The Gomphidae of Algeria and the Maghreb: status, ecology and conservation (Insecta: Odonata) 00

Djamila Hamzaoui^a, Mouna Hafiane^a, Mohamed Mebarki^a, Abdeslem Arab^a, Ahmed H. Alfarhan^b, Boudjéma Samraoui^b,c ✉️

Laboratory of Dynamics and Biodiversity, Algiers, Algeria
Center of Excellence for Research in Biodiversity, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Laboratoire de Recherche et de Conservation des Zones Humides, University of Guelma, Guelma, Algeria

International Journal of Odonatology, Volume 18, Issue 3, Pages 175-191, 2015

https://doi.org/10.1080/13887890.2015.1043655

Published: 3 July 2015 (Received: 5 February 2015, Accepted: 18 April 2015)

Abstract

A survey of the Gomphidae of Algeria and the Maghreb was carried out during the period 2013–2014. Sampling of eight main wadis across northern Algeria was undertaken and adults and exuviae were recorded. The survey yielded six species of Gomphidae. Among these, we report on the rediscovery of the Critically Endangered Lindenia tetraphylla in Algeria, recorded in the nineteenth century and deemed to have been extinct after an absence of more than a century and a half. An exuvia was collected at Wadi Saoura, which constitutes the first proof of the breeding of this species in Algeria and the third record for North Africa. We also recorded a pale form of Onychogomphus uncatus, morphologically distinct from typical Moroccan and European phenotypes, suggesting some degree of subspeciation and inviting further taxonomical investigations of the genus Onychogomphus in North Africa. Due to increasing water demand, Gomphidae and their habitats are under great pressure in the Maghreb. Specific threats and conservation measures are discussed.

Keywords: Algeria, anthropogenic impact, ecology, Gomphidae, Odonata, Onychogomphus uncatus, Lindenia tetraphylla, niche partitioning, North African wadi, vicariance

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Vol. 18 I. 3

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