The rich and rare biodiversity in Cyprus. The Cyprus biodiversity includes 1908 plants, 780 seashells, 250 fishes, more than 7.000 insects, 410 birds including migratory, 31 mammals, 9 snakes, 11 lizards,three amphibians, 120 land snails, fungi estimated 5-8 thousandand and three turtles.These numbers continually increase as a result of researc. Also see All about Cyprus.
From George Konstantinou. Email -
fanigeorge@hotmail.com -
Το υλικό της ιστοσελίδας αποτελεί πνευματική ιδιοκτησία.
The solitary ascidian Herdmania momus is one of the most commonly encountered species of ascidians. While commonly referred to simply as sea squirts, this name is ambiguous, as it can refer to any member of the sub-phylum Tunicata. This solitary ascidian is sometimes referred to as the red-throated ascidian, as its two siphons are a vivid red in colour. However, most solitary ascidians that are encountered are so covered in algae that the coloration is often not visible. When found at depth the red colourations may also not be visible, as lower frequencies of light are absorbed by the layers of water above.
Like all ascidians, H. momus is a sessile filter feeder. It is commonly found attached to rocks from depths of 3–50 metres (10–160 ft). From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Photos Protaras,20mts deep, 21.05.2016 by Costas Constantinou
Family: Vespertilionidae Taxonomic Notes: Originally described as a subspecies of Plecotus austriacus, but clearly distinct; see Mayer and von Helversen (2001) for genetics and Tvrtkovic et al. (2005) for morphology.
Range Description: Plecotus kolombatovici is a Mediterranean endemic with its distribution fragmented into three parts: southern regions of the Balkans and Asia Minor (Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and probably into Israel, Palestine and Jordan), northeast Libya (Cyrenaica) and northwest Africa from Morocco to northwest Libya, it was found in Malta and Pantellaria (Spitzenberger et al. 2006). It occurs from sea level to higher altitudes in the Rif and Atlas mountains.
Countries occurrence: Albania; Algeria; Croatia; Cyprus; Greece (Kriti); Italy; Lebanon; Libya; Malta; Morocco; Serbia (Serbia); Tunisia; Turkey
Upper elevation limit (metres):3000
Population: Little is known about population size and trends in this species, although it is regarded as relatively common in North Africa. In Europe, the total population is estimated at fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, and it is suspected that the population may be declining. Summer colonies usually number 10-30 females, although a breeding colony of 120 females was found in a building in Croatia (F. Spitzenberger pers. comm. 2006). Winter clusters are smaller (10 individuals), and the species is often solitary at this time of year (S. Aulagnier pers. comm. 2007). It was thought that European, African and southwest Asian populations were isolated from each other, but range extensions as a result of recent records indicate that they might not be as isolated as was previously thought. Current Population Trend:Decreasing Habitat and Ecology: It forages in a variety of open and semi-closed habitats, mainly steppe but also agricultural landscapes in both lowland and mountain areas. It often forages over small water bodies. It feeds predominantly on moths, but also takes beetles and flies. Summer roosts are primarily rocky cavities, but also dark areas of old monuments, ruins, caverns and buildings. Winter roosts are located in buildings, mines, caves, wells, and trees.
Major Threat(s): Pesticides and roost disturbance have a negative impact on the species, but are not thought to be causing significant population declines at the global level. However, in Europe, where this species is largely restricted to coastal areas, disturbance of roost sites by tourists may be a major threat. Photos at Palaichori 20/5/2016, by Michael Hadjiconstantis.
The solitary ascidian Herdmania momus is one of the most commonly encountered species of ascidians. While commonly referred to simply as sea squirts, this name is ambiguous, as it can refer to any member of the sub-phylum Tunicata.
This solitary ascidian is sometimes referred to as the red-throated ascidian, as its two siphons are a vivid red in colour. However, most solitary ascidians that are encountered are so covered in algae that the coloration is often not visible. When found at depth the red colourations may also not be visible, as lower frequencies of light are absorbed by the layers of water above.
.JPG)
%20-%20Copy.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
