scholarly journals Attempted copulatory behaviour between two phylogenetically unrelated alien species (Coypu, Myocastor coypus, and Pond slider, Trachemys scripta): first evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-168
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Grillo ◽  
Giancarlo Sartorii ◽  
Corrado Battisti ◽  
Vincenzo Ferri ◽  
Luca Luiselli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Coastal Wetland ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Trachemys Scripta ◽  
Myocastor Coypus ◽  
Sexual Interaction ◽  
First Case ◽  
Freshwater Pond ◽  
Copulatory Behaviour

We report the first case of sexual interaction between two phylogenetically unrelated species (coypu Myocastor coypus and pond slider Trachemys scripta, a freshwater pond turtle), both of them non-native in the study area, a remnant coastal wetland of Tyrrhenian, central Italy (41°57'34.0''N 12°02'58.0''E). We inductively propose two different hypotheses (masturbatory act due to intense sperm competition, or behaviour induced by female pheromones) to explain this peculiar observation.

scholarly journals Simulating lightning into the RAMS model: implementation and preliminary results

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 2933-2950 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Federico ◽  
E. Avolio ◽  
M. Petracca ◽  
G. Panegrossi ◽  
P. Sanò ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Atmospheric Modeling ◽  
Lightning Activity ◽  
Spatial Error ◽  
Lazio Region ◽  
Positioning Errors ◽  
First Case

Abstract. This paper shows the results of a tailored version of a previously published methodology, designed to simulate lightning activity, implemented into the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS). The method gives the flash density at the resolution of the RAMS grid scale allowing for a detailed analysis of the evolution of simulated lightning activity. The system is applied in detail to two case studies occurred over the Lazio Region, in Central Italy. Simulations are compared with the lightning activity detected by the LINET network. The cases refer to two thunderstorms of different intensity which occurred, respectively, on 20 October 2011 and on 15 October 2012. The number of flashes simulated (observed) over Lazio is 19435 (16231) for the first case and 7012 (4820) for the second case, and the model correctly reproduces the larger number of flashes that characterized the 20 October 2011 event compared to the 15 October 2012 event. There are, however, errors in timing and positioning of the convection, whose magnitude depends on the case study, which mirrors in timing and positioning errors of the lightning distribution. For the 20 October 2011 case study, spatial errors are of the order of a few tens of kilometres and the timing of the event is correctly simulated. For the 15 October 2012 case study, the spatial error in the positioning of the convection is of the order of 100 km and the event has a longer duration in the simulation than in the reality. To assess objectively the performance of the methodology, standard scores are presented for four additional case studies. Scores show the ability of the methodology to simulate the daily lightning activity for different spatial scales and for two different minimum thresholds of flash number density. The performance decreases at finer spatial scales and for higher thresholds. The comparison of simulated and observed lighting activity is an immediate and powerful tool to assess the model ability to reproduce the intensity and the evolution of the convection. This shows the importance of using computationally efficient lightning schemes, such as the one described in this paper, in forecast models.

scholarly journals Manihot grahamii Hook. (Euphorbiaceae), a new alien species for the Eurasian area with nomenclatural, taxonomical, morphological and ecological notes

2015 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Iberite ◽  
Duilio Iamonico
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Southern Europe ◽  
Lazio Region

Abstract Manihot is a native genus of the Northern and Southern America with diversity centres in Brazil, Mexico and Guatemala. Some taxa have colonized other continents (except Europe) where they are considered aliens. During recent floristic surveys we found the genus in the Agro Pontino area (Lazio region, Central Italy, Southern Europe). This is the second record in Europe for the genus and the first of M. grahamii for the Eurasian area. At present this taxon is to be considered as naturalized alien species in Agro Pontino (and thus in Italy and Europe). To better clarify the taxonomic and nomenclatural data, the names Janipha loeflingii var. (s) multifida (≡ M. grahamii) and Jatropha carthaginensis (≡ M. carthaginensis) were lectotypified respectively on a specimen from K and an iconography by Jacquin.

scholarly journals Transmission dynamics of the ongoing chikungunya outbreak in Central Italy: from coastal areas to the metropolitan city of Rome, summer 2017

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (44) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattia Manica ◽  
Giorgio Guzzetta ◽  
Piero Poletti ◽  
Federico Filipponi ◽  
Angelo Solimini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Italy ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Credible Interval ◽  
Transmission Model ◽  
Mosquito Abundance ◽  
Main Cluster ◽  
First Case ◽  
Rural Sites ◽  
Coastal Municipality ◽  
Transmission Foci

A large chikungunya outbreak is ongoing in Italy, with a main cluster in the Anzio coastal municipality. With preliminary epidemiological data, and a transmission model using mosquito abundance and biting rates, we estimated the basic reproduction number R0 at 2.07 (95% credible interval: 1.47–2.59) and the first case importation between 21 May and 18 June 2017. Outbreak risk was higher in coastal/rural sites than urban ones. Novel transmission foci could occur up to mid-November.

scholarly journals Population Ecology and Genetic Diversity of the Invasive Alien Species Procambarus clarkii in Lake Trasimeno (Italy)

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1059
Author(s):  
Ambrosius Josef Martin Dörr ◽  
Melissa Scoparo ◽  
Irene Cardinali ◽  
Gianandrea La Porta ◽  
Barbara Caldaroni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Population Ecology ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Procambarus Clarkii ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Mitochondrial Haplotypes ◽  
Management Plans

