Venom Mass Fingerprints for Species Delimitation, Reloaded: A Test Case with Italian Scorpions (Euscorpius)

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  Venom Mass Fingerprints for Species Delimitation, Reloaded: A Test Case with Italian Scorpions (Euscorpius) Abstract Scorpion venoms are complex mixtures of bioactive compounds including proteins, peptides and enzymes. Although venoms exhibit substantial intraspecific variation, some compounds appear to be species-specific, highlighting their potential as chemotaxonomic markers. Venom mass fingerprints (MFPs) derived from Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry (MS) have been proposed as a means of delimiting species. However, their utility for species delimitation has rarely been evaluated against independent sources of taxonomic evidence. In the present study, the performance of MALDI-TOF MS-based venom peptide barcoding (mass ranges of m/z 800‒4500 and m/z 3000‒10,000) was assessed in 52 populations of eight Italian species of the scorpion genus Euscorpius Thorell, 1876, representing different levels of evolutionary divergenc...

Silent Invaders : Biodiversity at Risk, Social Media findings into Exotic Pet Trade in Tamil Nadu and Invasion Modeling of Iguana iguana (Linnaeus, 1758)

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Silent Invaders : Biodiversity at Risk, Social Media findings into Exotic Pet Trade in Tamil Nadu and Invasion Modeling of Iguana iguana (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

This study investigates the exotic pet trade in Tamil Nadu by analyzing YouTube videos, which revealed the presence of 148 pet species being sold in pet shops. Among these, 12 species were classified as Endangered, 15 as Vulnerable, 3 as Near Threatened, 101 as Least Concern, and 18 as Not Assessed, according to the IUCN Red List. The CITES status of each species was also examined to assess their trade regulations. Additionally, the presence of invasive alien species recorded in the videos and already existing in the wild in India was mapped. Species distribution modelling using MaxEnt was conducted for Iguana iguana globally, evaluating both current and future habitat suitability. Results indicated a high potential for the species to establish itself and reproduce in India, posing a serious ecological threat. A questionnaire survey among pet shop owners disclosed limited awareness of pet trade regulations and breeding practices. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of pet trade laws, increased public awareness, and proactive measures to prevent potential invasions by exotic species.

Kesavan, Rishi, Anbazhagan Abinesh, Moorthi Saran, Elangovan Vignesh, Arunkumar Shree, Mohammed Shahir, Edward Phillmon Smart, Nizamudheen Moinudheen, Arockianathan Samson, and Sadiq Ali. 2025. “Silent Invaders : Biodiversity at Risk, Social Media Findings into Exotic Pet Trade in Tamil Nadu and Invasion Modeling of Iguana Iguana (Linnaeus, 1758)”. Acta Zoológica Lilloana, September, 633-71. https://doi.org/10.30550/j.azl/2198.