The population structure of \u3cem\u3eMesobuthus gibbosus\u3c/em\u3e (Scorpiones: Buthidae) on Koufonisi Island (central Aegean Archipelago, Greece)

The population structure of Mesobuthus gibbosus was studied over 261 night-hours of sampling during 29 consecutive nights on Koufonisi Island (central Aegean Archipelago, Greece) using the capture-recapture method. The studied population proved to be the densest of all studied scorpion populations in chaparral or intertidal habitats of Mediterranean type ecosystems and even comparable to some populations of desert scorpion species. The negative influence of moon phase on the general activity of the species and synchronization in parturition were the main factors that caused the fluctuations in population density and therefore in the percentage of active scorpions

The effect of insularity on the seasonal population structure of \u3cem\u3eMesobuthus gibbosus\u3c/em\u3e (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

We compared the population structure of Mesobuthus gibbosus from autumn to mid-summer at two similar phryganic ecosystems, one in continental Greece (Thessalia, near Volos city) and one in insular Greece (eastern Crete). Data were collected monthly using the capture-recapture method. At both sites, density was low during the cold period and increased towards summer. During the samplings, only a small percentage of each population was present. Population density and co-occurrence of scorpions with scorpions or other animals was higher in Crete than in Volos, probably due to the higher inter- and intraspecific competition in Volos. The population structure of the studied species depends on the interspecific competition, the seasonal fluctuations of which influence the intraspecific relations of scorpions, which is reflected in the higher degree of sociality of the insular population

Phenological patterns of ground spiders (Araneae, Gnaphosidae) on Crete, Greece

The phenology of one of the dominant families of ground spiders of Greece and along the whole Mediterranean, the Gnaphosidae, is presented. Phenological patterns of the 11 most common and abundant species of this family are compared in relation to each other and between 17 sites situated on the island of Crete, Greece. A major difference between lowland and high elevation sites is recorded for some species. This difference is attributed to a restriction of activity and/ or a shifting of one to two months towards the summer and early autumn. Based on the similarities which exist among species a model that describes phenological patterns of ground spiders in Mediterranean ecosystems is proposed. Most species present single peaks of activity during the dry period, from mid spring to mid autumn, which lead to a spectrum of high activity within this period. Most Gnaphosidae species on Crete are considered to be high competitors, which can very efficiently take advantage of the favourable period for this area. Based on their phenology, it is conjectured that they either have annual biological cycles or that they may produce two generations per year, although, in other latitudes, the same species may have biennial cycles. The flexibility of species, as far as their presence in both time and space is concerned, reveals the combined effect of their own physiological tolerance and the environmental heterogeneity in their niche definition.La phénologie des araignées Gnaphosidae, une des familles dominantes en Crète et dans toute la Méditerranée est analysée. La phénologie des onze espèces les plus communes est comparée et leur stabilité entre les 17 sites de rêcolte est testée. La plupart des espèces présentent un seul sommet d’activité pendant la période sèche d’avril à octobre, formant un spectre de grande activité tout au long de cette période. Une différence entre les régions de plaine et de montagne est notée pour quelques espèces. Cette différence est attribuée à une diminution de l’activité et/ ou un décalage d’un ou deux mois vers l’été et le début de l’automne. Basé sur les similarités qui existent entre les espèces, un modèle définissant les combinaisons phénologiques des araignées du sol dans les écosystèmes méditerranéens est proposé. La plupart des Gnaphosidae de Crète sont considérées comme de grands compétiteurs qui peuvent tirer avantage de cette période favorable. Elles présentent soit des cycles annuels, soit deux générations par an, alors que sous d’autres latitudes, les mêmes espèces ont un cycle biannuel. La fléxibilité des espèces révèle l’effet combiné de leur propre tolérance physiologique et de l’hétérogénéité environnementale de leur niche écologique.Chatzaki Maria, Markakis George, Mylonas Moysis. Phenological patterns of ground spiders (Araneae, Gnaphosidae) on Crete, Greece. In: Ecologia mediterranea, tome 31,2005. pp. 33-53

Phenology of Opiliones on an altitudinal gradient on Lefka Ori Mountains, Crete, Greece

Volume: 37Start Page: 139End Page: 14

Bat species richness and activity over an elevation gradient in mediterranean shrublands of Crete

