~ Papers

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UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration: key considerations for Africa

To support and scale-up global restoration efforts, the United Nations (UN) has proclaimed 2021–2030 the “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration”. The Decade offers significant opportunities for and challenges to restoration, in particular for Africa, a continent that has a large need and potential for restoration. We thus argue that the Decade must be a success in and for Africa, and for this to happen, opportunities and challenges to achieving its goals must be promptly identified, and considered in the planning and implementation of restoration. Here, we outline six key areas that should be considered at a strategic level by African countries during the Decade. These are: (1) ensuring effective oversight and governance relevant to Africa; (2) translating the goals to meet the African context; (3) making the case for restoration amid multiple development demands; (4) growing an African restoration community of practice based on regional need; (5) collaborating to improve restoration outcomes; and (6) establishing an Africa-relevant evidence base for restoration. We believe that these six key areas – even though they are not all novel – are currently not addressed at a level that matches the scale of the problem on the continent. Although the specific actions to be taken under each key area are dependent on the restoration context, integrating these key areas in the planning and implementation of restoration efforts will likely lead to improved restoration outcomes during the Decade.Citation: Nsikani, M. M., Anderson, P., Bouragaoui, Z., Geerts, S., Gornish, E. S., Kairo, J. G., ... & Peer, N. (2022). UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration: key considerations for Africa. Restoration Ecology, e13699.

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Notes on Reforestation in Tunisia

Global changes underway (climate change, urban heat islands, etc.) and biodiversity loss are probably the most pressing issues of the Anthropocene. Nature, through its ecosystem services, gives a lot to our society. Witnessing this alarming change in the global landscape, many have resorted to contributing to restoration. In many cases, initiatives are not science-based, and restoration efforts are not always environmentally, socially or economically beneficial. Eucalyptus plantations in Tunisia are now everywhere from the far south to the north and are those produced in great abundance in the nurseries of the General Directorate of Forests (DGF) along with other non-native species such as Casuarina sp. and Acacias sp. The unwarranted use of alien species in reforestation needs a second consideration. Biodiversity is a natural heritage that a country must protect. The introduction of a non-native tree like Eucalyptus can cause environmental disturbances and can lead to the loss of this unique biological heritage. Planting trees is already being used as a tool to mitigate climate change. It can be a large monoculture that affects biodiversity and can compromise food security. On the other hand, it can be used to restore ecosystems, which improves carbon sequestration and benefits biodiversity, which helps provide ecosystem services that improve the quality of human life. Tunisian stakeholders must work together to put in place a clear ecosystem restoration strategy and implement indices which serve as a tool to monitor the health of biodiversity and ecosystems.Citation: Zakher Bouragaoui, Notes on Reforestation in Tunisia, 2022.

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Breeding biology of the Eleonora’s falcon, Falco eleonorae within the Galite archipelago

This study was carried out at Galite archipelago over two consecutive breeding seasons (2014 and 2015). We investigated the breeding ecology of Eleonora’s falcon population in Galite archipelago by providing detailed data on its breeding biology and assessing the nesting parameters. Overall, 127 Eleonora’s falcon breeding pairs were recorded in all six islets of the archipelago. The eastern part of the archipelago hosted the highest number of breeding pairs with the highest density recorded at Gallo island (5.93 pairs/ha). Eleonora’s falcon breeding pairs mainly used the protected crevices non-exposed to sun and wind. The overall mean clutch size (mean ± SE) was 1.78 ± 0.10 eggs per clutch. Clutches of two eggs and one egg were the most frequent at Gallo and Fauchelle, respectively. The average hatched eggs per clutch and fledglings per brood were 1.29 ± 0.10 and 1.24 ± 0.10, respectively. The brood size varied significantly with clutch size and nest exposition being higher related to not exposed nest and two as the clutch category was greater. Likewise, the number of fledglings significantly increased with increasing clutch category and was higher in not exposed nests. In fact, hatching or fledging probability increased significantly as nests were not exposed.Citation: Hsan Ben Jemaa, Aymen Nefla, Zakher Bouragaoui & Said Nouira, Breeding biology of the Eleonora’s falcon, Falco eleonorae within the Galite archipelago, Biologia, 2021.

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Confirmation of the presence of the vulnerable species Calicnemis obesa obesa Erichson, 1841 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae), in Tunisia

This paper confirms the presence of the Dynastinae Calicnemis obesa obesa, Erichson, 1841, in Tunisia where it was collected only one time in 1990, in Gammarth (Governorate of Tunis). 2 males of Calicnemis obesa obesa were found 29 years after on the littoral dunes of Chotte Zweraa in the north west of Tunisia.Citation: Wael Ben AbaSartore, Z. Bouragaoui, Confirmation of the presence of the vulnerable species Calicnemis obesa obesa Erichson, 1841 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae), in Tunisia, Munis Entomology and Zoology Journal, 2021.

