Herpetological misinformation and sensationalism: media framing on biological and ecological aspects of the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis)

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  Herpetological misinformation and sensationalism: media framing on biological and ecological aspects of the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) Abstract The internet is currently one of the most important means of communication, which may include the circulation of misinformation. Snakes have always been a target of the sensationalist media, being pictured as scary and aggressive animals to be killed indiscriminately by humans. Such fear based on misinformation may compromise species conservation. Here, we address the spread of misinformation about Bothrops insularis and Queimada Grande Island in digital media, highlighting the negative impact on public perception and species conservation. The analysis of 230 online sources revealed that approximately 94% of them contained false information, many using sensationalist language, especially regarding the toxicity of the venom and the population density of the snake, as well as bringing contents that did not align with scientific d...

New arachnological (Araneae) records from Catalonia yield first records at regional, national and peninsular scale

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New arachnological (Araneae) records from Catalonia yield first records at regional, national and peninsular scale

Abstract

New arachnological (Araneae) records from Catalonia yield first records at regional, national and peninsular scale

We report 22 new arachnological records from Catalonia belonging to 22 species. The specimens were collected in various localities in the provinces of Barcelona and Girona between 2021 and 2024, using various sampling methods and covering a wide range of habitats. Six of the species correspond to the first records for the whole Iberian Peninsula, three for Spain, and 11 for Catalonia. Additionally, we report two species that have been found previously in Spain and Catalonia but without any given specific locality.

Dataset published through GBIF (DOI: 10.15470/7vadw0)

Méndez, Ó., Marquerie, M., Domènech, M., 2024. Nuevos registros aracnológicos (Araneae) en Cataluña aportan nuevas citas a nivel regional, nacional y peninsular. Arxius de Miscel·lània Zoològica, 22: 79-93, DOI: https://doi.org/10.32800/amz.2024.22.0079