new species, larva, ectoparasite, key.

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 105-110.    |   Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF)    |    Order article...

 

 

 

Short Communications

Rahimeh Baramaki Yazdi, Maryam Shaghoozaie, Somayeh Galdavi, Mostafa Yousef Elahi, Mohsen Shahriar Moghadam, Nahid Shokri Bousjein, Mohammad Javidkar

Identification of a new morphotype of the Indian Gerbil, Tatera indica Hardwicke, 1807 (Muridae, Rodentia), from Iran

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 111-113.    |    Order article...

Michael Heiss

The first breeding record of the Red-footed Falcon, Falco vespertinus (Linnaeus, 1766), in Azerbaijan

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 113-115.    |    Order article...

Bayram Öztürk, Arda M. Tonay, Aylin Akkaya, Ayaka Amaha Öztürk, Ayhan Dede

Stranding of a Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758), in the Turkish Black Sea

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 115-1117.    |    Order article...

Julia L. Y. Spaet, Jesse E. M. Cochran, Michael L. Berumen

First record of the Pigeye Shark, Carcharhinus amboinensis (Müller & Henle, 1839) (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae), in the Red Sea

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 118-121.    |    Order article...

Gökhan Aydin

Conservation status of the Tiger Beetle Calomera aphrodisia (Baudi di Selve, 1864) in Turkey (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 121-123.    |    Order article...

Hassan Ghahari, Reijo Jussila

Five species of Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera) new to Iran

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 123-124.    |    Order article...

Kerem Bakir, Tuncer Katagan

On the occurrence of Caprella scaura Templeton, 1836 (Crustacea: Amphipoda) in Turkish waters

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 125-126.    |    Order article...

Kamil Koc

Three new records of cheyletid mites from Turkey (Acari: Cheyletidae)

Zoology in the Middle East 52, 2011: 126-128.    |    Order article...

 

 

 

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