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Sampled localities of the Oriental Region of Morocco and the Moulouya River Basin. For a correct visualization, the reader is referred to the online, colored version of the article.
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Monitoring amphibian populations, especially over fragile ecosystems such as arid and semiarid landscapes, helps to detect demographic trends and ecological risks. During several campaigns carried out between 2013 and 2017 across the Moulouya River Basin and the Oriental Region of Morocco, we identified nine amphibian species from the 11 previously...
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... field work was carried out over the Oriental Region of Morocco, one of the 12 regions of the country that extends along (Fig. 1). This region covers 90 127 km 2 (see Taybi et al., 2017b), and is formed by the w ilaya of Oujda (Oujda-Angad prefecture) and the provinces of Berkane, Taourirt, Jerada, Nador, Figuig, Driouch and Guercif. The watershed of the Moulouya (Fig. 1), with an area of 43 412 km 2 , covers a great portion of the Oriental Region. Moulouya River ...
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... out over the Oriental Region of Morocco, one of the 12 regions of the country that extends along (Fig. 1). This region covers 90 127 km 2 (see Taybi et al., 2017b), and is formed by the w ilaya of Oujda (Oujda-Angad prefecture) and the provinces of Berkane, Taourirt, Jerada, Nador, Figuig, Driouch and Guercif. The watershed of the Moulouya (Fig. 1), with an area of 43 412 km 2 , covers a great portion of the Oriental Region. Moulouya River is the largest Moroccan river that flows into the Mediterranean, extending along 600 km. The principal tributaries of Moulouya river are the Oued Ansegmir, Melloulou, Za and Msoun, all of which are permanent, while other minor tributaries flow ...
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The characterization of demographic features in natural populations is important to understand recruitment dynamics, mating systems, and propensities for loss of genetic diversity. The accurate identification of sex can be difficult in sexually monomorphic species. We present a melt curve analysis based on qPCR assays for lake sturgeon (Acipenser f...
Citations
... Müller, 1774) and the Fountain bladder snail Physa fontinalis (Linnaeus, 1758). Worse still, many invasive species have been recorded recently to be present in the freshwater ecosystems of Morocco, including fish, annelids, mollusks and arthropods, leading to the formation of new communities in the area through diverse unknown interactions with unpredictable damage [24,[65][66][67][68]. ...
Invasive species are a major threat to global biodiversity. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor their presence and expansion within invaded areas and carry out studies to improve our knowledge of their biology and ecology. One of the most effective and spectacular invaders among freshwater snails is the acute bladder snail (Physella acuta) (Draparnaud, 1805). This study aims to update the available data on P. acuta in Morocco and determine the main environmental factors that favor its distribution and expansion in this country. Field surveys were conducted in northern Morocco between 2014 and 2023, with a focus on protected areas such as Ramsar sites, and especially great geographical barriers such as the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Sebou and Moulouya River basins. The gastropods were collected using Surber samplers (20 × 25 cm surface area, 400 µm mesh), together with measurements of the physicochemical parameters of the water and other abiotic factors. The bladder snail is probably the most widespread freshwater snail in Morocco, where the species appears to be highly adaptable and can thrive in different habitats, including degraded ones, showing great plasticity in terms of the physicochemical parameters of the water. The main factor limiting the geographical distribution and abundance of P. acuta in the study area was water velocity and conductivity. However, further studies are required to address the future range of expansion of P. acuta in relation to climate change. Although one of the consequences of climate change is reduced water flow speed, which may promote its range of expansion in Morocco, salinization of streams may also reduce its ability to colonize new environments.
... The distinctiveness of Nador resides in its extensive and diverse natural heritage, notably the Gourougou forest, coupled with its strategic location along the Marchica lagoon. Pressures on ecosystems, compounded by the influence of human activities, especially fast and disorderly urbanization, result in deforestation and the decline of green areas in the region [17,18]. ...
