Browsing by Author "Ghamizi, Mohamed"
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- Alarming decline of freshwater trigger species in western Mediterranean key biodiversity areasPublication . Nogueira, Joana Garrido; Sousa, Ronaldo; Benaissa, Hassan; De Knijf, Geert; Ferreira, Sónia; Ghamizi, Mohamed; Gonçalves, Duarte V.; Lansdown, Richard; Numa, Catherine; Prié, Vincent; Riccardi, Nicoletta; Seddon, Mary; UrbaÅ„ska, Maria; Valentini, Alice; Vikhrev, Ilya; Varandas, Simone; Teixeira, Amílcar; Lopes-Lima, Manuel; Nogueira J.G.Theidentification of key biodiversity areas (KBA) was initiated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2004 to overcome taxonomic biases in the selection of important areas for conservation, including freshwater ecosystems. Since then, several KBAs have been identified mainly based on the presence of trigger species (i.e., species that trigger either the vulnerability and or the irreplaceability criterion and thus identify a site as a KBA). However, to our knowledge, many of these KBAs have not been validated. Therefore, classical surveys of the taxa used to identify freshwater KBAs (fishes, molluscs, odonates, and aquatic plants) were conducted in Douro (Iberian Peninsula) and Sebou (Morocco) River basins in the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot. Environmental DNA analyses were undertaken in the Moroccan KBAs. There was a mismatch between the supposed and actual presence of trigger species. None of the trigger species were found in 43% and 50% of all KBAs surveyed in the Douro and Sebou basins, respectively. Shortcomings of freshwater KBA identification relate to flawed or lack of distribution data for trigger species. This situation results from a misleading initial identification of KBAs based on poor (or even inaccurate) ecological information or due to increased human disturbance between initial KBA identification and the present. To improve identification of future freshwater KBAs, we suggest selecting trigger species with a more conservative approach; use of local expert knowledge and digital data (to assess habitat quality, species distribution, and potential threats); consideration of the subcatchment when delineating KBAs boundaries; thoughtful consideration of terrestrial special areas for conservation limits; and periodic field validation.
- Alarming decline of freshwater trigger species in western Mediterranean key biodiversity areasPublication . Nogueira, Joana Garrido; Sousa, Ronaldo; Benaissa, Hassan; De Knijf, Geert; Ferreira, Sónia; Ghamizi, Mohamed; Gonçalves, Duarte V.; Lansdown, Richard; Numa, Catherine; Prié, Vincent; Riccardi, Nicoletta; Seddon, Mary; Urbańska, Maria; Valentini, Alice; Vikhrev, Ilya; Varandas, Simone; Teixeira, Amílcar; Lopes‐Lima, ManuelThe identification of key biodiversity areas (KBA) was initiated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2004 to overcome taxonomic biases in the selection of important areas for conservation, including freshwater ecosystems. Since then, several KBAs have been identified mainly based on the presence of trigger species (i.e., species that trigger either the vulnerability and or the irreplaceability criterion and thus identify a site as a KBA). However, to our knowledge, many of these KBAs have not been validated. Therefore, classical surveys of the taxa used to identify freshwater KBAs (fishes, molluscs, odonates, and aquatic plants) were conducted in Douro (Iberian Peninsula) and Sebou (Morocco) River basins in the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot. Environmental DNA analyses were undertaken in the Moroccan KBAs. There was a mismatch between the supposed and actual presence of trigger species. None of the trigger species were found in 43% and 50% of all KBAs surveyed in the Douro and Sebou basins, respectively. Shortcomings of freshwater KBA identification relate to flawed or lack of distribution data for trigger species. This situation results from a misleading initial identification of KBAs based on poor (or even inaccurate) ecological information or due to increased human disturbance between initial KBA identification and the present. To improve identification of future freshwater KBAs, we suggest selecting trigger species with a more conservative approach; use of local expert knowledge and digital data (to assess habitat quality, species distribution, and potential threats); consideration of the subcatchment when delineating KBAs boundaries; thoughtful consideration of terrestrial special areas for conservation limits; and periodic field validation.
