Analysis of the terrestrial isopod community of the humid coastal area of “Saline di Trapani e Paceco” in relation to plant and environmental parameters (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea)

Ecosystems constituted by coastal lakes and ponds are important areas for preserving biodiversity. The “Riserva Naturale Orientata Saline di Trapani e Paceco” is an interesting natural area in Sicily, formed by the remaining strips of land among salt pans near the coastline. This research was conducted in this area with the purpose of studying the association between terrestrial isopods and the vegetation of the sampling sites. Environmental parameters and habitat preferences were also evaluated. From January 2008 to January 2010, pitfall-trapping was conducted in five sampling sites inside the study area. Twenty-four species were collected, none of them endemic to this area, except for Porcellio siculoccidentalis, which is distributed in western Sicily. The study of associations with the components of vegetation showed that 85% of the studied species exhibited habitat preferences. The relationships with environmental parameters (temperature, rainfall, relative humidity) indicated that temperature and relative humidity influence the activity of most of the species. Data analysis revealed that the study area is in an acceptable conservation status, also confirmed by the high number of species and by the apparently beneficial natural balance that they have established.