In the 21st century, tackling climate change is an important challenge, and the absorption of CO 2 via urban greening employing photosynthesis offers a potential answer to the climate issue. Within this work, the city of Nador is chosen as a case study. The initiative in question proposes an enhanced technique focused on estimating the advantages of urban greening in terms of carbon storage and sequestration. This technique combines the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and the InVEST model, enabling the study of land use and land cover (LULC) scenarios within the location. These scenarios contain numerous alternatives, ranging from the adoption of intense and extensive green roofs to the establishment of gardens and woodland areas. The carbon storage modeling technique depends on the exploitation of land use maps, reinforced by a bibliographic examination of the key carbon reservoirs. The analysis of results from biophysical modeling indicates a considerable increase of over 45.36 % compared to the existing condition when the option of extensive green roofs is chosen. In the setting of extensive green roofs, this rise reaches a rate of 64.20 %. Furthermore, the restoration of the Gourougou forest north of the city leads to an increase of 70.30 %. The adoption of diverse combinations, such as the integration of green roofs with urban vegetation, greatly helps to further enhancing carbon storage. From a financial perspective, the additional value can range from $2,012,825.16 to $3,601,025.53, depending on the chosen scenario. This financial assessment highlights the possible advantages that might be converted into carbon credits in return for emission reduction, partially offsetting the expenses associated with the adoption of each greening solution. Ultimately, these findings give a chance for urban planners and green architecture professionals to perform in-depth planning analyses.
... Carasobarbus sp. and Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859; and amphibians e.g. Pelophylax saharicus (Hartert, 1913) (Mabrouki et al., 2019b;Taybi et al., 2020a). ...
As a result of recent field surveys conducted in the Northeastern part of Morocco, a description of a new springsnail Gafaita gafaitensis gen. et sp.n. (Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae) Morocco is provided. Photos of the holotype and paratypes are presented in addition to an illustration of the penis morphology. Further information on the autecology and habitat of the new taxon as well as on the accompanying invertebrate and vertebrate species is also provided. How to cite this article: Taybi A.F., Glöer P., Mabrouki Y. 2023. Gafaita gafaitensis gen. et sp.n. a new hydrobiid snail (Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae) from Morocco // Invert. Zool.
... The Béni-Snassen massif is a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation in northern Morocco. This mountain range represents an enclave of rich biodiversity, where many forest and mountain species occur, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians (Aulagnier et al., 2015;Mediani et al., 2015;Mabrouki et al., 2019). In addition, 6.3 mg × l -1 4.5 mg × l -1 0.01 mg × l -1 MSWG 6.5-8.5 100-1300 μS × cm -1 > 7-5 mg × l -1 < 3-5 mg × l -1 < 0.1-0.5 mg × l -1 ...
Recent field surveys on snails conducted in the oriental region of Morocco have led to the discovery of a new species belonging to a new genus, described here as Znassela bnisnasensis gen. et sp. nov. It can be distinguished from the other hydrobiid snails by the morphology of the shell and male anatomy. The new hydrobiid snail differs mainly by its elongated ovate shell with 4.5 whorls, slightly convex with a shallow suture, and by the penis showing a swelling near the penis tip; the latter has two penial appendices located on the same side. Znassela bnisnasensis has been found in the Béni-Snassen massif, considered a Protected Area in the northeastern part of Morocco and which is a Site of Ecological and Biological Interest (known as SEBI or SIBE). Photographs of the holotype and paratypes are presented, with the penis morphology, habitat and information on its autecology.
... Biological invasions and the pathways of introduction and spread of alien species are not thoroughly documented in Morocco, but recently, an increasing number of invasive aquatic species has been documented (Mabrouki et al., 2019a(Mabrouki et al., , 2019bTaybi & Mabrouki 2020;Taybi et al., 2020bTaybi et al., , 2020c. The aquarium trade is increasingly considered as an important pathway for the introduction of freshwater alien aquatic species in the country. ...
