Comparison of terrestrial isopod (Crustacea: Oniscidea) assemblages from two preserved areas (Bouhedma and Chambi) in arid regions

Abstract

A total of 1290 specimens belonging to 11 species and four families were captured in two national parks, Bouhedma and Chambi. Among these species, seven belonged to Porcellionidae, and the remaining species represented Agnaridae, Armadillidae and Armadillidiidae families. Five species were common and recorded in both parks. However, Armadillidium tunisiense, Hemilepistus reaumurii and Porcellio djahizi were recorded only in Chambi while Agabiformius lentus, Armadillo officinalis and Porcellio albinus were collected only in Bouhedma. The distribution structure of the collected species was analyzed according to altitude and plant assemblages. Seasonal sampling showed that the highest abundance and species richness were recorded in spring. In both parks, the species richness decreased as the altitude increased. Arid regions sheltered specific species such as H. reaumurii and P. albinus, which were often the dominant component of the arthropod macrodecomposer guild in some habitats. The similarity analysis showed a quantitative and qualitative difference between the two parks. The two parks Bouhedma and Chambi shared five species (Leptotrichus panzerii, Porcellio laevis, P. variabilis, Porcellionides pruinosus, Armadillidium sulcatum) with areas studied in the north of Tunisia, Kroumirie, supralittoral zones and around the wetlands.