The Odonata fauna of the Seybouse river catchment in Algeria as part of the Maghrebian biodiversity

An odonatological survey of the wadi Seybouse watershed, Northeastern Algeria, was carried out over a period of two years. Thirty five species were recorded in this previously uncharted region, including Calopteryx exul and Trithemis kirbyi. The former species, a Maghrebian endemic, has been rediscovered in Algeria after more than a century of apparent absence and the species, classified as “Endangered” in the IUCN Mediterranean Red List, is represented in Algeria by only the Seybouse population. An efficient conservation plan is needed to prevent the extinction of this emblematic species. T. kirbyi, a desert species, has considerably extended its range northward. Anthropogenic impacts were noted for the majority of sampled stations and this pressure does not bode well for the conservation of the biodiversity of wadi Seybouse. The distribution and status of each recorded species were also discussedUne étude odonatologique a été réalisée durant deux années consécutives dans le bassin-versant de la Seybouse, situé dans le nord-est algérien et pratiquement inexploré auparavant. Trente cinq espèces ont été enregistrées, dont Caloptervx exul et Trithemis kirbyi. La première, endémique du Maghreb, n'avait plus été observée en Algérie depuis plus d'un siècle et la population de l'oued Seybouse représente la seule actuellement connue en Algérie. Une protection efficace de ce bassin hydrographique est donc nécessaire afin de conserver cette espèce emblématique, en forte régression dans l'ensemble du Maghreb et considérée « en danger » par l'UICN. T kirbyi, espèce saharienne, a considérablement étendu son aire de répartition vers le nord. Une pression anthropique intense a été notée dans la majorité des stations échantillonnées. La répartition géographique et le statut de chaque espèce notée sont discutés

A set of principles and practical suggestions for equitable fieldwork in biology

Field biology is an area of research that involves working directly with living organisms in situ through a practice known as “fieldwork.” Conducting fieldwork often requires complex logistical planning within multiregional or multinational teams, interacting with local communities at field sites, and collaborative research led by one or a few of the core team members. However, existing power imbalances stemming from geopolitical history, discrimination, and professional position, among other factors, perpetuate inequities when conducting these research endeavors. After reflecting on our own research programs, we propose four general principles to guide equitable, inclusive, ethical, and safe practices in field biology: be collaborative, be respectful, be legal, and be safe. Although many biologists already structure their field programs around these principles or similar values, executing equitable research practices can prove challenging and requires careful consideration, especially by those in positions with relatively greater privilege. Based on experiences and input from a diverse group of global collaborators, we provide suggestions for action-oriented approaches to make field biology more equitable, with particular attention to how those with greater privilege can contribute. While we acknowledge that not all suggestions will be applicable to every institution or program, we hope that they will generate discussions and provide a baseline for training in proactive, equitable fieldwork practices