The exotic freshwater mollusc Helisoma duryi is a popular ornamental freshwater snail used to control microalgae in aquariums which occurs now as an introduced species in aquatic habitats of Europe, Africa and South America. We report the first finding of an acclimated population of H. duryi in Morocco and discuss the possible role of the trade of aquatic species in its introduction. While currently located in a single locality out of > 100 localities sampled, further studies are required to monitor its presence and expansion and to improve our knowledge about their possible impact on native freshwater communities. RESUMEN Primera cita del caracol exótico Helisoma duryi (Wetherby, 1879), (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) en Marruecos El molusco exótico Helisoma duryi es un popular caracol ornamental de agua dulce que se utiliza para controlar las microalgas en los acuarios. Ahora se presenta como una especie introducida en hábitats acuáticos de Europa, África y América del Sur. Presentamos el primer hallazgo de una población aclimatada de H. duryi en Marruecos y el norte de África. A pesar de ubicarse en una única localidad de las más de 100 muestreadas por nosotros, las investigaciones en curso podrían revelar pronto más citas de la especie en el país y el resto del continente. Se deben establecer políticas y procedimientos estrictos de aplicación de la ley en el comercio de especies acuáticas como medida preventiva para preservar la biodiversidad nativa. Palabras clave. Especies exóticas invasoras, comercio de especies de acuario, hábitats dulceacuícolas, norte de África, Planorbidae. Recibido/
... (accessed on 1 April 2022)) and the Global Invasive Species Database GISD (http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/ (accessed on 1 December 2022)); (ii) an extensive literature search through published articles ; (iii) our own research, whether published or in progress [11][12][13][14][15][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55]; and other personal observations. ...
... Auto-ecology and predation on native amphibians; competition with native fish. [12,15] Fundulus heteroclitus Auto-ecology and competition with potential Aphanius species. ...
... Auto-ecology and predation on native amphibians; competition with native fish. [12,15] Fundulus heteroclitus Auto-ecology and competition with potential Aphanius species. [15] ...
This work presents currently available knowledge on alien species (AS) found in the inland waters of Morocco. The objective is to provide an updated list of alien species and identify the main introduction pathways and possible threats to native biodiversity. The dataset was built from an extensive literature search supplemented by our own research work (published or in progress). The main areas harboring xenodiversity in Moroccan freshwaters correspond to protected areas (e.g., Ramsar Site and SIBE). These areas are currently home to 41 confirmed AS belonging to different taxonomic groups. Fish are the most abundant taxonomic group with 21 species, followed by molluscs (7 species) and arthropods (7 species). The presence of 15 more species was also noticed but considered doubtful. Almost half of these AS were introduced intentionally. They correspond to restocking programs and are likely the most serious threat to native biodiversity through predation, competition, and hybridization. Commercial activities around aquarium and ornamental species appear as the second source favoring colonization by AS. Implementing protective regulations regarding the import of exotic species in Morocco appears very urgent to protect local native diversity. In addition, detecting and monitoring the expansion of AS within the colonized areas and studies improving biological and ecological knowledge seem crucial to mitigate their possible impacts on native communities and preserve Moroccan freshwater ecosystems.
... The country has multiple geographical barriers, such as the Moulouya River Basin, the Sahara, the Rif Mountains and the Atlas Mountains. The latter divide the northern part of the country into two bioclimatic regions, which in turn are associated with high levels of endemism in freshwater fauna (Mabrouki et al., 2019;Taybi et al., 2020), giving the area a privileged place for taxonomical and ecological studies. ...
Descripción de un nuevo valvátido Pikasia smenensis n. gen. n. sp. (Gastropoda, Hydrobiidae) en Marruecos
Los recientes estudios de campo llevados a cabo en el norte de Marruecos han permitido descubrir una nueva especie perteneciente a un nuevo género, Pikasia n. gen., que se describe en este artículo. Se presentan fotografías del holotipo y el paratipo, así como la morfología del pene y del aparato genital femenino, el mapa de la zona de muestreo con las localidades tipo y la descripción del hábitat.
