Distribution of Freshwater Alien Animal Species in Morocco: Current Knowledge and Management Issues
This work presents currently available knowledge on alien species (AS) found in the inland waters of Morocco. The objective is to provide an updated list of alien species and identify the main introduction pathways and possible threats to native biodiversity. The dataset was built from an extensive...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Diversity |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/15/2/169 |
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| author | Abdelkhaleq Fouzi Taybi Youness Mabrouki Christophe Piscart |
| author_facet | Abdelkhaleq Fouzi Taybi Youness Mabrouki Christophe Piscart |
| author_sort | Abdelkhaleq Fouzi Taybi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This work presents currently available knowledge on alien species (AS) found in the inland waters of Morocco. The objective is to provide an updated list of alien species and identify the main introduction pathways and possible threats to native biodiversity. The dataset was built from an extensive literature search supplemented by our own research work (published or in progress). The main areas harboring xenodiversity in Moroccan freshwaters correspond to protected areas (e.g., Ramsar Site and SIBE). These areas are currently home to 41 confirmed AS belonging to different taxonomic groups. Fish are the most abundant taxonomic group with 21 species, followed by molluscs (7 species) and arthropods (7 species). The presence of 15 more species was also noticed but considered doubtful. Almost half of these AS were introduced intentionally. They correspond to restocking programs and are likely the most serious threat to native biodiversity through predation, competition, and hybridization. Commercial activities around aquarium and ornamental species appear as the second source favoring colonization by AS. Implementing protective regulations regarding the import of exotic species in Morocco appears very urgent to protect local native diversity. In addition, detecting and monitoring the expansion of AS within the colonized areas and studies improving biological and ecological knowledge seem crucial to mitigate their possible impacts on native communities and preserve Moroccan freshwater ecosystems. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T08:56:58Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-6a6afa3b8b6d4d7b95883c66c13ecbb7 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1424-2818 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T08:56:58Z |
| publishDate | 2023-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Diversity |
| spelling | doaj.art-6a6afa3b8b6d4d7b95883c66c13ecbb72023-11-16T20:04:02ZengMDPI AGDiversity1424-28182023-01-0115216910.3390/d15020169Distribution of Freshwater Alien Animal Species in Morocco: Current Knowledge and Management IssuesAbdelkhaleq Fouzi Taybi0Youness Mabrouki1Christophe Piscart2Applied Biology and Biotechnology Research Team B.P. 300, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, Mohammed Premier University, Selouane 62700, MoroccoConservation and Valorisation of Natural Resources Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz, Biotechnology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez. B.P. 1796, Fès-Atlas 30003, MoroccoUMR CNRS 6553 Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution (ECOBIO), University of Rennes, F-35000 Rennes, FranceThis work presents currently available knowledge on alien species (AS) found in the inland waters of Morocco. The objective is to provide an updated list of alien species and identify the main introduction pathways and possible threats to native biodiversity. The dataset was built from an extensive literature search supplemented by our own research work (published or in progress). The main areas harboring xenodiversity in Moroccan freshwaters correspond to protected areas (e.g., Ramsar Site and SIBE). These areas are currently home to 41 confirmed AS belonging to different taxonomic groups. Fish are the most abundant taxonomic group with 21 species, followed by molluscs (7 species) and arthropods (7 species). The presence of 15 more species was also noticed but considered doubtful. Almost half of these AS were introduced intentionally. They correspond to restocking programs and are likely the most serious threat to native biodiversity through predation, competition, and hybridization. Commercial activities around aquarium and ornamental species appear as the second source favoring colonization by AS. Implementing protective regulations regarding the import of exotic species in Morocco appears very urgent to protect local native diversity. In addition, detecting and monitoring the expansion of AS within the colonized areas and studies improving biological and ecological knowledge seem crucial to mitigate their possible impacts on native communities and preserve Moroccan freshwater ecosystems.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/15/2/169biological invasionschecklistMediterranean biodiversityalien speciesbiodiversity hotspotNorth Africa |
| spellingShingle | Abdelkhaleq Fouzi Taybi Youness Mabrouki Christophe Piscart Distribution of Freshwater Alien Animal Species in Morocco: Current Knowledge and Management Issues Diversity biological invasions checklist Mediterranean biodiversity alien species biodiversity hotspot North Africa |
| title | Distribution of Freshwater Alien Animal Species in Morocco: Current Knowledge and Management Issues |
| title_full | Distribution of Freshwater Alien Animal Species in Morocco: Current Knowledge and Management Issues |
| title_fullStr | Distribution of Freshwater Alien Animal Species in Morocco: Current Knowledge and Management Issues |
| title_full_unstemmed | Distribution of Freshwater Alien Animal Species in Morocco: Current Knowledge and Management Issues |
| title_short | Distribution of Freshwater Alien Animal Species in Morocco: Current Knowledge and Management Issues |
| title_sort | distribution of freshwater alien animal species in morocco current knowledge and management issues |
| topic | biological invasions checklist Mediterranean biodiversity alien species biodiversity hotspot North Africa |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/15/2/169 |
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