- The first Margaritiferidae male (M-Type) mitogenome: Mitochondrial gene order as a potential character for determining higher-order phylogeny within Unionida (Bivalvia)Publication . Lopes-Lima, Manuel; Fonseca, Miguel M.; Aldridge, David C.; Bogan, Arthur E.; Gan, Han Ming; Ghamizi, Mohamed; Sousa, Ronaldo; Teixeira, Amílcar; Varandas, Simone; Zanatta, David T.; Zieritz, Alexandra; Froufe, Elsa
- Fish hosts of the critically endangered Unio foucauldianus Pallary, 1036 (Mollusca: Unionidae)Publication . Benaissa, Hassan; Teixeira, Amílcar; Lopes-Lima, Manuel; Sousa, Ronaldo; Varandas, Simone; Rassam, Hanane; Ghamizi, MohamedUnio foucauldianus Pallaiy, 1936 (Unionidae) is a critically endangered freshwater mussel, with a small geographical distribution restricted to Morocco. As many other unionids, the life cycle of this species includes an obligatoiy parasitic phase using fish as hosts. Therefore, the knowledge of fish hosts is essential to develop any efficient conservation strategy devoted to this species. In this study, we used two approaches to assess the fish hosts of Unio foucauldianus: determination of infestation rates of fishes under natural conditions through a monthly (from January to June) sampling in Laabid (Oum Er Rbia basin) and N'Fis (Tensift basin) Rivers and laboratorial trials to assess metamorphose rates using different fish species from both rivers. The natural infestation offish showed a peak ofinfestation in May and juveniles only metamorphosed in the following native fish species: Luciobarbus ksibi (Boulenger, 1905), Carasobarbus fritschü (Günther, 1874), Luciobarbus zayanensis (Doadrio, Casal-López & Yahyaoui, 2016), Labeobarbus maroccanus (Günther, 1874) and Luciobarbus magniatlantis (Pellegrin, 1919). Given the increasing pressure on native fish species due to human activities, including the increased number ofnon-native fish introductions that did not function as hosts of U. foucauldianus, urgent conservation measures are needed to mitigate some of the threats on native ichthyofauna. Only an integrated framework comprising knowledge ofthe freshwater mussel biology and their native fish hosts can help th e conservation of U. foucauldianus in Morocco.
- Fish hosts of the freshwater mussel Unio foucauldianus Pallary, 1936Publication . Benaissa, Hassan; Teixeira, Amílcar; Lopes-Lima, Manuel; Sousa, Ronaldo; Varandas, Simone; Rassam, Hanane; Ghamizi, MohamedThe life cycle of Unio foucauldianus Pallary, 1936, a critically endangered freshwater mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionida), includes a parasitic phase using fish as hosts. Therefore, to develop more efficient conservation strategies it is essential to know which are the suitable fish hosts of U. foucauldianus. In this study, two approaches were used to assess the fish hosts of U. foucauldianus: the determination of infestation rates of fishes under natural conditions through monthly sampling (from January to June) in the Laabid River (Oum Rbia basin) and the N'Fis River (Tensift basin), and artificial infestation in laboratory trials using fish species from both rivers. The natural infestation of fish was detected from February to June, with a peak in May. Fully metamorphosed juveniles were only detected in native fish species, i.e. Luciobarbus ksibi (Boulenger, 1905), Carasobarbus fritschii (Günther, 1874), Luciobarbus zayanensis Doadrio, Casal‐lopez & Yahyaoui, 2016, Labeobarbus maroccanus (Günther, 1874), and Luciobarbus magniatlantis (Pellegrin, 1919). The two non‐native fish species used do not function as effective hosts. Given the increasing human pressure on native fish species in the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, including the increased number of non‐native fish introductions, urgent conservation measures are discussed for this and other freshwater mussel species.