The deliberate or accidental introduction of invasive alien species (IAS) causes negative ecological and economic impacts altering ecosystem processes, imperiling native species and causing damage to human endeavors. A monthly monitoring program was performed in Lake Trasimeno (Central Italy) from July 2018 to July 2019 in order to provide an upgrade of the population ecology of Procambarus clarkii and to assess the genetic diversity by analyzing the relationships among mitochondrial DNA diversity. Our results confirmed that P. clarkii is well acclimatized in the lake, revealing a stable population structure favored by the resources and conditions typical of this ecosystem, which seem to be optimal for the maintenance of the species. Four distinct mitochondrial haplotypes were detected, but one of them was clearly overrepresented (76%), suggesting that a single predominant introduction event may have occurred in this area, likely followed by secondary events. The identification of the typical genetic variants provides a better understanding of the evolutionary scenarios of P. clarkii in this biotope and it can be helpful in management plans concerning the expanding populations of this invasive alien species.

scholarly journals A Coronavirus Outbreak Linked to a Funeral Among a Romani Community in Central Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Ripabelli ◽  
Michela Lucia Sammarco ◽  
Fabio Cannizzaro ◽  
Carmen Montanaro ◽  
Guido Vincenzo Ponzio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Transmission Dynamics ◽  
Outbreak Management ◽  
Coronary Heart Diseases ◽  
Epidemic Dynamics ◽  
First Case ◽  
Molise Region ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Close Contacts

Background: The epidemic dynamics of COVID-19 in the Molise region, central Italy, has dramatically changed from the beginning of May 2020, which was when infections were reported amongst Romani people. The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics of an outbreak that occurred in the Romani community and the interventions implemented for control.Methods: A retrospective analysis of outbreak data was performed to describe the SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics.Results: A young Romani woman was the first case reported and epidemiological investigation established a possible link with the funeral of a deceased member of this community. In total, 150 close contacts within 34 family groups in two cities were traced, and 109 (72.7%) Romani individuals were found to be infected by COVID-19. The patient's median age was 31 years, 58% were female, and the highest (20.2%) incidence occurred in the 0–9 years age group. A total of 26 (23.8%) patients developed typical SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, 15 (57.8%) were hospitalized, and 21 (22.1%) had comorbidities [most commonly hypertension (28.6%) and/or coronary heart diseases (23.8%)]. The outbreak was effectively controlled through compulsory quarantine and enhanced active surveillance.Conclusions: This is the first study providing insight into COVID-19 transmission dynamics among a Romani population living in Italy. These findings support general conclusions about the role of crowded social gatherings in SARS-CoV-2 spread, the high communicability among close contacts and household settings, and the impact of asymptomatic carriers. These features are of relevance to certain Romani customs where family gatherings are a fundamental pillar of their lives. Although difficulties emerged in interacting with Romani people related to cultural drivers, beliefs, and lifestyle, the outbreak management was effective and should be considered as a valuable model applicable to similar incidents occurring in minority populations.

Introgressive hybridization between the endangered native Bombina pachypus and the introduced B. variegata in a protected area in central Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-114
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Talarico ◽  
Marco Ciambotta ◽  
Andrea Tiberi ◽  
Marco Mattoccia
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Introgressive Hybridization ◽  
Amphibian Conservation ◽  
Nuclear Markers ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Mitochondrial And Nuclear Markers

Abstract Amphibians are experiencing an ascertained global decline, which causes include the introduction of alien species and the (anthropogenic) hybridization between native and exotic taxa. Detecting introductions and assessing their impact on populations of native species is crucial for amphibian conservation. We used mitochondrial and nuclear markers to reveal introgressive hybridization between the native Bombina pachypus and the exotic B. variegata (probably introduced from Albania) in a population from a protected area of central Italy. Almost all genotyped individuals were genetically admixed, showing a larger proportion of the allochthonous genome. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of successful hybridization between the two species (we found both putative F1 and backcrosses), hence representing a new threat to the conservation of the endangered, Italian-endemic B. pachypus.

scholarly journals Is the alien species Clepsis peritana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) settling in Italy?

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pinzari ◽  
Z. Zerunian ◽  
M. Pinzari
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Single Specimen

Clepsis peritana (Clemens, 1860) is a native species of North America that has been accidentally introduced in Europe in 80’s. This species was mentioned as occurring in Gibraltar, Spain, Denmark and Italy, but no precise collecting data were provided. The presence of the Garden Tortrix, Clepsis peritana, in Italy is confirmed by a single specimen collected in Central Italy that is identified by both external habitus and dissection of the genitalia.

scholarly journals Ailanthus altissima Forests Determine a Shift in Herbaceous Layer Richness: A Paired Comparison with Hardwood Native Forests in Sub-Mediterranean Europe

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1404
Author(s):  
Silvia Montecchiari ◽  
Giulio Tesei ◽  
Marina Allegrezza
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Ailanthus Altissima ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Forest Communities ◽  
Herbaceous Layer ◽  
Native Forests ◽  
Ecological Parameters

Ailanthus altissima is an invasive alien species (IAS) present throughout Europe and included in the list of alien species of Union concern. In sub-Mediterranean areas of central Italy, there is a lack of knowledge about this invasive species and its interactions with the native forest ecosystems. We aim to find what are the main differences in vegetation structure and floristic diversity between A. altissima forests and native forests through the assessment of the principal ecological parameters that differ between the forest types. We performed 38 phytosociological relevés and sampling of ecological parameters in A. altissima forest communities and neighboring native forests. We analyzed how species richness, diversity, life forms, life strategies, structural characteristics, and ecological parameters changed in A. altissima forests compared with native ones. We found that in A. altissima forests, there is a shift in herbaceous layer richness, with a higher presence of annual ruderal herbs and the absence of herbaceous species linked to the forest environment. The ecological parameters that diverge from the native forests were total nitrogen, total carbon, and C/N ratio. A. altissima forest communities could threaten the biodiversity of the native forest ecosystems in the sub-Mediterranean landscape, favoring ruderal species and inhibiting the presence of typical forest species.

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