<strong>Abstract</strong><br /> The effect of elevation on bat species richness and activity was investigated in shrublands of central Crete (Greece) using broad-band acoustic surveys. Recordings of echolocation calls were made in 15 transects equally distributed in three distinct elevation zones (500, 1000 and 1500 m a.s.l.) during spring and autumn 2007-2008. Time-expanded calls were subsequently identified with the use of quadratic discriminant functions.<br /> Out of 13 species recorded, <em>Hypsugo savii</em>, <em>Pipistrellus kuhlii</em> and <em>Tadarida teniotis</em> were the most common and abundant. Many <em>Rhinolophus hipposideros</em> were also recorded in all elevation zones. Thirteen species were recorded in the lower elevation zone, 7 species in the mid one and 8 species in the 1500 m a.s.l. sites. Species richness, the number of bat passes of the most abundant species, as well as the total number of bat passes were not significantly affected by elevation. In spring both species richness and bat activity were higher than in autumn, although the corresponding difference in temperature was not significant.<br /> The high variability in both bat activity and the number of species found per transect in each elevation zone probably depended on the presence of other habitat types in the close vicinity, while roost availability and location might also have played an important role.<br /> We suggest that the ability of bats to perform regular movements along the elevational gradient has to be taken in account when assessing elevational patterns in bat diversity and activity. The geology of the study area is also of considerable importance through its effect on foraging and roosting opportunities for bats.<br /> <br /> <strong>Riassunto</strong><br /> <strong>Ricchezza specifica e attività dei chirotteri lungo un gradiente altitudinale nella macchia mediterranea di Creta</strong><br /> L’effetto della quota su ricchezza in specie e attività dei chirotteri è stato investigato in siti di macchia mediterranea mediante rilevatori ultrasonori nella regione centrale dell’isola di Creta (Grecia). In primavera ed autunno 2007 e 2008, abbiamo registrato i segnali di ecolocalizzazione lungo 15 transetti egualmente distribuiti in tre fasce altitudinali (500, 1000 e 1500 m s.l.m.). I segnali registrati in “time expansion” sono stati successivamente identificati mediante funzioni discriminanti quadratiche.<br /> Delle 13 specie registrate, <em>Hypsugo savii</em>, <em>Pipistrellus kuhlii</em> e <em>Tadarida teniotis</em> sono risultate le più comuni e abbondanti. Nella fascia altitudinale più bassa abbiamo registrato 13 specie, 7 in quella intermedia e 8 nei siti a 1500 m s.l.m. La ricchezza specifica, il numero di passaggi delle specie più frequenti, così come il numero totale di passaggi non sono risultati significativamente influenzati dalla quota. In primavera, sia la ricchezza specifica sia l’attività sono risultate maggiori che in autunno, sebbene le corrispondenti differenze di temperatura non fossero significative.<br /> L’elevata variabilità nell’attività dei chirotteri e nel numero di specie tra siti entro ciascuna fascia altitudinale si spiega probabilmente con la presenza di altri tipi di habitat nelle immediate circostanze dei siti investigati; anche la presenza e la localizzazione di rifugi può avere una influenza su tale variazione. Suggeriamo che la capacità dei chirotteri di spostarsi regolarmente lungo il gradiente altitudinale debba essere considerata negli studi che analizzano l’influenza della quota sulla diversità e abbondanza della chirotterofauna. Anche la natura geologica dell’area di studio, influendo sulla disponibilità di siti di alimentazione e rifugio, può svolgere un ruolo determinante.<br /> <br /> <tt>doi:10.4404/hystrix-21.1-4485</tt&gt

Public health risk assessment associated with heavy metal and arsenic exposure near an abandoned mine (Kirki, Greece)

The 'Agios Philippos' lead-zinc mine in the Kirki region (NE Greece) is now closed, but its legacy of heavy metal contamination remains at the site. At present, management of the contaminated land is of major concern. The area is in a reclamation process and requires immediate remediation action, whereas human risks need to be carefully evaluated. In order to assess these risks, samples from around the mine were collected and analyzed and a scenario involving the oral, dermal, and inhaled doses of arsenic and heavy metals was formulated. A Monte Carlo approach was undertaken, in order to model the average daily dose and quantify the corresponding hazard index and cancer risk. A toxicological risk was associated with samples collected in the vicinity of the mine (floatation, mine tailings) and a pronounced carcinogenic risk for arsenic was evident at the broader occupational/environmental setting. These findings urge for immediate rehabilitation actions that will mitigate population exposures and promote long-term environmental safety in the area

Ancient DNA forces reconsideration of evolutionary history of Mediterranean pygmy elephantids

During the Pleistocene pygmy elephantids, some only a quarter of their ancestors' size, were present on Mediterranean islands until about 10 000 years ago (y.a.). Using a new methodology for ancient DNA (aDNA) studies, the whole genomic multiple displacement amplification method, we were able to retrieve cytochrome b (cytb) DNA fragments from 4200 to 800 000 y.a. specimens from island and mainland samples, including pygmy and normal-sized forms. The short DNA sequence (43 bp) retrieved from the 800 000 y.a. sample is one of the oldest DNA fragment ever retrieved. Duplication of the experiments in two laboratories, the occurrence of three diagnostic sites and the results of the phylogenetic analyses strongly support its authenticity. Our results challenge the prevailing view that pygmy elephantids of the eastern Mediterranean originated exclusively from Elephas, suggesting independent histories of dwarfism and the presence of both pygmy mammoths and elephant-like taxa on these islands. Based on our molecular data, the origin of the Tilos and Cyprus elephantids from a lineage within the genus Elephas is confirmed, while the DNA sequence from the Cretan sample falls clearly within the mammoth clade. Thus, the name Mammuthus creticus rather than Elephas creticus, seems to be justified for this form. Our findings also suggest a need to re-evaluate the evolutionary history of the Sicilian/Maltese species, traditionally included in the genus Elephas