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Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes

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  Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes Abstract Despite the vast biodiversity of Mexican vipers, venom of endemic species has been barely studied. Here we analyzed the venom composition of three endemic species of rattlesnakes: Crotalus aquilus , C. triseriatus , and C. ravus . We used quantitative chromato-mass-spectrometry and compared venoms with C. molossus , a species commonly found in North America, in a comparative and phylogenetic framework. In total, we identified 165 proteins grouped in 19 main protein families, consistent with previous reports for viperid venoms. In C. aquilus and C. triseriatus , the most predominant protein-family type was Serine Proteases, and in C. triseriatus and C. molossus it was Snake Venom Metalloproteases. The Label-free quantification revealed a high proportion of Snake Venom Metalloproteases in C. aquilus , C. triseriatus , and C. molossus , reaching 28–47% of the total venom. In contrast, in ...

Ecological Niche Modelling and Distribution of Scorpion Fauna in Central Morocco: A MaxEnt Study

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Ecological Niche Modelling and Distribution of Scorpion Fauna in Central Morocco: A MaxEnt Study

Abstract

Ecological niche modelling (ENM) is a powerful analytical approach for predicting species distribution by elucidating their environmental requirements. The present study used the MaxEnt approach, integrating high-resolution environmental data and extensive in situ observations, to create habitat suitability maps for 19 scorpion species in central Morocco and assess the influence of environmental variables on their distribution. The models demonstrate excellent predictive ability, highlighted by area under the curve (AUC) values systematically greater than 0.9. Soil type emerged as the most influential environmental variable for 74% of species, while the remaining taxa were mainly affected by temperature annual range and annual mean temperature. Habitat suitability maps revealed distinct habitat preferences between species. H. gentili is a habitat generalist, showing a broad predicted distribution covering 62% of the study area, while A. bourdoni (0.14%), B. parroti (0.13%), O. innesi (0.62%) and B. atlantis (0.55%) showed a very restricted prediction of suitable habitats. This species-specific information on habitat conditions is essential not only to improve our understanding of their ecology, but also to formulate more effective public health strategies aimed at reducing the frequency of scorpion envenomings in Morocco.

Salhi, Fouad & Elbahi, Abderrafea & Ouakri, Najat & Lawton, Colin & Abou Oualid, Jaouad & Dugon, Michel. (2026). Ecological Niche Modelling and Distribution of Scorpion Fauna in Central Morocco: A MaxEnt Study. Environmental Research Communications. 10.1088/2515-7620/ae3fef.