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Assessing solifuge biodiversity in Tunisia: new data on Biton velox Simon, 1885 and first report of the enigmatic genus Tarabulida Roewer, 1933 (Arachnida, Solifugae, Daesiidae)

In Tunisia, 2 genera and 4 species of daesiids (Solifugae: Daesiidae Kraepelin, 1899) are known, mainly by single old references (Roewer 1933). Following the rediscovery of Biton velox Simon, 1885 at Lampedusa Island (Guariento et al. 2018) and using the same sampling techniques (except habitat-based transects), we led an expedition to neighbouring Tunisia to collect data on this species and other daesiids in the region. In addition, we examined the arachnological collection of the Tunisian Association for Wildlife (ATVS).Citation: Luis A. Guariento, Luca Bolognin, Wael Ben Aba, Zakher Bouragaoui, Faouz Kilani & Ridha Ouni, Assessing solifuge biodiversity in Tunisia: new data on Biton velox Simon, 1885 and first report of the enigmatic genus Tarabulida Roewer, 1933 (Arachnida, Solifugae, Daesiidae), Spixiana, 2020.

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Confirmation of the presence of the ground beetle Chlaenius (Epomis) circumscriptus (Duftschmid, 1812) (Col: Carabidae, Chlaeniini) in Tunisia

The presence of the ground beetle Chlaenius (Epomis) circumscriptus (Duftschmid-1812) in Tunisia is confirmed. This species was previously reported in Tunisia by some authors but not mentioned in the Catalogue of Palearctic Coleoptera vol 1. We were able to find this species in a few localities in the country.Citation: Zakher Bouragaoui; Wael Ben Aba, Confirmation of the presence of the ground beetle Chlaenius (Epomis) circumscriptus (Duftschmid, 1812) (Col: Carabidae, Chlaeniini) in Tunisia, 2020.

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New sighting of the near threatened Eurasian otter lutra lutra in Tunisia

The Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758), is the most widely distributed of the otter species and is listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List. However, in Tunisia, information about its distribution remains poorly known. A new sighting of this species was made during an expedition near the shores of El Barrak's dam where a dead body and footprints were found. This sighting is a new record, 36 years after the last one by Macdonald and Mason.Citation: Zakher Bouragaoui; Wael Ben Aba; Kilani Faouz; Olfa Sehli; Mohamed Amine Hammouda; Chebaane Sahar; Ghassen Kmira; Hela Boughdiri; Mohamed Sgheir Ben Youssef; Borhene Youssfi; Slim Alileche; Chawki Najjar, New sighting of the near threatened Eurasian otter lutra lutra in Tunisia, 0tter, 2020.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3967663

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Age Determination in the Sand Lizard Psammodromus algirus (Reptilia; Lacertidae) by Means of Skeletochronology

We examined lines of arrested growth (LAG) in femurs from 20 individuals of the sand lizard Psammodromus algirus sampled from the north of Tunisia (North Africa). The number of the LAGs reached a maximum of three. The instant speed of linear growth in the first year was 6.6×10–2 mm/day and 3.76×10–2 mm/day the second year. The diameter of the marrow cavity was significantly larger in female (334.52 µm±115.68 µm) than in male (324.42 µm±114.2 µm). The growth rate observed in P. algirus followed the known growth pattern in lacertid lizards and the difference in the diameter of the marrow cavity between males and females may be related to a sexual dimorphism.Citation : Zakher Bouragaoui and Said Nouira "Age Determination in the Sand Lizard Psammodromus algirus(Reptilia; Lacertidae) by Means of Skeletochronology," Current Herpetology 38(2), 173-179, (31 August 2019).

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Specific richness and diversity of amphibians in the oasis of the Algerian septentrional Sahara

Citation : M. T. Mebarki, O. Guezoul, K. Souttou, S. E. Sadine, Y. Alioua, B. Zakher, A. Kemassi, A. Ould el hadjKhelil, 2019. Specific richness and diversity of amphibians in the oasis of the Algerian septentrional Sahara. 4th International Conference of the Tunisian Association of Taxonomy. Mahdia, Tunisia.

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Diet of the lacertid lizard Psammodromus algirus in North Tunisia

The study of diet composition of Psammodromus algirus from north Tunisia allowed us to calculate the abundance and occurrence of each prey category. Thus, P. algirus demonstrated a generalist and an opportunistic behavior. The species consumed a large range of insects and invertebrates but the diet was mainly composed of Coleoptera (59.9%).Citation: Z. Bouragaoui, W. Ben Aba, S. Nouira. 2019. Diet of the lacertid lizard Psammodromus algirus in North Tunisia. Sonoran Herpetologist 32(1): 5-8.

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Confirmation of the presence of the ground beetle Chlaenius (Chlaeniellus) tristis tristis (Schaller, 1783) in Tunisia.

The presence of the ground beetle Chlaenius (Epomis) circumscriptus (Duftschmid-1812) in Tunisia is confirmed. This species was previously reported in Tunisia by some authors but not mentioned in the Catalogue of Palearctic Coleoptera vol 1. We were able to find this species in a few localities in the country.Citation: W. Ben Aba, Z. Bouragaoui. 2018. Confirmation of the presence of the ground beetle Chlaenius (Chlaeniellus) tristis tristis (Schaller, 1783) in Tunisia. Amateur Entomologists' Society 77: 243-245.