- Freshwater conservation assessments in (semi-)arid regions: testing river intermittence and buffer strategies using freshwater mussels (Bivalvia, Unionida) in MoroccoPublication . Gomes-dos-Santos, André; Froufe, Elsa; Gonçalves, Duarte V.; Sousa, Ronaldo; Prié, Vincent; Ghamizi, Mohamed; Benaissa, Hassan; Varandas, Simone; Teixeira, Amílcar; Lopes-Lima, ManuelThe IUCN Red List assessments are essentially based on population trends and range, namely Area of Occupancy (AOO) and Extent of Occupancy (EOO). Range estimations are based on fixed grids, but this is likely inappropriate for species living in river networks. Furthermore, AOO and EOO are measured using the whole hydrographic network, therefore disregarding temporary sections, which is particularly problematic in arid and semi-arid regions. Here we mapped the permanent hydrographic network of Morocco using satellite imagery, complemented with field surveys to collect samples for molecular analyses of the five freshwater mussel species present and assess their distribution. The phylogeographic patterns are described for each species and used to identify priority areas and evolutionary significant units for conservation. Permanent hydrographic river sections represent only 18.3% of the whole hydrographic network. A north-to-south gradient of genetic diversity, species richness and distribution range was found, being coherent with water availability and river intermittence. Isolated evolutionary units were detected in southern basins that should also receive particular attention in conservation planning. We propose the mean river width multiplied by the extent of the river network as the best and the most adequate way to estimate both EOO and AOO. Given the worldwide degradation of freshwater systems and biodiversity, an accurate (re)assessment of species conservation status supported with maps of intermittent water bodies will be essential for prioritizing and guiding conservation actions and management plans, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Oued Bouhlou: a new hope for the Moroccan pearl musselPublication . Sousa, Ronaldo; Teixeira, Amílcar; Santos, André; Benaissa, Hassan; Varandas, Simone; Ghamizi, Mohamed; Prié, Vincent; Froufe, Elsa; Lopes-Lima, ManuelThe freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera marocana (Pallary,) is an endemic species of Morocco being listed as critically endangered and it stands among the world's 100 most threatened species. An extensive survey was performed in the Sebou basin (total area of approximately 40,000 km2), covering 26 different sites. Margaritifera marocana was found only in four sites limited to a small tributary (Oued (=River) Bouhlou). This population has a very restricted distribution (no more than 4 km of river length) but appears stable with recent recruitment, since small specimens were found. Genetic analyses were performed, showing that this population has a similar diversity to that found in the River Laabid (Oum Er Rbia basin), but represents a distinct conservation unit that should be managed independently. Although this study adds a new population to the current known distribution of M. marocana, urgent conservation measures (e.g. extension of the Tazzekka National Park; better management of river flow; increase of the riparian vegetation in some stretches; establishment of national and international legislation, and engagement of local citizens) are needed given the species' restricted distribution, its rarity, and the numerous threats that impair its future survival.
- Pearl mussels (Margaritifera marocana) in Morocco: Conservation status of the rarest bivalve in African fresh watersPublication . Sousa, Ronaldo; Varandas, Simone; Teixeira, Amílcar; Ghamizi, Mohamed; Froufe, Elsa; Lopes-Lima, ManuelMargaritifera marocana is one of the rarest freshwater mussel species (listed as critically endangered), and is endemic toMorocco. Despite its constrained distribution and low abundance, to date there are no quantitative studies addressing the conservation status of this species. Surveys were conducted in 36 sites along the Oum Er Rbia river basin (Rivers Derna, Laabid and Oum Er Rbia) to assess the distribution, abundance, population structure and genetic diversity of M. marocana. Just one specimen was found on River Oum Er Rbia and none on River Derna; however, a high abundance was found in the lower section of River Laabid (e.g., site Laabid 6 reached a mean density of 11.0 ± 6.8 ind. m−2). Contrary to earlier information, which reported an overall population size fewer than 250 individuals in a restricted area and no juvenile presence, this study showed that a much higher abundance exists in River Laabid alone. In addition, the species is present in more than 50 km of this river and is still recruiting since small specimens were found. Regarding genetic diversity, six of nine loci previously used in Margaritifera margaritifera were polymorphic and suitable in M. marocana. The spatial range contraction of this species is likely to be very recent, since no strong signature was detected by the molecular diversity indices. Information gathered in this study can be used as a reference to the present conservation status of M. marocana, and guide future research and management initiatives to better conserve it. We conclude discussing the potential major threats for the future survival of M. marocana and suggest some management measures (and research needs) that should be urgently applied.