... Since Morocco is a large country with various geographical regions and climates, surely many further species remain to be discovered here. The high number of endemic taxa found in Morocco is probably due to the role of geographical barriers, such as the Moulouya River Basin, Rif Mountains and Atlas Mountains, which divide the country into two bioclimatic regions (Mabrouki, Taybi, Skalli, and S anchez-Vialas 2019). Additionally, more studies in the southernmost part of the country might reveal Afrotropical species in Morocco (Mabrouki et al. 2020). ...
This checklist summarises our present knowledge on Moroccan distribution of the water beetles of five families: Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, Noteridae, Hygrobiidae and Dytiscidae. It includes all available faunistic data based on material collected by the authors and from the private collections, as well as from the literature, PhD theses, and other unpublished sources covering a period between 1914 and 2018. The checklist of 112 species of 40 genera is presented with species distributions in Morocco and North Africa. Hydroglyphus major (Sharp, 1882) is reported for the first time from Morocco. Six species (Agabus dilatatus (Brullé, 1832), Hydroporus longulus Mulsant and Rey, 1861, H. nigrita (Fabricus, 1792), H. planus (Fabricius, 1782), Bidessus pumilus (Aubé, 1838) and Ilybius fuliginosus (Fabricius, 1792)) are excluded from the country’s fauna. A chorological analysis shows that most species are essentially Mediterranean (60%), whilst those whose distribution is wider in Palearctic (25%) or extends into Nearctic (9.29%) or Afrotropical regions (5.71%) are clearly less represented. This chorotype pattern is similar to that observed for other aquatic insects in the same study area.
... The country has multiple geographical barriers, such as the Moulouya River Basin, the Sahara, the Rif Mountains and the Atlas Mountains. The latter divide the northern part of the country into two bioclimatic regions, which in turn are associated with high levels of endemism (Mabrouki et al., 2019a). This high endemicity makes communities vulnerable to the arrival of new invasive species lacking a shared evolutionary history (Ellender et al., 2015). ...
Listed recently in the top ‘‘hundred worst’’ alien species and the third ‘‘worst alien’’ mollusc in Europe, the New Zealand mudsnail has become cosmopolitan. We report its first finding in the African continent, in Morocco. Established populations of Potamopyrgus antipodarum were found in the Low Moulouya wetland, a Ramsar and
Biological and Ecological Interest Site (SIBE), occupying natural and anthropogenic habitats (spring, river and artificial canal). The invasion process seems to be in its early stages, calling for drastic measures to control its invasion progress.
... Indeed, as in most of the Maghrebian territory, the regional aquatic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by human activities, through water abstraction, habitat loss and modification, industrial effluents, domestic sewage and agricultural runoff including fertilisers, pesticides and drainage of water (Bensaad et al. 2017;Taybi et al. 2016Taybi et al. , 2020b. Even worse, alien invasive species, potentially able to change the current biotic interactions in benthic communities, have been recorded recently from the hydro-systems of Morocco (Mabrouki et al. 2019a(Mabrouki et al. , b, c, 2020cTaybi et al.2020c, d, e), including molluscs, such as the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea (Müller 1774) and the New Zealand mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gray, 1843) Taybi et al. 2021). These invasive species could be a serious problem for the native aquatic biodiversity. ...
Galba oblonga (Puton, 1847), Stagnicola fuscus (Pfeiffer, 1821) and Ancylus striatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1834 are reported for the first time in North Africa, while Mercuria globulina (Letourneux & Bourguignat, 1887) is new to Morocco. In addition, we provide new distributional data on the two Moroccan endemic and recently described species Aghbalia aghbalensis Glöer, Mabrouki & Taybi, 2020 and Mercuria bakeri Glöer, Boeters & Walther, 2015 known previously from the type localities only, which is a key element in promoting their conservation.