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Mantodea biodiversity and conservation in Tunisia: current status and challenges

In addition to present a brief account for mantis biodiversity in Tunisia with a focus on new recorded species, we highlight potential threats for conservation emerged during a field expedition in the country.Citation : L. A. Guariento, V. Sartore, Z. Bouragaoui, I. Petri, U. Devincenzo, E. Moretto, R. Ouni. 2018. Mantodea biodiversity and conservation in Tunisia: current status and challenges. International Workshop "Orthopteroid insects: biodiversity and ecology evolution in a changing environment". Rovereto, Italy.

~ Reports

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Inventaire de la biodiversité dans le fleuve de Medjerda - 2021

Cet ouvrage est édité dans le cadre du projet Med’Ex (Medjerda Expedition), projet initié en 2016 et poursuivi dans sa deuxième phase en 2019. Il est soutenu par le programme PPI-OSCAN, « Programme des Petites Initiatives pour les Organisations de la Société Civile d’Afrique du Nord » sous l’égide du Centre de Coopération pour la Méditerranée de l’Union Internationale pour la Conservation de la Nature (UICN-Med), et avec un Financement conjoint de la fondation MAVA et du Fonds Français pour l’environnement Mondial (FFEM). Le projet Med’Ex (Medjerda Expedition) s’intéresse à la conservation de l’un des écosystèmes humides les plus riches et complexes de la Tunisie, la Medjerda. Le fleuve Medjerda parcourt la Tunisie sur plus de 350 km avant de se déverser dans la méditerranée, alimentant en eau potable plus de 30 % de la population tunisienne et servant des centaines d’hectares en eau d’irrigation. La construction du barrage « Sidi Salem » en 1982 a créé la plus importante retenue d’eau potable de la Tunisie et a favorisé la création d’un écosystème frontalier de zones humides, complexe, diversifié et écologiquement très riche. Cet écosystème d’importance stratégique subir de nombreuses menaces liées aux activités anthropiques et au changement climatique. Son emplacement géographique, situé à l’entrée du réservoir principal d’eau, lui confère un rôle de régulation écologique, d’évaluation environnementale et de suivi stratégique. Depuis 2016 Exploralis assure une présence scientifique régulière dans cet écosystème. Cette étude clôture une phase de travail de cinq années de suivi et d’observation de la dynamique écologique et de la biodiversité du site. Les résultats obtenus exposent la richesse particulière de ce complexe de zones humides et encouragent à initier un processus de plaidoyer dans le but d’améliorer le statut de conservation de cet écosystème. Dans ce sens, ce travail pourrait faciliter le signalement et la reconnaissance de cet écosystème dans le cadre des « Autres Mesures de Conservation par Zone », communément appelées AMCE Une vingtaine d’experts nationaux dans différents secteurs scientifiques ont contribué à l’élaboration de ce document. Nous sommes heureux d’avoir collaboré avec eux pendant ces années d’études et nous avons été ravis de contribuer à créer une synergie productive au sein de la société civile écologique en Tunisie. Exploralis exprime sa reconnaissance à toute l’équipe Med’Ex pour son dévouement et sa motivation tout au long des années du projet. Nous tenons à saluer particulièrement les jeunes experts ayant participé à cette phase du projet, leur talent et leur dévouement ont beaucoup apporté à ce projet et à Exploralis en général. Nous remercions tous ceux qui ont collaboré, facilité et contribué aux différentes activités du projet, notamment les institutions étatiques régionales et nationales, les universités, la société civile et la population locale. Nous remercions également l’Association Tunisienne de la Vie Sauvage pour sa contribution dans le projet. Enfin nous remercions l’équipe PPI-OSCAN pour son accompagnement, son encadrement et sa confiance.

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La Réserve Naturelle de Djebel Khroufa - Catalogue Préliminaire de la Biodiversité de la Réserve Naturelle de Khroufa - Ouechtatada - 2021

Catalogue réalisé dans le cadre du projet : Valorisation de la Richesse de la Réserve Naturelle de Khroufa financé par l'ambassade de Suisse en Tunisie. Ce catalogue vous permet de découvrir les richesses naturelles de cette réserve Tunisienne perchée entre les montagnes des Mogods et de la Kroumirie. Catalog realized within the framework of the project: Valorisation of the wealth of the Khroufa Natural Reserve financed by the embassy of Switzerland in Tunisia. This catalog allows to discover the natural wealth of this Tunisian reserve perched between the mountains of Mogods and Kroumirie. la Vie Sauvage pour sa contribution dans le projet. Enfin nous remercions l’équipe PPI-OSCAN pour son accompagnement, son encadrement et sa confiance.

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Biodiversity survey in the Medjerda river at the mouth of the artificial lake "Sidi Salem dam" - 2017

This project consists in studying the flora, the avifauna, the herpetofauna, the mammals and the entomofauna of the Medjerda river, at the mouth of the artificial lake of the Sidi Salem dam. The project area is environmentally important considering the presence of certain marshlands characterized by a complex ecological dynamism. This inventory of the biodiversity was carried out between November 2015 and February 2017 during the prenuptial and the postnuptial passages, the reproduction period, the wintering of the birds and the activity of the reptiles, the mammals and the insects.

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