- Phylogeny of the most species-rich freshwater bivalve family (Bivalvia: Unionida: Unionidae): defining modern subfamilies and tribesPublication . Lopes-Lima, Manuel; Froufe, Elsa; Do, Van Tu; Ghamizi, Mohamed; Mock, Karen E.; Kebapçi, Ümit; Klishko, Olga; Kovitvadhi, Satit; Kovitvadhi, Uthaiwan; Paulo, Octávio S.; Pfeiffer, John; Raley, Morgan; Riccardi, Nicoletta; Şereflişan, Hülya; Sousa, Ronaldo; Teixeira, Amílcar; Varandas, Simone; Wu, Xiaoping; Zanatta, David T.; Zieritz, Alexandra; Bogan, Arthur E.Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are key elements of freshwater habitats and are responsible for important ecological functions and services. Unfortunately, these bivalves are among the most threatened freshwater taxa in the world. However, conservation planning and management are hindered by taxonomic problems and a lack of detailed ecological data. This highlights the urgent need for advances in the areas of systematics and evolutionary relationships within the Unionida. This study presents the most comprehensive phylogeny to date of the larger Unionida family, i.e., the Unionidae. The phylogeny is based on a combined dataset of 1032 bp (COI + 28S) of 70 species in 46 genera, with 7 of this genera being sequenced for the first time. The resulting phylogeny divided the Unionidae into 6 supported subfamilies and 18 tribes, three of which are here named for the first time (i.e., Chamberlainiini nomen novum, Cristariini nomen novum and Lanceolariini nomen novum). Molecular analyses were complemented by investigations of selected morphological, anatomical and behavioral characters used in traditional phylogenetic studies. No single morphological, anatomical or behavioral character was diagnostic at the subfamily level and few were useful at the tribe level. However, within subfamilies, many tribes can be recognized based on a subset of these characters. The geographical distribution of each of the subfamilies and tribes is also presented. The present study provides important advances in the systematics of these extraordinary taxa with implications for future ecological and conservation studies.
- Phylogeny, phylogeography, and evolution in the Mediterranean region: news from a freshwater mussel (Potomida, Unionida)Publication . Froufe, Elsa; Prié, Vincent; Faria, João; Ghamizi, Mohamed; Gonçalves, Duarte V.; Gürlek, Mustafa Emre; Karaouzas, Ioannis; Kebapçi, Ümit; Şereflişan, Hülya; Sobral, Carina; Sousa, Ronaldo; Teixeira, Amílcar; Varandas, Simone; Zogaris, Stamatis; Lopes-Lima, ManuelThe Potomida genus (Bivalvia, Unionida) has a Circum-Mediterranean distribution and like other freshwater mussel species, its populations have suffered dramatic declines. Although this genus is currently considered as monotypic, it has a long history of taxonomic revisions and presently many aspects of its systematics and evolutionary history are unclear. We sampled a total of 323 individuals from 39 different sites across the Potomida genus distribution, and sequenced two mitochondrial (16S rDNA and Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I) and one nuclear (28S rDNA) genes to clarify its phylogeny and phylogeographic history. Our results show that the genus includes two well-supported clades, one comprising solely the western Mediterranean species Potomida littoralis, and the other including two eastern Mediterranean species, the Greek endemic P. acarnanica and the Anatolian and Middle Eastern P. semirugata. We suggest that Potomida started radiating during the upper Miocene, and that both vicariance and dispersal events shaped the diversification and distribution of the genus along the Mediterranean region. P. littoralis is further divided in two mitochondrial lineages, one restricted to Europe and the other occurring mostly in North Africa. Moreover, some European basins present both lineages in sympatry. The conservation status of the three recognized species should be reevaluated, particularly P. acarnanica, since it is restricted to two Greek river basins presenting a high risk of extinction. Overall, our results clarify some important gaps in knowledge concerning the phylogeny, phylogeography and evolution of the Potomida genus in the Mediterranean region with important taxonomical, ecological and conservational implications.